We love and miss him !!!

Sunday night at about 7:00 pm we had to put our precious Thor to sleep.

He was the worlds best dog (I know everyone says that..but really it was true). I was fortunate enough to find Thor at the Humane Society in Oregon when he was 8 weeks old in 1997. There was a litter of 6 puppies someone has thrown in a ditch. He was meant to be mine. THe minute the man brought him thru the door, he leaped out of his arms into mine. And there he stayed…….until he was 45 lbs. The poor guy endured me carrying him around like a baby until he was too big. And he LOVED IT!!!!

All through his puppy life he was great. He never barked, never chewed, was never hyper, he was just perfect. He grew up with Zeus (my friends Boxer) and did everything he did………that was his idol.

Thor went everywhere with me. I just packed everything and moved to Cleveland…so did Thor….he was well travelled.

His favorite thing to do (besides love on kids) was his ball….poor thing would play fetch until he couldnt move! He was diagnoised with hip dysplasia when he was a year old but never let it stop him. He was obsessed…..

He had been with me thru thick and thin….always stood by me….

I think he thought he won the lottery when I met Moose….that man loved him as much as I did. Immediately…..the first time Thor met him he jumped in his car! That was his immediate buddy! And he was sooo good to him.

Thor was the dog that even “non-dog” people fell in love with. He had that personality….He was big and goofy looking and had the sweetest eyes…..I was putty in his paws.

I think deep down I knew it was coming….On the 7th we came home from Mooses’ parents house and THor would not move once we got home. He gets like that when his hips hurt, so we chalked it up to that. Moose was trying to help him up and had Thor around his hips, when Thor bit him. He had never in his life bit anyone, never even nipped. So we let him lay there. He finally got up when he was ready.

Then Sunday he was not moving again….we noticed later in the day he was having a hard time breathing. I looked at his gums and they were white. I knew that wasnt good. When we took him to the ER they did xrays and found that his chest and abdomen were full of fluid. The vet was great…she said we could tap his chest and do surgery but that she could only guarantee us that it was 10-20% chance she could fix him.

We really couldnt do that to him. That would be just for us…….he would be miserable and since it was most likely heart failure it would happen again.

We had to let him go……We were there when he stopped breathing and thankfully it was quick.

Never in my life was I prepared for this, I always thought, “he has a few more years”. He was a good boy and now he is pain free and loving it……..

We love you Thor!!!
8/2/1997 – 2/8/2009

A New Chapter….Be a part of it!!!!

As many of you know, I had been looking to spend more of my time volunteering and doing more charity work. 
 
 I am beginning a new business with Friend in My Pocket, a grassroots organization whose #1 Goal is to support Friends in Need, within our community and across the country.  This organization was founded by a friend of mine from high school.  I am very excited and ask for your help.  Please pass this on to anyone and everyone…….lets spread the word!!!  What Jacqueline has done with this organization is nothing short of amazing in the year it has been open.
 
I have agreed to open the first Arizona chapter of this organization and I am soooo very excited to be a part of this!   This organization started in Oregon so if you live there please become a community member!!!!! Check out all the businesses in our directory! 
 
If you have a small business this is the vehicle for you to not only advertise but support those in your community.  Be the business that “pays it forward”!!!!
 
To learn more please visit our website at:
www.friendinmypocket.com ~ Remember to sign up for the FREE e-newsletters and add my name for the referral box!
 
Highlighted Opportunities of Friend in My Pocket:

Check out our directory – http://friendinmypocket.camp9.org/directory Business owners, Community members and non-profit organizations show they are “pay it forward” by joining our membership directory. With their support we can donate 100% of our donations directly to our Friends In Need Program! http://friendinmypocket.camp9.org/friendsinneedinc 

Business Advertising – If you have a business, Friend In My Pocket is the perfect venue. Click here to join our directory ~ http://friendinmypocket.camp9.org/memberapplication Please add my name to the referral box.

