Who's Happier?

~CarrieAnne~

It may be two days after the Presidential election, but there are still some really happy people and some who are less than happy with the results. Because I have been so caught up in all the coverage of the election,  I decided months ago to take the next day off afterwards. My thought was to avoid people if the candidate I supported lost, and enjoy the news coverage if 'HE' won. Without saying who I voted for, I will just say that I enjoyed having yesterday off instead of today.

~Sheba~

On the flip-side of the week, we've been trying something new with Todd.  During the day Todd stays in a 'golden sized' crate in the office. And at night he sleeps in a little smaller crate that is in our bedroom.  But lately he's been getting more and more reluctant about going in when I tell him 'it's time for bed.'  Instead he's decided that he'd rather sleep on our bed.  I decided that this is okay, as long as he doesn't get into any mischief while we're all sleeping.  Todd has actually been really good and has been staying in the bedroom.  However I find myself waking up several times during the night to check on him.  While Todd may be happier to not spend the night in the crate, I think I would be happier with a little more sleep.

Setting the Tone

Despite being a little worn out from the time change, our weekend ended on a really nice note!  We enjoyed time with friends and being outside in the bright sun with the dogs on Sunday.  It all set the tone for the start of the week.

Also setting the tone for the week was a really nice surprise waiting for me when I got home this evening.  A blogging-friend who lives in France saw these mugs in a shop in England and thought of us.  How very, very thoughtful and kind, don't you think?

I hope your week is off to a good start too!

And I hope you're planning on voting!

Many Thanks!

This week those of us in Hurricane Sandy's path were all humbled by nature's destructive power.  But watching the reports on TV of those who have helped those affected have been inspiring as well.  I know that our losses were really insignificant compared to those who lost everything.  But I have been grateful this week for the help we have received and the kindness and support of friends.

On Monday just before the storm really hit, I was almost home when a tree fell across the road.  Seemingly out of nowhere a couple of men showed up, jumped out of their truck with a chainsaw and made quick work cutting the tree out of the way.  (By the way, who of you carries a chainsaw?)

Today, a friend of ours came over and helped Carl cut up our pine tree that broke in half. We both really appreciated his help.

And I have appreciated your kind words and messages on the loss of our boy Sandy.  You've shared his loss with us and that has provided a great deal of comfort.

Finally throughout the stress of the week, I've been grateful for the comic relief of a little Scottie named Todd who has really, really tried to stay out of mischief.  

Something Todd does really well when he's sleeping!  

I hope you're having a good weekend!

Good-Bye to TWO Sandy's

Hurricane Sandy hit us full force on Monday night.  Not since we lived in Alaska do I remember being battered with high winds that never seemed to stop.  A lot of trees were blown down on our road knocking out our power around 8:30 in the evening on Monday.  It  was not restored until this morning.

Unfortunately, we did not get through the storm without any damage.  We lost part of the roof on our barn.

And one of our beautiful pine trees was snapped in half.  However, there was no damage to our house, and for that we are grateful.  

Through the storm, I was concerned about our foster boy Sandy.  He'd not had much of an appetite the last several days.  However, it was not that unusual, and he was up and about and was even going outside without any help from us.  Yesterday morning Sandy seemed a bit better and would wag his tail whenever I talked to him, which he always did.  I discussed everything with my contact at the rescue and together we decided that he should be seen by the vet. Tests were done and x-rays showed that cancer had metastasized throughout his lungs and his abdomen.  We decided that the kind thing to do was to send him to the Rainbow Bridge.  There wasn't much time for good-byes. As he lay there, I stroked his handsome face and as I spoke to Sandy, he wagged his tail.  I thanked him for coming to our home just 4 short months ago.  I told him that I loved getting to know the dog that ate ice like it was a meal and practically melted when his ears were rubbed.  I thanked Sandy for what he taught me, that his blindness reminded me to slow down my pace and enjoy the walk. I told him about the other dogs that we'd sent to the bridge that I was sure would be there waiting for him.  

As I held his paw and he left this world for the next, I wished that we would have had more time together.  I hope that one day, when I see him again, we'll have that time.  God speed Sandy.  You will be missed and not forgotten.