Last Day of May

I honestly cannot believe that today is the last day of May. Where has the time gone? Summer is almost here-sure feels that way with the temperature at 85. The AC will go on soon! It's been so wet that I haven't been able to do much in the yard-and I wanted to do extra stuff too! Oh well-summer's not over-I can still hope to get stuff done. In the meantime-3 more evenings of work then a little vacation! Yea!!! Are you ready for summer?

Memorial Day

On this Memorial Day take time to remember those who have passed. While we should remember especially those in the military and police force who gave their lives so that we may live in relative freedom and safety, also take time to remember the loved ones we have lost. My dad and I reminisced about the good times at his parents house when we all celebrated this holiday. So to Grandma Gertie and Grandpa Lou, Aunt Bert, Uncle Mike and Aunt Sid-cheers to you-and everyone else who celebrated with us, but is now gone-I'm thinking of you today. For all the animals that have spent their time with me-you're never far from my thoughts. Special thoughts go to Barrett and Brioche, Baron, Dylan, and Aquinas the three who died too young, Bandit, and all the other critters whose lives graced mine. Thank you all-I'm thinking of you today.

Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom

I'm not a mom in the traditional sense, so I generally don't read blogs focusing on Motherhood-cat/rat/dog/horse mom-yes, human-no. A friend recommended a blog which is up for votes in the 25 Faith Blogs By Moms. The first line describing this group of blogs states "Faith is all around us, and it comes in many different forms." Yet this blog, Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom, is being persecuted by some "mothers of faith". I ask that you check this blog out (I like it, by the way) and, if you think it's a good blog-vote for it. Faith comes in many forms, and all faiths should be respected.

Photo Phriday - Lilacs

Raise Awareness Wednesday

Save the date-if you're in WNY. June 8, 2011 the SPCA serving Erie County, NY is hosting their 6th annual Wine and Wags event. The event is for those 21 years and older-and their dogs. Sam and I just got our ticket. There will be wine and beer tastings as well as food samples from local restaurants for me and Sam will get a goodie bag as well as a chance to run an agility course, meet a pet psychic, play in a wading pool, and more!  All proceeds go to benefit the shelter. If you're in the area, stop in. Maybe I'll see you there.

Weird Weather

All around the world we're experiencing weird weather. It's been wet and rainy here in WNY. This morning was gorgeous-but now, although there's only a 10% chance of rain, I see dark clouds. Friends in Ohio mentioned a freak severe storm including hail last night. We had rain along with a little thunder and lightning. I've heard from people all over about how wet this Spring has been. Should we build an ark? Who knows what's going to happen. I think Mother Nature is mad.

Aquinas

Aquinas

September 10, 2009 - May 22, 2011

Aquinas has joined his brother Dylan over the Rainbow Bridge. He appeared to have suffered a stroke, like his brother, but it looked different. Medication helped. In fact there was great improvement in his left side-his whiskers seemed to be back to normal and even his eye wasn't as droopy. He was getting around fine-even getting up and into the hammock to snooze with his brother, Harrison. I was cautiously optimistic. Although he was improving I was concerned as he seemed to be losing weight. Yesterday evening I went in and gave all the rats a rib bone. Aquinas grabbed his and ran off with it. I'm so glad that he really enjoyed it. When I went back to check on them just after midnight I found him lying on the floor and I knew that that was it. I picked him up, he was barely alive-he soon died in my arms. Aquinas died too young. The only comfort is that I can picture him running off with that bone just hours before he died. Give Dylan a scritch from me-Harrison and I will miss you.

Still Here

I've listened to The End of the World by REM and Rapture by Blondie many times in the past day-but 6:00 came and went and I'm still here-as is the rest of the world. I watched the Preakness and still have to do the dishes. Life goes on...

Last Man Standing

I am now the only supervisor at work. So now I'm doing the work of 4 people on 3 shifts. They'd love to get rid of me too. Administration hasn't bothered to tell me anything. We'll see what happens next.

