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Tuesday, April 8, 2008

My Pets



My Pets

by East Bay J

In honor of Paula's 16th birthday on April 8th, I would like to talk about our PETS!

As most of you probably know, I have a kitty cat princess named Paula. I adopted her as an 8 week old kitten from the Hayward SPCA.

My ex-husband and I had gone there, "just to look". We ended up staying about 3 hours, we held every animal we could. We did not intend to get another pet, as at home we had an older dog named Rosie, a beagle shepherd mix I had adopted years before, also Hanni the Rottweiler, a young girl who was given to me by a neighbor. Also Blacki the kitty, long haired black tabby, and JC, a sickly guy who was a ginger colored tabby.

Well, long story short, we came home without an animal, but turned around and went back to adopt Paula. She had stood out to us because she had little dark tufts of hair on the ends of her ears, kind of like a lynx.

Today we have Paula, and also Poe, an African Grey parrot. We adopted him from a parrot rescue group in Fresno. He came from an abusive home, is terrified of brooms and does not like the color red. He came with some baggage, and says some bad words!

We lost our beloved little Shih Tzu, Lilly, this past November, after a short illness. She was diagnosed with congestive heart failure in early September, and fought hard for 2 1/2 months. We miss her terribly.

Paula is currently going thru treatment for kidney failure (she first became ill 4 days after Lilly died). She in on week 3 of a 4 week course of antibiotics (liquid, which is bubblegum flavor). She hates it. We also give her fluid under her skin every other night. She hates this too.

We have been told that this treatment may be what she needs for the rest of her life.

Over the years, I have been "mom" to a horse, several goats, geese, ducks, chickens, dogs and cats. I have been an animal lover my whole life, even worked for a vet clinic and emergency vet clinic before and during nursing school.

I would love to hear about your pets! Past, present, future. Any funny stories? Please share them!

412 comments:

  1. Darn it iteach...you and Bonnie sneaked in....

    Third! LOL!

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  2. I am an animal lover as well! We always had pet cats growing up. I got a black cat when I was first married. However, he was very mean and would scratch and BITE very bad. He died after 10 years.

    As most of you know (esp. if you have seen my "myspace" page) I have 2 pugs and a cat!

    We didn't want another pet for awhile after our black cat (Pete), but soon we learned of a cat who needed a home. His owners went through a divorce and no one wanted him. The sister of the couple took him, but couldn't keep him (as she had 3 other cats and they beat up on him...as he was declawed). As soon as my then husband heard his name was Elvis, he decided we should get him. I'm glad we did, but I wish we could change his name (as I am not a big Elvis fan)! He is the sweetest cat I have ever had!

    I always wanted a pug (and even researched all I could on the breed before I even had one)! I knew that was the kind of pet for me! We learned of Charlie when he was only 9 months old (his owner had to get rid of him because she was allergic to him)! Too bad for her, but so lucky for me! His papers say "Lord Charleston Chew" but he goes by Charlie. I thought it was a great name and didn't change it! However, Charlie must not have read the same literature I did on pugs, because he acts more like a Jack Russel than a pug (very HIGH energy)! I read over and over that pugs are really laid back and don't require much exercising! (Not Charlie)!!! ; )

    Our latest "adoptee" is Cleo. We just go her in October. A friend of my boss got married and the new wife didn't want her in the house. She was going to be an outdoor dog (but pugs aren't made for that, so the poor guy gave her up)! That would have been a "deal-breaker" for me if my boyfriend did not like my pets! Anyway...I was lucky enough to take her in! She is a very calm pug (more like I read pugs should be)! The cat and the dogs all get along well. (I have the pictures to prove it)!

    On the weekends, we are all a bunch of couch potatoes! It is so nice! I love my animals! My daughter has always referred to them as her "brothers" and now has a new "sister"! LOL! (She first started saying that when she was in Kindergarten)! It has always been a joke since!

    Sorry for another long post! I will try harder to keep them shorter!

    Well, back to work!

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  3. Looking forward to a fun read later today, EBJ, knowing our Owls love for their (mostly)four-legged children. Right now my masters are demanding breakfast and their morning bird-watching expedition.

    wtg, iTeach! Hope the kids are better today.

    Wishing a beautiful cloudy day to Jennifer, and a Terrific Tuesday to MEK~~ and to all who swoop through later ........... bbl

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  4. Good Morning Owls,

    Congrats on first Iteach!!!!! Hope your children are better.

    Happy Birthday Barb WA

    Hello to Bon, Jennifer, & Mek,

    EBJ, Good Blog today about Pets , I'll post later, I'm watching Rosie on Martha Stewart LOL. Shes so funny. Shes promoting her new craft book.

    BBL Good Morning and Hello to everyone after me.

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  5. Good Morning!!

    Happy Tuesday!!

    Again - HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Barb!!!

    Iteach - congrats on FIRST..

    Howdy to Iteach, Bono, Jennifer, Renee and anyone who posts while I type about my animals!!

    EBJ - what a great blog!!

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  6. EBJ
    your story is a wonderful one. Your Lilly was always close to my heart.I know that Paula and all of your pets have lived better lives because you were the one who found them.
    I work all day and then spend my free time with animal rescue. I can "read" animals so easily unlike reading and understanding people. I've been asked many questions over the years. Many people want to know why adopt an older dog or cat. I say why not. They are the ones least likely to be adopted and they have a lot of love to give also.
    www.petfinder.com

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  7. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  8. Good morning!

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY BARB IN WA!!!!!

    What are you doing for your special day today?

    Congrats iteach for being first! :)

    I am looking forward to reading everyones pet stories, will have to catch up later, when I get home from work.

    Have a wonderful day!!

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  9. Good morning all you little owlettes this morning... Iteach--- Congrats ON #1!!!!!

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY BARB-WA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    EBJ.... Great blog....
    You all know I love my KIDS!!!
    I don't have children of the human variety ... My kids are all furbabies... My hubby and I are on our second set of children...

    HAPPY Birthday to Paula the Princess kitty...

    Waving A wing at...

    Bon----

    Jennifer---
    Renee Eve---
    And
    MEK...
    Hope you all have a great day... hope our internet problems are over at work...
    Be back soon...

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  10. EBJ-- You popped in while I was posting ...
    HEY!!!!!!!!!!!

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  11. P.S. Did anyone happen to watch Oprah show last week about puppy mills?

    I am a big supporter of adopting, and even more so now after seeing the show.

    All of my animals have been adopted or given to me, even our parrot was taken from an abusive home and put up for adoption.

    Adopting Poe the parrot was like adopting a human child. We had to fill out stacks of papers, have an in-person interview, phone interviews, and a home inspection to make sure we were suitable.

    Then, we drove almost 4 hours to meet Poe. If he showed any signs of not liking us, we would not be allowed to adopt him.

    Luckily it worked out and brought our funny boy home.

    I was very supportive of the rigorous adoption process, although it was nerve-wracking!

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  12. Morning Glories!

    Iteach got first!! Way to go!

    EBJ: Great Blog!

    Yes we have pets! (whisper,whisper) I sometimes like them better than my human family! LOL

    Currently we have 3 dogs.

    Hallie Berry: A husky mix. She is black and beautiful hence her name. She was a gift from my best friend when we moved into our house here in Rainier. My friend was at the post office and some kids were giving away puppies. Hallie was the last one in the box. My friend thought long enough to realize if she took her home she could tell her husband that the puppy was for us and not staying with them! LMAO We love her dearly. She is getting older now and has some hip problems but that dog never complains and is always happy!

    Peggy Lee: She is also a mix. We were told Dalmation and Chow. Hmmm if you see her you would think no way!! She is a beautiful blonde who talks and sings to us. I know you think I am crazy but she is very vocal. Last year when Mr. Lynn D and I went to Atlanta and were gone over a week, we arrived home and Peggy Lee was at the front gate waiting for us. She was chattering in her doggy way all the way up the driveway. We think she was telling on our kids who dog sat and on the other dogs! She came to us from the same friend. Her sister had gotten the dog from a litter but her husband and the dog did not get along. Her sisters husband is an asshole. We are sure that he hit her and abused her as she was and is still a little head shy. She took to our house like a duck to water and has been a wonderful pet! Mr. Lynn D calls her is dainty girl.

