So I've arranged pet-sitting for this weekend, somewhat belatedly. Thank heavens for next door pet-loving neighbors.

Oh! Had an awesome time at the dog park tonight, twice. But the relevant one is that this guy is there all the time with these two dogs. Turns out, one of them isnt' his (technically). Jackson gets dropped off at his place every morning and picked up at night, unless his owner is out of town and he stays. Brian, the guy, is a "failed dog trainer" because he didn't have enough clients to keep a business going. He works from home and is happy to do any kind of dog care - walks, daycare, overnights. He charges Jackson's owner $10 a day. Lordy.

Having a dog care option with someone I have some knowledge of, who I know will take her to the DP and play, who knows dogs and training issues, and is not in the kind of environment that will automatically make Darby freak? Oh, so huge.

Darby can't really be boarded, now. She can't even go into a vet or boarding place, even the one she came to me from, without freaking out. And losing a lot of the ground we've made. And I do have times when I need to travel unexpectedly. The last time I was able to have my sister come down, but that's dicey on short notice. With him I could have him come by three or four times a day or else take her home with him.

He's a little weird. But that's pretty much par for the course with people who make their lives around dogs, I've found. I would certainly trust him to care for her and to notice and respect her issues.

brenda, that's awesome. Glad you found someone like that.

Okay, I think I'm packed for the weekend. My baby sis is graduating from college, y'all! She has perservered mightily, through hellish roommates and nervous breakdowns and four different universities. Hallelujah amen.

into the worst job market in decades, but let's celebrate first.

That`s great, Brenda. That makes a big difference. Our dog guy is a bit weird too, but great with the dogs and totally serious about their care. And he had the sign back out in front of his kennel, so I hope he`s back in business. After the deal with our band leader subletting the dog-sitting gig to our intern, I am so not into letting that happen again.
 
That`s not the rant I meant to go on. I meant to say, the Biscuit, although he never did shelter time, did have abandonment issues, so we were worried about kennels, but like everything else you`ve experienced. he did better over time and now loves his kennels. He knows the people and where to go and trots right off. So Darby might get there too. But having someone reliable who can care for her in a good environment is really important, so I`m glad you found the connection.

I got a call around 9 from my uncle-in-law. Grabbed my phone and the dude is HERE. Not just in town, he's staying less than a block from me while his parentals have some medical stuff happening. So we met for a drink!

Congrats to your sis, smonster. She is strong.

He's a little weird. But that's pretty much par for the course with people who make their lives around dogs, I've found. I would certainly trust him to care for her and to notice and respect her issues.

He sounds worth his weight in gold. I assume, since he charges $10, he's the tiniest elf ever. And Darby is lucky to know him.

And what Liese said. Kittenish does better and better almost every time at the cattery. And they are good and I trust them or I'd never have left her, but it's still a total process.

Yay Brenda! ...though I totally thought that story was going to a dating place. Hah!

Possibly because I went out with the ex tonight. Sigh. So not right for me in any way, but still super hot.

My fever has finally gone down, which is a blessed relief as last night was an adventure I do not wish to repeat. Hope I'll be bored enough to read later - my PhD books are glaring at me in guilt-inducing manner.

erin, I have no particular advice on your sister, but your methods seem sound. I hope she gets the message.

Even when I am really trying, I can't seem to do things right.

Aww, sj. We all feel like that at some point. Sorry you`re there now.

Mom was here yesterday and accidentally set the alarm on my car, which I don't do because my alarm fob isn't currently working. So, this morning I couldn't get into my car unless I wanted to set off the alarm. Mom lives an hour away. I couldn't get to babysitting, and I didn't call early enough to let H know that I was having a problem because I was trying to figure out how to fix the problem. So H just gave me a major guilt trip, which really I was already giving myself enough guilt. And considering all I have done for her...

Not. Your. Fault. sj. Ease up on yourself, okay? It's a small thing and you shouldn't be getting guilt tripped over something that wasn't even your fault.