Thank you all for your postings. I didn't respond all these days because I found it difficult to visit this thread. I still do. Wow! All these friends bothered to respond and many went into the trouble to go searching for a suitable rose. Thank you all for that and for your kind words. I like to think Boubis had a good life. His end was so difficult, for me also, and that's one thing that makes me sadder. I'm consoled by the fact that I have his son Aris and his son's mother Irma living with me. But any dog, just like any human, is irreplaceable and Boubis was so special. Goldens are special, I have lost three already including him, but he was kind of special special to me. He was a most sensitive and attached pet although he did act like a moaning minnie sometimes, but then so do I. I thought about adopting a shelter dog even before the idea was mentioned in this thread but for the time being I'm not getting another dog. Yes, we certainly have a stray problem over here. Golden Celebration, R. canina now why didn't I think of those? I do own a GC and I should certainly have R. caninas as rootstock. Faithful Friend and 'golden' now this seems like purpose made doesn't it? I'll take my time and I'll let you know what I'll do. Again, thank you all for your support, it was something that helped me a lot. What I'll do is I'll go to my files and find a couple more pictures of him and I'll post them here along with pics of Aris and Irma. I hope you won't mind. Thanks, Nik

Derry, yes, I'm comfortable here. Nora, that's interesting,being with your daughter & your thoughts. Last Monday I had business downtown where I never get to go & then went to Nordstrom where my Dear Daughter works. Had her paged & she had time for a quick bite. Here people are rushing all over & I simply had all this time......just not used to it yet. I know how you miss your sweet Mom from all the things you've said about her. You were very lucky. Yesterday I had to go back downtown unexpectedly to sign more papers & then popped into Nordy's & there was my daughter! She's not just in one dept, but oversees the main store. Anyway, it's fun to be where the action is for a change as I have a laid-back lifestyle. Uncertain what the future holds for me as things are so different now & even my DH & I aren't getting along very well. Is this familiar to anyone? Sharlee

I just found this thread again. Reminded of the pain of losing our sweet Libby, we found ourselves having to say goodbye to another beloved pet just last week. Our precious Boo Boo Kitty made her way to Rainbow Bridge following a year of unexplained weight loss and finally a rare cancer diagnosis 6 months ago. She was a rescue kitty we welcomed to our home in the Fall of 1993. We don't know exactly how old she was when we got her but at least 6 months at the time. She must have been getting close to 17 years old when she passed. We love all our pets and they are each unique in personality and demeanor, but Boo was such a bright, intuitive, affectionate and totally mischievous little soul that there will never be another like her. Always demanding the center of attention, but in such an adorable fashion that no one could deny her. She was the best companion of my husband, who historically was never a pet lover. Yet his heart was won over within the first moments of her arrival to our home, when Boo immediately crawled onto his big chest, wrapped her paws around his neck and began purring her acceptance of her new family. From that moment they were inseparable and shared a lifelong bond of love and affection, mixed with mutual joy as they practiced the art of "play battle". Boo hiding and pouncing on my husband from all possible angles of attack until he would pin her in his arms, smothering her with hugs. As her battle with cancer caused her body to thin, tire more easily and struggle to control normal functions, she still remained our loving, affectionate, ever present companion who continued to insist on being the focus of our attention. She spent long evenings cuddled in our laps, telling us it was ok to just sit and enjoy our time together, the chores and schedules could wait...our time together was limited and thus more precious. We are so grateful to have had the honor and blessing of sharing our lives with our beautiful Boo. The pain of parting is so sharp and intense, we continue to see her in our minds eye around every corner, in her favorite sunny spots and waking us in the mornings with her soft paws upon our cheeks. As much as it hurts now, the years of shared love and memories make it all worthwhile. Someday we will cross that Rainbow Bridge, warmly greeted and surrounded by our precious companions who wait for us there now. Some pics of our little Boo Boo Kitty: Her gorgeous eyes Precious Boo Sleeping Boo Curious Boo Lazy Boo Her Highness Boo

Wow Glenda, what a wonderful friend to give you curtains and hang them too. She is a real jewel of a BF. I especially like the ones in your kitchen, adding just the right amount of color. Also like the dried flower pic(?) and the tea pot plate. What is the thing above the flower pic? I'm thinking it is some sort of an antique, but am not sure. Sue