 
Friends in Need Program – Nominate a family or friend in need, within your community or across the country. There are no limits to how far our friendships can reach once you join our directory – http://friendinmypocket.camp9.org/memberapplication.

Local Live Classes & Events – Learning face to face builds friendships that last a lifetime. Hands on activities give you unlimited opportunities to explore your interests and build new hobbies. As community chapters of Friend In My Pocket grows we will enjoy live classes and events to attend. Check our calendar for details. http://friendinmypocket.camp9.org/events We would love to showcase your “pay it forward” event for FREE once you join our directory!

 
Become an Ind. Friend In My Pocket Representative – We are looking for dynamic individuals who are community / outreach orientated and would like to earn an income blessing others. http://friendinmypocket.camp9.org/independentbusiness
Connect with your community! Become a member of Friend In My Pocket Today!
 
www.friendinmypocket.com
Unlimited Learning & Referring
 
Thank you for your support,
 
Rachael Greedy
Ind. Friend In My Pocket Representative
(Let us know if you would like a Friend In My Pocket e-mail created for you.)
 
PS   Help me to spread the word by telling all your friends and family as we reach every community across the country.

Who is ready for 2009?

Well………..it has been a while! But I havent had much to say. Still dont have much to say as of yet. The end of 2008 has brought to Moose and I a rather LARGE Great Dane puppy named Duke. Along with that a new minivan to fit our brood into.

For xmas we went to my inlaws, which was a nice time. Cold as hell but nice. Except for the pneumonia I contracted last week, the fever, and the prednisone I was on. UGH! Should have stayed home………

Soon I will post some more pics of the puppies…..That is really all I have right now. Damn I am boring!!!

Not much going on

It has been a while since I wrote anything, cause really I don’t have anything to say. 

I was supposed to have a CAT scan on Tuesday to check for infection somewhere in my body that would continue to cause a low grade fever for over a year.  But it broke    So now I have to wait til the 16th.  But that is ok cause I am so not looking forward to that stupid drink.  Other than that, doctors are not sure what is going with me,  my only symptoms are fatigue and low grade fever…..all I know is I haven’t felt “well” since my gall bladder fell out last Nov.   Oh well  eventually they will figure it out, or tell me I am crazy…either I am fine with.

Moose has a “procedure” today to numb his back to see if burning the nerves on his facet bones will reduce his back pain.  Of course years and years of football and heavy lifting didn’t help!  We do the test today and if it gives him 70% relief they will do another test to confirm, then go in and burn the nerves.  The nerves go nowhere and the burning of them gives relief up to 18 months.  That would be wonderful for him and I really really hope it works.  Unfortunately, it is expensive.  Insurance covers 80% of it but just the 2 tests alone will cost $700, I shudder to think what the actual procedure will cost.  But I do believe if it works it is sooooooo worth the money! 

This has become a priority and has pushed backed my surgery a few months.  But I realize that I am really ok with that.  I worry so much about moose and his body falling apart that I can wait a few more months.    As long as he isnt in the constant pain he is in now. 

Hmmmmm lets see…….Kody is getting bigger by the hour.  We are now walking 3- 3 1/2 miles a night (twice on the weekends) with the dogs (just upped the mileage).  It has been great for both of us and of course the dogs are loving it.

The other day I was sitting on the couch and started thinking about xmas.  We have decided this year we are not celelbrating xmas (present wise) cause we are saving as much as we can for both of our medical stuff.  But I had an idea for next year, I want to collect new toys (toy drive) and then Moose and I will deliver them to the childrens hospital down the street from us.  I will dress him up as Santa  hehehehehe  I figure if all my friends and family assist me with this then I can collect a crap load of toys.    Then I started thinking of my friend Jacqueline.  She stated a non-profit called Friend in my Pocket.  (The link is on my blog roll, please check it out)  I will soon be connecting with her to possibly open the Arizona chapter of this wonderful project!!!  My other good friend, Char, has been telling me about a local charity called Save the Family.  I have been thinking and have decided that I am going to start volunteering there as well.   I figure both of those will keep me busy for  a while.  I am very very excited about both.

