Boy, what a trip it's been the last few days. I don't know how much I told you about my getting fatigued all the time and the cramping in my legs (top of the thighs) when I walk, but I had blood work done, and it all came out fine. I went to the doctor on Thursday to see what else he could figure out as to why this has been happening. He asked me a few questions and then checked my abdominal area He sent me for a Doppler... he was afraid I might have an aortic aneurysm. He was also going to do a Doppler of my legs. I was going to go right from his office for the test, but there was no tech on duty, and I had to work on Friday, so (because of the holiday) I made an appointment for Tuesday.

One of the dumbest things I have ever done was to Google Aortic Aneurysm. I mean... I know what and where the aorta is, and my Mom died from a brain aneurysm, so I knew what that was too... but I Googled it anyway. I was ok until I started watching a video of one bursting.... then I had to shut it off... couldn't watch it anymore. I called the doctor's office and had them set up an appointment for me on Friday and called my boss and told her I wouldn't be in until later in the afternoon. I tell ya what... I'm not afraid of dying, and I know if I had one and it burst that it would be instant death, so I wouldn't feel anything, but the dumbest thoughts kept jumping in to my mind. My son is coming to visit on the 3rd... I was thinking that I wouldn't get the house cleaned up and the carpet cleaned (smells like dogs in here.. especially when the doors are closed for awhile)... I was thinking about who would take care of Gidget when I was in the hospital (I know Karol would come over but I wouldn't want her to do it for free... and I have no money to offer her).... I was wondering about who would take care of me when I got home. I'll tell ya... most people worry about the diagnosis... I'm concerned about the little stuff. The only big thing that I was pissed off about was... I lost track at 32 surgeries, and I REALLY don't want another one.

So, Friday I went for the Doppler. The tech, of course, is not allowed to tell you what they see... but thank God, this tech was so sweet. She said, "Since it's a holiday weekend, I know you probably won't hear from your doctor until at least Tuesday, and I don't want you to be worried about this all weekend. I'll tell you... I don't see an aneurysm." All I could say was... "Praise God!! Thank You Jesus!!". She told me to act surprised when he told me. Of course I would.. I sure wouldn't want to get her in trouble.

When she did the Doppler on the legs though, she said she did see plaque in the arteries there which was probably causing the leg cramps. She didn't tell me how bad they were, so I'm not sure what the next step is. I won't know until I talk with him. I'm praying it's something that can be cleared up with medication, so I don't have to go through another surgery. As of yesterday though, my legs have gotten worse. I'm not going to church today because just walking from the parking lot to the church is too much for them. I took my aunt to the grocery store yesterday and waited in the car for her. When I got her home and helped her get her things in the house, they cramped up almost immediately just for the short time I was moving. This is NOT good.... BUT... THERE'S NO ANEURYSM!!!!! (Hoorrrayyyy and clapping my hands).

Miss Gidget is doing well. She just loves being outside. We've been going out everyday to just enjoy this beautiful weather for at least an hour or so. I told Joanne about how bad she was at the park. She gave me a Gentle Leader to try on her. I was going to try it yesterday while walking in the back yard, but she wouldn't let me get near her with it. I probably (with a little patience) could have gotten it on her, but the kids next door came running over when they saw her, so that ended that. We'll try it again maybe later or at least tomorrow.

Oh... by the way... I talked to Joanne about Mikey and the "HCE"... seems it's HGE.. meaning Hemoragic Gastroenteritis... long name for "bloody diarrhea". BUT... the next day... my brother took a stool to the vet, and they said he had "hook worms". Hummmm... now why would they not have done a fecal first???? Joanne said they should have been doing fecals all along since they got him... especially since they got him at PetLand, and those dogs are not known to be the healthiest. She also said they could be Whip Worms instead, and if they were, they could have been in his system since he was born and just now coming to adulthood where they'd be noticeable. She said they don't lay eggs often, and dogs should be treated regularly with Panacur to stop the eggs from growing. I haven't talked to Joe and Marilyn about this yet, but I'll see them today and tell them.

