For the Love of Dog

The Carolina Panthers may have lost in their playoff game

but Daisy reminds me that the "Love of Dog" puts everything into perspective. 

A Friday Funny

We've all seen them...those cute dog shaming photos popping up all over the internet. However, I do believe there is a human cause for all those shaming incidents. Case in point:

A Flash Friday 55 Offering: The Hunger

startled awake

by creak, creak, creaking

of stair boards ‘neath a heavy weight

dreading sound

of feet slowly creep, creep, creeping

up steps, nearing closer

feigning sleep

to squeak, squeak, squeaking

of door yielding entry

eyes squeeze shut

to hot, heavy breaths…

cold, demanding tongue…

rapacious hunger,

incessant , impatient...

So much for sleeping in. 

(Daisy, not so patiently waiting)

Monday Musings: September 19, 2011

Dear Cam Newton,

Um, our team was the one wearing the WHITE jerseys. Just thought maybe you had forgotten.

A concerned 5^th

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Dear Steve Smith,

What was that all about? Were you showing off? I thought rule #1 in NFL football is to ALWAYS protect the ball. Oh, and next game…leave the Teflon gloves at home, ‘kay?

An exasperated 5^th

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Dear Carolina Panthers,

In all seriousness, I witnessed moments of greatness in Sunday’s game. It’s obvious we lost on turnovers, but the fact that these past 2 games were both lost by only a touchdown is a remarkable improvement from last year. This was actually an enjoyable game to watch. Even Mr. Sister had a good time. 

A hopeful 5^th

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Dear Procrastination,

I do believe it’s about time we part ways. Although we’ve been extremely close these past 5 decades, I’m ready to be a woman of action. It is very difficult to be that woman with you standing in the way. I’m thinking sometime next week or next month would be a good time to make that split. I’ll get back to you.

A delaying 5^th

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Dear Munchie Boy,

Now that you are about to exceed mama’s height, the answer is NO! You cannot use my shoulder as an arm rest.

Your vertically challenged Mama 5^th

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Dear Daisy,

I know you love me. Now that you have access to more of the house I realize you want to be with me every moment of every day. But seriously, could you quit following me into the bathroom? I promise I’ll come back out. How about you guard the door for me instead? Deal?

A Daisy lovin’ 5^th

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Dear Clinical Foundations,

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Without you I don’t know how I would have achieved the CEU’s necessary to maintain my license to practice in this state. The only thing left to do is to pay my renewal fee. If I can get my friend Procrastination to back off a bit, I should be able to do that later today. Or tomorrow.

A grateful and still delaying 5^th

PS…thank goodness I have until the end of the month!

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 That's all for this week's edition of Monday Musings. It feels good to be writing again! I've missed all of you.

Sunday 160: Ode to Daisy

She greets me every morning with
Unconditional love,

Worship,

And anticipation of

1st touch.

What shall it be?

Belly rubs?

Neck hugs?

Muzzle nuzzles?

She requires all 3!

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To participate or read other samples of this new genre of fiction, 

please visit Monkey Man. The idea behind Sunday 160 

is to write a short piece in exactly160 characters, 

spaces included. 

Flash Friday 55: The FURminator

A shedding dog,

Several brushes and combs

All worthless

In our numerous attempts to "deshedify".

Believing our destiny now included

Piles of doggy dust bunnies,

Arms aching from thrice-daily sweeping,

I had given up hope.

That is until a borrowed "FURminator"

Came into our lives.

Daisy's now quite proud

and comfortable in her own fur.

The FURminator

A normal brush or comb never removed this amount of dog hair.

Daisy's so proud and shiny!

Please note that the product endorsement above 
is my personal opinion only.
I was not paid, nor received product, for this review.
 
I am participating in Flash Friday 55. This weekly meme is brought to you by G-Man, over at Mr. Know it All. The object is to write a story or prose in exactly 55 words. Come join us and link your 55 in Mr. Know it All's comment section. See you there!

Monday Musings - May 17, 2010

SPECIAL CAMPING EDITION

Dear Mr. Sister,

Thank you for having the tent all set up by our arrival!

An appreciative 5th

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Dear National Weather Service,

When you predicted isolated thundershowers, I didn't realize you meant that the storm would isolate itself over our campsite...all night long!!!

