I'll give this thread another jab to make sure it's done, LOL -- Ei - love the nails and color (& the salad sounds major yummy!). 'bug and Chelone - Im sorry to report that the Giant food stores apparently dont know about the shelf life of cranberries - they can be found in neither fresh nor frozen form (luckily I have some of the latter in the freezer) -- I am not going to go on the NoVA quest to find the durned things today - I did however, decide, that an FB recommended ale could welcome in the new year - so Blue Moon it is... Kathy - I had hard time stopping laughing at the "need to finish the Xmas cheese" -- I said tht w/ the fig/goat cheese appetizer -- until I discovered it seemed 5 lbs had hit the scales somehow.... so into the trash the last slurps went; and the ham to the freezer for travel to PA, etc.... Already hit the book store and stocked up on some mags (not enuf garden ones out right now, bummer); a couple of net flix, a pizza for later, and ta ta... I hope someone can start the New Year/ New Decade Idyll.... Jab, jab -- happy new year to all (Im happy to grow 4 Inches upward also if someone will supply the diet..). --Cindy

Alright, since we're sharing. I have issues with sneezing and laughing. Usually the laughing is only when I already have to go (like I've been holding it for a while) or if I've had a couple of drinks, for some reason. Last year we were on vacation and DH and I went to the hotel bar by the beach. Had a couple of drinks and people-watched. When we got ready to walk back to the room I kinda had to pee, but figured I'd wait til we got to the room. During our leisurely and romantic walk along the beach to the room, my very funny DH got me laughing so hard that I TOTALLY wet my pants. Um, I mean my dress. Had to walk into the hotel room sideways/backwards so my teenage son didn't notice.

The Drs. Foster & Smith Pharmacy convenience and pricing are great. I only use it for meds that I will be giving for a long time (or forever). When I get a new prescription, I ask the vet for 10 days/2 weeks' worth to carry me through, then have them fax the prescription in to the Pharmacy Web site. I always bring in a couple of printed copies of the fax form from the F&S Web site, and pre-fill in all of my own info to make it easier for them. Then I just order or refill myself within a day or two via the Web or over the phone. The small amount of meds that I buy from the vet allows me to start treatment immediately, and I don't have to pay extra for expedited shipping. My previous vet refused to help me out in this process, but he retired and the new people are OK with it. I've made it clear that it helps me save money, and have brought in printouts of the pricing for presecriptions that we have discussed, so they can match the price if they feel like doing so. (And they can't have ANY complaints about the amount of $$$ I leave in their pockets throughout the year for normal exams, emergencies, and so forth :o) One point they raised, and I respect it completely, is that they will not fax in any prescription that they feel has any potential for abuse by humans (pain pills, for example.) That's fine with me. Also, the vet whose name is on the practice (and on the prescription forms) is opposed to the online pharmacies and will not use them for any prescription, but she is willing to let other vets in the practice scratch out her name and ID# and write in their own. Be sure to ask if this is an option if one of the vets in a pracice refuses. And ALWAYS ask for generics! Susan

One of the most difficult decisions for a pet owner/lover is when to say goodbye. It's a responsibilty we have though as responsible pet owners. It's heartbreaking and difficult and easy to second guess. Just listen to what your heart and mind tell you. I'm sure you'll do the right thing. There is no exact "right" time. It's interesting how, when many/most animals know their time has come they go off to be by themselves. I've seen the reaction in multi-pet homes and it's really interesting. When one is sick, often the other comes and checks on them, even if they didn't get along otherwise. I've seen my two check on each other when they weren't 100% and leave them alone but still check. However when the time came, the ill one will go find a hiding spot to be alone and peaceful. The other then stays away until they've passed. It's interesting how humans feel a need to drag the world around someone who is dying. Someone in a bed, probably nervous, in pain, possibly scared but we have to have the world watch them in their discomfort and embarrassment and indignity. Some may want it, some wouldn't. But the differences are rather striking. I sense a big part of it is we humans as survivors have to make ourselves feel good that we were there when they died. Maybe we need to take a lesson from animals. The bathroom incident I would agree is anxiety and in this case a separation anxiety. It's not unusual for animals to experience anxiety of many forms more as they get older. Often that can be the root of their trouble with bladder control. They get excited and wet. Often our pets are used to getting what they want, right? We often spoil them. As they age, there's certainly memory loss and they don't really understand the concept of "time". They don't eat because it's a certain time, they eat when there's food available and/or when they're hungry or bored. They often have a routine that after eating they'll get some water. Normally when they feel the urge to go out they'll let you know but as they age, they have trouble telling what it is. Some say they can't feel it. I tend to wonder if it's just they don't remember what that feeling means. Either way the result is the same. Clearly you are aware of the situation. I know you'll make the right decision. I've seen a few people who just couldn't part with their long-time friends and put them through too much. I think that's selfish and hope I don't do that should my critters need me to make the ultimate decision for them. Don't forget the happy times with your companion. Best wishes to you all.