    Seamus: Is a lab/shep mix. My youngest son brought him home as a brand new pup. My son had been to a party and he was the last pup left and the runt. My son did not know the people where the party was but overheard some of the others saying that they might dump the last pup as they had not had anyone to take him. This pissed my son off and her scooped up the pup and brought him home.

    I got up the next morning and was adamant about him finding a home for this puppy as we had two and I did not need one more. Well with in a day that damn dog burrowed right into my heart. He was tiny and jet black, still with his puppy blue eyes. I soon realized that this poor dog had been weened way to soon from the mother. He was barely 4 weeks old. My son and I took turns sleeping on the couch to take care of him and make sure he went out. It became apparent that he had worms so off to the vet we went. He had worms and parasites! The vet gave us meds and weighed him. He was barely 4 pounds. The last words from the vet were "You realize this dog is going to get big don't you?" I just looked at him like yeah right! As he was so tiny. Well Seamus is now 100 pounds!

    He is my buddy to this day and I am so happy we kept him. My husband says I love that dog more than him. He may be right! LMAO For some reason this dog in particular has stolen my heart.

    We have had wonderful pets over the years and I know when we lose one of these 3 I will need time to get over a broken heart but I am sure another furry friend will find his or her way to us!

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  13. I love animals, but Huz and I are allergic to both cats and dogs, so we have neither! :(

    We had pets growing up, though. It was one tragedy after another! Our family started out with Pepper and Cinnamon, two springer spaniels. Pepper was killed by a car, and Cinnamon disappeared, never to be found. Pepper had sired a litter before he died, so we then got Pepper II and an unrelated female springer named Penny. Pepper II and Penny got "married", in a ceremony that I wasn't allowed to witness, but Penny reacted badly to an experimental fertility drug and had to be put to sleep.

    That was all in the 60's, but it sure brings back a sharp memory of my poor Mom, taking me to the library and turning away so I wouldn't see the tears streaming down her face. She loved Penny!

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  14. Lynn D: What a great name for your dog! Please give Halle a friendly pet for me!

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  15. Bon'O: Indeed! The pets are coming out of the woodwork today! Lovin these stories... thanks, Judy!

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  16. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BarbWA!!!

    Good Morning Bon,Jennifer, Iteach,MEK,Renee,Dreama,EBJ and IBB!

    Waving at anyone else I missed this morning!

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  17. This a.m., I wasn't enjoying my animals very much - they ALL decided that "mom" was NOT going to be able to actually sleep - so - I've got laundry going already!!

    Right now - our family consists of four animals!!

    K.C. (Kitty Cat) - she is our oldest - she will be 11 in May - I got her at the Humane Society in Colorado Springs!! I wanted a kitten SO badly - went to the shelter and there just weren't any kittens - all of a sudden, two were brought in -they had just come from being the Pet of the Week on the local news - brother and sister - eight weeks old - he was cheddar and she was black, gray tiger striped. I was going to adopt both, since they were siblings, but there was a little girl in tears cuz there weren't any kitties for her to take home - I was already in the process of doing all the paperwork, but decided that her and her mother could have the little boy (since I really didn't need TWO cats) - so - we both left happy that day!! She is an extremely loving cat, but she would be REALLY happy if we didn't have any of the other animals!!

    Bailey, our English Springer Spaniel, will be 11 in December. She is our high maintenance princess!! Good grief!! She has a personality (and sometimes not a good one - she does have the rage, that some springers get) She is our only purebred but was an outcast - she was born with a herniated belly button and some film thing on her eye is missing, so she looks like she has a blood shot eye all the time - which, in a championship line of purebreds, makes her "deformed" - two puppies from the litter had the herniation and had been separated from the others- we got her for half price - and I almost bought both of them - but again, did NOT need TWO puppies!! we got her spayed and that took care of the herniation - she is on thyroid meds and is overweight!! (bless her little heart!!)..

    Barney, he is our million dollar pound puppy!! He's a boxer/great dane mix and will be 10 years old in October. I was at the Humane Society in Colorado Springs (I really need to stay out of those places!!).. his litter was left outside the doors in a cardboard box during a blizzard. He was the most adorable puppy - he has the BEST personality (kinda like Barney Fife!!) - he's SO easy going.. had hip surgery at 10 months of age, cronic ear infections and his eyes - well, that is another story - he's not doing well right now - and we are just holding on as long as we can before we have a to "make that decision"!! (I will miss him SO much)!!

    and last, but not least,

    Lilly - she is a gray and white tabby that we got after we moved to AZ - she will be 8 years old in Sept. - I was in Petsmart and the FAIR adoption people were there - and this little kitten just would NOT be quiet - meow, meow - I did actually leave - got to my car, and went back in....... and the rest is history!! She follows K.C. everywhere, like a little sister!!

    We have a perfect balance - everyone gets along GREAT!!

    now - I'm sure this is a novel!! sorry!! I will share some funny stories about past pets as well..

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  18. awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww........

    YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST! THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH FOR THE B-DAY WISHES HERE AND ON MYSPACE. I AM SO BLESSED TO HAVE ALL OF YOU AS FRIENDS.

    EBJ...I'm so happy to share my b-day with Miss Paula. My Cammy who turned 18 in March, also has a kidney issue. She had an infection that required antibiotics and subcutanious (sp) fluids daily. I did the fluids for almost 2 years daily, and then I just couldn't do it to her anymore. The last time I did she was literally crying. It was the saddest thing ever. I told Robert I was not going to do it anymore. I couldn't take her trembling in my arms like that. So we decided to let nature take it course. That was in September. So far she has been fine. She eats, she drinks, she poops, she sleeps on our bed like the Princess that she has always known herself to be. And she has come to except the kittens! Big accomplishment on her part! Speaking of the kittens, they turn the BIG ONE YEARS OLD on Sunday!

    This is long again....sorry.

    Thanks again for the b-day wishes!
    Love you guys!
    Barb

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  19. I forgot..

    Happy Birthday, PAULA!!

    (where are my manners!!)

    One of my favorite stories, involves my dear, departed Reba Mac!! (yes, after Reba MacEntire).
    She was a lab/shepard mix that I, again, got at the Humane Society in Colorado Springs!! She PICKED me!! - while I was looking at all the puppies - she walked up to the chain link fence and put her paw up and cocked her head and just stared at me.. and let out a little whine - and she was mine!

    anyway - I came home from work one day and she had a cereal box stuck on her head - any other time - she would have gotten it off, BUT, she had one of those cones on because she had surgery - SO - she has the cone AND the cereal box - instead of taking her out of her misery right away - I HAD to get the camera!!

    AND - she hated Dwight Yoakam - any time he was on the radio or you put one of his records on - she would HOWL to beat the band!!

    Sadly - she had cancer and had to be put down at 7 years of age!! She was a great dog!!!

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  20. Whabbear: So sorry to hear that you and Huz are allergic! Great story of your childhood pets though.

    (Ever thought of any of the "hairless" breeds?) Just a thought... ; )

    Back to work....

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  21. Love you, Barb! Enjoy your birth day!

    MEK and Jennifer: Keep those cards and novels coming!

    EBJ: Would love to meet Poe the parrot! I love African Grey's... so intelligent!

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  22. Jennifer: The other problem is lifestyle. We're "bi-peninsular", always traveling up to San Francisco (me) or down to Mountain View (him). Between that and my business travel, not to mention Palm Springs, it just would be really tough logistically to have a pet.

    Maybe in retirement, though! :)

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  23. MEK: Raising a breakfast toast of light cranberry juice cocktail to Reba Mac!

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  24. Real quick before I leave for work.

    Like I mentioned, Poe says some bad words, and one night I was cooking dinner, and he said very loudly to me: SUCK IT!

    I was shocked and told him you don't talk to your mommy like that!

    He says the F-word, A$$HOLE, SH**, etc.

    We were told that his previous owner (a woman) had a filthy mouth.

    Greys are known for their ability to talk and mimic, so besides swearing, he burps, farts (both really gross) and also does a dead-on smoker's cough, complete with hacking, gagging and wheezing.

    It's hysterical!

    Whab you'll meet him in Aug! :)

    Have a great day!

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  25. Good Morning all owls - There are too many to mention but waving at all of you.

    Congrats iteach - Miss Early Owl.