A formerly trusting 5th

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Dear Tent,

You have served us well for many years. I have always said I could camp in the rain as long as I have a tent to stay dry in. That is why it was terribly disappointing that you picked this particular trip to spring leaks! Do you know how difficult it is to sleep when rain is dripping on your nose and toes? It was worse on Munch's side of the tent....so he and Daisy decided that my air mattress was the place of refuge.

A wet and weary 5th

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Dear Daisy,

For a 1st time camper you did amazingly well! I especially loved the fact that you defended us against moths, dragonflies, flying embers and park rangers. Good job!

Your snuggle buddy,

The Alpha 5th

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Dear Campers one site over,

Seriously...what's with the chopping of wood at 11pm? Don't you know sound is amplified in the dark of night? A little consideration for fellow campers would have been appreciated.

A sleep deprived 5th

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Dear Fish,

Quit stealing my lures!

An exasperated 5th

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Dear Camp Stove and Mini Weber,

Thank you for making easy work of our meals. The marinated chicken, cooked over hot coals, was particularly tasty. And having hot water for morning coffee and cocoa was such a bonus!

A fat and happy 5th

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Despite the nightly rain, we did have an outstanding Saturday in which we were able to get all of our kayaking and fishing in. Please enjoy the following photos.

"You sleep in the wet spot"

"No, you sleep in the wet spot"

"Please take me with you!"

The boys depart on their kayaking adventure

"How about you, Bethany? Can I go with you?"

"Well, if I cannot kayak, I shall defend our turf, 

dutifully awaiting your return."

Mama 5th catching some rays waiting her turn to kayak.

Gotta love the oversize pink sunglasses!

Mr. Sister feeding lures to the rascally fish

Now what's a camping trip without toasted marshmallows?

Everyone has their own technique and preference

Tuesday's Truth: Time, or Lack There of

The truth is, quite honestly, I do not have time to blog today.
My day is quite full actually:

I need to make 3 skirts for the leading ladies in the school musical.
Munchie Boy begins his annual standardized testing today.
I have both school and choir carpool duties.
I have every hope that today will be the day that I slay that laundry beast.

And lastly, Daisy is sick. I am taking her into the vet today. She's been peeing a lot. Really. A lot. Panting too. Drinking lots of water as well. It sounds like a kidney issue to me. I will be sure to keep all you animal lovers out there updated.

With that said, I must sign off now.
If I do not respond to your comments, please understand.
If I do not visit your blog today, please understand.
You all are the best! Thanks!

Monday Musings-March 1, 2010

Dear Mr. or Ms. Fender Bender,

Oh, gee. I am so sorry that my left rear fender got in the way of your hasty exit from the church parking lot last Thursday evening. I am also terribly contrite that, in your obvious hurry, you could not stop, leave a note, or come find me...it's not like I was one of the very few people meeting in the Family Center that night. Despite all of this I am really happy that you have such conviction in your "Christianity" that you did not feel the need to "do the right thing". With that said, I am confident that you shall "reap what you sow".

So very disappointed in my fellow Catholic,

Owner of the dreadfully dented Toyota Rav 4

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Dear Daisy,

No, you cannot have my pizza crust. It is mine, and mine alone! I don't care that it's "tradition" for you to be served the uneaten crusts. I'm hungry! Don't give me that look. I said NO!

Aw, you're just too cute. Okay...here you go, but just this once.

Captivated by your charm,

Mama 5th

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Dear Respiratory Barb,

Have I told you how much I enjoy working with you? What a team we make! Despite how busy things get we seem to always have each other's back and are able to get things done, and then some! We're quite the team!  Until next time....

Your grateful colleague,

Respiratory Polly

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Dear Blogging Friends,

I am still recuperating from a busy 3 days at work and the ending stages of my sinus/ear infection. I feel the strong desire to go back to bed to get just one more hour (or two) of sleep. Take care and may the blogosphere treat you well this day! Write on!

Bloggingly yours,

Ms. 5th

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Blog update:  My friend Su, from This Stop Willoughby is hosting a pretty nifty GIVEAWAY. Please also take the time to check out her Etsy shop: The Cabbage Rose.  Thank you...that is all!

Alphabe-Thursday: The Letter D

D is For Daisy

And just what Does Daisy Do?

She Does this:

Day in and Day out!

Dawdling at the Door.

Dedicated Defender of her Domicile.

Drives Daddy nuts.

Daffy Dog!