Raise Awareness Wednesday

Although I didn't adopt from them, Big Dogs Big Hearts was instrumental in bringing Sam into my family. After Barrett died, I didn't think I'd get another dog. I didn't rule out the possibility, but didn't plan on actively trying to get a dog. Time passed and life with the cats, rats, and horse was easy. But I started to miss having a dog. Did I have the time? Would it be fair? I decided to leave it to the professionals. Small rescue groups tend to vigorously screen their applicants-so I'd try to adopt from one of these private rescues. If they felt my life would be fine for the right dog, I'd adopt. If not, I wouldn't. After looking at various websites I found Mila, a German Shepherd with Big Dogs Big Hearts. I got in touch with her foster mom and began the application process. The people at BDBH were wonderful. After meet and greets, home inspections, and more I was approved...sort of. It turns out that Mila's personality was changing and it was felt that we wouldn't be a good match. So although I was approved to adopt from them, it wouldn't be Mila and we'd have to wait for the right match. Mila's foster mom was, and continues to be, fantastic. She was keeping a lookout and we found some possibilities. Then I found Sam and she told me to go for it. BDBH assisted Buffalo Humane by sharing my application information, thus making the process easier for me.

Big Dogs Big Hearts is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing large breed dogs, with a focus on German Shepherds. BDBH is not for profit organization and relies solely on donations and adoption fees. If you live in Western NY and are looking for a big dog-consider adopting from Big Dogs Big Hearts. All dogs live in foster homes around Rochester and Buffalo. There are meet and greets in both cities on Saturdays where you can go and meet some of the dogs available for adoption. If you're unable to adopt, please consider making a donation to this wonderful rescue.

The Beatles - Rain

Jewelry

Lately, I've been on a jewelry kick. I like jewelry and lately I want to buy and wear it. I do make some jewelry as well. The thing is I rarely wear it...although I've been wearing it more and more. Still, I can't wear jewelry to work and it doesn't make sense to wear it gardening and working around the house, or horseback riding. So why do I want it?! I'm particularly smitten with charms and charm bracelets. I guess it's the choosing of the charms. It makes a statement, "This is me. This is the stuff I like!" I have an Italian charm bracelet, but I don't wear it much as one of my favorite charms fell off the link-and it was a set of 2 (my Dale fell off leaving just Chip) and I can't find the same charm to replace it. I don't wear expensive jewelry, even though I have some. My godfather is a jeweler. I don't wear many necklaces (aside from the medal I wear daily) as they tend not to go with the t-shirts I generally wear. Although, I am working on a byzantine link necklace to match a Polish Pride shirt I just bought. At the moment, when I'm not going to work, or riding the horse, I try to wear some jewelry. Generally, I'll wear a bracelet I made along with 2 rings-a neat one I just bought that says "meow" and a quality piece from my godfather that has a rat on it! This is in addition to the 2 pieces I always wear-a watch and my St. Dymphna holy medal. Do you wear jewelry?

Time Flies

Time flies. I know I must have posted about this phenomenon a million times, but it never ceases to amaze me. Things don't get done and it's time to return to work. I know I've been sick, and basically just sleeping. But still...where does the time go? I just hope work passes as quickly.

Meds, Meds, Meds

It's all about medication at my house, especially lately. I woke up this morning and took my levoxyl and atenolol along with my vitamin B12 and azithromycin. I also took a dose of cough medicine. I skipped the Afrim. Then I gave Aquinas his prednisolone and enrofloxacin. Seneca got her half pill of methimazole before I took Sam on his walk. Then Sam got his ears flushed out, and neopredef squirted under his arm. As a treat, he got some glucosamine. I felt a migraine coming on, but am holding off on taking my sumatriptan. Later I'll take a Vitamin C, since I'm sick, and my regular fiber chewable. Before bed, Sam will get more talc for his underarm, Seneca and Aquinas will repeat their morning med regime-with Seneca getting a whole pill an I'll take a daily vitamin. Normally I'd take my simvastatin then...but it's on hold while I'm on the antibiotics. And if you think that's a lot...you should see what my folks have to do! Is it any wonder pharmaceutical companies are raking in the dough?!?

