Love the picture , Barb

Thanks, beth!

It's also rather disconcerting to call the boarders and when you say your name and which pets you're calling about, they start laughing.

should people really touch without asking? I mean you are in a circle where asking is normal

This is what bothers me the most of all.

It's also rather disconcerting to call the boarders and when you say your name and which pets you're calling about, they start laughing.

Well, it's better than if they start crying. Or if they say, "Excuse me - let me get my supervisor."

Yes - laughing is much better than crying. Or a spontaneous "when are you picking them up?"

My patio guy hasn't shown. which is not entirely unexpected. But I got to go to the store -- so he doesn't get a wasp warning if he doesn't show...

Steph, when I've gone through that (and I have) I usually preempt the hug by shoving my hand out there for a handshake, coupled with a "Great to see ya!" If they give me weird look, I shrug and say "Head issues."

That usually does the trick and dumps the "What a prick!" energy over into the "Oh, he's just nuts" bin.

Years ago, I inherited a cat who solicited the "No, no, I'm sure she's fine. That blood/infection/ailment will surely pass on its own. No need to bring her in...really," from the vet.

Saturday was a cat and a half, both in size (19lbs) and attitude. (Except for the one that feeds me, all humans must die.)

In re: hugging. It's funny how much I've changed over the years. In my late 20s, on into my late 30s, I was an unrepentant hugger. I couldn't even say what precipitated the change, but I'm really not anymore.

As I was typing the last sentence, a phrase crossed my mind. Quality control.

I don't think I know any good huggers anymore. I guess that just goes to show the 'use it or lose it' axiom.

I think my brother might be losing it...he told me last night he got all emotional watching "Old School" and I wanted to say "The one with Vince Vaughn? Dude..." But I didn't. I actually like Old School, but it isn't "Cat's in The Cradle" or "Danny Boy" I wish he'd get some therapy or something. But I've said this before and he doesn't.

I have three very happy, yet exhausted doggies and one exceedingly pissed off cat. In fact, I need to remove the carrier from the physical premises of the house and into the garage or I'm quite sure Something Bad will happen to me.

Jasmine was so excited to see me, she hurdled Mooshu and Pisces and promptly hurt her front left leg. She really is my dog. Luckily, she's so tired, she's happy to just lie at my feet.

I gots my puppies back.