The original book is very well-written and funny, too. :thumbup1:

Summer, you are fine. :) I like to give my child four or five relatively inexpensive presents plus one "wow" item and a stocking.

Your daughter sounds like a sweetheart. I'm sorry the other kids flaked out, but you did a good thing!

I have been there, too. It's very hard, but it will get better with time. Your grief shows that she was loved. :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

Here are some handy size charts. According to the charts, a girls' size 6 and a women's size 8 both fit a 9.5" foot. (Sparkly was right.) Does she need a wide, maybe?

Candy from the 1920's or 1930's--google for options Reminisce magazine (single issue or subscription) Some kind of fun little toy--nice yo-yo, marble set, mini pinball game, slide puzzle

I'm thankful her passing was peaceful and that you were all able to be with her. I'm so very sorry for your loss. :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

No need to be crestfallen, Quill! It's my understanding that those types of donations are just to add to boxes that need a bit more. The kids still receive their individually made boxes. It's just a way to make sure that some kids don't receive much less than others.

Yes, the personal notes stay with the boxes. The website says: "You may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself, your family, or group. If you include your name and an address, the child may be able to write back." In some of the Shoebox Stories shared by people who received boxes as children, the recipients said that personal notes or pictures were meaningful to them. I wouldn't think the notes would be able to be translated before they reach their destination, but perhaps someone local is able to translate them once they get there.

Upbeat 80's music: Take on Me, a-ha Cruel Summer, Banarama Walk Like an Egyptian, Bangles You Might Think I'm Crazy, The Cars Everlasting Love, Howard Jones Queen of Hearts, Juice Newton Walking on Sunshine, Katrina and the Waves Down Under, Men at Work Melt with You, Modern English Kyrie, Mr. Mister If You Leave, OMD Sussudio, Phil Collins Don't You (Forget About Me), Simple Minds Oh Sherry, Steve Perry Heart and Soul, T'Pau Africa, Toto The Promise, When in Rome

This 90's dance party thread might help!

I would contact both local rescue groups and beagle rescue groups in your state. I'd tell them just what you told us--the circumstances under which you found the dog and all you've done--and say that you just can't keep him past a certain date. Ask if they can help. They might be able to take him now or add you to their intake waiting list. If you can't afford his neutering, I wouldn't have it done and expect to get that money back. Tell the rescue group that if they can handle the cost of the neutering and take ownership of the dog, you can continue fostering until X date. Shelters are scary places for dogs, and many do have high kills rates. I would try to get him placed with a rescue group if you're not able to find him a home. Good for you for taking him in! :thumbup1:

Thanks for the heads up!

From what I read, they like boxes to be gently overstuffed. :) If one is not full enough, they will add donated filler items. They do NOT move items from one box to another, to maintain the integrity of the intended gift.

I was curious about this, too, mainly because I observed someone gathering used items (not nice stuff, either) for their box. I googled and read about the inspection process. Items that can't be sent because they are inappropriate, damaged, or used are donated to local charities.

dp

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

My objection was not so much that the mice were being killed (although I do prefer to let them live, if possible), but that their suffering and death was seen as funny and/or entertaining.

My husband highly recommends Investing Made Simple.

My daughter enjoyed these series: Dragon Masters Finley Flowers Flower Fairies Friends Gooney Bird Greene In Grandma's Attic (Christian content) Magic Schoolbus Mermaid Mysteries Mermaid Tales Pippi Longstocking Princess in Black Rainbow Magic (100+ in series!) Rescue Princesses (a favorite!) Stella Batts The Unicorn's Secret For later: Catwings series Whatever After series

It's so hard, I know. :crying: It's our most difficulty responsibility to our pets, but part of loving and caring for them well. My heart goes out to you tonight. It will be okay.

FWIW, I think you are making a good decision, Scarlett. I regret waiting too long with my last dog. I think it is better to err on the side of the least amount of suffering. I'm glad you were able to have a fairly good day with her today. :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

We really like the Moonjar for this purpose.

Okay, it sounds like the weakness is not from lack of food, then. I'm so glad she has been able to eat. Pain can cause rapid and shallow breathing, but so can heart or lung trouble or a number of other causes. Poor girl. I'm trying to think of what I would do in your situation, but you know her best. I guess, for me, I would feel that there were a few options: 1. Confirm that the infection in her feet is bacterial and not fungal by having a culture done. If it is bacterial, you could ask if there are any other treatment options (maybe the gentamicin injections hornbower mentioned) or decide that she has had enough. I don't think I'd put her through another round of the same thing. If the infection is fungal, you and your vet could look at possibly treating that. I think it would give me peace of mind to know for sure. I would be more likely to go this route if I could get the results back very quickly (same day or next day). 2. Get the vet's opinion on whether she experiencing other serious problems right now, aside from the pain in her feet. That would help me make the decision as well. 3. Decide that she is in too much discomfort and pain to let her go on, regardless. I don't think any of these options are right or wrong. I have confidence that you will do what you feel is best for her. :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

Did you happen to notice if the cream you are putting on is antifungal, too? (If so, it might contain nystatin or an ingredient ending in "m/nazole"). If it's a fungal infection, the antibiotics wouldn't make it better and would probably make it worse. I know you said the shampoo you are using is antibacterial and antifungal, but sometimes that is not enough without oral antifungal medication. I wouldn't be surprised if the antibiotics also upset her tummy enough to make her go off her food. If she hasn't been eating for days, that could lead to weakness, especially in an old dog.