    Happy Birthday Barb - Have a great one.

    Pets have always been a big part of my life and hopefully always will be. I will be back later in the day to talk about them. Right now I am getting ready to take two sweet Bichons to the groomers.

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  26. Whabbear: I was just our on the porch and gave Hallie ear rubs from you!

    I love reading about everyones pets! It truly amazes me how each one of them has their own special personality!

    When the kids were little we had a dog named Boz. He showed up at our door one Thanksgiving and would not leave. I think because Mr. Lynn D made him a bed in our shed and took him Turkey! He was a Irish setter and Lab mix and was the most beautiful reddish brown color! We had him for 15 years. When we moved to Rainier that dog thought he had gone to heaven as our yard was an acre and he had total run of the place. The last few years he really had aged and was totally deaf. We used to get a chuckle as my best friend and her husband lived right next door. They were how we found this house. Anyway Boz was a barker! Incessant sometimes my friends husband would go out all the time and hollar at Boz to shut up! The crazy part was we had all told him repeatedly the dog is deaf!!!! Her husband would do this everytime and then would get this embarrassed oh shit I forgot look on his face!

    When we had to finally put Boz down it broke our heart. At this point poor Bozes body was just giving out especially his kidney function. When we made the descision Mr. Lynn D stayed home that day as I had to work and could not get a day off. I called home on my break and asked when he was leaving to do this. My daughter told me that Dad was giving Boz a bath and was blow drying him and would call me back. When she did I just sobbed. My husband also carried Boz to the car whispering to him how much he loved him and would miss him.

    When I got home from work Mr. Lynn D was still very upset. He told me he was there every step of the way the Vet was so impressed that he had lovingly bathed Boz and was truly amazed at how old he was. He told Mr. Lynn D it was time as Bozes poor body was just done and could not take anymore. Mr. Lynn D was hugging Boz and the vet gave him the shot and was then holding his paw. They let my husband stay in the room for at least 15 minutes to mourn his passing and get his emotions under control. This is why we take all of our pets to this wonderful man.

    Boz is buried on our acreage under a tree. I still have occasional dreams about him and he is always running in field of flowers with his ears flapping. I swear he is smiling at me.

    We have also buried a rabbit, Esmerelda who later became Emery to my daughters great surprise! LOL Emery is next to Boz and a Hedge hog named Twiggy. Twiggy and I were not the best of friends but my youngest son loved him.

    I will tell you about the Chameleons later! As I seem to be blog hogging today! Sorry!

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  27. Lynn - you made me cry!! May Boz rest in peace!!

    Whabby - :-)

    EBJ - I can't wait to hear Poe yell. PARTY, PARTY!!!

    I hope everyone has an excellent day - I'll be back later!!

    Real World awaits me!! LOL

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  28. EBJ: LOL at the "smokers cough" your bird does! OMG! I can't imagine a bird swearing at me (I think I'd be laughing too)! I wouldn't be able to have my dad over ever though! I grew up as a kid thinking the "F" word was Fart! LOL!!! (It's still a bad word according to my dad)!

    LynnD: What a touching story of your dog. I love that you dream of him running in a field of flowers! I'm sure he IS smiling at you and all the loving care you gave him!

    I believe we owe it to our pets to pamper them (as they do live short little lives)!

    Whabby: I hope you and Huz will get a pet when you retire! You sound like a true animal lover! (Don't let Steven King's Kujo or Pet Cemetery freak you out though)!

    It's been a "slow day" for me (every one is busy giving tests so they don't need my help)! DARN! (Note sarcasm)! ; )

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  29. MEK and Jennifer: I got teary eyed when I posted about Boz. I do everytime I think about Mr. Lynn D giving him that bath and blow drying him. I love my husband but that act of loving kindness really made me appreciate the man he is.

    Ok I have to go hop in the shower as I have the food run today!

    Will be back later today.

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  30. Good morning all!

    Happy special day, BarbWa!! Have a fabulous birthday!

    Congrats on first, iteach!!!

    Thanks to everyone for your words and responses to the blog yesterday. I think there is definitely a common and shared experience there and I feel less alone in a struggle that just keeps following me (it has to..it's right there behind me on my hips, butt etc!!) Thanks everybody!

    Fabulous blog EBJ! The love and care you give to your pets is so wonderful and admirable! You have amazing pets..I am Poe's biggest fan on Youtube!!!!
    I haven't had a lot of pets in my life due to allergies in my family when I was growing up and as an adult, I have had a gypsy,nomadic lifestyle so it makes it difficult to have a dog. Now that I am settled and live in one place I travel too much for work to have one! But I definitely have puppy envy! When the time is right..it will be all about a rescued puppy or dog. In the meantime, I love hearing the stories of all of your dogs and cats and birds and fish and....

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  31. I need to take care of some official nest business before responding to the TOTD.

    Cpgem,
    I would like to file a complaint. That "Tina~in_Utah" lady called me a nasty name. I can't repeat it, because it's too offensive, but please review her 3:19 AM post on yesterday's blog. I am shocked and appalled AND appalled and shocked!!! I respectfully request that she be banned for this misconduct. Thank you for your time!
    Sincerely,
    AmicussHo

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  32. What a sweet bunch of fur/feather lovers all of you are! I loved reading your stories.
    Mr Mary has decided that I need a day at the Casino. I guess I do need to relax a little. My nerves have been frayed a bit these last few days. I will post later about our special fur family.

    Happy Birthday Barb!

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  33. ITEACH - Congrats on first!!!

    JENNIFER - I would love to meet you in New Glarus - maybe at the Spotted Cow Brewery for a sample or two, then off to lunch, and there are some great shops to nose around in. New Glarus has a public pool - bring your daughter, and I'll bring my kids, too. It would be great!!! Oh, and New Glarus is only like 35-40 minutes from me!!!

    EAST BAY J - Great blog and Happy Birthday to Miss Paula!!!

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY 2 BARB/WA!!! I hope you enjoy your day. :D

    We had a great black lab named Dakota. She was a pure bred lab - and her akc name was MIDNIGHT DAKOTA HD. She was named after both of my hubby's vehicles at the time. He had a black Dodge Dakota pickup and a cherry red Harley (hence the HD part of her name). We got her for Christmas 1992 from Paul's parents. This was two years before we started having kids. She was the best dog.....sadly we had to put her down almost 2 years ago. She was about a month away from turning 13. Labs, for the most part, are pretty laid back dogs, and Dakota was that and then some. She was a perfect fit for us especially when we started to have kids. When the kids were really little, they all would climb all over Dakota, and she never once barked, yipped, or bit them. The hardest day was the day we decided to put her down. It was hard enough for me, but even worse telling the kids. Thankfully, we were able to take her to Paul's parents farm and the vet came over there for us. She is buried in a special spot on the farm - a place that she loved so much!!!

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  34. AMICUS - LOL @ your complaint!!! You're cracking me up today lady. :D

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  35. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  36. DIANNE - Oh, and I was not giving your Tin Man a hard time, he truly did have a heart all along - he just couldn't see or hear it!!! He is also my favorite character (besides Dorothy) in The Wizard of Oz!!!

    BTW - The deleted comment was mine. No big mystery, I just really hate it when I have typos!!!

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  37. Hello everyone- congrats on 1st iteach.

    Happy Birthday Barb in WA!!!!
    Happy birthday to Paula too.

    Loving the Poe story. Cracks me up!

    Jennifer and Jodi- I want to go to NG too. I love NG.

    As a kid we always had dogs, but they were always outside dogs for the most part. Various breeds, but we had a beagle the size of a small elephant once. He used to "escape" when we kids were playing or walking him sometimes, and he always ended up at the same place. The IGA grocery store.
    He would walk on the mat that made the electric door open and walk right on in. They would call and say, we have your dog. Used to embarass my mother to death to go into that store and retrieve him. Never failed, if he was gone, we headed to the IGA, which was about 6 blocks away.

    Will get back on in a bit to tell you about Pepper.

    Lynn, you made me tear up. Your husband is a loving soul. I can't imagine what will happen in this house when Pepper is no longer with us.... makes me weepy already.

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  38. LYNN D - What a great story, and it speaks volumes about the kind of man you are married to. Crap....now pass the tissues.

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  39. Good Afternoon Owls!

