[Alty]

MommaC, I know what we can do. :)

Wiggy and family are buying a puppy tomorrow, yes, a puppy. I know, we're crazy, but there is sound reasoning behind this decision.

You see, our older dog Indy is 13 years old, his health is failing, he's going downhill quickly (okay, now I'm crying :(). He's a lab mix, we've had him since he was a wee puppy, he's our first baby, we love him so. We also have a border collie cross, he's almost 7 years old, his name is Jasper.

Jasper and Indy are a pair, even though Indy was already an adult when Jasper puppy came into our lives, they bonded instantly. They sleep together, clean each other, eat together, protect each other. Now that Indy's eyesight is failing, Jasper leads him around (it's the border collie in him). I can't imagine our home without Indy, I can't imagine not seeing that beautiful kind caring face every day. He's the biggest lovey, my baby.

Here's our dilema. We're worried about Jasper, about what the loss of Indy will do to him. We will all be devastated when he passes, that's no doubt, but the bond that Jasper has with Indy, well, when Indy's gone I'm worried that Jasper might follow becaue of depression. I've seen it happen so often with dogs, I don't want it to happen here.

So, we've decided to get another dog now, start the bonding process with Jasper with a new puppy. I'm hoping that Indy might perk up a bit too with a puppy around, I'm also hoping that the puppy will learn from Indy, like Jasper did when he came to live with us.

This is not a spur of the moment decision, we've actually been talking about it for many months now. We've decided on a beagle puppy. We'd like a smaller breed so that the kids can walk him/her. We've decided on a puppy because the kids have never experienced a puppy before. We've decided to get this puppy tomorrow, we saw an ad in the paper, fell in love with the pictures of the puppies and will be meeting with these people tomorrow. It's not for certain yet, I have to bond with the puppy before I'll consider adopting, but, well, let's face it, it's a puppy, I'm sure I'll be bonding pretty darn quick.

So, that's the plan, don't try to talk me out of it, but I'd be glad to hear your comments. :)

Indy is laying at my feet sound asleep dreaming. I wish I knew what he dreams about, I hope it's us. :) Tears are running down my face, how did 13 years go by so quickly?

[starbuck8]

Momma! Awty made me cwy! :(

[starbuck8]

Momma and Webby, we have a new and improved castle! Yep... we had the wibbon cutting ceremony before you got up! We need our Queen Momma and Princess to come and approve of our renovations! We've polished your crowns nice and shiny!

[jrebel7]

I'll take all of you for a bike ride but you have to take turns! A bike ride will calm anyone and will make the bad ol' world disappear at least for the time you are on the bike... speaking of which... gotta fly for now but I'll be back. We will decide turns later and in a fair way! Don't bicker now lovies, Momma C and I will figure a fair way so all are content. We love youssssssssss!!

[Chery]

Alty Honey, I think that's a good idea. I raised poodles and my Momma had four puppies in one litter, I gave three away, but just had to keep one. The also bonded, played, protected and cleaned each other all the time, and they also protected me everywhere we went. Baby, the mom had mitral valve insufficiency and I had to have her put to sleep, was there with her and took her home with me. Years later BunBun, her baby died of cancer - same pain, same mourning. And since I could not physically go out in cold weather with dogs anymore, I decided to get another cat -who just ironically was up for adoption. Larry and I are a pair - a better partnership than I could ever wish for. He's old too and I might have to put him to sleep before my time comes as he is sick to and won't ever accept anyone else in his life - he'd rather die first. So, you see, I can relate to your decision and wish you well with the bonding and reception at home with the new family member.

No matter what he dreams about, he knows he's home and that's where he would rather be until the very end, and we know that. You will always have your memories, and you can tell me them over and over, and I will listen and enjoy them too. So will the rest of us.

Let me know how it went love, and naturally, after taking pictures of all three I'd like you to send me some.

Love you, Momma C.

[Alty]

MommaC, I'm bawling now.

Pets bring so much joy into our lives, unconditional love, always ready for hugs and kisses, all they ask in return is a warm bed, some food and the occasional kind word, but even that isn't necessary. They'd go anywhere with us. If it meant living on the streets, no food for days or weeks and harsh words, they'd still stand by our side. Now that's love.

