Pics of Princess Sadie

Now she's called Princess Amy, but she was all doll. And she wasn't even stinky!

Thanks Ma!

Thanks for blowing the leaves off the deck so I can sun myself...now if you get Papa to quit giving me so many treats I could run around a little more...just sayin'.

My poor mom now has pneumonia. I swear she can't get a break. At least she's on antibiotics now. I am really feeling badly for her. Hoping she is better soon!

Today I will be transporting a wonderfully stinky bloodhound pup from Kentucky to Tennessee. I'll be leaving shortly to pick her up. I'll be sure to post some pics!! Tata for now.
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Pet Assistance Network and Brown Dog Foundation help families struggling to care for their pets

Know of someone who is struggling to keep their pet despite rough financial times? A new organization called Pet Assistance Network may be able to help.

For those in Nashville and selected other areas (hopefully in Knoxville soon), Brown Dog Foundation can help those in need of emergency life-saving veterinary services for their pets but who are unable to afford it.

a little gratitude spreads like warm butter...

while sitting on the deck today I got this nice little reminder to be grateful for the smallest of treats...

 

The ears have it...

An infection that is. Feelin' a bit on thew yucky side today, but manageable.

Still nothing on the job front and no prospects. I have tried to reach the unemployment office nearly 100 times and STILL have yet to get through to a person OR a voice mail box. There's not even a call queue, just a message saying you have to try your call later due to the "high call volume." Great.

On the positive side I am painting a lot and will be exhibiting at Wilde Thyme Art at their grand opening in early December. Check them out at http://wildethymeart.net. I believe the art will be for sale online as well.

I am looking forward also to seeing my friend Jan from Canada tonight. She will be celebrating the defense of her dissertation, which is today, and has really worked hard to get her PhD in social work. I know she will be relieved and happy to have gotten through the day. Go Jan!

All the pups and kitties are doing well but Pepper has been suffering with a grumbly tummy recently. She threw up on the bed last night and looked so pitiful as is to say "I'm sorry...I couldn't help it!" She is such a sensitive little soul.

Gonna lay down for a few minutes before getting back to making more art for the show. I need to have 20 to 30 pieces so I need to busta move!
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The APDT's position statement on "dominance" & dog training http://bit.ly/27t8yq
(via @NicoleWilde)

http://twitter.com/PetWriter/status/1124991643

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Well, that was quick...

I showed up at my new job after a little training, and found that I had no office, no phone, no computer, and no place to sit. Huh? Couldn't they have stuffed a desk in the corner of one of the meeting rooms or something?

It's a growing company and they do NOT have any of their processes down yet. Look, I'll be 45 friggin' years old in January. I know I'm not a seasoned social worker as of yet, but maybe a chair? Maybe a desk that could be shared that is not piled high with papers and charts? I was so disappointed. Constant interruptions in clinical work would have been the norm. I have never quit a job without staying a while, but at this age, I know the score and I was going to be taking Xanax by the end of the week. The gals there were sweet, but it was really going to be miserable for me as a professional.

I've always worked in very mature and professional offices and this was like being in someone's house with people yelling back and forth from the kitchen to the living room. Yes, I know I am spoiled, but I'm too old to be going that far backward. Perhaps my first clue was when I threw up in the middle of the night after my first day. I DO NOT throw up and have NEVER in my life vomited from being emotionally overwrought.

Apparently when I got laid off I had the only good social work job in the city. Maybe I'll just go back to marketing, be bored, and draw an easy paycheck.

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Starting a new job tomorrow! Finally I am employed after being laid off in April!! Pay is terrible, but it will get better with licensure.

-- Post From My iTouch

Leroy the English Setter

Today I got the pleasure of meeting Leroy today on a rescue transport. My leg took me into Kentucky but pretty Leroy is going all the way to New York! The people who organize these all volunteer transports are just amazing. They make it so easy to help and make a difference. If you'd like to see more go to http://www.rogerrover.aimoo.com. I drive almost every week and have met so many nice people and fantastic, deserving dogs. It's really fun.
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giddy-up!!

I was offered a job today!! More later!

keep it in perspective...

My mom continues to recover nicely from her mastectomy. She is a real trooper and jokes about stuffing her bra. She is starting to miss all the attention (that she said was annoying)she was getting when she was going through the operation and initial recovery.