    Mary and Jodi: Darn, was it THAT obvious?! ROFL!!!

    Tina: Sorry, but I just couldn't resist reacting the way you apparently thought I would. ;)~~

    Barbara: Happy Birthday!!!

    EBJ: I love, LOve, LOVE today's topic! :) Unfortunately, my bather called in sick this morning so I'm having a crazy day at work. I'll be back later this evening to add my pet stories.

    Happy American Idol Tuesday!

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  40. I have changed my Aviator to a candle burning in rememberence to all of the beloved furbabies who have passed away and are at the Rainbow Bridge now. www.rainbowbridge.com
    Like I have said before..I may not always "get" everything but there is one thing that I definately get....our furbabies and our love for them.

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  41. Pepper is the dog I never wanted. I told my husband for 20+ years that it was kids or a dog-couldn't have both! Damn kids grew up and I had no more excuses.

    Pepper is a purebred black lab and simply the best dog ever. She has a long AKC name, but Pepper is the only name she knows. (Well, other than Mildred, saddlebags and stumpy).

    Mr. Goldie researched a long time and many different breeders (small scale breeders) to find the PERFECT duck hunting dog. We did surprise visits to places, talked to many places like the kennel clubs and personal references and Vets -and did background checks and yadda yadda!

    The day he went to pick her out and bring her home, his mind was set on a boy and his name would be Harley. Well he was holding 2 boys and deciding which one, and she was quietly sitting at his feet staring up at him. He was hooked. He became a she and Harley became Pepper.

    The long and the short of it was that she has never hunted a day in her life (4 years) and is a princess. For the dog I didn't want to the dog I would throw myself under a bus for.
    She was housebroken in 3 days, she has never had a fence but is completely yard trained, never, ever chewed anything up and has the most docile fantastic termpermant she could possibly have. When we board her when we are out of town, they use her as a companion for the skittish dogs. All that and she is as smart as a whip. We spell more than we talk around her and I think she is figuring that out too!

    She is also the last dog I will ever have. There is no way that when my heart breaks and she is gone that I will ever get as lucky with another dog.

    I never understood until I fell in love with Pepper how people grieved so much for a pet. I so get it now.

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  42. O.K. all... I clearly have to read the rest of these at home... I am just crying away when customers walk in...

    LynnD-- beautiful story... Boz sounded like a wonderful friend...


    I will write my story tonight when I am at home... cause i too will not be able to keep from crying while posting...


    I love that this group of lovely people have all come to roost in this nest...
    We are kindred spirits....
    Good rest of the afternoon to you all...
    we have actually been busy today... so it is moving right along...

    SEE YA'LL later!!!!

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  43. Oops...I forgot there was another post I wanted to comment on from yesterday's blog.

    Turtle: When I read your post about your visit to the hospital, the thing that stood out the most was how considerate you are of others. You are a class act! Sending hugs for you and prayers for Auntie.

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  44. It's so great to see how much we all have in common. We even have our love for our furbabies.
    Jennifer: We had a cat named Cleo too. But our Cleo was a male. I know it's a girls name, but he looked so much like Cleopatra. He had those beautiful black lines around his eyes that went out like Cleopatra. So boy cat, girly name! He died from skin cancer on his nose. Very sad. Please please please....if anyone has a white cat, or a cat with a pink nose or ears, you need to put sunscreen on their noses and ear tips if they are outdoor pets! I had no idea. I' mnot sure if the same is true for dogs, but I would think so.
    MEK: Too funny about Reba Mac and the cereal box. I hope she at least got a meal out of it!
    EBJ: That is hilarious about Poe! What a naughty bird! I'm so glad he has a more loving home with you!

    Thank you to everyone that left me b-day comments after I had posted this morning! You guys are being so sweet to me today!

    I love ya'll~
    Barb

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  45. While reading all the love-filled posts about pets today, I remembered this quote from Gandhi:
    “The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated”.
    Judging by the posts today, this Owl nation is a great one!!

    And I just remembered that I get to see my nephew dog tomorrow. I see him every month when I visit students in his town. When I pull into the driveway, he runs to the window, makes a huge fuss and cries like he has been waiting for me since the last time I was there. It makes me heart sing! And I love it (and him)!

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  46. Reading all of your posts, it's no wonder we all think of our pets as real children. Just like our human kids, they are so good at keeping our lives balanced between tears and laughter. And how can you ever choose a favorite? We love them all for so many different reasons.

    All my life I've been a 'dog person' and have had a series of beloved canines. Finding a new home for all of our pets especially Molly, our yellow lab, when I moved to Oregon was such a heartbreak, I decided no more dogs for me. As I approached retirement and hoped to be more nomadic, I've only allowed myself to have my sibling cats, Mick and Willa (for our twin rivers, McKenzie and Willamette). They have me very well-trained. They both 'speak' at the door when they want in or out and have their own favorite spots to hang out. I swear Willa knows when I need to get off of the computer and go to bed at night. It's the only time she meows endlessly while winding around my ankles. The minute I leave the computer chair she hops up in it and curls up for the night. She's still there to greet me each morning, after Mick has awakened me with his gentle paws to the cheek while saying (I'm sure) "Paper's here. Sun's up. Time for breakfast. NOW!"

    My daughter is determined that I 'need' one of Ellie Mae's eleven pups. Every time she mentions it, I respond in my best Amy Winehouse..."NO! NO! NO!"

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  47. Yesterday I posted something for the Night Owls. I left it up for a few hours. I copied and pasted it to Carol. If I offended anyone please know that was not my intentions. I do apologize for any confusion my words may have caused. I work a tiresome job, then I spend my free time with animal rescue and on top of it I have aging parents with health issues. I need 25 hours a day I swear to get my brain out of the fog and comprehend one written blog in particular.I would now like to take my foot out of my mouth and the foot someone put up my arse.:0)

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  48. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BARBARA/WA!!

    EBJ Great blog! Happy Birthday to Paula!

    iteach Good for you, being first today.

    LynnD Your beautiful post made me cry.

    I used to have 40 cats. Yes, that's right. They started out as feral kittens but I could never find enough homes so I ended up with 40. The city gave me a permit to have them. I only have 3 old cats now. Ages 16 through 18 yrs. I loved all the cats but some more than others. Some just had so much personality, they were just especially endearing.

    I think, though, that I will write about the first doberman I ever had. Her name was Holly and she was the greatest, most protective and loving dog. And very smart.

    One early morning, unbeknownst to me, my little toddler son climbed out of his crib and managed to open the front door and go outside. I was awakened by the phone when my neighbor across the street called to tell me that there was no problem but my son, in his footy pajamas and droopy diaper butt, and the dog were in the front yard. She had been watching them and was amazed that every time my son went near the sidewallk, the dog would go in front of him, blocking him with her body. She would then walk sideways, forcing him across the lawn, moving him close to the house.

    She also demonstrated this "herding" behavior when a bunch of baby chicks came under the fence into our backyard. She would literally herd them. She would get so upset if one became a straggler and was peeping in alarm. She would push the chick with her nose until she got it caught up to the rest of the group.

    God, I loved that dog. I had to have her put down when she was 11 yrs old due to cancer. It was one of the saddest days of my life.

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  49. OMG! My friend Sandra gave me a card made with rice paper and elephant pooh! And it's soooo pretty! But hilarious! Maybe I should say "Butt" hilarious!

    I will take a pic tonight after I get home from dinn-dinn and post it on myspace.

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  50. Barbara At least elephants don't eat meat, thank goodness! LOL

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  51. Goldie~ I'm with you~

    Draco was the dog I never wanted~ I'm so not a dog person. We didn't have them growing up....and I was afraid of them anyway. But my hubby and kids wanted one very badly. Draco was 2 yrs old when we got him. The previous owners were moving and couldn't take him with them. Thank God! That poor thing must have been beaten. It took a long time before Draco would not shrink back in fear if you reached out to pet him. He was so good with my kids and my daughter and hubby loved him the most. He was so gentle and never barked. Toward the end, his heart started failing. He was losing strength in his legs and couldn't move around very well at all. We finally decided to let him go and we allowed my daughter to stay home from school the day we took him to the vet. She spent the night sleeping in the family room with him and when she couldn't sleep, she made a bulletin board with pictures of Draco that I printed for her. She went with us to the vet, but stayed in the car (thank God!) Hubby didn't do very well at all...I have never seen him cry before or since. I think that was the hardest part for me. I'm just happy that Draco is running in the green, wildflower-filled fields with all the others that have gone before him~ :)

    Thanks for a wonderful blog, EBJ~

    Congrats on 1st iteach~

    AmicussHo~ I'm so sorry for calling you that horrible name. I truly don't know what came over me! I regret any discomfort it may have caused you! Please accept my heartfelt apology~ I do so love you, my dear friend AmicussHo~ :)~
    (I've missed your wit!) :D

    Dearest Carol~ Please see the above apology and consider letting me stay~ :)~

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  52. freaking mother of pearl~

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BARBARA~

    and to you too, Paula~ :)~

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  53. Tina It's just like you to be hear in time for 69! :)

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  54. LMAO at Tina sneaking in a little 69!

