In the for-what-it's-worth category of the end stages of beloved pets, there is no perfect answer. The last two cats were euthanized when it was clear the treatments they were getting were making them miserable. It was even harder with them, because the kids were here and were heartbroken also. With dogs, I realized with the Labrador retriever last year that I had waited too long, thinking I'd get a sign from him as far as lost appetite. Labs never stop eating (he was veering toward a bowl of cat food on the ground outside the clinic as I took him in that last time.) It was the lack of joy for him that was the decider; when he couldn't get up by himself to go out to the fence for the pre-dawn treat, I knew it was time. The old catahoula got it just right - she was shaky for a week or two at the most, then died in her sleep in her favorite spot. I kept the pitbull comfortable with steroids but when she stopped eating, it was time. When you know it is coming you've already started the grieving process, so ask yourself if you're trying to spare your heart or their pain. And as hard as it is, it's best for them if you're there at the end. [Dabs tears and blows nose.]

There has been a bit of dog drama here, with Pepper not eating any of her food yesterday morning or evening. I've mixed a dry food she prefers with a food she no longer prefers, but she turned her nose up at it as well as the separate bowl of veggies. Even broccoli last night. I made a note to call the vet this morning for a checkup, then thought "we've done this before." So this morning I gave her a bowl of just the food she prefers with the broccoli on the side and she ate everything. Duh.

I heard from the transplanted friend who is now in North Carolina. She has found a rental for a year while they hunt for a house they want to buy or a place to build. Got a congratulations from her on getting her almond verbena to start sprouting new stems. The ultimate success in this first year of the transplant is if it sends out any blooms.

More housework today. Wash small rugs and more floor mopping.