I tried to take her over to Asheville for a quick trip to the Southeastern Animal and Fiber Festival http://saffsite.org, but alas, a huge rock slide happened about 40 miles out of Asheville that closed down the interstate. We had to scrap our mission. At least I got her out for a trip of sorts. She is very allergic to boredom.

I am still looking for a freakin' job and can't believe I am not working. I got laid off in April! My severance package has ended and the money is gone. Thank goodness my "moonlighting" at the vet school is helping, but I need a real job soon. My motivation has melted into a puddle. You would think I would be all revved up to be Martha Stewart around here, but I just get lazier and lazier...kinda smacks of depression, though I am trying to fend off that dreaded beast. I'm struggling to keep my confidence at a healthy level.

To my credit, I have not smoked a single cigarette since October 6 (I think that's the date...)--a week before my mom's surgery. I still want one and get pretty antsy when I see my husband sneak out with a cigar, but I don't want to have to go through the "quitter's flu" again. I really felt awful for several days.

Poor little Grayson's ashes are finally here at home with us. I miss him and dreamed of him last night. He was so pretty and so sweet. The folks who did the cremation didn't have an urn available with an integrated picture frame, so I took a plain one and will have to figure out how to do that myself.

So, that's where I am at: still unemployed, but thankful my mom is coming along nicely. I could comment on a lot of current events right now, but I think there will be enough of that going on elsewhere. I must remember to have perspective and to remember we have all the time we have.

Ha...redneck cat carrier

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Fancy dog tricks

Little doodles drawn at my mom's. I've been experimenting with scratchboard, too. I think Fancy Dog Tricks might wind up as a scratchboard piece-it's fun.

My mom did great with surgery and her lymph nodes were clear of additional cancer. I have been staying with her since Sunday night. She is tough as nails and never ceases to amaze me. Already talking my ear off ;-)
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Whew...

My mom's surgery went great. She's the definition of "trooper." I am now "attempting" to sleep in a vinyl recliner that extends into a "bed" in her room. It's not all that bad but I am still wide awake as per usual. I am turning into a vampire.

It has been one heck of a stressful day starting at 6 this morning. Her pain is managed fairly well, but my God, what an incision. She is going to wish she could rent that pain pump at discharge. I am actually very thankful to be unemployed right now, because she is going to need some help for a while. Recovery is not going to be fun. She will have one drain removed after about three days and the other will stay in from 2 to 3 weeks. Pretty yucky.
Well, I guess I will get back to thrashing about in this "bed" and stare at the ceiling for a while. Before you know it, it'll be morning and I'll want to scoot over to my mom's house to get a shower before coming back.
I am just so VERY thankful today. Lots of friends and family have provided wonderful support.

Tomorrow is the day...

If you're the praying sort, please send good energy, prayers, or whatever you do to make good things (hopefully) happen. Mom's mastectomy for breast cancer is tomorrow...it's a pretty long surgery (3 hours). I am super nervous and she is nervous, too. Trying to NOT act nervous though. I don't want to make it any worse for her. I'll be heading over to her house tonight and spending several days with her to help her while she's in the hospital and at home afterward. I'll try to update via BBerry if I can. She's strong and healthy otherwise, so we don't expect complications, but my really long streak of bad luck has made me more nervous than usual. It's actually a blessing to be unemployed right now so I can take care of her. Now if *I* could just CALM DOWN!! ARGH.

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month...

how about adopting a human? This is a cute video:

Petey is pretty sure...

that he is a person. His pleading eyes are saying, "I need a steak dinner. Make it a filet."

Sitting on the deck. I am thinking about the just-issued tornado watch as I observe a cloudless blue sky. Maybe someone hit the wrong button on the computer. .
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Little Girl Can't Let go as Sergeant Daddy Leaves For Iraq - ParentDish

Little Girl Can't Let go as Sergeant Daddy Leaves For Iraq - ParentDish

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Billionaire Offers $75 Million to End Pet Overpopulation - Paw Nation

Billionaire Offers $75 Million to End Pet Overpopulation - Paw Nation

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Today was a beautiful day...

When I got up today it was beautiful. I had reaolved to "think positive." Unfortunately I let troubled relationships ruin the day. With everything that has been happening lately it didn't take much to be elicit the "straw that broke the camel's back." The day has been pure misery. I knew all the emotions from recent happenings would eventually come to a head and it looks like today was the day. Sometimes life sucks-and then you deal with it.