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  55. Um, I meant "here" not "hear". :)

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  56. Tina Does your hubby know how much action he's missing? LOL

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  57. Jodi and Goldie: I love New Glaris too! I always stop at the Bargin Nook (as they have great deals there)! I LOVE Spotted Cow beer (and I don't usually like beer)! I think a tour of the factory would be a fun thing to do (we drove past it on the way home from the Cave of the Mounds and the teachers were saying that next year we should tour it)! LOL!

    OMG! I'll pass on the pool! YIKES! (Unless I am just a spectator)! Yes, Katie is 12 and I am sure she would get along great with your 13 year old!

    Bon'o: I laughed at your cat waking you up! Ours does the same thing! (Forget about "sleeping in" on the weekends too)! If I ignore him, I think he bites the dogs because then they get up and really won't allow me to sleep!

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  58. lol J/L~ YES...he knows EXACTLY how much he's missing~

    Barb~ I should have saved that for you~ sorry~ :)~

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  59. Hi Everyone

    east bay j
    Your blog today was great, It is wonderful the love we have for our pets. Thanks for sending it to me and for sharing!

    amicus
    You are a riot. So Funny

    tina
    I will have to take a vote :O)

    iteach
    Congrats of first

    barbwa
    Happy Happy Birthday

    turtle
    I read your comment in area 51, you brought me to tears, I am glad you went ♥♥♥

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  60. JENNIFER - Totally a spectator, too!!! I just thought it would be fun to let the kids go swimming while we "shopped" or "sampled"!!!

    TINA - ITEACH thinks I should be the Social Director of the cult!!! :P

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  61. I have had one pet in my lifetime, Her name was Shiki and she was a lhasa apso. My mom had brought her when my dad's mom died, because my dad was so depressed she felt he needed something to cheer him up.

    I was 18yrs old at the time, Shiki lived a good life, she lived till she was 17yrs old. My dad took good care of her in her later yrs.

    I still miss her, and think of her all the time, we have her ashes and
    loads of pictures of her.

    I have never gotten a pet since Shiki as it was just to hard.

    ♥♥Shiki♥♥

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  62. Hi y'all

    I love the stories today you have kept me entertaines and at times in tears!

    I forgot to Happy Birthday Paula!

    The Chameleons my least favorite pets.

    When my youngest son was in kindergarten my cousin who was a science and math teacher decided that he needed some fun pets. She showed up one day with a glass aquarium with rock in the bottom and branches for climbing and a hot rock. Inside were 3 chameleons. Let's just say I was not thrilled or amused. My son however went crazy and I relented and let him keep them.

    Well those little buggers caused trouble all the time.

    My son had begged me to let him take them for show and tell. I talked to his teacher and she ok'd it. I told Mr. Lynn D that he would have to transfer the creepy crawlies to the tupperware container I had poked holes in for their trip to the school as I was not going to touch them. He said ok and that he would do it in the morning before he went to work.

    Well the next day dawned he left I got my son ready for school and the phone rang. It was Mr. Lynn D telling me he had forgotten to put the chameleons in the container for travel!! OK I am so not thrilled or happy at this point and I have to have the kids in the car and the damn Chameleons too with in 15 minutes. Crap!!!!

    I go and get my lovely bright yellow platex gloves that practically go to my elbows prepared to do battle. Let me just say as I caught the first one, I realized I had forgotten to take the damn lid off of the Tupperware! I am yelling at my 5 year old to get the lid off while running with my arms straight out. Imagine Peewee Herman and the snakes!!!! Yes I went through this 2 more times after finally catching them all. We did make it to the school and were only 10 minutes late! Show and tell went fine and the 5 year old was happy as can be.

    The other bad thing about these pets was their food! My cousin was keeping us in a constant supply of meal worms and crickets. There is nothing grosser than keeping meal worms in your fridge(keeps them cold and they move slow for the chameleons to slurp up).

    Well one thing, my cousin was staying with her Mom and Dad as she had been teaching overseas and finally came home for good and was looking to buy a house. Anyway she was living there at this time and we would drive down every couple of weeks and pick up meal worms etc.. from her.

    We showed up one Saturday and she told us to hang on while she was finishing a phone call. So we sat down at the kitchen table to talk to my Uncle he was having his breakfast. He asked if any of us wanted a bowl of cereal and we all said no we were fine. My cousin got off the phone and said I'll grab the meal worms. I watched as she walked to a kitchen cupboard and took out a raisin bran box and she handed it to me. Well I was confused and told her I did not want any cereal. She looked at me and said this is not for you it has the meal worms in it. I hatch new ones this way.

    Well my Uncles head whipped up mid slurp from his cereal bowl and his face got all red! The light bulb went on for me and my stomach turned! Then I started LMAO. I asked my Uncle what kind of cereal are you eating?? He looked at me and said Raisin Bran. My cousin got a horrified look on her face and said Dad I thought you knew the meal worms were in here. He started cussing and asking how the hell he was supposed to know that and why in the hell would she put the box in the cupboard?? I wondered that myself but I kept laughing! His parting words were I thought that cereal was awfully chewy.

    All for some damn chameleons! By the way she convinced me that they would only last 2 years or so, short life span and all that! Not these oh no!!! They lived 7 damn years. I chased them through the house when they would escape, I cleaned out there damn aquarium and I never got used to them as pets!

    I am ROFLMAO just remembering all of this!

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  63. I have decided to get a new computer, my computer is 4yrs old, and I just don't think its worth getting it fixed.

    I have a flat screen monitor that works fine, and a good printer, so I just have to buy the computer.

    I am going to call HP when I get home tonite and see what they can offer me.

    See, when I think I always choose the more expensive way of doing things.

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  64. Oh crap I even proof read and I still have spelling errors!

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  65. I forgot to say

    Happy Birthday to Paula

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  66. Dreama
    I have the msg you sent to me, I did not forward as I noticed yesterday you left a comment here in the nest and it seemed to be the same as the msg you sent me. So I am sure the owls saw it. Thanks for sending it to me and posting the comment

    However if anyone wants it I will surely be glad to forward it. Just let me know.

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  67. HodiHo~ you would be an awesome Social Director~ :)

    Carol~ ha-ha-ha....hey...that's not funny....no voting!! :)~

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  68. LYNN D - Luv the chameleon story!!! Your poor Uncle.....kinda chewy....ewwww!!!

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  69. Hi Everybody!
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY BARB/WA!!

    EBJ: The first pet my family owned was a chihuahua named Chico. My folks got him when they were first married. He was a grouchy little guy, and very protective of my mom. Maybe that's why my parents didn't have children for five years! ;)

    When we moved to Arizona, my mom decided Chico needed a friend, so they bought a German Shephard! Her name was Lobo. I remember my mom putting the dishes of food down for them, a small one for Chico and a bigger one for Lobo. Chico always ate out of Bo's dish, and she LET HIM!! It was so funny to watch. Mom finally got two dishes the same size. Chico lived to be 18 and Bo to 9.

    My mom was so heartbroken over losing first one dog, then the other, that she said "No more dogs"..until my sister found a four week old Husky mix in a garbage can..and brought her home. Mom must have loved the "O" names, cuz she named her Poko. We almost lost her that first night, as she was so dehydrated. But the vet met my folks at the office at 1 am and she was given fluids and pulled through. Poko lived to be 14. I think she would have lived longer, but after my dad died she went into mourning and stopped eating and drinking. The same vet that saved her life had to come to the house to put her down.

