DebS

Hi All, Just had to put in my thoughts. I smoked a pack a day for the past 40 years and I quit 2 months ago using Champix. I was pretty impressed - it seemed to take the edge of the cravings enough so that I wasn't going nuts for a smoke. Never thought I could quit either but lots of health issues and the guilt over exposing my family to 2nd hand smoke convinced me that I had to do it. I was supposed to stay on the Champix for another week but was having some side effects that made me get off of it early and I had no problems. Whatever method you choose, it sure is a great feeling to not be feeding my hard-earned bucks to the dang tobacco companies! DebS

Thanks Wayne, I hadn't heard about using them for that purpose. I'll get some this weekend and try them. As a mouth breather, my throat is always so dry in the morning - definitely worth a shot! DebS

Hi Gerritt, I wasn't sure whether to reply or not. I was diagnosed a year ago with moderate sleep apnea and went for 2 sleep studies. I tried the CPAP machines with a few different masks but, unfortunately, wasn't able to find one I could be comfortable with. My biggest problems were that I couldn't get used to the warm air blowing in - it made the inside of my mask very warm & damp (kind of like breathing through an old plastic Hallowe'en mask as a kid) and the pressure was hard to get used to. Also, because I'm a mouth breather, I had to use a full face mask & I just felt really claustrophobic with it on & had little panic attacks after about 10 minutes. But, I know of at least 3 people who were diagnosed with sleep apnea, got fitted for sleep masks and are successfully sleeping with the use of CPAP machines & they all say that it has totally changed their lives. They wake more rested, have more energy & don't feel like they're going to doze off throughout the day. I say definitely go for your 2nd sleep lab study - they'll try you with a few different masks to find what works for you. It can totally change your life for the better. I took a different approach. I quit smoking and am shedding some extra weight, both of which can contribute to sleep apnea. Already there seems to be an improvement, so we'll see what happens. Anyway, best of luck with your sleep study. DebS

What a great story Dano. I think you are both winners here. He certainly is a handsome guy and I wish you both a long, long life together! Deb

Boy, these guys are all beautiful dogs - makes me wish they could stay with us forever. This is my best friend, Amber. She's 13 now, but she can't wait to get up to the cottage & into the lake. She's pretty amazing. When she goes, her ashes will be going up to the lake one last time as it's the place she loves best. Deb

Yep, our house will be taking part as well. DebS

Rick, we're all sending good thoughts for your brother. Thank goodness they found out what was wrong with him & are taking steps to ensure he'll be all right in all the days to come. Hope he's back home and on his way to recovering soon! DebS

Stay strong Chris & Rob - there's a huge amount of good karma being sent your way from everyone. Keep believing! My prayers are with you as well. DebS

I am so hooked on Lost - have been since Day 1, but, oh, does it make my head hurt sometimes trying to figure things out! Joey, I saw that episode with Kate & her "son", Aaron - what a surprise, there. Does that mean that he's the other person who makes it off the island or what? Last night was awesome - jumping back & forth from the past to the present - so many questions. Can't wait to see what's next! Gotta admit that Sawyer sure is easy on the eyes and Sayid, too. DebS

What a great story & so true. That was nice to read, even though it was sad. Best of luck with your lab's surgery. DebS

Rich, congratulations on the new member of the family - she's cute as a bug! She won't relplace Nikita in your heart - you'll always have your memories of her, but Kia will help you make new memories as well. Dog lovers have so much heart - it's only right to share it with another 4-legged friend! I wish you lots of happy adventures with your buddies! DebS

Rich, Hope that no-one thinks that posting this poem is too dumb, but we're living on borrowed time right now with our 13 yr old Golden due to a large tumour on her lower jaw & when I get really depressed about losing her, I read this poem. It'd be nice if we really were re-united after we're gone (I know, it's pretty naive, but sometimes you need to believe in fairy tales to get through the tough things). DebS Rainbow Bridge Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Rich, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Having to make that decision is so hard, even when you know that's it's the kindest thing you can do for a good friend. My deepest sympathies to you and your entire family. You'll always miss your buddy and remember all the good times, but, someday, it won't hurt so much when you do remember her. DebS

