A Pet's Ten Commandments

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10 On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

~Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them.

Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters.

~Now please pass this on to other pet owners. We do not have to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs!

The drive through milk bone dispenser

Today was one of those boring rainy days. Casey and Karma were bored, snoozed most of the day, except of course when I wanted to take a nap. That was the time Karma selected to lay on the bed next to me and gnaw on one of her Nylabones. It figures.

I had a few errands to run so decided to take the girls with me. Casey sprawled out in the back seat and Karma rode shotgun in the front passenger seat. Stop #1 was at the gas station. Karma was fascinated, had to sit in the driver's seat and watch every move I made, as though she were learning a new skill. Casey slept in the back seat.

Stop # 2 was at a bank. As soon as I pulled up to the drive through window, Casey sprang to attention and peered forlornly at the cashier. She gave her one of those "take pity on me, I haven't eaten in a month" looks. RIIIIIIGHT. Well, the nice cashier opened the tray and had two milk bones there before she even took my deposit. The girls were thrilled! When the drawer opened and I got my deposit receipt back there were two more milk bones! JACKPOT!!

Stop # 3 was at another bank. This time when we pulled up to the window Karma started drooling. She slobbered all over my cell phone, which was sitting in the console's cup holder on charge. I can't imagine how it didn't short out with that deluge of slobber going on. Fortunately I carry extra napkins in the car. In the back seat, Casey was up to her tricks, staring relentlessly at the poor clerk, who apologetically said, "I only have crumbs, is that ok?" By the time the drawer opened Casey was nearly in my lap and Karma could hardly contain herself. I thought they would turn inside out before I could get the little milk bone pieces to them!

So there you have it. Casey and Karma's big adventure: a trip to what I'm sure they consider to be a drive through milk bone dispenser!

A reason to smile

Little Karma came to us just after Christmas. She was lost or abandoned, rescued by a wonderful couple, and we took her in to foster. She's beautiful, funny, soft and silky, goofy, and will be about 55 pounds when she's an adult. I've fallen in love with her, and we have decided to adopt her.

When Noir left, a piece of my heart left with her. Karma has given me a piece of hers. Eventually my heart will be completely replaced with dog-heart pieces.

So here's the newest member of our family: Karma!

Karma giving me that "Oh, bother!" look

Karma imitating Casey:
Casey watches her dad through the window by the door.
Karma tries to see through the door.