Photo Phriday - Apple Blossoms

Raise Awareness Wednesday

Today I'd like to raise awareness about a local rescue organization, Buffalo Humane, the group that united me with Sam. Buffalo Humane is a New York State incorporated nonprofit organization and IRS tax-exempt 501(c)3 public charity devoted to animal welfare in the region. The group started as the results of budget cuts that would stop adoptions at the Buffalo Animal Shelter back in 2004/2005. That would mean if an animal was found, he's have 3 days to be picked up or he'd be killed; an all-kill shelter in a world striving for no-kill shelters. Fortunately, the city gave its animals a reprieve and the shelter continues to adopt out animals. The concerned citizens, however, felt they could do more. Thus Buffalo Humane began. The group is comprised solely of volunteers. There is no building that houses the animals. Instead, dogs and cats live with foster families, and they sometimes have public meet and greet events. People wishing to adopt must fill out a questionnaire and have a home visit. After all, no adoption should be taken lightly-you will be providing an abandoned animals forever home. If you're in the Buffalo, NY area and are considering adding a dog or cat to your family, check out the animals waiting at Buffalo Humane. If you are unable to adopt, consider making a donation. The group operates only with funds generated by fundraising, contributions, and donations. You could also attend one of their events: next up is Rock-a-Bully Concert at Mr.Goodbar on the Elmwood Strip June 11th. There will be 5 bands, free food, drink specials, auction items, and bully breed items for sale. Tickets are only $20 per person and can be purchased online at http://Rock-A-Bully.org Proceeds to fund Fix-a-Bull, their bully breed spay/neuter initiative. Always remember when adding a furry friend to your family-don't shop, adopt!

Bob Dylan - Tangled Up In Blue

Sick

I'm still sick, and feeling worse instead of better. Sigh. I took Aquinas to the vet this morning. It appears he suffered a stroke over the weekend. He seems to be improving a bit. He's on a steroid and an antibiotic. Please send prayers and healing thoughts for him. Thanks.

Happy Mother's Day!

To all the mothers out there, here's wishing you a wonderful day. I'm having a difficult one. One of my kids had a stroke yesterday and another one during the night. He's still alive-but since a stroke took his brother a few months ago, I'm afraid I'll loose him wayyyyy too soon as well. To all the kids who have lost their moms, I know this is a difficult day for you too-no matter how old you are. And to all the moms to have lousy kids-I'm sorry for you as well. But to all moms, whether your kids be human, furred, finned, winged, scaled, or hairless, here's wishing you a Happy Mother's Day!

Photo Phriday - Cherry Blossoms

A Bug?

I hope I'm not coming down with a bug...but I think I am. A few patients at work have cold symptoms and I woke up feeling like a cold was coming on. It's been rainy and damp these past few days-though it's gorgeous today...if a little chilly. Hopefully, I won't get a full cold. It's bad enough that my back is bothering me-I don't want to suffer through a cold as well!

Raise Awareness Wednesday

There are so many worthwhile causes out there-all needing support. Aside from needing money-many are virtually unknown. With that in mind I decided to copy an idea from Surf Dog Ricochet and have Raise Awareness Wednesday. Each Wednesday I'll highlight a different organization, or problem.  Since I got the idea from them-today I'll write about Surf Dog Ricochet. Ricochet is a golden retriever who surfs with disabled surfers and special needs kids for therapy. Yes, he surfs! He also raises funds and awareness for many animal and human causes. In addition to the website, you can find him on Facebook and Youtube! Be sure to check out this inspirational dog and the causes he supports!

Back to the Old Grind

It's back to work time. Back to the old grind, back to the salt mines, back to hell. I'm afraid to see what's going on there now. Bye bye vacation time. It's been nice.

The Manhattan Transfer - Chanson D'amour

Of course I see Mr Humphries, Mrs. Slocumbe, and Miss Brahms rat-a-tatting to this tune sung by Mr. Spooner (with Captain Peacock on piano and Mr. Rumbold on accordion, of course.

Lovely Day

Today was a lovely day. I quite enjoyed myself. I'm very tired now-so sorry, no details. In short, Sam got 2 walks, plus several play sessions. I went to a Pet Expo, discovered an amazing chocolate shop, had fun shopping and got tons of bargains, and had a lovely lunch out and a relaxing evening in with great wine-and some of that fantastic chocolate. Now it's bath and bed time. I'll sleep well tonight!