Ok... enough for now. I hope everyone has a happy and healthy Memorial Day!!!

Love & Blessings
Joanna, Angel Mike and Gidget

I can't believe it's the 19th already. My gosh... the older I get... the faster time goes by. It's like I took a nap for 20 minutes and woke up a week later. Go figure.

Little Miss Gidget and I went to the park yesterday. Oh man... talk about an experience. We've gone to the park before without incident, but at those times we were lucky there were no other dogs on the bike path where we walked. Yesterday, however, was a different story. It was a beautiful day and lots of people walking their dogs on the path.

Gidget was great walking across the big grassy areas and even good on the path... UNTIL... someone started walking toward us with a dog. God forbid... another dog on HER PATH???? NO WAY!!! She didn't care how big they were and never considered the fact that if any of those dogs were aggressive she could have been torn to shreds. She just took over and pulled, barked, yelled at those monster dogs to get off her path. The path was only about 5 feet wide, so I had to hang on for dear life to try to keep her close to "our" side. The first dog she tried to attack was a Mastiff of all things. That big boy was big enough for me to ride from here to Minnesota... but did Gidget care? Heck no! There were maybe five or six dogs sharing "her" path, and she didn't stop barking or pulling until they were completely out of sight, and she "scared" them away. Oh my gosh... she is DEFINITELY no Mike, that's for sure. Mike would have been too busy sniffing to even "care" if there was another dog there. He was such a great guy. God, I miss him.

It's going to be a long summer if I can't just go to the park and enjoy nature. And of course when I go, I'd feel guilty if I had to leave her home... I can't afford to take her to obedience school. Besides, she'd probably try to take over the class even if she did go. Guess I'm going to have to search the web for online help.

Mikey, my brother's dog, still has blood in his stool. I don't think it's draining out (the blood by itself) like it was, but he's still having problems. The vet told Marilyn they think it's "HCE"... whatever the heck that is. He said he's seen other dogs that have it, but he never said what it is or how successful treatment is. As far as I know right now, he's on anti-biodics. I just think it's strange that he couldn't explain it hardly at all. He did say though that it's not contagious, and little Chloe (the Papillon puppy) wasn't in danger of getting it. I've searched the internet and (of course) nothing comes up about it. Either it's something new or they just put a label on it to make it sound like they know what it is. Who knows? I just hope Mikey gets better in a hurry and doesn't have a recurrence of it.

Ok... gotta get ready for work. I hope everyone has a wonderful day.

Take Care and God Bless

Amy said...

Jo,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of sweet Mike. I know your heart is broken and there is nothing I can say to make it better. But please know that I am so very sorry for your loss.

Amy
Amysgh7

May 6, 2009 1:24 PM


Hi Amy...

I'm so sorry I missed your post the other day. Thank you so much for your heartfelt message. I know you understand, and I'm so grateful for your love and caring. You've been such strength for your Mom that I feel I know you already, and I'm so proud of all you do to keep her going while doing something wonderful for yourself. I'm really proud of your achievements.

Love & Blessings


Cindy said...

Don't worry abt not getting the post on exactly the day u wanted--Mike knows how u feel, and just loves u as always.
What u wrote is so touching and beautiful-I pray I have my boys for many years to come, and I can write so beautifully when it's their time to go to RB.

I hope Mikey is OK--that has to be very worrisome with bleeding from the rectum.

Hugs, Cindy and the boyz

May 16, 2009 7:47 PM

Thanks Cindy... it was just odd because I "know" I saw that post on there the other day. Maybe it was Mike goofing off with heaven's internet again. LOL

Mikey is staying at the vet again tonight. I guess he still had some bloody stool this morning, and they're not quite sure what it might be. They said something about "HCE", but they didn't explain exactly what that was to Joe or Marilyn. The vet did say though that he has seen other dogs with this same thing, but they don't know how they get it. Sounds to me like they're just stumped. Still praying that he's ok.

