Now see, I haven't heard a thing about those toads - are they a recent phenomena? I'm returning to the desert after 6 years in the mid-west; there's a lot I've forgotten and things do change.... Anywho, there are some great books out there - if you'd like to tell us which ones, we might be able to supplement your list. As for trees..... I agree with the Desert Museum. Not only do they have the attributes piranhafem mentioned, but they also have an incredible bloom in the spring - bright yellow, slightly larger flowers than the species. Some people aren't as thrilled, but I like the bloom drop that forms a golden carpet underneath the tree. It dries and dissipates pretty quickly, but it's definitely something you don't want to have to clean out of your fountain. The Mesquites are also pretty fast growing; they are native and need very little care short of the occasional shaping. Very drought tolerant, and I wouldn't put them in a lawn because of the water they would receive - in fact, a few of the desert trees are good in lawns (too frequent and too shallow of water). As they age they can get very nice branch structure, great for putting sitting areas under. The natives do have thorns, but there is a thornless hybrid, Maverick. I think there is also a thornless Honey Mesquite (more upright, bright green and a bit leafy-er than some of the mesquites) which is one of my favorites. There are several different cultivars of Desert Willow for a long, summer blooming tree that stays about 25', and takes a few years to get there. I know you asked for faster growing, I only mention this one because I just got a Chilopsis 'Bubba' and am totally in love with the magenta and pink orchid shaped flowers. If you want to see, I've posted a link below. Honestly, there are *tons* of great trees, and I would hold off getting any until you've had a chance to live in your home for a while, or just plant any you put in now somewhat far from your home until you know what you need in terms of light, how cold things get, etc. Tucson has a botanical garden - I haven't been there in years but it and Tohono Chul park in northern Tucson are great places to go to see what is available, and what it looks like planted. The Desert Museum in west Tucson is a must-see for anyone; you will learn more about your new home in an couple of hours than anywhere else. Once again, I haven't been in years, so I'm not sure what they have in terms of showing off trees, but if they're hybridizing plants, I'm betting they have good ones. If you make it up to Phoenix, another must-see for plant lovers is the Desert Botanical Gardens - it's a great place to see hundreds of established plants and get great ideas. Blah blah blah, lol. If you have any other specific wants on trees, let us know, there's some very knowledgeable people on this forum. Here is a link that might be useful: Desert Willow 'Bubba'

I have a mastiff mix, I take everywhere. He use to ride in the back of my truck on long rides. We brought extra comforters so he did not get too stiff and had axtra padding for those nice long naps. He has a special doggy bowl for water that does not tip over easily - plus I have a huge extra plastic water container for refills. A small fold up cooler for his Natural Balance treats, and a couple of baggies full of dog cookies (biscuits, milk bones, whatever). I stop every 2 to 4 hours to run him, make sure you have leashes and current rabies paper work - the doggie motel might ask as well, one never knows. You might call ahead and ask about three dogs being okay. It has been my experience that there are a couple of concerns most establishments have. They dont want dogs left alone or unattended. When I stop and check in I ask about delivery for dinner, or I find a restauarant with a huge shade tree - if the sun is still up and it is hot. They have a hard time getting dog hair out of things and off the carpet (dont we all) I always tell the cashier that I have clean comforters for the dog to lay down on, that he is never on the bed and is never alone in the room, that seems to help alot - in my experience Motel 6 and Red Roof are good about animals. They dont want your dog barking at night and waking up others. That is about it as far as my experience goes with establishments, I have never really had a problem. Some things you might want to consider. YOur dog gets out and rolls in something horrible. We pack a duffle bag full of old beach towels and fill up some plastic gasoline cans with water so we can rinse the dog if this happens, we also have a little bottle of shampoo for emergencies - there is nothing worse that riding ina car with a stinky dog with an unknown substance on its coat. A sheet also helps if there is an emergency you can cover the area the dog is lying on, and do a wash of the dog and the beach towel and everything else when you get to the motel. This happened to us, out of the car less than a minute and a fresh cow pattie, a dive under a barbed wire fence - I had no idea he could get that small that fast!!! So extra comforters might help with extra dogs. We get ours at Goodwill for about $8 a piece. I make certain a cooler has some of those hard palstic freezie things, you never know if you are going to get stranded somewhere and need to keep cool - blocks of ice, not cubed will last longer as well. Of course lots of plastic bags and some wipes, gotta pick up those touchdowns/meadow muffins or whatever you call them and you never know if someone is going to hurl, a platic bag and wipes can be a blessing. Make certian they have their collars on and ID tags current, and you should have it made. If I have to stop, I make the extra effort to park in the deepest shade I can find, and limit my away from the car time to 15 minutes max - enough time to use the facilities and load up on muchies. Even if you have air conditioning, cars can warm up quickly with 3 pups in there. I hope everything goes without a hitch.

Thanks, all. We haven't had a flea problem at all. The dogs are either inside or in their run. I've never seen a flea inside. But we currently have hardwoods and the new house has carpet (yuck -- can't wait until we have the $$ to put down hardwoods) so I need to be more vigilant at the new place. Closing is tomorrow and I think I can get out there Saturday AM or Sunday at the latest to bomb the inside (I forgot to add there was a cat inside) and do a treatment on the yard. The dogs will be moving in next Friday, 7/27. Is there any sense in doing a rebomb/retreat within the same week? Or should I do it a week or so later? I'd keep the dogs at the old house longer, but we've got to get them and all their crates, accoutrements, hair and deep holes moved before the old house goes on the market 07/30(!)

There can be several reasons why she's peeing in the house. 1. It's not unusual for dogs to pee on new carpet. Not sure why but a carpet layer told me he see's it all the time. Something about the smell of new carpet. 2. It's possible your MIL's dog has had some accidents she's not aware of and your dog is marking where's the other dog has gone. 3. Just because a doggy door is installed (anywhere) doesn't mean your dog will use it. It sounds like your dog hasn't gotten into the routine of living in a different house and the stress of the move has probably caused some anxiety. Plus, there may be something on the other side of the doggy door she doesn't like. 4. Your dog could also have some urinary problems, either stones or an infection, so it warrants a trip to the vet to rule out that possibility. For now, I'd suggest you walk your dog outside often so that she becomes comfortable with the surroundings. There could be a neighbors dog or something else outside that she's afraid of. Take her out thru the door that has the doggy door and when she does pee/poop give her lots of praise (treats are optional). While outside, observe her reactions to anything in the general area. Purchase a black light to find any missed pee spots and treat them with a product made for pet urine. The black light will also show if your MIL's dog has had any accidents. The little things that show up with a black light can be scary. :) Also, don't assume every spot is pee. Food and liquid spills can also leave spots that show up with the black light, so to determine if it's truly pee.......you'll need to smell it.