Mom's surgery for a unilateral mastectomy is scheduled for Oct. 12. Please send good energy, prayers, and any other good stuff in whatever format you choose our way. It will be much appreciated.

On a lighter note, I am going to be posting a whole bunch of yarn on Ebay in the next day or two, so if you are a knitter, stay tuned. I will post notices of listings here when as soon as I get them up.

Hoping you are all well and in good spirits.
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garden things...

I don't consider myself a green thumb by any means, but I'm a better gardener than I ever thought I could be. Last year I planted Silver Lace Clematis to run over the pergola my mom built for us. It's already up and over the top and halfway across. It blooms in September and smells delicious.

The daisy-looking plant (I can't remember the name of it) has been a nice surprise. It is still in full bloom and brightens up the garden for fall. These plants are about 2 years old. This year has been the first year it has looked mature. It can tolerate some shade as well. I just love seeing things grow and change in the garden--every year is a surprise. :-)

 

 

 

 

Baxter says "Arrrrooooooooo!"

Baxter was the cutest little beagle with honey-colored eyes. For some reason he was completely enamoured with my mother. This little video is him getting all wound up when my mom went into a gas station for a potty break. Baxter is saying "Come back!" Actually, he got pretty excited every time the car stopped. He was a real character.

 

Rescue Transport Yesterday

Here's our buddies going to rescue yesterday. Three hound dogs in a car in torrential rain means STINK. But it was fun. The 3 hour trip turned into about 4 1/2 because the rain was so horrible. We saw three cars wrecked in ditches because there was so much water standing on the interstate. Baxter is the little beagle and the two elderly bassetts are Jiminy and Cricket. They will be excellent pets for someone very soon. Baxter insisted on sitting on my mother's lap.

 

 

 

 

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A national bill (not just Florida) Tax deduction for pet care costs http://bit.ly/Evmpb

http://twitter.com/PetWriter/status/97912468

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AJSavannahs: F2B Kittens Oscar and Henry

I just love these guys!
AJSavannahs: F2B Kittens Oscar and Henry

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He said it best...

"Never be afraid to do what's right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake.  Society's punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way."  ~~ Martin Luther King, Jr
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Pepper snoozing (and destroying the couch)...

 

Petey lounging in the adirondack...

 

SO, SO THANKFUL TODAY...

Finally got some news on Mom's MRI. It showed no additional cancer and they think what has been found is in very early stages! She will still have to have a mastectomy but it will be unilateral instead of bilateral. I am so relieved the cancer has not spread beyond that initially identified spot. Mom had a sister who died of breast cancer in her 50's so I was in a heavy-duty panic. Thanks for all the prayers, hopes, and good karma that was sent our way. *happy dance today*

-- Post From My iTouch

Yuki sez...

"I can haz capstarz now?"

Apparently he is allergic to fleas and given our surprise infestation it only takes one to send him scratching holes in himself. Capstar sure is expensive but I'm going to keep him on it until we've beaten the little devils. Even Frontline and Sentinel were no match for them. Until this year we hadn't had those rotten pieholes in our house for 15 years.

I have never hated a bug so much in my life. I feel like I have them in my hair even though I only see one or two a week. Still, the mere thought of those blood-sucking trolls makes me itch all over.
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Time for Pepper's afternoon nap

I wish I felt that relaxed. We're still waiting for MRI results for my mom. It seems like each minute lasts an hour when you're waiting for that kind of (hopefully good) news.
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sunshine!

I can't believe the sun is peeking through today...at least here and there. Gosh, any light at all at this point is a Godsend.

I'm doing a pet loss support group tonight which is kind of difficult for me right now after losing my kitty Grayson, but these groups help people so much. Our culture doesn't do a very good job of honoring companion animal grief and people really suffer when they can't get support from others. Loss is loss in my opinion. If you've loved an animal like a family member, that loss is commensurate to the attachment. Additionally, that loss reconnects people with other losses in their lives. Unresolved grief issues can pop up.

Mom's MRI went well...she had to be perfectly still for 45 minutes, which is like asking my mother to do a tightrope act between two speeding 747s, but she did it. We should know some more by tomorrow. She is nervous about getting bad news (that the cancer has spread outside of the known area). One day at a time. I am not good at waiting and she isn't either. Genetics, I guess. Overall, she is nervous but still has a good attitude. Me, I've gained 3 pounds. I'm not sure what that's about!