I will always have my memories, and I'd love to share them with all of you. Indy as a puppy was a bundle of energy, a mischievous little imp. He destroyed more furniture and carpet than any dog I've ever had. When he was a wee little guy he got a few harsh words from Momma, but he quickly learned his place, and quickly found a place in my heart.

We got Indy shortly after we came back from our honeymoon. He's been with us from the beginning and he's been through so many changes and taken them all in stride.

Kids, another dog, bunnies, birds, fish, hamsters, and never a growl.

He was content to sleep beside me on the bed when I was pregnant with Jared, but just as content to take his place on the floor after Jared was born. He stood still while Jared was learning to walk and pulled himself up using Indy, even though Jared pulled Indy's hair out during this process Indy never growled or nipped, he didn't say a word, because he loved our new puppy human.

When my dad died and I screamed for five days at God and the injustices of this world, when I pushed everyone I love away so I could be alone with my misery, Indy wouldn't leave my side, no matter what. He sat with me as I cried, he didn't have to do anything but be there, he understood, and now, so do I.

When his time comes, although it will be hard, I will not leave his side, no matter what. I won't say a word, I'll just hold him and love him, like I have since he came into my life.

How quickly life flies by. We're always so busy, things to do, people to see, we often miss the moments that matter, the moments that will sustain us in the end. We can't ever get those moments back, we have to enjoy them when they are happening, we have to take the time. One day those moments, those memories are all we'll have left.

Darnit, where's my kleenex? :(

I will never be able to find another Indy, no one can take his place in my heart, but thankfully I have a big heart and plenty of room. I hope that Indy knows how much we love him, I wish he could say, I understand, I know, and I feel the same way. That's what dogs teach us, to show love, not say it, to express love without words. If only people were like dogs, this world would be a wonderful place.

Sorry everyone, I'm feeling a bit sappy today. :(

[starbuck8]

I've lost several dogs in my life, but none were as hard as losing my Pepsi Girl and Kirby Boy... and they didn't even die! Well geezzz now I'm dripping tears! That big ugly Brit came and stole them from Mommie! They were here all happy and content one minute, and gone that next! I've never seen them since. I miss and worry about them so much. No one ever gave them attention like their mommie did. Mean daddy ignored them. But I've got my special Nikster, and she makes my life better everyday! :)

[Alty]

Starby, every time a door closes someone opens a window. If events hadn't taken place as they did, you wouldn't have Niki. If you hadn't come into Niki's life when you did, she would no longer be on this earth. In other words, everything happens for a reason. :)

It's amazing how quickly the time goes by. I remember when we first brought Indy home. He was a teeny little thing, I could hold him quite easily. He was all black, not a bit of white on him. He was a brave little guy, full of piss and vinegar and puppy adventure. When he wagged his little tail glasses fell off tables and dust flew through the air. My parents loved him too, and boy did he love them.

When Jasper came into our lives as a rescue at 4 months old, he was skin and bones, beaten, scared and untrusting. He wanted nothing to do with humans, I couldn't blame him, he'd never been treated well by humans before.

Indy accepted little Jasper right away, there was no question. He moved aside so that Jasper could eat out of his bowl, he let Jasper play with his toys, he let Jasper sleep on his bed, and I'm very sure he told Jasper that the humans that they own are good humans indeed.

It took a while, but Jasper came around. Jasper loves us, no question, but Indy is his favorite, I have no doubt of that. Jasper would die for Indy, in a heartbeat, I know that he would. I hope that Jasper can bond with another dog the way he's bonded with Indy, I hope that Indy can once again teach Jasper to trust, love and give. That would be Indy's final gift to Jasper.

Darn dogs and their short life span. I sometimes wonder if it's worth the heartache when adopting a dog. Who am I kidding, it's worth it, it really is, but that doesn't make it less hard when the end is near. :(

Gosh I'm in a mood today. Who would have thought that getting a new puppy would be so emotional? I know why, I do, even though I really don't want to voice it. I think you all know why as well.

[starbuck8]

I know, you've had a rollercoaster week! I think it will be good for Indy to have a little puppy running around, and good for Jasper. It might make the pain a little less for him when it's Indy's time to go.