Tuesday Tidbits-Janary 26, 2010

Dear Mr. Microwave,

I'm seriously disappointed in you, dude. Wimping out on me like that! Now how am I going to heat up leftovers, make Munchie's oatmeal, and reheat my tea/coffee? Leaving me hanging like that was not cool and has definitely crimped my style. I am now forced to actually turn on the burner or run into the arms of my toaster oven for our breakfasts and lunches. How could you? We've been together for so long. Well, I'll have you know that I've found another. He'll arrive later in the week at which point I'm sending you packing.

Oh, just so you'll know, my new microwave is strong, dark and quite handsome. He'll fit in just fine. You'll see.

No longer yours,

Mrs. Sister

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Dear Daisy,

Houses weren't meant to be climbed. Just sayin'.

Your surrogate mommy,

Mama 5th

P.S. Silly dog. It's just rain. Hurry up and go pee! For a formerly outdoor dog you sure have become pretty wimpy.

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Dear Madam Freezer,

What's your problem? Did we do something to make you mad? Yes, we had to let your friend, Mr. Microwave, go but why on earth would you pop open your door, exposing your innards and allow ALL of our food to defrost in retaliation? This is such a financial blow to the food budget. Which means that your belly won't get full anytime soon. You only hurt yourself. And you better watch it, missy, or you'll be next to go.

With frosty regards,

Mrs. Sister

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My blogging friend, Kimberly, at Terra Del Sol, is having a very unique giveaway. She is giving away art. Yes, actual art. You see, she's a collector and is willing to share a work of art with one of her faithful followers. So head on over and check her out. Follow her for a chance to win. What are you waiting for? Go. I'll be here when you get back.

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An old high school friend of mine has begun a new blog. To help him get started I thought I'd give him a shout out. I would like to formerly introduce you to Jim Hawley of It's Either This or Go Crazy. Let's all give him a nice welcome to the blogosphere. Jim is a unique character: an intellectual, a self professed liberal (but don't hold that against him), an ordained minister, a scholar, a member of the academe, silly and irreverent at times,  and just an all around nice guy. Or as he succinctly puts it, "A pastor/literary critic/musing guy ruminating on the ambiguities of life..." Go on and pay him a visit!

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Awards Update

Thank you, Lee, from Headaches, Hotflashes and Hormones, and Kimberly of Tera Del Sole for the sweet Sugar Doll award.

Oh and Kayla from Bashful Toast thinks I deserve the Happy 101 recognition.

And, finally, Weezer, of Weezer's Haven, handed out the A Lovely Blog award to all of her followers.

Thanks, dear friends. These awards mean so very much to me and I'm glad you felt enough of me to pass them along.

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That's all of the "tidbits" I have for you today. Come back tomorrow to see what prose I have come up with for the weekly Silly Haiku Wednesday meme. It was a collaborative effort, this time, and one I think you all will appreciate. Until then, have a terrific Tuesday!

Tuesday Tidbits-December 22, 2009

Larry Update

I have not heard back from my sister regarding Larry. I plan to call her this morning around 8:00 am. I will post updates as soon as I hear anything.  I am praying that no news is good news.

I want to thank each and every one of you for your prayers, good thoughts and encouragement. It really means a lot to me but even more to Carrie and her family.  God is so good! Want to hear something? It was while my children and I were praying a rosary that we received the call that Larry was stabilized!

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Daisy Update

We are going to have to play it by ear. As my husband put it, "Who are we going to steal from to pay for the surgeries?" He's right. We can't steal from the kids' college education fund, nor from our retirement (both of which took big hits when the economy nosedived). We just used our home equity line of credit to purchase Mr. Sister's used car so going further in debt is not an option. My insurance rates at work are going to eat up half my salary and with the implementation of the health care reform looking imminent those rates will be taxed so even more money will be stolen taken out of my paycheck. I'd like to get on full time at work so I could work extra hours to pay for the surgery, however there is currently a hiring freeze and no hours to be had. It pains me greatly that we cannot justify surgery at this time. We are going to do our best to keep her as comfortable as possible with medication.

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Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

I entered a giveaway over at Mommy Madness. (you HAVE to go visit her! You won't be sorry). Anyway...I won! I can't wait to add that ever styling Travel Channel t-shirt to my wardrobe! Thank you Christine!

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A Sign That you Blog Too Much...