One day at a time. :-)

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Yikes! This common ingredient could kill your dog! http://bit.ly/pJFtq
#animalwelfare #dog #dogs #doglovers (In case you missed it)

http://twitter.com/petfinder/status/4132524979

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Rain again

The sun came out for about 2 hours on Friday and has otherwise been rainy and gloomy for almost a week. Ugh. I would REALLY like to see some sunshine!!
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These kittens need good homes...

A very sweet good samaritan is desperately trying to find these kittens a home before they are taken to the shelter. She is trying to get them a home even though she is severely allergic to them. If you are in the market for a super-cute kitten, these darling little guys are available. Please share with everyone you know. After losing Grayson last week, we're not ready for a new kitty baby just yet.

heart and mind tired...

Whew...tired tonight. My body is dragging because my mind and soul are exhausted from worry. Mom spent a great day with loving friends, so that is comforting and wonderful.

I lost another job to a candidate with more experience, though I was in the top running. This time I am not upset, but relieved. I think right now my mom needs me and I am grateful for time to take care of her with surgery on the horizon.

I worked at the vet school today but the afternoon was quiet, which was probably good given my confused state of mind. The sun came out for a while this afternoon, but rain set in again later on...at least we got a little sunshine to boost the spirits. That always helps.

Tick, tock, tick, tock...

Can't sleep. I've been noodling on my iTouch for more than 2 hours now. The husband is asleep; the dogs are asleep; the cats are asleep...but not me.

I'm trying to not worry- trying...


-- Post From My iTouch

what are the odds on this one?

I really would like to know the odds on receiving a pitch letter from a funeral home on the very day you are told you have breast cancer?

Thankfully, my mother was able to laugh about it and shake her head. Today, she is a bit more gloomy, as is the weather. The news is starting to sink in and I can hear the fear in her voice. I hope and pray this cancer has not spread. It's hard to wait even one day to continue the treatment plan. MRI on Monday; discussion of type of surgery on Wednesday. I wish we could get it all done today and know what we're dealing with. And I wish the sun would come out. My mother's gas tank has always been run on sunshine.

The "C" word...

I went with my mother today to get her results of her breast biopsy, and unfortunately it was cancerous. I knew it was not good news when the manager of the breast center ushered us back to a room with couches and "comfortable amenities." \

The first sentence out of the doctor's mouth was that "it was cancer..." Thankfully, I was able to take some notes and keep things straight, because after the "c" word, I think my mother zoned out. It was a real shock.

We immediately saw a surgeon and had bloodwork done. It was a really, really hard day. I had a gray feeling when I headed over to her home to take her to breast center this morning. I felt the constant stream of bad luck was not over.

Monday will be an MRI and then Wednesday we'll talk to the surgeon again. I can only hope it is in early stages and that a mastectomy can take care of the cancer. This is scary. I am really close to my mom and I'll be frank...I'm scared to death.

Let's hope her diligence has paid off. The mammogram did NOT show this as a mass to be investigated because it was lobular and not ductal cancer. Lobular breast cancer DOES NOT always show up on mammograms! So, after her mammogram, which was CLEAR, she reported to her doctor she had a "tender place" and her doctor fortunately did a sonogram which resulted in the immediate recommendation of a core biopsy. Thank God for that. Otherwise, it could have been another year before another mammo was done and by the time it did pick it up, it could have been much worse. My mom is a strong lady and keeping her chin up. I hope and pray for the best.

heartaches

I almost can't write about losing Grayson so suddenly. It makes me hurt all over. I was part of making a pet memorial event happen just three days after his death and I thought I was going to be physically sick for hours on end. My body hurt as if I had the flu. Today I feel better having had some sleep and quiet time.

I have lost my father, four cats, and two dogs in the past 4 1/2 years. It's only been four months since losing my 17 year-old kitty Atticus. He was my art partner...always sitting near me any time I went to create. It's just been one loss after another and I feel as though my heart as been pureed. Throw in turning 40, major surgery, job loss...well, hell...that's enough.

Tomorrow I am going with my mother for her follow-up appointment to a breast biopsy. I am very nervous about this as my bad luck with beloved companions and family seems to be curse. I hope and pray we get good news for her tomorrow morning. If we hear otherwise, I think I might explode.

