Sad News

Tails died last Thursday night.

A week ago she was doing great. She even jumped up on DH's chair and snuggled him. She was still sitting on the back of the couch playing with my hair and purring. The past couple of days she would lie on the floor rather than on the couch. I thought about taking her to the vet but she didn’t seem that bad and I know that she is very old.

Last Thursday morning I looked all over the house for her and couldn’t find her. I had to go to work. DH couldn’t find her when he came home from work. He looked in the basement and my older dog kept going back in DH’s work area. He went back there and Tails let out a loud cry. She was lying in the sawdust under his band saw. He picked her up and put her by the fireplace in the big basket we bought for the younger cat, Teddy. Tails tried to stand up but collapsed. The dogs lay on the bed looking sad. They were not their usual bouncy selves when I came home. Teddy came to her and watched over her. The other animals knew what was happening.

I told DH to call the vet in Sherwood while I drove home from work. They were closed so we took her to the 24 hour vet in Appleton. I wrapped her in a fluffy towel and held her close. She made a couple of little sounds and I told her it was OK for her to go. I told her that she gave us a lot of happiness and we all loved her very much. I told her she could go and she would not hurt and would never be sick again. She made a little moan and didn’t move after that. I think she fell asleep and didn’t wake up. She went peacefully in my arms. It was so sweet of her to go that way for my sake. She was sweet even in her very last minute of life. Tails was like that always.

I held her for a long time at the vet’s office saying goodbye even though I knew she was gone. I didn’t want to leave her there because I knew I’d never see her again. I cried harder than I ever remember crying before because I had to let her go. She was getting really skinny but otherwise looked just as beautiful as ever. Her ears were still perked up like she was alert but her eyes weren’t really closed or open. It was hard for me to leave. The vet is a young woman took her towel and all and held her just like I did, like a little baby.

We left her with the vet where she will be cremated and buried in a garden in the Sherwood Pet Cemetery. I think she will be happy there. She loved to be outside, especially in a garden. We can visit her when you come here.

I will miss her little antics. She really is the best kitty there ever was.

I wish we were all in one place so we could hug and cry and then celebrate Tails’ life together. We have many wonderful memories.

I don't have a problem :)

Knitting Addiction Quiz

Here are my results:

You scored 60%. You are a recreational knitter. Although other people accuse you of addiction, you are not addicted. Nope. Knitting is just fun. You could quit any time. Really.

Take the quiz and let me know if you are more addicted than me! I'd love to share that information with my family and friends.

Blizzard conditions today. We have already had over 5 feet of snow this year. Generally we measure our annual snow in inches.

Fanta Sheep Socks

I bought this kit online directly from the Blackberry Ridge Woolen Mill in Mt. Horeb Wisconsin at http://www.blackberyridge.com
It is the April 1998 Sock of the Month. The colors and the yarn are absolutely gorgeous. I found the pattern irresistible! In the group of 5 sheep circling the sock you will notice one black (actually dark brown) sheep. I like to think that the reason for one dark brown sheep is to represent the beauty and harmony of diversity in sheep and people.

Romeo almost 2

Last August I volunteered to be a foster mom for doggies that were between homes. I got a call a week later from the group saying PLEASE take this little dog. We have no home for him. He looked pretty shabby. One potential permanent home turned him down. I'm sure they thought he would cost a fortune in vet bills. When I first saw our little boy he was tied to a long leash connected to a washline and barked nonstop. I went over to him, picked him up and felt his little heart racing and his whole body shook like he was half frozen. It was August and a nice warm day. He was frightened to death! He stopped barking immediately. I fell in love with this little guy before I got him to the car. A few months later and he is cute as a bug. Look for yourself:





Romeo almost 2
Originally uploaded by MaidMarian

He had a name that was quite acceptable, but sounded too "girlie" to me. I decided to name him Romeo, or Romy for short. He's a smart little guy and learned his name quickly.

Now you are probably looking at his sweet little face and scrawny legs and wondering to yourself, "What's that black box doing on his neck?" Ahem! Yes, it is a shock collar. No, I don't shock him on purpose. If he wanders too far away from the house he hears a warning beep and if he chooses to ignore the beep, he does get a little shock. He does not wander. BUT, if I take that little collar off, Mr. Romeo Smartypants knows the deal. He runs like wind with the biggest grin on his face you can imagine. There is nothing he enjoys more than having us chase him around the Village of Sherwood for hours. Catching him usually involves small children and always other dogs. My dh and I need to hide for if he gets a glimpse of us the chase begins anew. I can't believe how fast that little buggar is. I wish I could let him run but I could never forgive myself if he were to be struck by a car.