Gina G writes

 Christmas 2024 versus Christmas in the Trenches This has been a not-so-happy, up-and-down, try-to-survive month. It is the first Christmas since 1989 that I have spent without a dog. Thankfully, my cat Fish has stepped up and been very snuggly. It is an adjustment month. On the one hand, there isn't dog hair collecting everywhere, and I don't have to let the dog out to go potty or clean up any accidents in the house. On the other hand, I don't have to let the dog out to go potty or clean up her hair. As I said, it's an adjustment. And I am not the only one going through this. My cousin lost her dog. Several of my friends have lost their pets this year, and I just found out a dear Uncle of mine has passed away. So much for the season of perpetual joy. Now let's add into this mix of adjustment, grief, and jolly ho, ho, ho, crap, taking a fall which resulted in smacking my face and a light sprain to my left ankle. I think life wants me to slow down. Or something. I fi...

 Misty Mae Misty came into my life five days after my beloved Peyton passed away from cancer. He was my show Afghan. His breeder contacted me and let me know she had a female I could have for the cost of airfare. How could I say no? I drove to Vegas and picked her up. She was scared, barking, eyes wide, and shaking in a claims area. I took her out of the travel crate and hugged her.  I dedicated the song Yellow and Sparks by Coldplay to her and sang them to her as we drove home. Afghan hound puppies look like little lambs when they are young. They have long feet, a long nose, and short, fuzzy hair. Misty was a blonde domino color. She had white diamonds around her eyes, two white patches on her shoulders, and white markings on her legs. She was a very serious puppy who would stop and sit while she figured things out. She loved to chew on shoes, furniture, and anything left on the floor.  Unlike Peyton, who slept next to me, Misty would sleep on the floor, on her dog bed, ...