    My Aunt DeeDee decided that my mom needed another dog and brought Max. A Staffordshire Terrier. He was the gentle giant..the sweetest dog ever.

    I would like to be able to write about Mr. Z's and my dog Remmy, but the tears are already flowing just thinking about him. I miss him so much. So I'll spare you all that.

    Now we have Nikki...she is a crazy goof..and fits into our household perfectly.

    One last thing, this is for TINA..my first pet was Chico and my first home was on Cascade Road..so my HO name is Chico Cascade..not bad, is it?? ;)

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  70. CAROL - BTW......I think you know what my vote is.....but officially here it is...LET HER STAY!!! At least I can believe what comes out of her mouth. :P

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  71. jodi
    I will put a yah next to your name,
    now about what comes out of her mouth, well lets just leave that to our owl imagination :O)

    BTW...I am yah too...

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  72. ZONA - I didn't see you there!!! How is your evening?

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  73. mek
    Are you preparing dinner?

    Did your phone just ring?

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  74. mek
    I think someone is knocking on your door................

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  75. Jodi
    Now since I shared the 100 with you, I think you owe me some potato salad!

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  76. CAROL - I would be honored to make potato salad for you!!! I'll tell you what I told TURTLE......I'll even hand deliver it just as soon as my Powerball numbers hit!!! I would so be right there!!!

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  77. JODI: HI! Not to bad..slight headache..nothing major. What's this about you being Social Director??

    CPGEM: Congrats on 100! Do you need the neosporin??

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  78. jodi
    Thanks...and when your powerball numbers come in, I would also like a new car, Thanks Again :O)

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  79. zona
    No, I am fine, Jodi is easy!!
    Its mek that beats the crap out of me.

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  80. LOL - IBB called me - SO, I was really on the phone - still am!!

    BRB..

    hugs - and great march!!! LOL

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  81. CAROL.......hellooooooo!!!! I'm right here and you're calling me names? Isn't this the person that just promised you potato salad? I was just going to ask you what color car you wanted.....now I'm not so sure. Where can I file that complaint?!!? ;)

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  82. Time for me to get going.....AI is coming on soon!!!

    I'll catch the late night HOoters when I get up for work. Luv U Guys!!!

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  83. jodi
    Well that is easy, With the complaint department...

    Just not sure where that is just yet!

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  84. I am going home...

    I will check back later...

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  85. Lynn D: How dare you not have loved those reptiles!!

    Did you forget:

    Karma, karma, karma, karma, karma Chameleons...

    ROFLMAO!

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  86. Happy Birthday Barb! I have not had time to read the comments and barely skimmed the blog! sorry!

    I have never really had too many pets as an adult! Growing up, we had a black lab named "Poochie" lol
    That dog was SO sweet..He would catch bees in his mouth to keep my mom from getting stung as she hung out clothes on the line outside!:)

    I have been on the phone with Jeff..Remember last week he was in the Oprah audience! TODAY, he met Bobby(our husband we share-lmao) and Jamie Deen! YES, Paula's boys!! OMG! lol
    He emailed me a pic and I cropped it for him..It's his default on myspace!

    http://www.myspace.com/cowboylatte

    Idol is on..be back later hopefully!

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  87. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  88. ROFLMAO@whabbear

    I'd love to see you sing/perform that in Boy George get-up at our BABBQ! hehe

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  89. Turtle thinks that when JodiHO makes those powerball numbers come to life, she needs to rent a plane, gather the crackwhores, Ho's, and the rest of the owls pile them into first class and fly them to the islands. Then you would pick my ass up and we would do a European trip via Australia.

    Of course she would still need to make potato salad on each leg of the flights!

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  90. For lovers of Oz, Rainbow and/or IDOL~~Rumor has it Jason sings 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' tonight....having trouble hearing that in my head...guess we'll see.

    And no eliminations 'til next week, right?

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  91. Flying by again!

    I don't quite know what the vote is for so I abstain!

    Whabby: I never hurt those little lizards ever! We had an uneasy truce those 7 years. I did provide shelter and food! LOL

    So my Karma karma karmeleon should be ok!

    Carol sorry about the computer but hey a new improved model will be fantastic!

    Kgirl: Was happy to read that you did go to see your Auntie. I know you made her day.

    Zona: The pecker was back today and I took your advice and started shouting go away pecker out the window! LOL I don't know what the neighbors are thinking.

    AmicussHo: That is a term of endearment from whoretina. Kind of like AmicussHOney! LOL

    Hope everyone is having a fantastic evening!

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  92. I can't believer my OWN sister made me miss a march!! LOL but - it was SO good talking to her - now - she is watching Idol..

    Bono - maybe IBB can give us a heads up!!

    Tina - when I saw Draco's name, tears started to flow before I even read your note - I, still to this day, do not understand why his passing has had this much effect on me!!!!!!

    I have loved reading everyone's stories today - I have remembered ALL of my past pets - and the happy memories they have given me.. SO - EBJ - thank you for the HAPPY DAY!!! :-)

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  93. Bono - our cats not only look alike, but I think they are related.. My K.C. will jump on the bed - run right up my torso and paw me - ever so gently - in the face letting me know it's time to get up - if i pretend to still be asleep - she will keep it up until I open my eyes!! AND - she almost looks to be smiling!! :-)

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  94. MEK & BON - Idol was great - you do not want to miss it!!!

    CAROL - Just kidding.....kinda fun being called easy!!! How do you think I bagged my hubby?!!? :P

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  95. There isn't a day that goes by when I don't miss my sweet little Checkers. I can't believe he has been gone for over two months. My house is so empty now. EBJ - I know how hard it is to care for sick, elderly kitty, but it shows how much we love them. Enjoy every moment you have with your Princess.

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  96. TINA - I hereby nominate you for VP of the cult!!!

    ZONA - My Ho name is...get this....Fuzzy Jefferson!!! Just thought I'd share!! :P

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  97. CGIRL - I know this must have been a hard blog for you. The passing of Checkers is still really recent. ((((HUGS))) to you HOT NANA!!!

    TINA - I remember when you lost Draco - as much as you denied it - I could tell he was in your heart. Luv U.....mean it!!

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  98. LYNN D - I'm sure the neighbors think you're off your freakin' rocker yelling at that pecker!!! LOL!!

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  99. TURTLE - If I am ever blessed with winning - that would be THEE thing I would do!!! What a freakin' "hoot" that would be.....and some par-tay!!! SWAK - just cuz. :P

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  100. Hi Everyone!

    Howzit? (did I get it right Turtle?)

    Wonderful Blog today EBJ about pets.

    As a child, we never we had pets. My grandmother who raised me was very allergic to cats, dogs, etc. I tried a few goldfish, they died.

    So, I decided to wait until I moved out of the house.

    When my husband and I married and moved to a very small town called Willow Creek in Northern California (almost to Oregon) we found a kitty just wandering around. We are up in the mountains, the Trinity to be exact, and who knows what this poor kitty has been through.

    So we took him in. We named him Ziegfreid. I know, weird name, but we just called him Zig. This is definitely a kitty with 9 lives! He fell into a pot of hot (not boiling water), we just dried him off, didn't even think about cold water back then! Another time he crawled under the hot oil stove we had, and we had to rescue him, a few burns, a visit to the local vet, but he survived. Then, one day we were driving around our little town, stopped at the local tiny grocery store (this was 1971, mind you) and went about our shopping. We heard someone say, "There is a kitty out here with lots of oil all over him, anyone know about it?" Yes, I know this sounds very back woods, but it was back then!

    So of course I went out to check it out, and there was our Ziggy, (or Zig, depending on what we called him at the time)

    Zig defied the odds a several more times, and unfortunately came down with leukemia, long before they had a cure.

    But, before he passed, we got another little kitty (female) named her Francesca, who we called Francie.

    Now by this time Zig was a BIG male cat. He could have eaten her for dinner! But what did he do? (I think he was a type of transgendered cat) he took her under his paw, licked her, and was just the perfect Mom/Dad cat. They had the most awesome relationship! I have pictures to prove it!!

    That is just one story. I have many. But that one just sticks out in my mind because it was so special.

    Francie also passed, and then we moved to Santa Rosa. No more cats because we were renting.