Is when you start dreaming about your blog buddies. Last night I had a dream about Lee. You all know Lee...she's the Queen over at Headaches, Hotflashes, and Hormones.  Anyway, in my dream we were playing Scrabble in the bathroom of my childhood home. I was embarrassed because the place was a mess! She was so proud of herself because she was able to lay all 7 of her tiles down to spell "takeout". Unfortunately she spelled it T-A-K-I-D-O-T.  She wasn't happy at all with me when I challenged her and pointed out the missing "U".  I didn't dare tell her about the "I" in place of the "E". Yikes! Please remind me to never make Lee mad! :o)

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On that note I have to get started on the day. Please forgive me if I don't respond to individual commentary this week. I believe there's a major holiday approaching and I am about to enter The Panic Zone! Have a great Tuesday, everyone!

The News is Not Good

Daisy has bilateral torn ACL's. Which means she will require surgery to both legs over the course of 3-4 months. I don't know what we're going to do. There are 3 surgical options (actually only 2 viable options) They want to do surgery as soon as possible (one leg at a time).

I guess a big family conference is in order.

Monday Musings-December 21, 2009

Dear Carolina Panthers,


How do I love thee? Let me count the way: YOU BEAT BRET FAVRE AND THE MINNESOTA VIKINGS! How amazing and awesome is that? I am so, so happy to have stayed up and watched this phenomenal feat!  Although there is no hope for the playoffs I can now say with pride, "There's always next year!" Thank you for that glimmer of hope.


Love, 


Mrs. Sister

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Congratulations Luis!

My friend, Luis, over at Muddy Runner, just ran his 1st ever 20 mile run. That is a remarkable feat. Please go check out his blog and offer him your kudos!

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Remember when I was the Cook of the Week over at All Recipes last month? Apparrantly word got out at work. They made a poster board with my photo on it, displayed it at the coffee shop, and handed out free samples of my milkshake recipe: "Don't Knock it Until You Try It". How fun was that! I had people coming up to me all weekend commenting on that shake. Be sure to check out the link and seriously, don't knock it until you try it!

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Monday Awards Show!

From Holly over at 504 Main  (Remarkable Reader)

Isn't it beautiful? Holly has a remarkable website with lots of interesting ideas and crafts for this time of year. Well worth checking out. I will pass this award on to Tugce at Boulevard of Broken Dreams. There is always a wonderful affirmation or beautiful quotation on her blog. Her blog leaves me feeling better for just having visited. Please visit her and let her know you stopped by!


From Lee over at Headaches, Hotflashes and Hormones (Light my Fire)

Go visit Lee and give her some bloggy love as she deals with some difficult issues this holiday season. There are no rules to this award (THANK GOODNESS). If you are on my reading list, consider yourself worthy of this award. Grab it, take it and do what you will with it!


From Nicole over at Tattoos and Teething Rings (Thanks a Bunch)

You have to go visit my dear friend Tats! She is interesting, unique, loyal and a wee bit crazy too! I love her dearly and am so thankful to grab this thank you from her. Again, no rules so I'll make up my own. If you comment on my blog post, feel free to grab this thank you and display it on your home turf!

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Today I take Daisy in for her surgical consult. Wish us well and let's hope surgery is unnecessary! On the plus side of all this, I purchased for her an orthopedic dog bed and she is now fully an indoor dog! :o) 

Take care and have a wonderful Monday. I will try to show up periodically throughout the week but if I am MIA please forgive me. Christmas and family comes first this week! Thanks for understanding and God bless you all!

Thursday's Thoughts

My Top 10 All Time Favorite Christmas Songs


10. We Three Kings
9.    I'll Be Home for Christmas
8.   Joy to the World
7.   Breath of Heaven
6.   Oh Come All Ye Faithful
5.   It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
4.   All is Well
3.   Veni Veni Emmanuel
2.   Silent Night
and, drum roll please
1.   The First Noel


So, what are your favorite carols? And what about that carol that hits every raw nerve? For me it's, hands down, Paul McCartney's Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time. It's insipid, it's repetitive and down right annoying! 


What's on Your Christmas Wish List (besides World Peace)?


From Mr. Sister:


A Kitchen Aid mixer, preferably the Artisan model in a really funky color, or


A Carolina Panther jersey in Carolina blue


Not, I repeat NOT, a radio...the gift that keeps on giving. I should know. I've received one 3 times within the past several years. The last two times the past two years! Honey, you know I love you but please listen to me. Just because I liked a gift the 1st time I received it does not give you license to keep getting me the same thing! 


From the kids:


A Snuggy and/or fuzzy slippers (Perfect to counteract my Raynoud's during the cold winter months!)


