Thanks for your answers. It didn't occur to me that there may not even be any dogs! Now I'm thinking I should contact the attorney generals of both states before March 25 because its possible they will close up shop if they aren't going to deliver on that date as promised. Its funny that we have a bit of a shortage of dogs here in NE. There are some lab and shepard mixes at the shelters, but I just don't want a big dog. I don't know tho, maybe I can get dh to move up to medium sized. We are more likely to find a local one then. The want ad is a good idea. I'll ask on Freecycle too. Kathy

Are you in Indiana? I am near crawfordsville but I don't get to Indy very often. So if you were willing to come to to Crawfordsville I would not mind sending you home with some of my babies to share.. Paula

That's a female flower with a baby squash--waiting to be fertilized! If it doesn't get pollinated when it blooms, the "cute little squash" will shrivel up and fall off! If it gets pollinated---you've got squash!!! Sometimes female flowers get going before the boys show up, so there's nothing to pollinate them with, so don't be too disappointed if your first flowers don't get pollinated. Blame it on the guys!!! The male flowers don't have the tiny baby squash at the bottom, so if you have any males when the females open, you can take a little paint brush and pollinate them yourself, just to be sure. Happy watching, Skybird P.S. Remember your idea to use tomato cages on them? What do you think about trying that NOW??? ;-) They look just a little bit different than your squash from last year! :-)

Has the vet tested for parasites, especially giardia? Also, has he had a blood panel done? I think more testing needs to be done since x-rays can only tell you so much. IF he checks clean for parasites and other potential problems, then I'd start playing with his diet by feeding a quality canned food without any additives, wheat or grains. Check the link below for more diet info. Here is a link that might be useful: Cat food