Zen, my phone didn't ring, and I have no missed calls. Must have been wihout signal. Glad you got some things done, and I'd love to play the productivity game tomorrow via email, chat, phone, or board post.

I've been through it before, with other friends, so I may be overreacting. But I think it's better to care too much.

My rule is to take any mention seriously. And yes, asking about plans is key. Or, what everyone else said.

I just watched Sherlock Holmes for the first time. Bloody brilliant. Although I'm afraid it did nothing to shift my opinion of Rachel McAdams to the positive. Oh well.

And Miracleman, I read your whole passage aloud to amyth's guffaws. I then inquired of the heavens why you were not yet rich beyond imagining. Sadly, I received no reply.

I then inquired of the heavens why you were not yet rich beyond imagining.

A question I ask constantly. I also receive no reply.

Also, since I haven't said it recently, I love my Frankie boy. He's my sweet angelpuppy from heaven. Even when he pees in the living room or jumps up on my bed with "snacks" from the litter box. Oh, how I wish the adage "One man's trash is another man's treasure" did not so aptly apply.

Ergh. The snack box is a pooch problem...well...not a problem for them so much.

Yesterday's doggy lama client was an 8 week old Labradoodle (killer cute and home just 3 hours) who has moved in with two cats. We spent some time devising aversion and segregation strategies.

It's a tough one.

Coincidentally, I sent a message to a friend this evening about how wonderful Bartleby has been lately. He always has been, but even 8.5 years into it, I love him more every day.

When we saw -t today we gave her hugs and love from everyone

Oh that's good to hear, beth.

Coincidentally, I sent a message to a friend this evening about how wonderful Bartleby has been lately. He always has been, but even 8.5 years into it, I love him more every day.

I said earlier today that even though my anxiety and depression are particularly bad right now, having the pets around honestly helps. (Except when it's feeding time -- it is SO HARD for me to feed them right now. Not because I have a problem feeding the pets; just because everything feels impossible right now.) But they're absurd, and sweet, and good companions, and they make this easier in ways I didn't expect.

How is she holding up, Beth?

After my grandmother's death, my grandfather got a dog. Partly, because he wanted a dog , but also because having a dog was a good reason to get up in the morning

When I hit my psychological nadir a couple of years ago, if it weren't for Bartleby, I have no doubt, I'd have shuffled the mortal coil without a second thought. The act of meeting his needs out weighed my deepest impulse to reject my own.

That right there, is proof of miracles, if you ask me.

Steph, I'm sending a fervent wish for a lightness on your heart and whatever pull it will take to get you to the other side. It's sooo much better over here.

Envision a small, but strong, hand reaching out for you.