A Little Clarification on The Housewives of OC


Regarding yesterday's haiku:  I do not DVR this show. I couldn't even tell you what time it is on. But I will tell you that if I am channel surfing and come across it I stop surfing and watch. I don't know why.. It draws me in every single time. I do feel like I need to wash my brain with some soap afterwards to rid my mind of the trash I just witnessed. 


Daisy Update


Daisy woke up yesterday morning unable to bear weight on her right hind leg. It got worse as the day progressed. I ended up taking her to the veterinarian. We discovered she has a torn ACL that will require surgery. We will go in for a surgical consult to see what all of our options are. In the meantime I have her on an anti-inflammatory and a pain medication, in addition to increasing her arthritis medication to twice daily. God bless her. She's the sweetest dog and doesn't deserve to be going through these health issues. This is quite heartbreaking to see her in pain as I love her so very much. 

What's not to love? A girl and her "kong"!

A Final Note

I probably won't be able to respond to commentary today. I really have to sit down and write the annual Christmas letter and get the cards sent out. I also promised Munchie Boy that I would make a Christmas stocking for Daisy. I've procrastinated long enough. Make it a good day everyone!

Monday Musings-November 16

Dear Carolina Panthers,


Thank you! My daughter and I had a wonderful time. Do you think you have it in you to repeat this sweet victory Thursday night?

Your ardent fan,


Mrs. Sister


PS  I'm really sorry about Jordan Gross. He'll be sorely missed.

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Confirmation

After receiving this holy sacrament, Bethany declares, "You were right, Mommy! I feel different. I feel stronger, fortified!" She had such a beautiful glow about her as well. Afterwards, she chose Olive Garden as her restaurant destination of choice for a post Confirmation celebration. Photography was not (nor ever is) allowed during the Mass but here are a few photos taken outside of the church and at the reception afterwards.

Bethany and her sponsor Yvonne.

Bethany and her grandma!

The Sister clan at the Piazza

Bethany and a dear friend. 

Funny. They wore the same dress only in different colors.

Bethany and her sponsor with Abbot Solari, 

who substituted for an ailing Bishop Curlin. 

He did an outstanding job and the kids really enjoyed his homily.

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Shocking!

Daisy has been bad. Very, very bad. On her walks, that is. She's been tugging and pulling despite our best efforts to get her to heel. She lunges for other dogs, cats, squirrels and people. Bad, bad doggy behavior. 

Last week was the last straw. Munchie Boy was taking her for a walk. Another dog walker approached and Daisy, being the bad doggy she has been, lunged towards the other dog. She dragged Munch down across the pavement causing a minor shoulder wound and several bruises and abrasions elsewhere. Munch was hurt enough that he couldn't go to swim team practice that evening. 

It is important for the kids to be able to control the dog so Mr. Sister and I decided to order a shock collar for training purposes. It arrived Saturday. We allowed it to charge for 24 hours. We then tested it on ourselves and didn't feel anything. Was it going to work? We were hopeful. We set it at level 2, the setting where most dog trainers recommended.

Last evening was the first  try. We placed the collar on Daisy and I took her out. She immediately began to pull and tug. I said "Heel!" and hit the button...just beeps heard. No change in behavior noted. The lunging, tugging and pulling continued. Okay, I'll dial it up to 3...still nothing. 4? Nada. 5? Zip, zilch. I'm beginning to worry that maybe the collar we purchased was defective. I'll give it one more try. Level 6. This time I kept the button pushed down. Oh my goodness! The biggest, sorriest yelp came out of Daisy. I think she jumped 3 feet into the air! Oh what a bad doggy mommy! Well, let me tell you, she heeled after that! I also think I shocked the poop out of her for shortly thereafter I had to clean up the biggest doggy dump I've ever seen in my life! 

I just took her for her morning walk and guess what? She heeled. 

How Does Daisy Do?

An Update

(For my new followers: Daisy, formerly "Roxie", was a neglected and abused black Labrador who decided to adopt us as her new family by showing up on our doorstep not once, but twice, last summer. She was underweight and had not been receiving her medication on a consistent basis to relieve her arthritic pain. Her prior owners neglected to use heart worm preventative. Daisy also had suffered several injuries to both front and hind ACL's and a terrible chest wound that almost killed her when she was younger. This was not a case where the family couldn't afford proper care. This was pure, simple, and willful neglect.)

Daisy has integrated herself well into being part of a loving family. She has gained weight. She's no longer in arthritic pain and her heart worm treatment has, thus far, been effective.