Thanks for checking in on us and posting. You are such a great friend.

Sending loads of love and blessings to you and the boys!!!

Mike's Gotcha Day - May 14, 1997 - And Mike's Bridge Day

EDITING TO SAY... I DON'T KNOW WHY, BUT I POSTED THIS AT 11:30 ON THE 13TH... FOR SOME REASON, JUST NOW, I LOOKED AND DIDN'T SEE IT ON THE BLOG... OH MAN... I SOMEHOW MISSED POSTING THIS ON MIKE'S GOTCHA DAY!!! I'M REALLY UPSET... SOOOOOO NOW... I WILL ADD THE NOTES FOR TODAY ON THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST SO YOU DON'T MISS IT ALL. IT IS NOW MAY 16TH AT 11:45 A.M.



Well tomorrow, May 14th, is Mike's "Gotcha Day". I don't know if I'll have a chance to post tomorrow since I have to be at work really early and don't know how long I'll be there, so I wanted to post this tonight.


Twelve years ago tomorrow, I saw my sweet boy's picture in the local suburban rag newspaper that comes out once a week. They sometimes put pictures in there of dogs that need homes before they take them to the city kennel (for God knows what kind of ending). I was at work when I saw the picture, and at lunch time, I went to the kennel where they keep the dogs. It was love at first sight. I had met the guy who was tending the dogs (scheduled to go to the pound the next day). His name was Dan Nagy. I told Dan I wanted "Puff" (what a name huh?), but I had a 4 year old Grandson (Christopher) and wanted to make sure he was good with kids. So I asked Dan to "PLEASE" don't give him to anyone else until I come back after work with my Grandson. He said he couldn't promise, so get there as soon as I could, plus he was only going to be there until 5:00, and the dogs were going to the pound first thing in the morning.

Thank God my boss and his wife were both dog lovers, and when I came back from lunch they could see I was in love. They let me off work an hour and a half early so I had time to pick Chris up and go to the kennel.

When Chris and I got there, Dan was walking "Puff" and a husky collie mix (ironically named "Mike") on the property, and neither dog was on a leash. Both dogs came running up to us and (of course) it was love at first sight for "Puff" and Christopher too.

As we were petting them, something caught (big) Mike's eye, and he took off across Lorain Road... it's a horribly busy 5 lane road, and little "Puff" took off after him. It was a miracle that they got across without getting hit. We all gasped for air while we watched as both dogs (little and big) managed to zig zag across without getting hit. Dan was worried and said, "If anything happens to those dogs, it'll be my ass." Well... he should never have had them out without being leashed. As we stood there waiting for traffic to slow down so we could cross the street... "Mike" came running back to our side of the street, but little "Puff" was no where to be seen. I got hold of "Mike's" collar and led him to Dan, and I took a leash from him, and Chris and I carefully went across this busy street to see if we could find the little one.

Chris and I looked and looked... called him, "Puff.. here Puff... common boy"... nothing. We walked around the back of the restaurant that was there and through the car lot next door. Nothing. I was getting ready to head back across the street and told Chris, "Sweetie, if we don't find him, maybe we're not suppose to get him." My heart was breaking because I already loved him so much. Then Chris said, "Grandma... I hear him." "Where honey?" "I think from over there." And he pointed to the building toward the back of the property... sure enough, right on the corner of the building and their parking lot, was this adorable little white boy... looking so lost and sad. Chris wanted to run after him, but I stopped him and said, "no, let's just scootch down and call him to us." So that's what we did, and sure enough... "Puff" came running up to us. I can't begin to tell you how relieved I was.