I would never give up Niki for the world, and I know she wouldn't give me up either! I know that she knows I saved her life, and she returned the favour by saving mine. She's laying beside me having funny dreams I think. It looks like she is chasing something! Probably a skunk or snake! LOL!

I just wish I could at least visit with Kirby and Pepsi. I'll never forget the confused and torn look on their faces while they were being yanked away from me in the middle of the night. The worst part is I know they didn't understand why I wasn't there with them anymore, and I wonder from the things I've seen and heard about Leatherface, if they are being fed, given water, or taken to the vet. I used to do all of that, and from all I've heard, she is a very uncaring person. N used to say it was okay if the dogs didn't have food for several days at a time. I NEVER let that happen! I would've starved before I let them go without. I've asked the kids to ask him how they are, but all he ever tells them is "they're fine", and that's it. So I just hope they are. I did hear from Ben that Kirby hips are really bad, and that he has a lot of problems getting up and walking. I sure hope they've taken him to get checked out, and have him on some meds for dysplaysia.

Okay... enough of thinking about that. It's only going to make me sadder for them, and it's not going to start my day off well. ;)

[Alty]

I'm sorry that I started this Starby, I didn't want to make you sad. Bad Alty, 100 lashes with a wet noodle. :(

They know how much you loved, need, love them. Dogs have such big hearts, so much love, they know Starby, they know. :)

[starbuck8]

GOD CREATED CHILDREN (AND IN THE PROCESS GRANDCHILDREN)

To those of us who have children in our lives,
Whether they are our own,
Grandchildren, Neices, Nephews, or students...
Here is something to make you chuckle.

Whenever your children are out of control,
You can take comfort from the thought that
Even God's omnipotence did not extend
To His own children.

After creating heaven and earth,
God created Adam and Eve.

And the first thing he said was
' DON'T !'

'Don't what ? '
Adam replied.
'Don't eat the forbidden fruit'
God said.

'Forbidden fruit ?
We have forbidden fruit ?

Hey Eve.. we have forbidden fruit ! '
' No Way ! '
'Yes way ! '
'Do NOT eat the fruit ! '
Said God.
'Why ? '
'Because I am your Father and I said so ! '
God replied,
Wondering why He hadn't stopped
Creation after making the elephants.

A few minutes later,
God saw His children having an apple break
And He was ticked !
'Didn't I tell you not to eat the fruit ? '
God asked.


'Uh huh,'
Adam replied.
'Then why did you ? '
Said the Father.

'I don't know,'
Said Eve.
'She started it! 'Adam said.

Did not ! '

DID TOO! '

'DID NOT ! '

Having had it with the two of them,
God's punishment was that Adam and Eve
Should have children of their own.

Thus the pattern was set and it has never changed.

If you have persistently and lovingly tried to give children wisdom and
They haven't taken it,
Don't be hard on yourself.
If God had trouble raising children,
What makes you think it would be A piece of cake for you ?

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT !
1 You spend the first two years of their life teaching them to walk and
Talk.
Then you spend the next sixteen telling them to sit down and shut up!

2 Grandchildren are God's reward for not killing your own children.

3 Mothers of teens now know why some animals eat their young.

4 Children seldom misquote you.
In fact, they usually repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said

5 The main purpose of holding children's parties Is to remind yourself
That there are children more awful than your own

6 We childproofed our homes, but they are still getting in.

ADVICE FOR THE DAY:

Be nice to your kids.
They will choose your nursing
Home one day ;

AND FINALLY:

IF YOU HAVE A LOT OF TENSION

AND YOU GET A HEADACHE,

DO WHAT IT SAYS
ON THE ASPIRIN BOTTLE:
'TAKE TWO ASPIRIN'
AND 'KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN'!!

[starbuck8]

I'm sorry that I started this Starby, I didn't want to make you sad. Bad Alty, 100 lashes with a wet noodle. :(

They know how much you loved, nee, love them. Dogs have such big hearts, so much love, they know Starby, they know. :)

I hope they understand! I've thought about sneaking over sometime, and just giving them smooches through the fence, but that would probably just confuse them more! :(

[Stringer]

Momma and Webby, we have a new and improved castle!! Yep....we had the wibbon cutting ceremony before you got up! We need our Queen Momma and Princess to come and approve of our renovations! We've polished your crowns nice and shiny!!