THE GOOD THING ABOUT TODAY IS THAT I HAVE BEEN MARRIED 13 YEARS. My DH surprised me with a netbook...he knows I'd rather have technology than jewelry (I can pick out my own jewelry-LOL). I absolutely love it...it's so light and portable and the battery lasts forever. Super cool gift!!!!

Grayson

Goodbye precious Grayson

We had to say goodbye to our 15 year old kitty Grayson. I was with him when he was put to sleep this evening around 6 pm. He passed peacefully. Praying angels are watching over him now--he was some of God's finest work. Aching.
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...still waiting...

 

Poor Grayson is still at the vet and will stay another night. His bloodwork hasn't come back yet. I am not as worried as I was, but I just don't know what's wrong with my little guy.

My mom has a breast biopsy tomorrow to boot. I am trying to not think about that at all. I'll be with her, but I'm trying to not get panicky over all those possibilities. I am very close to my mom. After losing my dad in 2005, I am paranoid about anything happening to her.

And still waiting to hear back from the folks I have been interviewing with. I've lost one opportunity through no fault of my own (it's a long story) and I'm hoping this other one won't fall through as well. It's been about 140 or so days since I've been laid off and I'm starting to get a little antsy over it all.

Plllbbbbbbtttttt. Say a kitty prayer and one for my mom, too, while you're at it. :-)

say a little kitty prayer...

Poor Grayson is at the vet.
He has been getting more and more disoriented over the past couple of days and I asked the vet to squeeze him in today. They are keeping him overnight for fluids and checking bloodwork. Not really sure what is going on with my little old man. He's 15 and the last of the original crew of kitties we adopted. Hopefully we will hear something tomorrow.

Settled in after a bath

Pepper settles in for the football game after a bath. She's always exhausted afterward!
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dishes, be washed!

The dishwasher dude came and performed his miracle and left. So far the kitchen is not flooded. Now if the other dude would come to fix my fire-hazard-recalled range!

Well, this is fun...

NOT. I've been waiting all day for two separate repairmen to come and fix 1) my new (but past warranty) dishwasher, and 2) my recalled oven. They were supposed to call this morning to give me a time (which has not happened). So here I sit. If I were working right now I would be having an unholy fit about it. Customer service appears to be a thing of the past.

Nero and Gizmo

Last weekend I transported some pups part of the way to their new forever homes. These families are going to be some lucky people. Both dogs are just super!! Nero is a husky mix and Gizmo is a Catahoula Leopard puppy. Both saved thanks to Bonnie Blue Rescue. :-)

...Ingredients

My recipe calls for a little more heart and a little more bravery. Seems like I was a little short on both today. Hopefully my energy will be better tomorrow.
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A message from the unemployed...

Being unemployed since April has been a challenge, a tragedy, a blessing, and just a weird experiment in the journey of life. I've never been unemployed since graduating college in 1988, then after I changed my career to social work, bam--here I am. I find it odd that a support service like marketing is 100 times more stable than something like social work. And when I look in the paper, marketing jobs abound...social work almost nothing and half of those are with scary, dysfunctional agencies no one wants to work for...

The things I miss about work: helping people, being intellectually challenged, feeling useful and needed, money, having structure in my life, seeing friends and colleagues, getting OUT. Things I don't miss about work: getting up early, being stressed out, having to get up and out when I'm sick as a dog, not getting to enjoy the outdoors-especially mornings.

Things I will miss when I go back to work: sleeping in, not worrying about staying up late, not necessarily having to get dressed up or put make-up on, shopping in off hours, having lunch with my mom whenever I want to, spending more time with my husband (he works out of the house), and probably most of all-getting to spend time with my animals. I have become a lot more bonded with my dogs, Petey and Pepper. Pepper has gotten a lot more confident since I've been off. She's gotten more consistency and guidance and that has changed her for the better. She's still a nervous, high-strung, anxious dog, but she's a lot better and I think that's because she's had a lot more time with her mama. I tend to be the most "consistent" of the puppy parents and that helps any anxious dog. Petey has just gotten more cuddly with me. He was previously cuddly mainly with my husband.

I am hoping to get a part-time job with benefits and maybe do a little private practice. I also hope I get to stay very involved in veterinary social work. It's kind of an odd field, and more challenging than one would think. I find it the hardest work I've done so far. I'm not sure how to explain that just yet.

