I lost 105 lbs. over two years, and I'm older and in a wheelchair. I didn't have loose skin like that. It really wasn't a problem. I stopped losing though, with still some left to go. I think it must really make a difference how fast you lose it. I think the recommended rate of a lb. a week is a good one to give the body time to adjust at all levels. I also have an internet friend who lost 115 lbs. in 2 1/2 years, and one who lost 155 lbs. in 5 years. Neither of them had problems with loose skin.

Cambium: and the Life of Lanagan Murphy by Chris Grayling --------------------------------------------- Mari recommended this book to me and I thought it was wonderful. I cried, smiled, cried some more, and was left with a sense of peace and acceptance after reading this book. This was the review I gave the book on Amazon.com. "We've had our hearts broken more than once when a beloved furbaby has passed away. Reading this book has given me comfort in knowing/believing/thinking that our departed companions are now giving other humans the love they once gave us. Yes, the book is sad, but the overall feeling it left me with was one of comfort and a sense of acceptance of what must be."

I don't think there's a 'one size fits all' on what will make your parents feel better. We lost our precious 10 year old poodle almost 3 months ago and it was the hardest thing I've ever gone through and I'm 66. He had not been well for 4 years but I'm an optimist and chose to believe he had more time left. DH is a pessimist and thought he was going long before he did. We both thought it best to make arrangements before hand and I'm glad we did. I ordered him a beautiful casket, almost like a human one, and we had our SIL prepare his burial spot and put a plastic container large enough for the casket to go in. Once that was done I felt no need to discuss it but DH would talk about it when any of our kids were here. I think it made them uncomfortable and I would ask him not to bring it up. Jett suddenly got worse @ 4:00 on a Friday. After getting his usual treats and meds he shortly got behind a chair where he had never gotten before and we knew something was wrong. We rushed him to the vet, he checked him and told us what had happened was actually a blessing. I secretly questioned his sanity but he meant that Jett was going quickly instead of long and drawn out. His lungs had filled with fluid and he had a tumor in his abdomen that DH had just discovered that day and he knew every bump on him since he held him pretty much the entire time he was home. The vet said we needed to let him go and I first told him I simply couldn't. He was concerned that Jett would get in trouble afterhours and he wasn't on call. I held Jett while he went to check who would be on call and to get him an injection for pain. When I realized it was better to let him go I made the decision right then to make it easier for him. I stayed with him to the end but DH couldn't. I'm saying all this to tell you that each person has to do things their own way. There's no way I would have left him though it was hard to see him take his last breath. I had always said I didn't think I would survive losing either of my 'babies' but somehow you go on. It was a horrible week, then the tears got farther apart. Now I tear up thinking about him but I know he's at peace and waiting for us. As for your parents not wanting to go anywhere, I totally understand. We didn't both leave ours for anything. Jett has a 'sister' 6 months younger and we don't leave her even though she isn't sick. While she hasn't verbally grieved (like our neighbor's dog still does after losing her partner 3 months ago) she just doesn't seem happy now. I don't know how to help her. I expected her to totally freak out when Jett left and had the vet give her a sedation injection. He also gave us meds to give her but she didn't visually get upset so I haven't given them. She has a cat to play with and doesn't seem to look for Jett but just seems sad. We also have her arrangements made, hopefully way in advance. I hope your parents have a lot of time left with him and that they can cope when the time comes. I would just suggest you listen if they want to talk about it and try to comfort them when it's his time. I have never let myself question if I did the right thing. We have to make decisions based on what we think is best and it doesn't help to torture ourselves with the 'what if's'. My thoughts are with you and your sister too.

Loving all the pics ! They're all adorable =) To aswer the initial question, I could put up a sign saying "It's really the dogs house..... we just pay the mortgage" LOL .We have 5 furry kids . the 2 yorkies sleep in bed with me and the big guys live inside ,roam free , but are not alowed on the furniture (for obvious reasons) Franny ,I have 3 Newfie monsters too ! I received 3 siblings last July, plan was to keep 1 but we ended up adopting all 3 of them , 2 boys and a girl .... at 2-3 months .. at about 9-10 months ... Sorry for the crappy pics, killed my cam. And to answer your question as to decorating around dogs , yes ! These are my permanent residents but we do rescues so there's always visitors. Floors were picked acordingly and furniture , at least in the family room will be an indoor/outdoor fabric . I'm leaving adequate spaces between furniture for the big guys , etc ...Tell me ,do your dogs sleep on their beds ? Mine insist on sleeping on the floor , even when it's cold .And right now that the weather is getting hot , I have to beg the 2 boys to come inside and not just sleep on the grass ! V