Poptarts:

So, Toto had his test for Cushing’s Disease yesterday. Apparently, he was a champ for the vet and her staff. And they said he barely barked the whole day! What a good boy! We should have the results by Monday…maybe even tomorrow.

But, Toto has actually been acting a little better. Still not eating great, had an accident in my parents house yesterday, and lost a chunk of hair. But, he has a little more energy. Last night I decided to hang out with my parents after a fairly rough day (Toto’s test and last day at the job). It was their community’s “Summer Jamboree,” so there were all kinds of outside activities and then fireworks. I didn’t want to leave Toto at home for that long, so I suggested that we bring the dogs with. It was a fabulous idea! They were so good and had so much fun. They got so much attention, because they were so well-behaved and just so damn cute. And they totally knew it. Every time someone would stop and say how cute they were, their heads lifted a little higher and they would strut. It was adorable. They got to eat wonderful french fries, drink water, listen to the orchestra, watch the fireworks and get the previously mentioned attention. They were in heaven.

I never thought Toto was the type of dog that would be well-behaved at that type of event, but he’s really grown up. He barked a little, but not much. He got a little tense as more people crowded for the fireworks, but then this woman came to sing with the orchestra, and she was amazing, and Toto just stared at her and totally calmed down. It was really sweet.

Also, I found out yesterday that my Big!Boss’s dog had Cushing’s Disease. They treated her for four and a half years before they decided to put her to sleep (she was just in so much pain and whatnot). So, that encouraged me a bit. She said it’s hard work regulating the meds, but that she knew if anyone could do it, it’s me. She said I’m just obsessive enough, which made me laugh. I worry about leaving him for 10-hour days when school starts, so I may need to figure something else out (some type of doggy day care or something) for that. But, we’ll cross that bridge when/if we get that diagnosis. My parents have made it very clear that they’ll help out as much as they can with things. They love my little guy too. It was so cute at the fireworks last night. During the actual fireworks, my dad was holding Toto and my mom was holding Rachie. Both were fascinated by these pops in the sky. Mom and Dad looked so happy too. It was nice.

{{{{{Susan}}}}} Much ~ma to you and your family. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

Fay, so jealous of your Haworth visit! I have always wanted to go there. It sounds like it was a lot of fun. Good luck in finding a temporary teaching job when you get back to Egypt. It sounds like you made the best decision you could under the circumstances.

{{{{{{{{{Susan}}}}}}}}}

Deena, did you get my e-mail response yesterday?

sj, I did. I haven't responded because um. I have no good reason. Being lazy, I s'pose. I'm glad you've got a new computer, though. That's lovely. I do need to work on the novel again. I'm hoping that this fall things will settle down and I'll be able to do some.

{{Susan}} I hope things are as easy as possible for all concerned.

Anne, congrats on the interview! I'm so pleased.

Astarte, I'm so sorry about the layoff. You deserve all the prosecco and chocolate you can hoard.

sj, I did. I haven't responded because um. I have no good reason. Being lazy, I s'pose. I'm glad you've got a new computer, though. That's lovely. I do need to work on the novel again. I'm hoping that this fall things will settle down and I'll be able to do some.

Just making sure nothing is wrong with my new gmail account, because I haven't really gotten any responses from e-mails I have sent yet. I am hoping to get the new computer up and running today.

{{Susan}} Don't forget to take care of yourself while your taking care of all the things that need to get done. I hope your father has a peaceful passing.

Anne! I forgot to say yay to your interview! Go you!

vw, that's good news on the Cushing's even if you don't know yet if Toto has it (and I'm vibing hard he doesn't.) Last night sounds like it was a winner in the memories department!

Fay, Haworth sounds like it would have been a lot of fun to browse! I really need to get back to England some year. I've got a girlfriend who's living in Bognor Regis that I keep saying I'm going to visit sometime. I just need to get a new passport so I don't have any more excuses not to go. Keeping my fingers crossed you can find a teaching job when you get back to Egypt.

{{Susan}} {{Astarte}}

Also VW

I think that's the last e-mail address I used, sj, so it seems to be working okay on my end.

I'd love to visit England. I've never been.

I just (with Nick and a friend's help for most of the heavy moving) cleaned and rearranged my living room. it looks much better now.

Cute cats alert: [link]