"Puff" was giving both of us kisses all over our faces, and both of us laughed like crazy. We went back to where the car was, and I told Dan... "Definitely... I want him." I asked about his background. Dan told me a couple who was getting a divorce had dropped him off there a couple days earlier. Neither one wanted to keep him. He said (and the vet also said) he was about a year old. He was dirty and smelly... but he happily rode in the back seat with Chris. Oh my God... what a happy day... the best day of my life (right up there with the day my kids were born).

The day was cold, 50 degrees, windy and drizzling but still the happiest day I had had in years. I ended up in the hospital two days later with pneumonia, but he was worth it.

I took Chris home. Michelle went crazy for him. She couldn't wait to give him a bath, so, together, we put him in the tub and gave him his first bath. What joy that was... seriously. He was just so adorable... even totally soaked and looking like a drowned rat... he was already "My Boy"!!!

After we had finished bathing and playing at Michelle's for quite awhile, I took him home. Charlie was sound asleep on the couch. I let "Puff" off the leash, and he immediately ran up to Charlie and woke him up with millions of kisses all over his face. I had to laugh at the shock on Charlie's face. He had no idea I was even getting a dog, and to wake up with those kisses, well... I wish I had a camera.

I knew as soon as I saw him, that this dog was NOT a PUFF!!! He went through a couple of names... Libra (the name of my favorite dog in the past... a white border collie mix, Pugsly... a name Charlie tried, and a couple of others. But then Christopher said... "HIS NAME IS MIKE"!!! Well... Chris said it with such determination, and he looked like a MIKE and walked like a MIKE and acted like a MIKE... HIS NAME WAS MIKE! And it was the best name in the world for the best dog in the world.

I cannot even imagine anyone giving that beautiful boy up and just leaving him at the pound like that... especially knowing that if he didn't find a home, he would have gone to the city dog pound to be put to sleep. Even Joanne, when she came to help him go to the bridge, said, "how could anyone ever have given him up?" ... My answer? "I don't know... but they missed out on 13 beautiful years with the best dog in the world".

I know you can't read the caption in the newspaper that I've put up here, but the part that it reads for my boy reads as follows:

"A real charmer at the North Olmsted Animal Shelter this week. He's a West Highland Terrier named Puff. About one year old, 25 to 30 pounds, housebroken and looking for a wonderful home with people who will love and appreciate his gentle, sweet demeanor."

Well... they were 100% truthful in their description. A Charmer. Gentle. Sweet. And I "think" Mike got the home he was looking for. God knows we loved and appreciated him more than anyone could ever imagine.

The last twelve years with him were so amazing. We were together through everything... good and bad... no matter what was going on, our love was always strong enough to get us through. And when times really got tough, and there was a chance at being homeless... I promised him we'd sleep in the car before I'd let anyone take him from me (since most places at that time wouldn't allow dogs). If they couldn't accept my dog, I wouldn't consider renting there no matter if it was affordable or not. They could have "given" me an apartment, but if Mike couldn't go with me... I didn't go either. Yep, we were a pair we were. I miss him so much. I can't begin to tell you how much.

If I wait another 45 minutes to post this, it will officially be his Gotcha Day, but I really have to get to bed, so this will have to do.

Happy Gotcha Day my love. I Thank God I saw the paper that day. I Thank God Chris was able to hear you next to that building. I Thank God we had twelve wonderful years together. I Thank God you never gave up on me. I Thank God you forgave me when I had to leave you at the vet's hospital. And I Thank God He brought us together and blessed me with your love. You were one of a kind buddy... my buddy, my pal, my friend, my love. I miss you big boy. You were the best.

*****

I can't understand what happened here. When I posted about Mike's Gotcha Day.. I check it and saw that it WAS posted. But now, when I came to post again ... it was gone. (wish they had icons on here... :-( )

Well... today is one month without my boy. It seems like forever, but then again it seems like just yesterday. I honestly don't know how I'm doing with all of this. I know it will take time, but I really don't want to go through it all... I just want him back.

