Plethora of Everything

In big cities businesses come and go, Restaurants close months after they're open, People arrive with one breeze and leave with the next, Friends come and go just as quickly, though not always just as easily. And, in a way, this makes these people, places and things all the more special. Miami Skyline

At my most recent doctor visit I was greeted in a friendly manner with this question,  "So, you're 38 weeks now. Are you going to want us to induce you or what's the plan?" Since I've done research throughout the pregnancy on how common birth interventions (such as induction) are I shouldn't have even been surprised by my doctor's question, but I was. It's still shocking to me when doctors mention birthing medical procedures with such frankness, like it's all just part of the process. At another appointment a few weeks ago I was told by a different OB within the practice, "If you're screaming in pain I will not stay in the room... and neither will your partner." He said this in response to my comment that I was planning on having a natural birth without an epidural. Now, that's not a very reassuring, encouraging thing to say to woman that wants to birth naturally is it? Upon finding out I was pregnant I began reading an en...

Updated 01-04-18        If you're not involved in pet rescue you may not understand the title of this blog.     So read it, so you can understand.     Over the years I've heard about friends of rescue friends buying a dog from a breeder oppose to adopting . Over the years I've heard about this action breaking up friendships or driving a wedge between people.     I've also experienced this on a personal level and it has converted once-lovely-friendships into an abyss of separation a time or two.     A few years ago while working at Animal Services I had a girlfriend that wanted a dog, a puppy.     On various occasions I showed her pictures of adoptable pets, I spoke to her about how rewarding adoption was , how she had the power to save a life and asked her regularly, "When are you going to adopt?!" Adoptable dog, municipal shelter     The next thing I know she's posting pictures on facebo...

Lisa, So here it is 2 weeks later and I'm still thinking about you. It all started in recovery, that's where we first met. It was hectically busy for me that day, as always. I hustled into the recovery room to retrieve a recently sterilized dog for an adopter or a foster, the particular dog or person it was for I cannot recall, only that I was in recovery to get someone's dog. Partially laying on your side, partially sitting upright, in a bottom corner cage with big doe eyes, and an even bigger belly, you caught my eye. Then I took a quick moment to consciously focus my attention on you. You looked like a deer caught in the headlights, almost frozen, nearly expressionless. The fact that you looked and acted a lot like a dog I had fostered months ago and seeing your big, protruding belly brought on an instant surge of nearly-overwhelming empathy. "I'll be back to see you. Tomorrow I'll get you out, I promise. Hang in there," I said to you, almost ster...

Don't Let It All Be In Vain God don't let all of this suffering be in vain Your world is like a stitched, oozy wound without a drain Everyone and everything seems to be bursting at the seams Who can really blame the drunks, addicts and fiends Perhaps they've got it right, finding a suitable numbing device Until it becomes a vice, costing them their life But is that such a terrible price to pay? We're all going to die anyway. Just please don't let it all be in vain If there's no happy place here-ever-after it 'd be a real shame For all those that waited day in and day out for their luck to change only to take the blue juice to the vain For all those that went to bed hungry night after night counting their blessings rather than pondering their plight For those that died for having beautiful tusks or amazing coats to feed an ever-hungry population God for these and for all let there be a happy-ever-after, a place of salvation! Please don'...

Brownie, You were just a baby, not even 6 months old. You had gorgeous hazel eyes with a great chocolate-colored coat and nice caramel-colored markings. You never really barked much, even though you were in a teeny tiny, bottom cage,shadowed there, likely bored and stir crazy out of your little mind! You were always just grateful for anyone that would pay attention to you; even better, get you out to play. On Saturday it seemed your puppy dog prayers had been answered: a nice, vivacious man with 3 friendly kids chose you . They got you out, played with you, loved you and placed an adoption hold. You had surgery (neuter) and your new family was scheduled to pick you up the day after your nice meet and greet, Sunday. 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.... still no family... where were they?! Then Monday rolled around. That's when I saw you still at the shelter and I was perplexed; your family had seemed so nice, so sincere, surely they didn't bail on you... but they did. M...

    So you're an animal lover, and feel you could do more to help homeless pets... and want to do more. Then fostering pets could be for you but I must warn you my friend, the sense of pride you'll get in  knowing you're saving a life and fulfilling a philanthropic calling, can become addictive!          Before you know it you may eagerly be taking on a litter of puppies or kittens, or a hard-to-place pet, or once your 1st foster is gone you'll feel the nagging urge to 'do it again,' despite the promise you made to yourself to take a break in between foster pets. Reason being, simple: doing something good feels good and good feelings are ones we want to experience over and over. And there's absolutely nothing wrong with this. It's far better than say, wanting another 1, 2 or 3 glasses of wine or wanting to fall in love over and over again since it feels good too.          So, off the bat, let's get that straig...