Tuck them in the dog's collar.

Duh! I never thought of that. Wonder if they would stay. The rattle would certainly remind her of the objective. When she hears me get out the bags she comes running because she knows what it means. Woo! Walk!

I used to tie them loosely around the leash handle so I'd have a couple ready to go.

Much love for you and your mom, Laura.

I'm glad your mom will have a chance to go back home again, Laura.

Thanks for all the support everyone. I have regained a bit of perspective. They would never have left to before because my mom's mom was still alive. My parents really are very nice people and will help whenever I ask, I just wish there had been a bit more structured support when I moved.

Fact is, Mac can stay by himself now and I just need to make plans and go out.

The other thing is my mom has her own piles and piles of resentment. She was the child called home from college to care for her father after a stroke. She had my brother as an infant to deal with when dad was in Vietnam. She drove 3 hours round trip many many weekends of my elementary and jr high years to help out with her father. And then traveled he same 3 hours almost every other weekend for more years to check on her mother. She never got baby grandchildren she had always thought she would have and now is the first time in probably 50 years where she hasn't been at least partial caregiver to someone.

Oh, how I wish I had time to play with today's Google Doodle.

Thank you Tom!! The pictures are a delight.

Laura, your mom and you are lucky to have each other--such wise and caring women.

msbelle, everyone who knows you is lucky to have you--such understanding and perspective. I hope you can use those things to give yourself some love and support. You certainly deserve both those things.

tommy, thanks so much for sharing the pictures. Familiar faces! And a new one to match with a posting voice here!

1st step in being proactive - joined FB groups for 3 local Democratic Party groups. At least I might find like minded people.

I want to "like" msbelle's post. :)

I'm cramming food in my face because I need to be at the travel clinic in 30 minutes, and they told me to come with a full stomach in case of any reactions. Which sounds kind of ominous?