Gidget is doing all right (I think). I know she still misses her brother. She has stopped looking behind the couch for him, but I know she still wishes he was here... she still goes in the bedroom in the morning looking for him. I think she misses him most when she wants to play tug... I play tug with her, but I'm sure my growls are nothing to her in comparison to Mike's "vicious" growls. And there's no-one to jump on his back or head and dare him to chase her. I could tell she's pretty lonely at times.

Please say a prayer for my brother's dog, Mikey. He's a golden-doodle. He stopped eating on Tuesday and started bleeding from the rectum on Thursday and had been very lethargic. They took him to the vet for x-rays, but nothing was showing that looked wrong. They sent him home, and he got worse on Friday so back to the vet's. They kept him, and now we're still waiting to hear what's going on with him.

This is going to be short... I've got to go give Miss Gidget some attention. She doesn't realize that I'm posting, and she doesn't really care... all she cares about is playing right now.

Again, thank you all for keeping up with everything here. I "truly" appreciate your friendship and love each and every one of you.

Love & Blessings,
Joanna, (Angel) Mike & Little Miss Gidget

It's taken me a couple of days, but I'm back. First I want to thank you all for your tolerating me and my last post. It was just a very stressful day to start with and then the emotions of Debbie losing Jack took over. Thanks for being my friends and understanding.

Things are settling down around here. I still miss Mike horribly and expect to see him sitting next to me or sleeping next to the bed every morning, but the reality is that it's just not happening anymore, and I'm learning to live with it. Gidget still goes into the bedroom every morning to look for him, but she doesn't stay in there and search for him like she use to. I feel so bad for her, but then again, I knew she would miss him, and I was right.

She's really grown up since Mike's been gone. She's realized she can lay down during the day and doesn't constantly have to be moving or bugging me to go out every time she gets bored. I've started leaving her lose in the house (don't know if I mentioned that or not before, if I did, please forgive me), and she's done 100% great.

The first couple of times I left her lose, I turned on the web cam and aimed it toward the corner of the couch where she stands on the arm to look out. I don't know what I expected, but that's all she did... look outside and then sleep. I was really glad I had the puppy-cam going the second time I left her alone. When I went to the conference, I didn't get home until 11:30. She was home alone for 7 1/2 hours. I came home and couldn't find Gidget. I looked all over and couldn't figure out where she could have gone. Well, then I saw the laundry room door was closed. I had left it open because I knew I'd be gone awhile, and I figured if she really had to pee, she'd go in there (and it's easier to clean in there than in the kitchen). Apparently, she had gone in there and somehow the door closed on her. I opened the door, and here this little head is sticking out of the door with her eyes looking up at me like "what the heck happened... why am I in here?". It was comical, but not... I felt so bad for her. When I went back to the video (which had run for 6 1/2 hours before taking up all the memory in the computer), I found that she had left the couch at 7:30 and never came back. I could hear her barking from in there, but of course, no one was here to save her (guess that proves that if a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it... it really "does" make a sound). That poor little girl was in there for four hours by herself... and yes, she did pee, but part of that could have been from being afraid to stay in there too. She was afraid to go back in there without me for a couple of days... can't say that I blame her.

As far as me... I'm doing ok. I'm still having major bouts of fatigue. It's not like being tired... it's more like the fatigue I felt while having chemo, and it pretty much renders you powerless to do anything at all. I don't feel tired or have to sleep, just very weak. I had blood work taken yesterday, and I'm just praying they could find something in it that is fixable. I can't go on like this. Plus my legs cramp really bad even just walking to the back of the property, so I am getting absolutely no exercise (not that I exercise, but every step helps).

I've taking Gidget to my brother's house a couple of times. He has a big fenced in yard, a Golden-Doodle and a tiny Papillon puppy. Gidge LOVES going there... such freedom and friends to play with. It's so funny... after Gidget and Mikey (the doodle) finish running around and wear themselves out, Chloe (the Pappillon) gets her turn at Gidget and starts batting at her face and jumping on her and giving her whisker kisses... it's almost like watching what Gidget use to do to Mike... I miss that.

