*hug* You have my deepest sympathies my friend. No shower is safe with those contemptible Russians on the prowl! My jokes aside, I know all to well the pain of loss when it comes to pups and just how human they can act. I think the greatest disservice we can give them is the "Stupid dog" moniker. Any animal adapts to its surroundings and dogs are very intelligent! We can teach them tricks through training so why is it such a stretch to imagine that they can learn by observation? Heck our dogs will go to the bathroom more often than not to mess, and if they don't, it's in front of the back door where they normally go out. (of course that isn't to say they are put into situations where they have "accidents" often, but every now and again someone feels upset in the stomach or someone misses a cue) If you ever need someone to talk to after your loss, please don't be a stranger. I'm just glad you had so many good memories with her and that you were there when the friend flaked out. She had a good life and was cared for by someone who loved her, instead of being shipped off at random.

Thank you J... it's all good. You just find yourself seeing things that remind you and so long as it gives you a smile then it's OK...

V.

Agreed! That's a very good outlook to have!

It's always hard to let go. When I lost my Australian Cattle Dog Pixie, five years ago, I couldn't bring myself to post a notice until it was no longer worthwhile.

Whenever I leave the house, I always remind Lady Camilla, "Don't pee on the floor, don't poo on the ceiling, and don't eat the couch." Not to worry though, Cami's the least destructive and best house-trained dog I ever had.

*hugs....

V.

Boofers....180 lbs of Rottie that thought he was a lap dog.
And you're right, that look....."While you were out, somebody shit in the hallway."

It's been a little over seven years and I still miss that big goofy bastard.
Currently we have a rescue named Ducky.
His momma had to go to a hospice in Dallas.

I like to think of him as our "Autonomous cat vomit retrieval system."
Squeaky, our 15 year old Calico will gorge herself on kitty crunchies then go upstairs and yark.
No problem, 20 minutes later it's all gone.

Bunners

you made me laugh and I had to read your comment to my coworker...

V.

Excellent, despite our losses, we can still find things to laugh at.

Bunners

so very true...

V.

I met a female Rottie a guy in a neighboring town rescued when he was reporting on Katrina. Trina was the biggest female Rottweiler I've ever seen, 130+ pounds of sleek shiny muscle. She was a sweetie, loved kids and even rescued a missing little girl without being asked.

:'-(

*hugs...

V.

Had a few pets in my day, miss 'em all. Hope to have another one someday.

When my heart is ready.

*hugs*

I know the feeling. Dogs are very special creatures.

The very first dog I had was a retired racing greyhound we adopted back when I turned 14. She was a wonderful and very unique dog who brought us a lot of happy moments, and she was our first introduction to the breed. My family and I have had a thing for greyhounds ever since. She was also very protective and tended to have a bad attitude toward certain strangers. Very unusual for a greyhound. My mom was especially attached to her, and she was her constant companion. It was a huge loss for us when she died, and especially for my mom. She literally cried for a year. They really do become a member of your family.

oh very much so... they are family...

I knew a gal who was working a Greyhound rescue league down here - years ago.

V.

ever vigilant... ever washing out between your toes...

heeheehee...

V.

well God bless you Sirius... we're on hiatus from the volunteer work until Gloria gets her knee fixed. Since she can't walk, I've pretty much been doing double duty.

V.