That is all I know for now. 

Due for life changing event?

I have spent the last …oh 8 years…looking for something (work) that sings to my heart.  I have always thought that if I could afford it, I could easily live the life of a volunteer.  I have thought about going back to school, I have thought of becoming an activist…..  I believe my life purpose is to be of some meaning and assistance to those who are under privileged, unappreciated, on the verge of extinction, etc etc.  Whether it be animals, people, things, global warming…whatever.

Finally, after 8 years, I decided to have my astrological chart done.  I have a fabulous friend in Florida who is an astrologer.  If this is not something you believe in, then stop here.  Or keep reading with an open mind……I am a firm believer in Astrology. 

I found many reoccurring themes (many I wish I had known sooner) throughout my chart.  One: Education…is this why I have a need to be a professional student?) Two: Holistic Medicine…..I have always been drawn to that (although I always see a regular doctor…..maybe I should change my ways) Three: Social Service….This theme is rampant thru my chart.  It appears I have always been destined to do this work, and I have always been drawn to it, no matter how burned out I get.  It appears to mesh with my personality……….which appears to be quite dominant, vocal, passionate, driven, loyal, etc.  Suppose I am not surprised……LOL and Four: Meditation and Healing…..I have always been drawn to both. And finally : Moderation…hahahahhahahahahaha  I have been struggling with that my whole life 

So after reading this, actually have been thinking this for a long tme, I have decided to make some changes in my life.  Some are easy….like more mediation, more education/research into Holistic healing and the metaphysical (cause we know I love that) and more education on social issues that interest me.  Some will take longer, like becoming an activist (if I choose that path), more involvment on social issues and finally a life of volunteering (?).

My husband is wonderful about all this.  I was talking to him about what I really want to be when I grow up, and he is always supportive.  He told me last night that if I want to volunteer my life to  issues I choose, then go for it.  He says he just wants me to be happy.  He makes my heart happy    To be supported in this way is amazing!  Knowing I can do what I want to make me happy which in turn makes us happy   

So, I am thinking that I need to start a home business, that I can make some money doing, and then spend the rest of my time educating myself and following my heart.   I hope in the end I can make some difference, somehow.  Will see where my meditations lead me. 

Amy has some great websites that include astrology but not limited to that….feel free to check them out

http://www.astrologicalinsights.com
http://www.planetarilyspeaking.com
http://www.HealthyFashionStatement.com
http://www.DogFriendlyFashions.com
http://www.beautipage.com/amyjvolkers
http://www.astrologicalinsights.biz
http://www.myparklane.com/avolkers

Furry Monster

So every night, after work, I sit on the couch and am visited by my little furry monster.  He seems to think I taste good.    He never does this in aggression, but more to get my attention. Kind of how a toddler will stand in front of you and yell “mommy”  repeatedly, until you finally answer.  

He is quite loving and cute most of the time.  Last night, was his vet appointment/shots.  Up on the scale he went, weighing in at 25 !@#$%^ LBS.  6 weeks ago h e was a sweet cuddlely 8 lbs.  It is official…he will be HUGE!!! 

Last time we talked to the vet about his chewing on us, we learned the thumb press……………of course Kody thinks it is fun to “bite” us again after we do that.  So we have now moved to Bitter Apple………….Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

After we introduced him to the BA (which he did not like…THANK GOODNESS….1% of dogs DO like it) I proceeded to spray my hands and feet (and legs and arms).  I was fortunate enough to have a few hours free of nibbling.  We will see how it continues to work.

We also scheduled his snipping for Dec.  Normally the vet says they do it at 5-6 months.  But since he is growing so fast we can do it then.  Mind you, it wont help with his affectionate chewing/eating/biting.  But it needs to be done 

 

We also weighed Thor at the vet and he weighs in at a whopping 100 lbs……..UGH!!!!!