Well, off to work. I pray everyone is having a good week. Take care of yourselves and know I love you all.

Love & Blessings,
Joanna, (Angel) Mike & Gidget

I went to the conference Friday and Saturday night and then was busy all day yesterday, so I planned on catching you all up on how well Gidget did during her time alone (except when she locked herself in the laundry room for 3 1/2 hours).... but... all that will have to wait for another day.

Something has come up, and I'm having a very hard time with it. Most of you know Debbie and Jack. Jack is the most beautiful white Siberian Husky who we rallied for and received donations enough to have an experimental surgery for him due to nasal cancer last year. Everyone was wonderful and rallied around with love, support, prayers and donations enough to get him the experimental surgery and give him an extra year of life.

Well... Debbie called me this morning. She was on her way to Columbia, MO from her home in St. Joe's to take Jack back to the clinic where he had the surgery. The last few weeks, Jack has been following in Mike's footsteps... good days and bad days, and then mostly bad days (weak, lethargic, sleeping alot). He's still had blood spurting from his nose (probably damaged from all the radiation), but that wasn't the main issue. Well, last night, Jack went blind. That along with all the other symptoms, Debbie and the vet both agreed, that it's time for Jack to leave for the Rainbow Bridge.

My heart is breaking right now, and I'm re-living April 16th, the day Mike had to leave me. Jack is leaving for the Bridge today, and I just can't help but think about Debbie and knowing what she's going through. I mean... anytime one of us loses our loved ones, it's so hard, heartbreaking and the unbelievable reality that they won't be with us any longer is absolutely crushing.

I cry every time one of our friends here leave us. But I'm thinking this has hit me extremely hard, since Debbie and I are so much like sisters.

I swear... she and I have parallel lives... same birthday, same white dogs with cancer, both dogs got sick August of 07, both of us becoming part of IMOM within a week of each other in October, both of us being blessed with our boys for about a year and a half more than we probably should hve, both with our babies for 3 1/2 hours alone together before it's "time" (her driving in the car with him for that amount of time and me on the floor with Mike for that same amount of time until the vet came)... and now... even the same last meal for our boys... she had just stopped and bought him two cheeseburgers on the way to Columbia in his final journey with her... and (like Mike when my daughter brought Mike two cheeseburgers that day) he ate the burgers but didn't eat the bread.... I managed to hold back the tears till we hung up... then they started and haven't stopped since.

I'm sorry... I don't mean to complain. I mean, I've actually been doing fairly well (well, as good as I could hope for anyway) since Mike's been gone. I somehow managed to stopped crying 4 days after Mike was gone... as long as I didn't read the poems, I was ok... even holding his collar and touching his hair..it just comforted me... but now.. I'm re-living that day all over again.

I feel so bad for Debbie and what she's going through, and will be going through, and right now, I feel so selfish because all I am doing is having flashbacks of my baby laying on my bed at the end.

I probably should just delete this and "get over it", but I know you are all my friends and understand. I also know that Debbie is my friend and knows how much I love her and Jack and that nothing I am feeling about my last moments with Mike will take away from my feelings for the two of them.

I'm going to try to put a link on here for Jack's Blog. His entire history of what as going on and how much you all have done for him and meant to so may is on here. I'm really hoping this links works. If it doesn't, please copy and paste it to your address bar, and it should take you right to Jack's blog.

http://jack-thekingofhearts-needsyourhelp.blogspot.com/

Please pray for Debbie and Jack. He is her Heart Dog like Mike is mine.

