Ornament Exchange Sent/Recieved

[eeyoresmountainpals]

Mine went out this morning. It has a long way to travel, though!

 

[Pooh67_68]

 

[Meriweather]

Sounds like a lot of packages are making it into the mail system today

 

[ilvsocr00]

Weren't the packages supposed to be out by today? To arrive by Christmas?


So you're not late!!!!!!

Whew – right at the deadline.

Glad to see I am not alone

 

[whimsey]

My ornament was sent out this morning. I received a package from TinkNutt on 11/21 but I have not opened it yet. It was slack not to acknowledge the receipt of the package and I do apologize. TinkNutt, at very least , was entitled to know that her package had arrived safely.
Things have been kinda off kilter around here. It's not an appropriate holiday, good cheer story but in way of an explanation................

This is not a happy post and everyone really needs and deserves happy so please, please do not feel like you have to proceed. I do not mean to impose..........



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Last March a worrisome, small bump appeared on the belly of my 13 year old cocker spaniel, Bailey. She had been the best Christmas present ever. We had a Swedish exchange student living with us back then and the first time she saw the little black puppy frolicing in the backyard she said, "Ooooh, she looks just like a Disney dog."

Very quickly, within weeks, the bump became tennis ball size. It was breast cancer. The surgery was successful and I was beyond grateful that I had my best friend for a while longer. Bailey has had a multitude of problems. I suspect she had originally come from a puppy mill. She was a runt, very submissive, had a third eyelid that resisted several repair surgeries, over the years sprouted over 40 warts and she's been blind for over a year. She is also, loyal and loving with a humble spirit and gentle doggie soul. In spite of her blindness I always thought that she saw each of our family members' best self. After the surgery she lost weight and became downright wee again, which was a good thing because she'd gotten rather tubby.
My husband and I went on a cruise several weeks ago. Our 26 year old daughter is still living here and she kept the pets and, no doubt, celebrated having the house to herself. When we returned about 10 days ago, Bailey appeared to have gained a great deal of weight very quickly but I was confident that it was just weight gain as there were no bumps or lumps. We went to the vet on Monday. I was wrong. She has another tumor and cancer in her liver and lungs. She would not survive another surgery. The vet and our family agreed upon bringing her home as the quality of her life had not changed. We would wait until there were changes before putting her to sleep. Since coming home I see or am imagining deterioration on almost an hourly basis. I was certain I would be able to interpret her signals and demeanor. After working in an ER for 20 years, I was pretty sure I was never going to become this person. I am second guessing her panting, is she hot or in pain, her shivering, cold or pain, her lack of appetite, just not hungry or failing?
I am pretty much taking care of things only when I'm sure she's sound asleep.
I'm usually fairly efficient but I gotta admit, I'm starting to come undone.
Please don't let this upset any of you. Bailey and I had a wonderful 13 years together, she gave more than I could ever give back and I guess I feel like I'm failing her by not being confident in my observations.

 

[mickeyfan1]

Whimsey, your story brought tears to my eyes. I had 2 dogs that were the best of everything. We got them at 7 weeks, they were litter mates, although they looked totally different. In 2002, Sadie went blind, suddenly. The vet said it could have been the lupus she had, or any other number of things. She was pretty much fine other than that. In the fall of 2004, things had changed. She spent most of her time asleep, I had to wake her to go out, and she would get lost in the house. I knew her time had come. It was so hard to let her go, but it was best for her. This year her brother began to fail, his liver was failing, and his hips were so arthritic it was hard for him to walk even up the 2 front steps. I was cradling his head when he took that last sigh of breath and joined his sister. She was 13 and he was almost 14 at the end. I miss the,m more than I can say, but I know they are now happy and youthfull again. I know that what you are going through is the saddest thing. Because my dogs brought me so much happiness, I know I did the right thing. I know you will too.

 

[Pooh67_68]

Last March a worrisome, small bump appeared on the belly of my 13 year old cocker spaniel, Bailey. She had been the best Christmas present ever. We had a Swedish exchange student living with us back then and the first time she saw the little black puppy frolicing in the backyard she said, "Ooooh, she looks just like a Disney dog."

