I spoke too soon about the weather. We went from the hot weather back to crappy weather overnight. I guess it really "is" Spring, but that's fine with me... I can deal with the 60's much better than the 80's (except in the 40's the other day with wind and rain.. yuck).

A dear, wonderful friend called me on the 27th. She came home from work to find her beautiful Dobie had lost the use of his back legs and control of his bowels. She called while she was sitting on the porch with him waiting for the vet to come. His front legs were starting to get rigid too. There was nothing that could be done for him, and he left for the Rainbow Bridge shortly after we spoke. Many of you know this extremely loving person through another format, but I'm not sure she wants her name posted here, so I will respect that, but I know she keeps up with Mike's blog, and I can't let this post go on without letting her know how sorry I am and how deeply I care about her. My heart is breaking for you girlfriend. You've been so supportive of Mike and Gidget and so many others. Just want to say I love you bunches. ((((Friend))))

Today is two weeks since my boy's been gone. I think I'm going to learn to hate Thursdays. I just miss him so much. When I'm at the computer, I keep looking down to the floor on the right side of my chair... thinking he'll be there... he "should" be there. But he's not.

I still haven't picked up his comforter off the floor... just can't make myself do it yet. I guess I'll know when I'm ready, but it's just not yet.

I left Gidget alone, loose, in the house for the first time today for about 45 minutes when I went out. She did great!! When I came in, it was wonderful having her meet me at the door (like Mike use to). I've got a conference tomorrow night and have to leave around 4:00. I won't get home until at least 10:00, so now I'm wondering if I should just leave her out while I'm gone.

I just realized something... just this minute. I think I want Gidget to have more freedom to stay loose when I go out because I miss Mike meeting me at the door. He'd be right there with his head popping through the door as I opened it... I'd pet him and ask him if anyone called or came over, and then we'd let Gidge out of her room. She stuck her little head out just like he did and didn't even try to run out. Yep... that's it... I mean I knew I missed him like crazy when I came home.. but not how much ... just seeing his beautiful face .. happy to see me. Man this really sucks.

Oh... I don't think I told you. Last week, when I went to work, there was an envelope in my box (where I put things that need to be done, and Joanne puts things she wants me to do). On the outside of the envelope it said, "I hate even giving this to you". Joanne was there, and I said "my bill right"? She said it was. I had no idea how much I owed her. I mean, after all, she came over 4 days in a row and gave him liquids, shots, did a complete senior work up panel for the lab work, and then (of course) euthanasia and cremation. I figured it out that if I had been taking him to any other vet (including the one we use to go to), it would have been well over $500. I couldn't believe it... she never charged for even one housecall (usually $30 each), only charged $2 for each bag of fluids, $5 each for the shots (I think there were three of them when he was throwing up)... the lab work was charged at what they charge her and so was the cremation, she charged $30 for the euthanasia (but that was just enough to cover the vet tech that was with her... so actually she didn't charge me at all for it). All total, it came to (wait till you see this)... $194. And she put a note on the invoice that said "you can pay this in several smaller payments from your check". OMG... how did I ever get so lucky. She's unbelievable. I know God is holding a special place in Heaven for her.

Tomorrow is Friday already. I can't believe how fast time seems to be moving. The older I get, the faster it flies. I guess that's the way life goes huh?
I hope everyone has a wonderful, happy and healthy weekend.

Love & Blessings