Swore I would not do this………..

But oh well…….I have been thinking about the election last night (who hasn’t though).  Although I have to say I was not PRO either candidate, I am honored that I was able to be a part of history.  It would have been history either way and I would still have been proud (although I couldn’t stand the thought of hearing that annoying voice of Palins’ for 4 yrs…and would have thought that way if she was Democrat). 

What America did last night, actually months ago, was amazing.  Never in my lifetime, am I sad to say, did I think I would see either a woman or an African American in the race for President/VP.  Why????  I didn’t think we were that free thinking.  We have too many illiterate, narrow minded, backwoods, uneducated, “follow the masses”, unable to think for themselves, bible thumping, “let me legislate morality” idiots in this country.  (sorry couldn’t help myself).

ANYONE who participated in this election should be proud, no matter who we voted for.  We have come a long way, in not so many years.  I was so happy to hear, over the past few months, how excited people were, Finally, about politics.  Regardless of who brought that, we should be grateful.  This election will return record high attendance/voting numbers.  The highest since 1908.  That is a long damn time. 

I look forward to the next 4 years….as I did when Bush was elected. I like to always think there will be progress no matter the party line. 

I went out this morning and bought 2 newspapers with the headline of the election.  It is something I plan to share with my kids one day. 

Congrats to President Elect Obama!  May you bring the Change this country voted for.

Halloween Ettiquette

I went trick or treating last night with my friend and her little 7 yr old storm trooper.  I noticed that many people who did not participate in Halloween (however crazy that makes them) turned off their outside lights.  Of course, there are those people who leave their lights on and lots of kids come to their doors knocking.  EVERYONE knows, if your not gonna play TURN OFF YOUR LIGHTS.  Hide in a back room of your house, so no one sees you moving and wait for the kids to pass!!!  HOW HARD IS THAT?????  UGH

Ok I am done…………………I want to thank all the little kids who donated their candy to my worthy cause     Your the bestest!!!!

Funny Shit that makes me laugh today

I have received some emails that have made me chuckle.  HEre is the first

Man Bashing!!  Thanks for sending this to me Kurt 

Q: What should you do if you see your ex-husband rolling around in pain on the ground?
 
A: Shoot him again.
 ___________________________________________
 
Q: How can you tell if a man is well-hung?
 
A: When you can barely slip your finger in between his neck and the noose.
 ________________________________________
 
Q: Why do little boys whine?
 
A: Because they are practicing to be men.
 ________________________________________
 
Q: How many men does it take to screw in a light bulb?
 
A: One- he just holds it up there and waits for the world to revolve around him, or three- one to screw in the bulb and two to listen to him brag about the screwing part.
 __________________________________________
 
Q: What do you call a handcuffed man?
 
A: Trustworthy.
 __________________________________________
 
Q: What does it mean when a man is in your bed gasping for breath and calling your name?
 
A: You didn’t hold the pillow down long enough.
 __________________________________________
 
Q: Why does it take 100,000,000 sperm to fertilize one egg?
 
A: Because not one will stop and ask directions.
 ____________________________________________
 
Q: Why do female black widow spiders kill their mates after mating?
 
A: To stop the snoring before it starts.
 _______________________________________
 
Q: What is the difference between men and women?
 
A: A woman wants one man to satisfy her every need. A man wants every woman to satisfy his one need.
 __________________________________________
 
Q: How does a man keep his youth?
 
A: By giving her money, furs and diamonds.
 _____________________________________________
 
Q: How do you keep your husband from reading your e-mail?
 
A: Rename the folder: “Instructions Manuals”.

 

The 1st Affair 
 A married man was having an affair
with his secretary.

One day they went to her place
and made love all afternoon.

Exhausted, they fell asleep
and woke up at 8 PM.