That's great news Rick! So glad to hear that Jack is making good progress. Thanks for keeping us posted - looking forward to some new pics! DebS

So sorry to hear about your loss. Our pets are such a big part of our lives, it definitely hurts to lose them, especially if you have to be the one to make such a tough decision. I'm sure you gave him a good life & he was happy & you'll always be able to remember the great times you all had. My sympathies to you and your family. DebS

Glad to see your little girl's back home where she belongs and the surgery went well. She'll do better now that she's home with her loved ones around her. She's a real cutie! Best wishes for a speedy & thorough recovery for her!!! DebS

Hi Rick, What a good way to end the year - seeing Jack back at home & on his way to recovery! He does look a bit wary in the pictures, but I'm sure he feels great just being home with you again. (And I'm sure that you're just on top of the world to have him back with you again, knowing he's on his way to feeling better than before). I wish you both a very Happy New Year & good health to Jack in 2008!!! DebS

Rick, that's great news that Jack's surgery went well today - with so many good thoughts being sent your way, how could it not go well??? Glad to hear that you'll be able to spend some time close to your buddy - I know he'll enjoy having you around for sure! Just enjoy your down time with Jack & keep thinking positive thoughts. I'll keep you both in my thoughts. Here's to a speedy recovery for Jack! DebS

Hi Rick, Glad to hear you got good news about Jack. You're right; it's definitely the best Christmas gift to receive. I'm sure he'll be impatient with being confined but as long as he knows you're there with him, I'm sure he'll be OK. Good luck on Thursday - I'll be thinking of him. DebS

A Very Merry Christmas to you and your family as well, Lew! Hope Santa is especially good to all the OFNers and their families this holiday. Drive safely & steer clear of reindeer tonight! Merry Christmas All! DebS

Rick, You absolutely did the right thing for Jack! It's a shame that veterinary services are so darn expensive but I've done the same thing with my Golden. All I care about is that she's taken care of & I'll worry about the money later.... A person who cares about their dog is a person with a compassionate nature. When Jack is up & around again you'll know that you did your best for him & he'll thank you for it with some big, wet, sloppy kisses I'm sure. I'll send lots of good wishes your way on Thursday! DebS

Hi Lew, People are still buying new cars for the holidays (wish I was on their gift list-LOL!) & still getting into fender-benders, even on Christmas Eve, so we're working half a day today, then off Dec 25 & 26, then back to work on Thursday. I'll be spending Christmas Eve enjoying our traditional Cheese Fondue with the family, then a big Christmas dinner on Christmas day! Merry Christmas to all !!! DebS

Hookset, don't give up on your old friend yet. When my dog was diagnosed with her tumour, the vet said she'd likely be gone in 4 weeks - that was in August & she's still here & still lively & happy. The vet also said that she had another dog with the same thing - they gave her 4-6 weeks & she lived for another year after that. These guys are loyal to their owners & just don't want to leave us & seem to try to hang on with all they've got. I'll say a prayer for you that it's just a lump of fatty tissue (common as they age) & nothing more serious. Muskie is one good-looking guy! DebS

Landlocked, your bud is a real beauty, even getting older - those dogs look good even when they're old. My Golden, Amber, is just shy of her 13th birthday, but don't really think she'll make it as she has a large, fast-growing tumour on her lower jaw. Dr has her on meds - can't operate as it's penetrated her jawbone, but she has good days & not so good days, but she's full of energy & not suffering. Once she is in pain & can't eat we'll have to let her go, but for now she's ok & she loves to get up north to the cottage - acts like a pup again. Other than that no problems with her eyes or her hips - very healthy. To me, the older she gets, the more beautiful she is. Hope you have many more years with your buddy. DebS

My condolences to you and your family Gary. She sure looked like she was having a ball in that picture! DebS