I worked with a woman whose son got a pup from people whose bitch had many, many litters. They wouldn't get her spayed because they didn't want to put money into her just to have her get hit by a car. . . so I asked why they couldn't keep her penned while she is in season? I mean, it is a finite time and it only happens about twice a year.

Basically, they just couldn't be bothered. Is that good animal husbandry? Isn't farming about taking care of your animals too?

(They had a male dog who they wouldn't get fixed either -- but even if they did - a bitch in heat will attract whatever dogs there are in the area.)

I did have a big dog in the house when I lived with DX,

My groggy mind was trying to remember when Zenkitty lived with DXM.

My step-dad was a Minnesota farm boy and didn't quite get our relationship with dogs in the house. They don't have dogs themselves, but all of us leave our animals with them when we travel. They love their granddoggies. He has been converted to an inside dog person. My cat is outside much of the time, but seems to prefer being inside more with age. As long as she continues to prefer to pee outside we're good. She only uses a litter box if she is inside for a long time because of storms.

eta: I left the cat in Florida and regret this decision, not only because I have mice here!

Packing. How the hell did I accumulate so much stuff?

Some new pictures of the new place here: [link]

It's fab, Brenda! Verra excited for you.

That apartment looks awesome, brenda.

The new place looks great!

Thanks guys! Still freaking out more than anything, but I expect that will pass.

What's the difference between in your bed and on your bed?

In your bed = under the covers?

What's the difference between in your bed and on your bed?

I had firm rules about this when I lived in a studio. When I got up in the morning, I would make my bed and from then on, only sit on it.