    After my husband died, we ended up buying the same house, so we got another cat. (us girls were cat people!) His name was Zach, he too had 9 lives. But I won't bore you with all the details. Way too many!Actually, he could have been Ziggy re-incarnated!

    We got Zach right after my husband died, and he was the best thing for all the girls. I think they loved him so much because they missed their father so much! They put all their love into this cat.

    When he eventually passsed, I think the girls cried more for Zach than they did for their Dad. But, as I think back, I think they put all the pent up feelings they had for their Dad into the emotions they were feeling for Zach. He was a great cat!!! I miss him the most!

    Then, we got two more kitties, Molly and another Francesca. Yes she was Francie too! But this one had ATTITUDE! Oh my, you would swear she had cat PMS 30 days a month! (although she was fixed).
    She ran our home for seven wonderful years.

    Molly was another stray, and the most sweet cat you could ever have. I called her "Molly McButterscotch" Remember the syrup, or was it margarine?

    Then my middle daughter moved and took her with her, since she was the one who had found her she felt that Molly belonged to her. Well, disaster. She had moved to an apartment building, and Molly just didn't understand, strayed away, and she was gone. I still miss her!

    Now we come to the last of the kitties in our life. His name was Romeo. He was such a lover as a little kitten! But,as he grew, he became agressive, mean, and would actually attack my grandchildren!

    I took him to the most wonderful vet, and they decided he had an "imbalance" in his brain. So, they put him on kitty Prozac. Didn't work. He was just a very unhappy adult cat.

    After several vet visits, we came to the conclusion that he needed to be put down. He always LOVED Laurie, she was the only one he would act normally around, but one day, she reached out to rub him and he attacked her! That was the answer we needed.

    So, since then, we have had no other pets.

    Now though, I am thinking about getting a small dog (I still love kitties, but Laurie and I have been diagnosed with kitty allergies) and I think a small dog, like a Maltese or a mix of Maltese/Poodle will work for us.

    I have been thinking about this for almost a year! I just haven't made the commitment!

    But, now, with her surgery coming up, I think that after the surgery, we will get our doggie!

    I am so sorry this was so long, but when EBJ posted this blog, it brought back so many memories!

    Love to all, DonnaJean

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  101. Hi DONNA JEAN - great to see you in here tonight!!! Love all your kitty stories!! I hope you and Laurie have a great night. :D

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  102. *****Breaking News******

    jodi Is Easy :O)

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  103. *******Breaking News********

    For real this time...

    ♪♪ Happy Dance ♪♪

    I just bought and brand spankin new
    HP Pavilion....

    ♪♪ Happy Dance ♪♪

    It would have cost me $250.00 to fix this computer and there was no
    guarantee it would have been fixed

    New computer $379.00...

    It will arrive around 4/21...

    So in the meantime, I just need to find the patience to work with this one...

    ♪♪ Happy Dance ♪♪

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  104. CAROL - Have I told ya today that I luv ya?!!? That tickled me almost as much as TINA's Attn: KMart Shoppers do!!! Thanks and have a great night!!! :P

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  105. CAROL - I think your breaking news warrants a This Owls Says!!!

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  106. Jodi
    Than it shall be tomorrows "night owl says"....

    Actually works out perfect as I don't have to look for one :O)

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  107. good evening owlettes...
    Idol was very good this evening..
    and yes Jason sings Over The Rainbow...The new Isreal something version!!!I will let you form your own opinion .. Iwould love to hear what everyone thought of it...

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  108. IBB - I loved it!!! That version has become my favorite!!! Little David impressed me, as did Kristy for the first time. Have a great night - time for me to get to bed.

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  109. Jodi--
    I think I liked Kristy best tonight!!

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  110. IBB - He just got finished and I was going to tell BONO that it was REALLY, REALLY good!!

    and - he sang my FAVORITE version!!

    EXCELLENT!!!! it's 18 minutes into it!!

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  111. Jodi--
    I mean little david was good ... big david .. I didn't get...

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  112. cowboy chick is up next!!
    now, commercials!!

    Jodi - I have LOVED that version ever since ER - but we talked about that the other day!!

    :-)

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  113. MEK---
    I have it taped.. I will go watch again... was cleaning up from dinner half way into it...

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  114. Hi everyone!

    Oh man, I never imagined the awesome stories that have been shared! I've absolutely loved reading them, crying over some of them, and just smiling.

    And Poe is in the background, being his noisy self, yelling at himself to SHUT UP! (That is one of his favorite things to say, usually to me when I'm on the phone!).

    He is so sassy. Funny thing, his "foster dad" told us that Poe didn't talk, all he did was immitate the sound of the sprinkler, and whistle the Andy Griffith theme.

    He was shocked when I called him a month later and told him all the things he was saying, including the 4-letter words!

    He also whistles parts of the Addams Family theme song, and We're off to see the Wizard.

    The princess just got her first nightly brushing by me, then my huz brushes her again when he goes in to take a shower. I brush her again, when we get into bed.

    Tonight is fluid night, so we have that warming up on a heating pad. She seems to tolerate it much better if it is warm.

    Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes, Paula says MEOW and PURRR to you! She and Poe are looking forward to meeting some of you in August!

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  115. Awesome Carol! Good decision..didn't realize you could get an HP for such an affordable price!!

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  116. IBB - Big David was like....huh? What? I totally didn't get him tonight.

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  117. IBB~~Just came back. Thanks for the teaser! Half hour 'til IDOL....then Denny Crane :o) ....my goal is to do chores during every commercial. We'll see.

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  118. Good night HOoters!!! It's about an hour and a half past my bed time.....and I need my beauty rest!!!

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  119. Wooo Hoooo - got 150 without even trying!!!

    BON - Waving a wing at you on the way to bed!!! Muah!!

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  120. OMG - country girl just sang one of MY FAVORITE songs and it ALWAYS makes me cry - had it on my myspace page forever - If she goes out this week - she goes out on the HIGHEST performance!!! She gave me goose bumps and tears!!

    AND - Simon was VERY nice to her!!

    Sorry - K'girl- I hope I'm not giving away any spoilers - but you HAVE to watch tonight!!!

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  121. jodiHodi~ thanks...I'll take VP!!! goodnight you old ho~ :)~

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  122. Zona~ I'm Cheech Donnybrook! :)~ That's lame! :D

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  123. Nite, Jodi...have a good tomorrow!

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  124. MEK~ don't cry.....he's happy now~ :)

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  125. AND who was that crackwhore who got 100????? :)~

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  126. Tina- I know - it just really gets to me!!!!!! probably cuz I am about to have to make that same decision!! :-(

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  127. Mek~ Ugh~ don't do it alone~ I'm so sorry~

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  128. Tina- they all got together and had IBB call me, so I missed the march.. carol got it!!!

    carol, congrats on the new computer!!

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  129. I believe that Cook sang this song for his brother that has cancer. That's my take..

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  130. I knew Tina was doing her own march - so I backed off!!

    :-)

    I love the one liners!! AND trust me- I will NOT go alone - i would NEVER get myself home!!!

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  131. MEK~~No worries about spoilers here. I enjoy hearing your thoughts so I know what to watch for. So our Oregon country girl was ok?

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  132. BONO - country girl was FANTASTIC!!

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  133. LynnD: Another great story! OMG! I was laughing about the meal-worms! ICK! Your Uncle may have done well on Fear Factor! (Is that show still on?...I could never watch it)!

    Whabbear: GROAN on the Culture Club song! LOL@Joey's remark of you singing in Boy George gear!

    DonnaJean: Love the cat stories. I too lost a cat to feline leukemia (and he was a sweet male too). My black cat I had (who bit and attacked people) also had an "imbalance" had was on Prozac too! It didn't work for him either.

    Turtle: I LOVE your idea about the plane (first class and all) and all of us flying to Hawaii and then to Europe! I'm there (even though I have NEVER flown in my LIFE)! Yes...it's true! (Ever seen the movie "French Kiss" with Meg Ryan and when she is taking a "simulated" flight to get her used to flying? That would be me! I have always been afraid. I think what also scares me is the overwhelming size of the airports and not knowing what I am doing, etc.!

    Who knows, maybe I'll get on a plane someday and fly to Poland! ; )

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  134. LynnD~ forgot to tell you....loved this: AmicussHOney~ :)~

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  135. O.K.... do I tell my furbaby stories...