The man hurriedly dressed
and told his lover to take his shoes
outside and rub them in the grass and dirt.

He put on his shoes and drove home.

‘Where have you been?’ his wife demanded.

‘I can’t lie to you,’ he replied,

‘I’m having an affair with my secretary.
We had sex all afternoon.’

She looked down at his shoes and said:

‘You lying bastard!
You’ve been playing golf!’

 

The 2nd Affair

A middle-aged couple had two beautiful daughters
but always talked about having a son.

They decided to try one last time
for the son they always wanted.

The wife got pregnant
and delivered a healthy baby boy.

The joyful father rushed to the nursery
to see his new son.

He was horrified at the ugliest child
he had ever seen.

He told his wife: ‘There’s no way I can
be the father of this baby.
Look at the two beautiful daughters I fathered!
Have you been fooling around behind my back?’

The wife smiled sweetly and replied:
‘No, not this time!’
The 3rd Affair

A mortician was working late one night.

He examined the body of Mr. Schwartz,
about to be cremated,
and made a startling discovery.
Schwartz had the largest private part
he had ever seen!

‘I’m sorry Mr. Schwartz,’ the mortician
commented, ‘I can’t allow you to be cremated
with such an impressive private part.
It must be saved for posterity.’

So, he removed it,
stuffed it into his briefcase,
and took it home.

‘I have something to show you
you won’t believe,’ he said to his wife,
opening his briefcase.

‘My God!’ the wife exclaimed,
‘Schwartz is dead!’
The 4th Affair

A woman was in bed with her lover
when she heard her husband
opening the front door.

‘Hurry,’ she said, ’stand in the corner.’

She rubbed baby oil all over him,
then dusted him with talcum powder.

‘Don’t move until I tell you,’
she said. ‘Pretend you’re a statue.’

‘What’s this?’ the husband inquired
as he entered the room.

‘Oh it’s a statue,’ she replied.
‘The Smiths bought one and I liked it
so I got one for us, too.’

No more was said,
not even when they went to bed.

Around 2 AM the husband got up,
went to the kitchen and returned
with a sandwich and a beer.

‘Here,’ he said to the statue, have this.
I stood like that for two days at the Smiths
and nobody offered me a damned thing.’
The 5th Affair

A man walked into a cafe,
went to the bar and ordered a beer.

‘Certainly, Sir, that’ll be one cent.’

‘One Cent?’ the man exclaimed.

He glanced at the menu and asked:
‘How much for a nice juicy steak
and a bottle of wine?’

‘A nickel,’ the barman replied.

‘A nickel?’ exclaimed the man.
‘Where’s the guy who owns this place?’

The bartender replied:
‘Upstairs, with my wife.’

The man asked: ‘What’s he doing upstairs
with your wife?’

The bartender replied:
‘The same thing I’m doing
to his business down here.’

The 6th Affair

Jake was dying. His wife sat at the bedside.

He looked up and said weakly:
‘I have something I must confess.’

‘There’s no need to,’  his wife replied.

‘No,’ he insisted,
‘I want to die in peace.
I slept with your sister, your best friend,
her best friend, and your mother!’

‘I know,’ she replied.
‘Now just rest and let the poison work.’

Puppy Pics

I have had a request from a friend to post some pics of the puppy.  I dont have any that are super recent so I will start from the beginning.  He goes to the vet on Wed to get more shots and to make appointment to get snipped  hehehehehehe

This morning I am thinking ALL males should be snipped 

Kodyfirst few days with usfavorie place to hang outsoo tiny next to Thorgetting biggerthis was just a cute pic this weekend in the back of the car

 

 

taken 10/23

sooooo we are sooooooooo screwed!  HE is gonna be HUGE.  But when he wants to be he is very sweet.  Likes to nip and I cant wait til his teeth fall out     The pics were taken with my cell phone so they arent the best.  Enjoy!

 

above pic taken 10/28