My name is Joseph, I am 48 years of age and was born in
Concord California, but please do not hold that against me.
I am 6'4" and weigh in at 280 lbs. and yes...
they do stack it this high! Just don't let it fall on ya!
Not to worry though, as I prefer to be a gentle giant.
I go by the handle of Two Dogs, and I actually prefer it to 
some of the other names I have been called in my life.
I have hung my hat in many parts of these United States,
such as Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Oregon, Nevada,
and all up and down California.

I moved here to Montana from San Jose California
where I lived since I was thirteen, in an area that was 
called "War Zone # 1", otherwise known as the Southside.
I never had been in a fight before, 
but had to learn the "streets" very quickly in order to 
keep my nose on the front of my face, 
instead of protruding out the back of my head!
After proving myself to the many neighborhood toughs,
I was able to walk with my head high, and in peace.
I believe a major part of gaining their respect was
the fact that, after a few years of growing I was about 
a foot taller and outweighed them by fifty pounds, 
and could 'Walk the Talk". 
Those were the old days though. Now if you defend yourself,
the cowards come back later with greater numbers and 
either stab, shoot, or beat you to death with their gang.
All in the name of respect. It is too bad that in this day, 
there are still people that will take your life just for looking
at them the wrong way, a very sad situation!

As a youth (before San Jose), I was raised in the country
and spent hours just exploring the woods and creeks in our vicinity. I have always been a country boy at heart, 
even while living in some pretty large cities. 
My move to Montana has given me a long overdue 
spiritual release and has returned me to the lifestyle 
I was born to live.
It is so refreshing to be out of the element where people are judged by their fists and how macho they can act, 
and after all... it is an act.
I ought to know... I was once one of the actors!

My heart and soul were always meant to be in Montana.
A place where people are judged by their hearts and their deeds, a place where all you see are friendly faces 
and lots of smiles.
It has taken me a lifetime to get here,
and this is where I will be when the Great Spirit calls for me!
 

I attended San Jose City College where I majored in
Administration of Justice, minored in Photography,
and played some football while I was there.
After I graduated I went to work in the Silicon Valley
in the field of Electronic and Equipment Maintenance,
and continued my education in the field of electronics.
At the same time I continued playing
Football at the Semi-Pro level, and tested for the
San Jose Police department. My father was in
Law Enforcement when I was a child and I used to go on
patrol with him, so I wanted to do the same thing.
As it turned out, while I was waiting to start the academy,
I had an on the job injury that dashed any hopes of becoming 
a peace officer, or playing any type of physical sport for good.
But things always happen for a reason, besides...
I have never been what you would call a choir boy.
(for more details on my injury, see the bottom of this page).
 

I worked for a time as the Athletic Director for the Alviso
Catholic Youth Organization, and ran the Teen Center
to help the troubled youths in the area. 
I was also the Coach for the "Alviso Bandits Softball Team" that was sponsored by the church and Community Center. 
It was a very rewarding job and the kids were all great. I soon found myself coaching youth Football for the San Jose Police Athletic League. I then became the President of the Milpitas Knights Youth Football Organization, which was a member of the San Jose P.A.L. 
I really enjoyed this but I soon found myself as a Head Coach for the Pee Wee division, and filling is as the Athletic Director, Equipment Manager, a gopher for the snack shack, the Secretary, and the whipping post for every so called adult in the organization. After a few years of this abuse, I decided that I had given my all, and it was time to take care of myself, my dreams, and move on with my life.
 

In 1994, I returned to school and learned how to build
and repair computers in the hopes of opening my own
business up here in Montana. However, shortly after I
moved to Montana I ran into some more health problems
that turned my life in another direction. A good one!
Since I am homebound, I have started my own web
business that involves wholesale and retail collectibles
and decorations. Our long term plan is to raise and train 
Tennessee Walking Horses, as well as rescued horses,
and wild mustangs which are plenty in this area.
I do not need to be rich or famous...
I just want to stand on my own two feet again
and feel the pride of being self sufficient.
 

I recently finished a year of chemotherapy for a major
health problem, and while I was in treatment I took care
of a horse for a friend of ours.
The Horse also had a life threatening health problem.
I found that caring for this horse, "Bay" is his name,
was as good for me as any medicine or therapy.
I am and always will be a devoted animal lover.
They do not lie, cheat, steal, or use you like some of the
two leggers I have had the misfortune to know.
They are pure of heart and their love for you
is an unconditional one. I have found over the years
that I have a talent for working with children and animals,
and since I have already given a great portion of my life
to helping children and teens, it is now time for me
to focus on any and all animals I can help.
From Mice to Moose and everything in between.

My healing buddy... Bay!
 

