connie, all my thoughts and wishes for you and dh. You are both very strong people.

We do our damnedest. Thanks.

The poor kid's nickname--"Boo."

Boo's not an uncommon nickname in some places. Southern, I think, mostly. I had a friend in Atlanta who used to always call me that.

But the Princecharming thing?

It seems that every last person in his family has a name that begins with "King" or "Queen" or "Duke" or "Prince" or "Princess."

PLEASE tell me they live in old town Alexandra.

Health vibes to meara and Cindy and whoever else is hurty.

Hi. Healing-ma to the sickies: meara and Cindy 'specially. meara, when my kid was a teenager he had a sore throat so swollen he couldn't swallow water. The doc prescribed steroids, in a descending amount, and told him not to attempt to talk. Since you're already on antibiotics, I'm guessing your doctor's on top of this. But if it doesn't get better soon, I'd either go back or see someone else.

lex-Maidengurl, is a punt dog the same thing as an imitation yapdog? What about a corgi? I don't know anything about them except as wee as they are, they were originally bred to herd cattle. Also, unless the off-leash dog park has a high fence, I'd not recommend slipping the leash on a greyhound; they're not apt to stop once they go. And they'll chase cats or smaller dogs, anything smaller than they, basically, that moves. Friends who have rescues take them out to a farm locally two weekends a month where they have lure chases. It's not frequent enough exercise but it sure makes them happy on the days they get to run.

ION, I'm starving, but I can't think of anything interesting to eat.

Frack. I meant to wish connie and Hubby well--fast healing and general on-your-feet-ma. And also, happy Idol-going.

lex-Maidengurl, is a punt dog the same thing as an imitation yapdog?

I'm assuming it's the same thing I call a "drop-kick dog." The little yappers that are just the right size to punt into the next block, and give you ample reason to want to do so.

Most corgis I've come across have seemed too fat and waddly to be much good at herding. They are pretty funny, and seem good natured enough. That might be a good choice.

lex-Maidengurl, is a punt dog the same thing as an imitation yapdog?

A friend of mine refers to these as "kick-me" dogs. Not that she'd ever kick them, but the temptation is there.

I'm afraid that that dog I want (Japanese Chin, one of the foundation breeds for the toy spaniels) might fall into the puntable category, but they don't behave like puntable dogs from what I've seen and heard.

I always tend to lump corgis with scotties, which I love, but all the ones I've met seem to be highly irascible types, who'd take your ankles out as soon as look at you, and work their way up to the knees. Corgis seem a little mellower, but I don't know much about their temperament.

Someone drop-kicked a Yorkie (I think) a few months ago and the little animal died horribly. I'd google the article, but it would just make me cry again.

Well, corgis are herding dogs -- they like to keep busy. They are heelers so they may possibly nip at the heel.

Oh god, I hope it's clear that I would never ever do it and in no way support kicking dogs of any kind, however annoying. That's awful, Trudes.