Billie's Folly

The property has slowly evolved from an overgrown mess to an almost park-like setting, with its open space and simplicity.  I had over a dozen large fir trees felled. Two trucks of 40-foot logs were carted away. Then I had a small forest--of what were probably planted as Christmas trees--cleared.  Lots of good firewood for friends and neighbors.   And more wide-open space.      A dilapidated old cow barn was torn down. And finally the house.  The last remnant of the property's previous character.

I'd lost my buddy (my beagle, Bailey) a year before I made the move to West Linn.  I wanted another, but waited until I was situated in my rental house.  I searched rescues, but ended up on the internet, and had little 6-pound Sadie shipped from Missouri.  Where beagles have some very distinctive traits, they can have completely different temperaments (like children from the same parents).  Bailey was a solid, mellow girl, who would look, unblinking, directly into my soul (ok, corny, but it felt that way!).  Sadie is a lithe, high-strung pup, who is sweet beyond words, but crazed beyond belief.  She's giving me a run for my money, but has won my heart.  Here she is at nine months and 20 pounds.  Pretty cute, huh? That's my segue into more about dogs.  Last summer my neighbors heard the county sheriff's canine unit was looking for places to train.  They suggested my property because the house was vacant and could take abuse.  I ...