WE LOVE YOU BIG JACK!!!! You're buddy Mike is up there waiting for you, and you will finally get to meet. I can see you now... our two White Shadows running and playing together. I miss my Mike so much... please take care of him (he's smaller than you, you know). Run, chase squirrels, chase each other and enjoy your new found youth and health together. Your Mommy and I will see both of you someday. BE FREE BOYS!!! WE LOVE YOU BOTH SO MUCH!

Cindy said...

It's so great that Gidget did well with the run of the house. I sure hope she does well when she is left out during the conference!
Gosh, Joanne is wonderful. She sure is a Godsend for u. You are right, there will be a very special place in heaven for her.
I know u miss Mike terribly still. It will take time, but it's so dang painful.
How is little Miss Gidget doing now??

I am so sorry abt ur friend who lost her Dobie. How heartbreaking to lose him, and what a shock I am sure. My sincere condolences to ur friend.

Well storms are a comin--so gotta go. This weather is ridiculous. I guess we will be heading back to the 80's at some point next week-ick!!

Take care jo. Big hugs to u and Gidge

Hugs, Cindy, Tuck and Justice

April 30, 2009 11:03 PM

Hi Cindy...

Everything you've said is 100% right. JoAnne really is a Godsend. I don't know what I would do without her. Between her and all the wonderful people who have supported Mike and me through this entire journey, I can't help but be grateful... more grateful than anyone could possibly imagine.

I'm sure my friend (and possibly you're friend too {wink} ) will receive your condolences, since she reads Mike's blog regularly.

(And by the way, friend, I was going to call you last night, but I knew you had to get up early this morning for work... just wanna let you know I'm thinking about you. Also, I'm going to a conference tonight, so I'll be taping Ghost Whisperer... we'll have to tear it apart sometime this weekend. LOL)

Ok.. back to Cindy for a minute... the weather... I'm with you.. it's ridiculous. 80's and 90's for a couple days, the two days when it feels like it's gonna snow... today it was comfortable temp wise but raining off and on... right now it's beautiful, sunny and 70 degrees.

Give the boys a hug and skritches for me. I'll check on their thread in a bit. I'm praying they're both doing well and on the train.

Love You Bunches

I happened to find the videos of Mike and Gidget on my computer last night. I forgot I even had them. I watched my boy play tug with his sister and running and looking at the camera... his beautiful white, soft hair was shaggy around his face, his big loving eyes looked right at the camera. It was so good to see him again. I cried (of course) but they were tears of love (and missing him), and I am sooooo grateful to have those videos. Now, whenever I'm missing him, I can just double-click on the icon, and he'll be right there for me.

Everyone... you would all be so proud of Miss Gidget... I know I am. I left her loose in the house for 2 1/2 hours this morning... she did GREAT!!! And... you're gonna laugh, but since she is sometimes so unpredictable, I set up a Puppy-Cam. LOL
I turned on my web cam on the computer and set it to record when I left. I was going to aim it at her room (thinking she might go in there while I was gone) but decided to aim it at the couch instead. I am so proud of my little girl. I had it focused on the arm of the couch where she sits to look out the window, she sat there for awhile and then just fell asleep on the couch until she heard the car pull up... then met me at the door!!! I AM SOOOOOOO PROUD OF HER !!!!! She never barked once except for when I was getting in the car, and that was only a couple of yips like "where are you going". She never once got off the couch... glad I put the camera on that instead of her cage. Oh man.. can't tell you how happy that makes me... no exploring, peeing, nothing... and I even left the laundry room door open, thinking if she had to pee she'd do it in there instead of the kitchen and it'd be easier to clean... but she never left the couch so there was nothing to clean. :-D

I'm going to leave her out when I go to the conference tonight. I think she proved herself to me. Of course, six hours is a lot more than two and a half, but I "think" she'll be fine. My little girl is growing up. LOL

Ok.. gotta get going. Thank you all for keeping up with everything that goes on here. You're all such wonderful supportive friends. I'm so blessed to have each and every one of you. God Bless You All.

Love & Blessings