THANK YOU IF YOU SAID A PRAYER FOR OLD ROXY - AND OTHER THINGS

It's been a really horrible week, full of sadness and lots of pain.

Dear old Roxy didn't make it. I managed to quell a fever that spiked very high on Sunday night, and in the morning, she was taken to the vet, Dr. Bo Bergloff, who advised that at her advanced age, the battle with the kennel cough would be the same, and so very peacefully, she took her journey to the Rainbow Bridge. She was cremated, and her ashes will come home Friday.

Two of the oldest dogs are hacking badly. Dr. Bo has left a prescription for them at a pharmacy. I will pick it up tomorrow. Poor Sophie has a runny nose - it will go from one to another. Until it is gone, I will be giving meds, including yucky cough syrup. Sophie has been in hiding all day. She wants none of that gawdawful stuff.

The puppy has been renamed Ziggy, and she is very sweet. She couldn't help if it she was wormy and was carrying it. She has gained about 3 lbs already and is happy being a puppy. She has taken up with Maya, my German shepherd, who treats her like a puppy of her own.

Vern, my red tabby rescue did not come home last night. I didn't see his body on the road, and his sidekick, Dottie, is missing him. They were partners in any crime of squirrel, bird and lizard hunting that was discovered here in the yard. We had a lot of lizards without tails because of Dottie. He is another worry.

Monday night pictures arrived in my email. My son's legs. Burned. A grilling accident. From the knees down. Second and third degree burns, and I hope you will keep us all in your thoughts
for a little while.

I haven't slept for a week now. I listen for dogs coughing. Now my son is keeping me up but tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and we will gather with the children and friends and be thankful it wasn't worse.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Be careful drive and I'll see you here Friday, if not before.

A thoughtful piece of writing to pass along...

when someone loses a dog or another pet. It's very touching, and from my internet friend, Elise's tribute page to her Rottie named Jazz. I just sent it off to several friends, two of whom just suffered the loss of their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

I am still missing Blade. I see him everywhere. He's in the house, out in the yard, next to me, on the sofa. Maya is more confident of her place now, and she has gained a lot of weight. She seems content, though she is still anxious about being left alone. I always tell her I'll be right back when I leave, and tell her again, "I came right back".

Since the author is unknown, feel free to pass along the following if a friend loses his or her best friend.

To my beloved owner, there's some things I'd like to say. But first of all, to let you know,that I arrived okay. I'm writing this from the Bridge. Here I dwell with God above. Here there's no more tears of sadness. Here is just eternal love. Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight. Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night. That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through, God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you. It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone. As for your dearest family, They'll be here later on." God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do. And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you. And when you lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight, God and I are closest to you in the middle of the night. When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years, because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears. But do not be afraid to cry: it does relieve the pain. Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain. I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned. If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand. But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er. I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before. There are rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb; But together we can do it by taking one day at a time. It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too; That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you. If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain; Then you can say to God at night... "My day was not in vain." And now I am contented that my life was worthwhile. Knowing as I passed along I made somebody smile. God says: "If you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low; Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go. When you're walking down the street with me on your mind; I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind." "And when it's time for you to go, from that body to be free. Remember you're not going, you're coming here to me." -Author Unknown