Being unemployed has riddled me with anxiety and doubt at times, and has given me a sense of getting a wonderful break at other times. I haven't done anything I thought I would do (all those huge projects you never have time for), but when else are you going to not work for months at a time other than getting laid off? I have to work at not feeling guilty and at times have thoroughly enjoyed it. Like now, my eyes are getting heavy, Pepper is laying beside me on the couch cleaning her paws. The washer is humming downstairs, and it's rainy outside. I'll probably take a little nap. How sweet is it to take a mid-morning nap? Pretty sweet. It will be really hard to get my sleep schedule back on track but I think that's the least of my worries.

So, someone...hire me. It's time for me to go back to work (plus my severance package just ran out...ha).

Watching

Pepper watches and watches and watches...for anything that moves, breathes, makes noise... If she were a person I would definitely diagnose her with OCD. Now if she would only wash her paws...
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Petey is better :-)

Petey is doing much better today so we get to avoid the vet appointment for now. His leg is still a little tender, but he's tooling around pretty well today.

Sorry about the lousy mobile pic-I'm getting lazier and lazier about getting my camera out. I can't wait to upgrade my Blackberry in January - there's a much better camera in the new model I want. I hate crappy pictures!

Petey says, "Woof!"
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Poor Petey

Petey started limping this morning and it got progressively worse over the day. We wrapped his leg to cushion it until we can get him to the vet tomorrow. It's always something! The vet's office is my second home - really. Hopefully it is just a sprain and he won't wind up in a cast hobbling around.
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tapping fingers...

Still waiting to hear about a job. After three interviews with the same program I am still waiting. Granted, they did say they had a thorough hiring process, but geez. Being unemployed has taken a toll on my confidence and self-esteem. I know it will come back when I get my life rolling and structured again, but it can't come soon enough. You'd think being off for so long would be a gift-and it WAS-but now it's a drag and bringing me down. I don't get very much done despite having more time. My motivation has been waning the longer I go without a job.

So, hire me already!

Well, that didn't work...

I tried. Apparently my hunger for cuticles was greater...

I'm sitting in a parking lot; early for a THIRD interview for a social work position. Gawd, I'm tired of being unemployed! It has really affected my confidence and motivation.

I didn't sleep much last night so let's hope I don't fall asleep in the middle of it. ;-)

Well, I guess I'll go find a bathroom and mosey my way to my destination. Who knows, maybe I'll get an offer.

Ugh, here we go again. I hate interviewing.
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Nailing it

Painted my nails for the first time in EONS in a desperate attempt to stop chowing down on my friggin' cuticles. I know-exciting post.
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Hmm...

I haven't really found a layout I like...there's lots of customization to do. I'm not the nerd I used to be when I was working in communications! It takes me much longer to figure out how to change things now.

I'll be updating more...soon.

testing out new layouts

Don't mind the dust and broken links...just testing out new looks and formats...

One more time

I hope I can breathe some new life into HATamaran. Facebook has usurped many a blogger. And I have to admit that's where I spend most of my time now, too. We'll see. It's been kind of precarious here lately not having a job. I am needing to move forward. I hope to get back to updating regularly. Life has changed A LOT since this blog went stale a couple of years ago!


-- Post From My iTouch

I'm not dead, yet at least...

Approaching 100 days of being laid off. Some of it has been fun and some has been nerve wracking and depressing. Right now my plan is to go ahead and study foe licensure since my supervision period is up. Then I will have a better field of jobs from which to choose (I hope). We'll see. Right now I am fortunate enough to be doing some contracted veterinary social work, so that's been great and has lightened my heart. It will all turn out. I'm going to allow myself to have some faith in that.


-- Post From My iTouch

Petey is watching Pepper stalk the squirrels. He'd rather get pets from momma.
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Pete-o-rama

Nice morning. The humidity has finally become bearable. It's been so steamy lately. Pepper is out stalking squirrels as usual.
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message from the dogs...

Please Remember

1) My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that before you buy/adopt me.
2) Give me time to understand what it is that you want from me.
3) Place your trust in me - it is crucial to my well-being.
4) Do not be angry with me for long, I won't remember why you're mad.
5) You have your work, your entertainment and your friends. I only have you.
6) Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice when you are speaking to me.
7) Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
8) Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand but I choose not to bite you.
9) Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food or I've been out in the sun too long, or my heart is growing old and weak.
10) Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say "I can't bear to do this" or "let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for me if you are there.
ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT I LOVE YOU UNCONDITIONALLY!
- Author Unknown

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