YEAH... and M and I have polished our badges too... look starDUCK if I adjust it just right in the sun, it shines REAL BRIGHT in you ducky eyes... there... can you see? Nnnnnoooo?

Well geeeeze... I am sorry, M... I'll hold her she can't see a thing! QIUCK M... grab that last damn feather... she will be nakedey... hurry, I'm holding her... her butt is up in the air so you can pluck it out... I'm holding her mouth shut so she can't yell!! :rolleyes::rolleyes:

[Stringer]

I've lost several dogs in my life, but none were as hard as losing my Pepsi Girl and Kirby Boy...and they didn't even die! Well geezzz now I'm dripping tears! That big ugly Brit came and stole them from Mommie! They were here all happy and content one minute, and gone that next! I've never seen them since. I miss and worry about them so much. No one ever gave them attention like their mommie did. Mean daddy ignored them. But I've got my special Nikster, and she makes my life better everyday! :)

When my daughter, Michelle was 12 I got her a beautiful bright white with a lot of black spots Dalmatian and she named her "Pepsi."

[starbuck8]

YEAH...and M and I have polished our badges too........look starDUCK if I adjust it just right in the sun, it shines REAL BRIGHT in you ducky eyes.....there...can you see? Nnnnnoooo?

Well geeeeze...I am sorry, M....I'll hold her she can't see a thing! QIUCK M....grab that last damn feather...she will be nakedey......hurry, I'm holding her....her butt is up in the air so you can pluck it out............I'm holding her mouth shut so she can't yell !!!!!:rolleyes::rolleyes:

::squirming:: Whew! ::looks back:: Yep tailfeather still there!

Momma... the boys are picking on me AGAIN! I even made them coookies tonight! Bad brudders!

[Unknown008]

Cookies? Did I hear cookies? I love cookies. I want to have... hundred!;)

I'll be in the new castle in some time... need to update the threads I'm on.

Good one, Starby, on the children thing... a bit disformed the actual things God said, but it's okay for a joke.

[Chery]

I'm sorry that I started this Starby, I didn't want to make you sad. Bad Alty, 100 lashes with a wet noodle. :(

They know how much you loved, nee, love them. Dogs have such big hearts, so much love, they know Starby, they know. :)

No lashes here babe, not for feelings, just pranks...
Alty,, Get as sappy as you want to dear. All my pets who left me in the past are still in my memories and will stay there forever! And the understanding/communication we shared was based on the love between us. Sometimes we are lucky enough to get half that much understanding with our human loved ones - that's why it's good to be able to choose our words with which to communicate and bond accordingly. This is what makes us different from our animal loved ones and is completely understandable and unique. So, yes I quite understand the emotional trip you are taking and you certainly don't have to explain further - I feel it honey and am emotionally right there by your side. I'm sure that Jasper will follow in Indy's pawsteps and be just as wonderful as a role-model.

When I was pregnant in Georgia, we visited friends in Virginia and took my cat BoBo with us. My ex suggested that we should leave Bobo with them as he feared that the baby would be threatened by him. So, at that time, even though it hurt, I agreed for sake of avoiding arguments, and left BoBo there. He was OK with our friends, but three months later, he was at my doorstep back in Georgia.. After that, I swore that all my pets would never have to go through a journey like that again. Funny, how all my dogs and cats never accepted my ex and I thought it was because he did not care for animals as much as I did.. they knew what sort of human he was and it took me a bit longer to grasp it.
Starby, through moving from one county to another often, I too had to leave a few loved ones behind, and it hurt like heck! But I at least had the knowledge that they were going to be taken good care of. I just hope that Brit who took our babies is taking good care of them. And Nicki loves loves you, you know that as well as I do, and will always stay with you - forever - in your arms and heart.
As you and Alty said, some things are meant to happen. I would rather not eat for a week myself just to make sure that Larry had his favorite food - he deserves that much from me with all the unconditional love I get from him.
Hey, no matter how a day starts, there is always room for improvement as it goes on.. so Alty, go and get that new puppy and we'll get all maudlin again.
It's OK to have these types of emotional rollercoasters - that's what makes us human.
Not done yet, but enough for this post... so be right back and this editor of mine is acting up, so going to fix it first.