We are, however, experiencing a few minor issues. Now that she's gained weight she is much stronger. Now that she's no longer arthritic she is quite hyperactive. Now that her heart worm has been treated she has much more stamina. She's pushing boundries, that's for sure. 

I used to be able to take her for walks without her lunging in every which direction trying to chase that rabbit, meet that dog or sniff that human. She used to be so sedate and sweet but now I'm having to pull out every Dog Whisperer trick in the book to try to get her to behave on her walks. She has even dragged my poor son literally off his feet to get at a couple of chihuahuas out on their evening jaunt. 

She knows the commands sit, stay, lay down and heel. I think she has decided that maybe we really don't mean what we say. It's like having a 2 year old all over again. 

Regardless, we love her and are very glad to have her as a part of our family.  

Feeling Better and Other Stuff

The pain meds are finally kicking in and Daisy is beginning to feel like her old self. She has more energy but still is not eating her normal amount for breakfast and dinner.

Another sign that she's feeling better is that she tried to chase a cat when Munchie took her for a walk last evening. Munch weighs about the same as Daisy (60 lbs) so he had to drop to his rear and sit on the ground, bracing with his feet and hold on to her leash for dear life. Wish I had a video or photo of that. I think I'm going to have to teach Munch the "Dog Whisperer" moves that have helped Daisy submit to me and recognize that I am the Alpha member of our "pack".

The other excitement this week is that Bethany has been doing the driving portion of her Driver's Ed class. So funny to hear her stories. Apparantly, the instructor didn't trust her that first day and kept her hands clamped on the emergency wheel. She chided Bethany for not doing certain "maneuvers" correctly but Bethany said it's kind of hard to turn her wheel when the teacher had it in a death grip! Also, this morning they are on the look out for pedestrians so if you plan on walking anywhere, my advice to you is to stay on the sidewalks!

And finally, the Charlotte Children's Choir season begins tonight with a 3 day retreat. Time to organize the carpools and adjust schedules! Let the fundraising begin!

I'd like to close by thanking all of you for your kind words, prayers and best wishes for Daisy's full recovery. They're working!

Oh, and be careful out there!

Daisy Update

Daisy came home last night from her last round of heartworm treatment. This was a 2 day therapy regimen as opposed to her initial one day visit last month. She definitely was not feeling well when I picked her up. She had suffered from some stress diarrhea and was bathed at the vet. She was sore and had no appetite. We spent the evening loving on her and giving her lots of attention. We need to keep her on activity restriction for another month.

Today she still not is eating well and the diarrhea persists. Fortunately she is taking her medication (it has an intense beefy flavor, thank goodness) If this continues I plan on calling the veterinarian. On a positive note, she appears to be feeling a little bit better seeking any and all attention she can get.

I so love this dog and thank God he brought her to us. Please pray for her continued healing, if you are so inclined.

The 1st Vet Visit

Daisy had her first veterinary appointment today. All in all everything went as expected. She does have arthritic hips (as suspected), an old ACL injury to her left hind knee and a current ACL injury to her right. This is why she's been hobbling and is quite "stiff" in the morning before we go for our walk. We need to begin supplementation with a product that contains glucosamine, chondroitin and blue-green algae (a natural anti-inflammatory). It's not cheap as the medication runs about $40/month. The doctor assures me that by taking this medication Daisy should be soon able to go on morning runs with me.

It also appears that there is an old injury to Daisy's right eye and that is why the iris has a cloudy appearance to it. They will monitor this closely at all subsequent visits. Additionally, she had experienced, in the past, an old chest injury that had become infected and was difficult to treat but has since healed nicely.

Daisy is about 5 lbs. underweight so we need to fatten her up just a bit. In addition to her 1 1/2 cups of kibble morning and night, I will be adding a hard boiled egg to her breakfast. She'll continue to get the occasional doggy treat for her exemplary behavior.

Now for the bad news: Daisy has tested positive for heartworm. If left untreated this is always fatal. This is the reason she had become so thin. How could this happen when it is so preventable?! Mr. Sister had already ordered Heartgard for her (along with Advantix) because even we, as non dog owners, know the importance of prevention. The treatment will be very expensive (to the tune of about $500-Ouch!). I will be taking her in for her initial treatment tomorrow and then for a 2 day treatment a month from now.

The problem I am facing is that I am harboring some anger directed towards Daisy's prior caretakers. I need to let that go and be comforted in knowing that Daisy made the right choice in adopting us: for by doing so, she has the chance for a long, safe and happy life.