    Since I have had my own home I have had animals...we grew up with animals... always had a dog and a cat...
    well Mr ibb never had cats... didn't "like" them.. I said you never had one.. How do you know!!???
    He had shop cats at the golf course he worked at... and she had kittens.. I said we are getting one... Her name was Wednesday... she lived to 16... died of old age ... went off into the woods to die...

    Our dogs... right after we got married... he comes home with what I thought was a full grown beagle... well it was a coon hound puppy... Treeing Walker Coon Hound... she was a beauty...
    We named her Kayla.. This was 1989...
    a few monyhs later Mr. ibb's sister gave him a puppy for his birthday... he was a Border collie black lab mix... be looked like a tank of a border collie... cool dog...and if you Kayla... you have to have Patch..( Mr. IBB found out a year later that his dogs were named after a SOAP couple).. (HE WAS NOT PLEASED) Patch was 6 months old when Kayla went in heat for the first time... I told Mr Ibb to seperate them... he said .. he is only a puppy... but he was a man.... 2 months later we had the pitter patter of 8 little puppies ..... born in our bed... Mr. Ibb was home alone as I was at the CHER concert and got a hotel room in the city...
    whole nother story for a whole nother day..
    but I was not working at the time ... so I was home with 10 dogs every day... all day...
    I named them... I got attached to them all.... I kept 2... Ellie Mae picked me... she was the runt... she would be done eating first and would come curl up in my lap and groom after eating... and the Duke... he was classic hound dog... floppy ears and nose to the ground when he walked...
    So we had a very happy famliy for quite a few years...

    fast forward to 2000... Kayla got cancer... we lost her in june... she was so sick.. Mr.Ibb loved her so much.. he couldn't put her down... I finally made him see that she was suffering to much .. and we had to "do it " for HER... we made the appt. for monday morning... she passed in the living room on Sunday morning...sleeping beside Mr.Ibb... it was very hard... It broke my heart to see my husband with a broken heart.. and the loss of my baby girl... He had the hardest time with putting her in the ground... He just sobbed and sobbed... That was hard....She is at the top of my yard...
    That was july 2000 then in early Oct. 2000 was when my wednesday kitty went to the woods to die...Thanksgiving weekend 2000 I found My Tuesday kitty... (Pictures on My Space)
    Then June 2001..Ellie Mae got sick just like kayl... she went quick... got sick on friday late..and was gone sunday morning.... 6 weeks later MrIbb was missing his girls so bad we went and got Maggie Mae...Another Treeing Walker Coon Hound...
    2 weeks later my Patch died..He got sick on a thursday we got him to the vet the did xrays and he was full of cancer and had probably been hurting .. but never let on.. before Mr Ibb could get to pick him up He passed... so we have Duke Maggie Mae and Tuesday...
    Happy for a year...
    then Duke got sick... we took him to the vet left him for tests.. the Vet called and said ..we needed to come in and take care of him... he put us in a room with him.. just left us alone... played wonderful music... left for about 15 minutes... then came in... I held Duke in my arms while he gave the shot..
    I felt his head get heavy on my arm...
    he left alone with him for a few more moments... it was one of the hardest things I had done...
    I had just lost 5 kids in 2 years...( no mom should ever have to go through that )!!!

    sorry guys...
    They were the neetest family... when Kayla was sick they gave her the living room... the other 3 didn't come in for any reason... for the 2 months post-op(tumor removal)til she passed .. it took Ellie Mae 3 weeks before she came back in the living room...

    The Four dogs are all buried at the top of my property and each one has a beautiful flower planted their graves... i enjoy them every spring... but I miss my babies very much...

    I never thought i could love another dog like i loved my Duke... but a year later I met my GUS... and he has my heart strings and he pulls on them everyday... (Pictures On My S[ace)...
    I am sure this a novel by now... must proof before posting!!!

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  136. Idol - my favs tonight - were Jason and Country Girl!! heck, even in the review - they made me cry!!

    AND - here's a NEWS FLASH!!

    I gave up the opportunity to go to MEKAL's today - I must be SICK!! heck, I have a coupon, and most things are on sale for fifty percent off - and I said NO, I don't need anything!!

    Quick - call the EMT's!!

    :-)

    Bono - enjoy and the west coast, enjoy Idol!!!

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  137. IBB - I lived that with you and it made me cry ALL over again!!! and, YES, Gus is almost as cool as my Barney!! LOL...

    AND - IBB - you need to write a blog about your Cher night - I started laughing in the middle of crying - cuz i remember that!! LOL

    Okay - I am going to go watch the last hour of Biggest Loser!!

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  138. Hi DonnaJean- great kitty stories. My best to Miss Laurie~how is she doing?

    Happy dance indeed Carol! Nothing like a nice shiny new 'puter.

    Now, I have given this some thought. I believe I was the first to attest to jodi's potato salad abilities. It would have been easy for her to brag and not deliver the goods- but I have offically taste tested the recipe. Because of this, I believe that I am going to have to become her agent. So, any trips to deliver said salad will have to be arranged thru me and of course I will need to accompany Miss tater salad and her bowl of bliss. Just saying..

    EBJ- I would pay to watch that bird of yours in action! How does he feel about Paula? Hope Paula is doing ok tonight with her fluids.

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  139. uh.....I think the world as we know it is ending.....mek...did you say you DIDN'T go to a craft store? quick....someone get the thermometer!!!~ :)~

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  140. Oh, and I thought Kristie was pretty good on Idol and I don't care for her. And I liked Brooke too. David C not so much.

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  141. Happy Birthday Paula!!!

    Tina: Thank you for that sincere and heartfelt apology! *coughNOTcough* ;)~

    Cpgem: I vote to let her stay. :)

    Lynn: Too cute!!! :)

    I've been procrastinating all day on responding to this topic. There is nothing in life I'm more passionate about than pets, and normally, I could talk for hours about mine. But, the past couple of weeks have been emotionally draining, and I'm just not able to pour my heart into expressing my feelings for my pets. My mind is in a superficial zone right now, which is where I go when life becomes too serious. Hopefully, that makes sense and explains the joking I've been doing the past few days. :)

    I've enjoyed reading all of your pet stories, and since a love for pets is something so many of us share in common, I have no doubt I'll get another chance to share mine. :)

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  142. My goodness it was a novel...

    SORY!!!
    I could have gone on forever.. I love my babies.. I spoon feed them... there are rotten .. but behave very well...

    LynnD... Meals worms made me almost .. you know...eewwwwhhhh !!

    I love all the stories to day...I have gone through many tissues..!!!
    It is funny how so many people strung out all over 2 countries can be sooo much alike!!

    Love this place!!!!

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  143. Tina - YES, I said it out loud - I drove right by... Mr. MEK said - are we going there? and I said - NO, there's a cartridge I would like to get - but I have SO many and that's okay - and off we drove!! AND, I have NO regrets - that is the SICK part!!!!! Quick, check my forehead!!

    Goldie - you can bring some of that potato salad to AZ - you and Jodi could get here just about the time for 100 degrees!!!

    AND - GOldie - you CAN see Poe in action, if you come to the BBQ!!!

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  144. tina~ more shocking than MEK not going to the craft store is that I DID go to the craft store the other day!I had a coupon and everything! I was thinking of MEK the whole time I was aimlessly walking around in there.

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  145. Goldie--
    you need to bring brownies for dessert... after the tater salad...

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  146. Goldie - SO glad that I could enable you!!! LOL

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  147. Goldie - at EBJ - she is hosting the second annual BABBQ

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  148. IBB: Love your story (so sad you lost so many in so short of a time). That had to have been hard. : (

    It's amazing how we never think we can love again the way we had before, but those furry little bundles just capture our hearts!

    Well all, I am off to bed. I am so tired.

    I really enjoyed everyone's stories. Even those who don't have pets still have been "touched" in some way or another by the four legged "critters" that have crossed our paths.

    Barb....I forgot to wish you a happy birthday! Hope it was a great day for you!

    (Happy birthday to you as well Paula)!

    Nighty, night! My pugs gave up waiting for me and went off to bed already (I can hear them snoring from here...the other end of my house)!

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  149. where is cpgem!! Tina and MEK are in the house!!!

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  150. So - I see everyone is hiding now..

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