[Chery]

Starby, that little post about children and grandchildren was absolutely super! I copied and sent it off to my daughter right away and let her know that I think she is a SUPER MOM!

As for sneaking over and seeing your lost babies, they would remember you and probably want to run off with you, so it's your call to make and I'll support you all the way. Just think it through though before acting upon it.

Stringer honey, polish that badge, but leave the plucking... You and M can find so many more fun things to do without the girls today. Let them go and travel a little down memory-lane - as long as they do that, they'll have no time to think of teasing you guys - take the break and be thankful. My brother John has three dogs now and one of them is a dalmatian - I think they are so cute, but I like all breeds of dogs and cats of any size. I just feel a little sorry for the doggies and cats that look like god played a joke and smashed their faces in because they have a lot of sinus problems - poor babies.. This naturally was not 'creation's' doing, it was some dumb human trying to play god..

Alty, glad you still have your feather and think it was such a wonderful thing for you to make those cookies - save one for me, but enjoy the rest with the boys. I think, that after raking the leaves today, we might just jump into the pile and start all over again - does that sound like fun? Let's have a nice fun day and forget the pranks of last week. You'll probably think of something else soon, but not this weekend, OK? The same goes for you boys!

Hey M, enjoy the cookies and your visit to the castle. I might stop by there later if I find the time. Got to work on some puzzles this weekend and a new coloring book addition. So... I hope all you children get the hint that Momma C needs a break these next few days, so save your pranks..

Come get some hugs, and we will go out and find the rakes and get started. Make sure you are dressed accordingly..

Got to go and do some graphic work, so will see you later...

[Alty]

Alty, glad you still have your feather and think it was such a wonderful thing for you to make those cookies

I have a feather? ::looks at butt:: I don't see a feather. Am I duck? I thought Starby was a duck.
Did Starby bite me and turn me into a duck? I don't want to be a duck, I'm a bunny! WAAAAAAAAAAA!

[starbuck8]

When my daughter, Michelle was 12 I got her a beautiful bright white with a lot of black spots Dalmatian and she named her "Pepsi."

Pepsi and Kirby were already named when they came home from the shelter. I wasn't crazy about the names at first, but they grew on me, and now I couldn't imagine them having any other names, although they did have lots of nicknames just like Niki does now. Pepsi was nicknamed "Fat Dog"... in an endearing way of course, and the same with Kirb, he was "dumb dog" although that sure wasn't true! I had tags and T-shirts made with those names on them for C'mas one yr. It just made us laugh, and heck, they didn't know or care! LOL! My ex was always jealous, because our nightly routine was to let them outside, and then bring them in for playtime and a cookie, and then off to bed. My stepson slept downstairs, and we were upstairs. Pepsi and Kirby acted like an old married couple that loved each other, but had no desire to sleep with each other anymore... LOL! They would always meet in the kitchen right as we were off to bed, and slobber all over each others faces. Pepsi would go off downstairs to sleep with Ben, and Kirby would wait for me, until I got into bed, and slept on the floor bedside me all night. The Poor Brit felt all left out... awwww... yeah, get over it! ;) Then in the morning, Pepsi and Kirby instinctively knew when the other was awake, and again would meet up in the kitchen, and the whole slobbery kisses started all over again! :D

If Niki knew some of the things I call her, she'd probably bite me! LOL! She has a ton of nicknames, and knows them all. Actually she gets called the other things more often than she gets called Niki! She knows I mean business when I call her Niki though. Most of the time she's Bubba, Bubbers, Blubberbutt, Freak, Fatty, Snickers, Miss Piggy, Nikster, Chucky... do you think she has enough names? I sound like the bully on the playground don't I?! LOL!

Okay... I don't know why that went on so long again! I just got to thinking about my babies again I guess. I'm still not crazy about the name Pepsi... but it wouldn't have mattered if her name was "dirt", I would've loved her just the same! :)

I'm not done writing yet like Momma said. I have to go and clean my freakin floor! My company lastnite didn't take off their shoes, and since it was SNOWING (yuk!) their shoes were wet, and they got mud all over my newly scrubbed floor! Figures! Some people just don't have any manners.