Rene: this is the game. Trixi is one of the most common manufacturers over here for all things pet. We have a number of these games and Manni had to learn patience for this stuff. He used to just get waaay too excited and knock things over. Wyatt Ray is not alone in this 🙂  

I know that many dogs are very content with being in the yard, sleeping, and so on. Manni was never one of them. He needed a job, or rather something that would keep that looney brain of his occupied. So nowadays, since our walks are too short for him to take in enough of all those lovely scents and not even the handicapped classes make sense anymore, these games (and the boxes filled with treats) are my only way to keep him busy for a least a little while. However, I really do believe that because I have always tried to encourage an active mind, his is still as it was even today. And I really do believe that not only the physical aspects (as in rehab, etc.) are important in keeping our dogs healthy for as long as can be. Although I am the first one to admit that it would have been nice occasionally to not have quite such a challenging specimen... 🙂

Linda: you can live by me -or with me!- any time! I think we've established that German weather and Wisconsin weather are rather comparable (sadly) so it won't be that big of a change... I'd love to have you here!!

Paula: That must have been one of the greatest things that anyone has ever said to me: I will believe for you. I don't know if you know how much that means.

Alison: it is indeed a very lonesome time because you just focus so much on this one thing that there seems to be not much room for anything else. I don't even think I am all that private, but just keeping my act together requires this focus, I guess. I would have loved to have you here for Thanksgiving but spring would be the better choice. Germany is the country of alcohol 'a plenty, so there'll be plenty while we reminisce (unless you do the marathon, of course...) 🙂

Teri: I can't really explain it but it gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling to know that we're still up on your fridge (and Alison's, too, I think). I love that.

Sally: I can totally see Myrtle swallowing that whole tower in one motion 🙂 we should make her one that's like 4 feet high and made of steel... 🙂

Teresa: you know me: I try and I will not give up. and you have been one of my pillars. Give Pedro and Woody a hug, I think I just heard Eurydice traipsing around upstairs, trying Manni's bed on for size 🙂  

Holly: I GET IT WITH THE TIMESTAMP!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 but you know: it's really hard to erase that from your mind if the vets at the clinic after the diagnosis refuse to give a prognosis and state that we should "expect days rather than months"... but I try. I swear to you, I AM TRYING! 🙂

Clare, Michelle, Jackie, everybody: you mean the world!

Tina & (so far) Manni