My better half, Sylvia, works for the Humane Society
of the United States and is always knee deep
in animal problems herself. I admire her and the People she
works with for their efforts in animal rescue and placement.
Believe me... they work their butts off.
Sylvia, myself, and a few others are very much interested
in doing horse rescue. Not just saddle and work horses,
but wild horses as well.
Sylvia recently purchased a ten week old paint colt
(see horse page) from one of the local sales lots that
was in what they call the "Kill Pen". In other words...
he was on his way to be slaughtered. This little guy is
turning out to be a regular little character,
and is as smart as they come. At four months old
he was halter broke and has learned to do a couple of
tricks as well. He just needed a chance at life
and a little love to boot!
 

My new hobby is taking care of sick or wounded horses or
stock animals for people that cannot afford to do it themselves, or cannot afford the high cost of long term Vet care.
I believe that most people would not have their animals
put down if there was an affordable solution to their
animals health care. I am not a Veterinarian, nor am I trying
to compete with any of them. However, I offer my services
as a side benefit to Veterinary care.
The cost of keeping a large animal at a Veterinary
clinic can be quite high, depending on the amount of 
time the injured animal is there.
I have the afflicted animal brought to our place
where it can be under 24 hour care. All I ask for is that
the owner of any animal supply any and all medications,
hay or special feeds, and all bandaging supplies needed
in caring for the animal. everything else is done by me 
and of course, is totally free.
My being able to help and interact with the animal is
payment enough. And yes... Donations are welcome,
but not required.

Here I am with Bay doing his daily dressing change, the lame caring for the lame as I like to put it! After many months of treatment, I am happy to announce that Bay is now as fit as a fiddle and will once again be able to hit the dusty trails, and in perfect health. Just a little love, and a lot of care kept this guy from being destroyed due to his injuries. Well worth the challenge! 
(I am the one kneeling down)
 

Above and beyond all of this I am just an average person
that loves to have fun, and will go out of my way to help
anyone at anytime if I can. Life is much too short
to be locked into ourselves as individuals.
I am by no means perfect, and I have never met
anyone who is. To forgive yourself for your own
mistakes paves the way to forgive others for theirs.
Hanging on to a negative feeling only feeds the fire
of ignorance and humility, as well as hatred.
It does not hurt to spread a little love, laughter,
or compassion upon our fellow brothers and sisters,
no matter what color or creed they are.
I believe that is the true essence of being
a complete human being. I just wish more of us
thought along the same lines, it would make
every one of us a little happier in our daily lives.
It is okay to be different.
We all have the God given right to follow our hearts,
and be who we are.

In the beginning of all things, wisdom and knowledge were with the animals, for Tirawa, the One Above, did not speak directly to man. He sent certain animals to tell men that he showed himself through the beast, and that from them, and from the stars and the sun and moon should man learn.. all things tell of Tirawa. 

All things in the world are two. In our minds we are two, good and evil. With our eyes we see two things, things that are fair and things that are ugly.... We have the right hand that strikes and makes for evil, and we have the left hand full of kindness, near the heart. One foot may lead us to an evil way, the other foot may lead us to a good.
So are all things two, all two. 

-Eagle Chief (Letakos-Lesa) Pawnee
 
 

I would like to thank my good friend
Cathy Whitehorse for this Coyote graphic.
 
 

It is not the size of the Dog in the fight...
It's the size of the fight in the Dog!
 

Caution
The contents of the area below is not for children
or the squeamish. Though bloodless, these are actual photos
of the surgical proceedures to save my arm, and what was required to do in order to keep my arm. 

It is quite graphic, but very interesting from a medical point of view. This page is in no way meant to offend or cause anyone any grief, nor is it a solicitation for anyone's pity.

It is just an explanation of what I went through, and am still dealing with, and how it has changed my life. 

It has made me a much stronger person, and taught me that as human beings we all have an inner strength that will help us overcome any and all of life's obstacles,
If you believe in yourself, the one God, the earth spirits,
and the power of prayer.
 

..........
Two surgical proceedures to elbow.
1. Repair and re-attach muscle and tendon to bone.
2. Nerve release and re-routing of the ulna nerve.
On the first surgery they closed the wound with staples, 
the second surgery was with regular stitches.

Rotator cuff Repair to shoulder.

Removal of 80% of the radius bone. 
Wound was left open so I could clean it out daily and prevent any further infection. Radius bone soon collapsed due to insufficient bone mass, so placement of a surgical steel rod from wrist to elbow was done to act as a radius bone and keep forearm stable.
This proceedure had to be done twice as the first steel rod was not placed securely and it migrated out of place and severed the tendons and nerves to the right thumb. Second rod placement used bone grafted from my hip and was a success. 
It is still with me to this day.
 

...... everything on the earth has a purpose, 
every disease an herb to cure it, 
and every person a mission. 
This is the Indian theory of existence. 

 -Mourning Dove (Salish) 1888-1936