Cute story, and very typical. My daughter worked for a vet for years. Believe me, they've heard everything. My worst/best dog stories involved Snickers. A wooly Jack Russell mix I rescued from the dog pound. He was decently behaved food wise, but was into Christmas big time. Literally. Nobody imagined he'd want to open presents under the tree and one of them involved a cannister of bright blue chalk-line powder my daughter had bought for her step dad. Did I mention brand new gold carpeting? I had gotten the man a rather expensive watch, because it had just gone on super sale and he needed one. That present made it to his wrist, but he laid it on an end table Christmas night and the next morning it was gone. The kids and I found the remnants of the watch strewn on the floor of the bedroom behind the door. Nothing was left of it but the stem and part of the case. My son says "We have a REAL watchdog. He even has ticks. Bringing that dog home wasn't the most popular thing I ever did where my ex was concerned, and I am normally an honest and open person. But, I felt very sorry for the dog, so spent the entire next day calling around to stores looking for an exact duplicate. Well, I found out why it was on sale. It was a discontinued model. The fates smiled on me that day and I was able to locate one more and I beat it to the store on my way home from work and shelled out another hunk of my hard earned cash. I carefully placed the new watch under the same end table he remembered putting it on and then the ex "found" it that night. I chided him about being more careful with his belongings and nobody ever ratted on the dog or me. I looked in the mirror that night fully expecting my nose to have grown an inch or two.

Update, at 10:58. I was able to observe two prior to death (one I put down, other in small hospital tank)... Fins ragged (note now one cory catfish has the same)... indicates bacteria? But extremely thin, (priscella tetra).. thought before I netted him out he had whitish stringy poo (intestines) and ballest off. Hard to stay upright. In small hospital tank, floated on side at top. Put him down, think may have been a her. Small red dot (blood) out of vent, but when I opened fish gutt, no worms but small roundish forms which at first I thought might be parasite eggs, but realized way to big. Think he was a she. Second saving for observation in hospital tank. Thin, ragged edges of fins and they die fast. I noted the same with black neon tetra (no true tetra) and the fish have never mixed. could this be the dreaded neon tetra disease? (says other tetras similar can get it as well)... Discouraged to say the least. Best Sherry Any help, thoughts much appreciated.

I found the tax shelter in this posting when searching for a gift for my brother. He is a tax preparer and has everything. So I just had to share what I did for him. I took one of those woodcraft houses from Walmart- removed the two screws from the base. I cut a 1" block of wood that fit into the bottom of the house. I glued this block onto the base thus allowing the top of the house to be easily lifted off the base. I cut a 1/2" groove in the center of the block with the table saw so I could set a card of thumb tacks into it. This was hidden in the house until the top was lifted off. I wrote a poem for this & read it to him while my daughter did a Vanna White presentation of the house. Everyone got a good laugh out of this and I finally did a complete craft project! It's been a while. Hope you have as much fun with this as we did. Here's the poem: I drew your name for Christmas It's an honor, don't you know To get my brothers name for Christmas Ah! ashopping I will go. But then I started frettin After searching high and low Whatever will I get 'im (Twas wrong to worry so!) I went into an office shop Maybe something for your desk? I talked to the clerk a lot She tried to aid me in my quest. He could use a tax shelter Is what the lady said It seemed a bit off-kelter But there was nothing left instead. So here's your little shelter All painted so very nice The foundation has been mended The roofs' been polished thrice. The flowers are all blooming In the big pot by the door The bumblebees are buzzing And there's no sawdust on the floor. It seems to be the perfect place I do agree she's right It sure beats a plain old case And your tacks! They're finally safe at night!

I am happy to report that Pip is finally HOME! He's still heavily medicated to dull the pain, but he is doing really well. He won't be able to walk or play for the next 2-3 weeks and we have to prevent him from licking his big 7 inch scar on his belly, but I am thrilled that he is finally recovering in the comfort of his own home surrounded by people that can love and care for him. nanny2a, so sorry to hear about Kimo. Our dog also bloated in front of our children and I know that it has been hard for them the last few days. oldbat2be, glad to hear your pup recovered from the bloat. Our kids were there too, which made the whole situation so much more stressful. It was hard for them to watch him convulsing and foam at the mouth. marti8a, that is crazy about your DD's dogs eating bumblebees! Are the dogs ok? Pip often chases bees and wasps -- I always thought it was sort of funny, but I guess I should stop him from doing it. desert, Garnacha is beautiful. Glad you read the article so you know now about bloat. Sorry I'm not able to respond to each and every one of you, but thanks so much for the well wishes and healing thoughts for Pip. As you can tell from my screen name, I'm his biggest fan. :)