Very quickly, within weeks, the bump became tennis ball size. It was breast cancer. The surgery was successful and I was beyond grateful that I had my best friend for a while longer. Bailey has had a multitude of problems. I suspect she had originally come from a puppy mill. She was a runt, very submissive, had a third eyelid that resisted several repair surgeries, over the years sprouted over 40 warts and she's been blind for over a year. She is also, loyal and loving with a humble spirit and gentle doggie soul. In spite of her blindness I always thought that she saw each of our family members' best self. After the surgery she lost weight and became downright wee again, which was a good thing because she'd gotten rather tubby.
My husband and I went on a cruise several weeks ago. Our 26 year old daughter is still living here and she kept the pets and, no doubt, celebrated having the house to herself. When we returned about 10 days ago, Bailey appeared to have gained a great deal of weight very quickly but I was confident that it was just weight gain as there were no bumps or lumps. We went to the vet on Monday. I was wrong. She has another tumor and cancer in her liver and lungs. She would not survive another surgery. The vet and our family agreed upon bringing her home as the quality of her life had not changed. We would wait until there were changes before putting her to sleep. Since coming home I see or am imagining deterioration on almost an hourly basis. I was certain I would be able to interpret her signals and demeanor. After working in an ER for 20 years, I was pretty sure I was never going to become this person. I am second guessing her panting, is she hot or in pain, her shivering, cold or pain, her lack of appetite, just not hungry or failing?
I am pretty much taking care of things only when I'm sure she's sound asleep.
I'm usually fairly efficient but I gotta admit, I'm starting to come undone.
Please don't let this upset any of you. Bailey and I had a wonderful 13 years together, she gave more than I could ever give back and I guess I feel like I'm failing her by not being confident in my observations.

 

[kellyla]

Mine is in the mail headed south!

 

[DisneyCP2002]

Mine is being mailed today

 

[LakeAriel]

To Whimsey

Putting your pet down is a very personal thing. I have a nearly 13 year old Golden who has severe arthritis. She is on aspirin and Cosemin but her walks are not her high point. When she is home she is either sleeping, begging for tidbits, or just laying there smiling as Goldens do. I can't tell you how many times neighbors have asked me if I have considered putting her down. Each time I say quietly, I wouldn't put my Grandmother "down" for arthritis, I won't my dog either. She is part of the family.
Your beloved is seriously ill, it is different but you will know when the time has come. For me it is when the pet can no longer find anything to "smile" about~! You will make the right decision!

 

[Meriweather]

whimsey.
Best wishes to your family and your furbaby.
It is always a hard decision to make.
It's been almost 5 years since we lost our 14 year old baby and I still think I hear him on the deck sometimes.

 

[LakeAriel]

whimsey.
Best wishes to your family and your furbaby.
It is always a hard decision to make.
It's been almost 5 years since we lost our 14 year old baby and I still think I hear him on the deck sometimes.

You probably do!

 

[shep]

 

[mickeyfan1]

THis will be my last post untill Tuesday! I'm going to Disney World!!!!!!

Y'all behave and get those packages sent. Everyone is doing pretty well, I hope when I get home I will need NO ELVES!!!!!

 

[scoutsmom99]

whimsey I'm so sorry to hear about Bailey

 

[taekwondo mom]

Monica received her exchange from Gianfranco , DS of Jetsetter90
She loved everthing..
Ornaments:
Camel
Large Green ornament
Santa
Snowman
Snow flake
Bell
Mitt
Bath Gel ( in a Christmas Tree)
Slinky
Gaint Candy Cane
Again Thank You !!!!!!!!!

 

[iggbees]

i'm so sorry to the person who is getting mine. i just sent it out today. i hope you like what i sent, i ordered one piece online and it took forever to arrive!

happy holidays everyone!

 

[Meriweather]

Have fun Marsha!!

Did they all get into the mail system?

 

[carole88]

My granddaughter received her Kyla received her package today, she received 4 ornaments, notepads and candy. Thank you to whoever sent the goodies.

I guess you didn't find the note. They are from my 9 year old DD Tessa. She had fun putting together the package. Hope Kyla enjoys everything. Merry Chrstmas!

Has anybody else received anything from me? Two more packages should have been received, one from me and one from my DD Rachel. All three packages were sent at the same time!

 

[tinknutt]

Whimsey, sorry to hear about your dog. I'm glad to hear the package arrived okay and to the right place. Hope you like what is in it.