Wednesday, November 23, 2011

i'm still shaken up, but so very thankful



earlier this week i had planned on today's post being an eloquent entry on having a thankful heart.
after what happened to brinkley yesterday,
it will be short on eloquence
but even larger on thanksgiving.

yesterday while we were out on our run,
a giant shepard run up out of nowhere & began attacking brinkley.
it all happened so fast
but i remember thinking i was going to see my dog killed right before my eyes.

we run on the sidewalk of a busy street.
brinkley quickly got out of his collar and leash.
i was screaming for someone to please help me.
they began to run back & forth through traffic,
which i think was already beginning to stop.
back & forth through the street
i'm running back & forth through the street
screaming.
i remember running down the middle of the road begging people to stop and not hit him.
begging for someone to help me.

brinkley tore off
i think the mean dog ran away from him as they approached the traffic light.
i had never seen brinkley run so fast.
a good samaritan who incidentally had two large dogs in her car,
pulled over & told me to jump in.
i was completely hysterical.

we drove towards my home.
i remember her telling me, we'll find him.
we will.
take a deep breath.
i took a deep breath.
i was terrified.

we pulled in my street & immediately saw two other cars pulled over in front of my yard.
dan was pulling out of the driveway & had stopped in the middle of the road.
all three of them were in the yard
with my brinkley.

i got out of the car
& sat in the yard holding him, sobbing.

i guess the two other cars must have seen him running & tried to follow him to make sure he wasn't hit.
turns out one of the kind people knew my hubby from when he taught 
years ago. i'm certain she is convinced he married an unstable crazy woman.

we assessed him quickly
of course he was covered in thick yucky mean dog slobber.
his feet were bleeding & he was hobbling.
i could not stop sobbing.

we got him to our vet.
he's the homecoming king at our vet.  they LOVE brinkley.
his temp was up which the vet assumed was from all his trauma.
she quickly reassured me how incredible it was that he wasn't mauled . that he survived.
i cried again.

the mean dog "only" bit him in a few places. 
they soaked his paws.
we assume from all the fighting in the street he tore his foot pads & ripped most of it off.
his nails were all bleeding from running so hard & fast.

he has a significant limp.
the vet feels certain it isn't broken
but at this point is assuming he has soft tissue damage from the running.

he's on antibiotics & pain killers around the clock.
i'll be honest
never in my life have i experienced anything that horrifying.
i was terrified that that dog will kill him,
that he'd get hit by one of dozens of cars
or that out of fear, he'd run away.

last night as i laid in bed thinking back through the episode,
i couldn't help but be emotional all over again.
i thanked god for my dog & that he was ok.
i realized that it was a miracle that he survived.
he was in & out of traffic and he crossed approximately 8 intersections.
i truly believe there were angels guarding him as he sprinted home.
& that's another thing...
despite his terror
he ran  over 3/4 of a mile & found his way back home.


later yesterday i went back out on my run
& found the dog owners.
apparantly someone had called the police 
& they showed up with animal control at her house for a "viscous dog attack call".
she proceeded to tell me how kind her dog was and how she just wanted to play.
i told her my dog was lucky to be alive
& that our little play date had already run me $150.
that my running partner might not want to run with me again
& that he was pretty beat up.
she kindly offered to help pay the bill.
dan & i will go back over there today...

he's pretty pitiful this morning
still hobbling around & very mellow 
very not himself
but thankfully very alive
& very here with me
&
for that 
and so much more
i am thankful.


i hope each of you enjoys a blessed thanksgiving
whether your thankful heart is full of more than you ever dreamed
or
whether your thanksgiving is truly a sacrifice of praise.

i have all my girls home
& we have some cooking to do
& some black friday shopping to tackle.
i thankfully have sessions to edit
& a sweet furry boy to tend to
so
i'll be back next week.

xo

77 comments:

Gail said...

God Bless you both. I truly, truly, understand. I had it happen twice with two of our faithful, loved, dogs. First time a hateful dog came and almost killed, my Joey. I cried until I thought I had no more tears. Second time.....I was walking my dog, Grim, when another dog broke lead, and attacked him. He protected us, and my hubby got bitten by the other dog. It was a serious bite making him attend dips in the local ER for one week!!! You are correct...it feels sooo unreal when this happens so fast. I pray your sweet buddy mends soon and your heart to.

Kat said...

Dear Paige, this makes me cry every time I think about it. The terror of the attack, the helplessness you felt, the fact that Brinkley made it safely home and the good samaritans who offered aid. It's good to know we live in a neighborhood where people are still willing to help in a time of crisis. Praying for a quick recovery for your sweet boy. Praying for your nerves to return to normal and for that horrible experience to stop playing over and over in your mind. I know how scary dog attacks can be, and how you can't stop thinking about them and the what ifs. Thinking of y'all today. Please give Brinkley a big hug for me and I will give you the biggest hug the next time I see you. xoxo

Cheryl said...

Dear Paige,
I read your post, holding my breathe...thinking, oh no, not Brinkley.
I am so sorry you both had to go through this, but relieved that you were protected.
Hopefully there will be a time that you will be able to look back at this as one of Brinkley's Big Adventures...
Happy Thanksgiving to your lovely family.
Cheryl

emily@remodelingthislife said...

I am so glad Brinkley is okay. *hug*

Jen Kershner said...

Paige! Oh my God! I'm so sorry. Millie and I are just heartbroken that you and Brinkley had to go through this. Take good care of your guy. I am so thankful that your story has a happy ending. Please keep us updated on his condition.

traci said...

poor brinkley and you. that had to be so scary. i'm sure he will be back to normal in no time. just shower him with extra love. which i am sure you all are.

KTG said...

Ah, so sorry, poor dog he just sounds like such a sweetheart. God bless the people who stopped to help. And bless you Happy Thanksgiving!

Privet and Holly said...

Good Lord, what a
very traumatic thing
for both of you to go
through! An angel was
surely watching over
sweet B. and guiding
him to safety. I have
my own dog in traffic
horror story from years
ago and can imagine
all of your emotions,
GRATITUDE being at
the top of the list! Hugs
to your whole family.

xx Suzanne

Paige said...

So thankful she is ok, how frightening! My husband is a vet so I hear all kinds of stories and thankfully most end well. Our cat escaped from the house a fees weeks ago, had never been outside. He came home 3 days later. Those were 3 very emotional sad days for me. Truly amazing how we can love these furry sweet family members:). Happy Thanksgiving, so glad she is ok!

Melaine Thompson said...

oh my goodness Paige! That is so sad! I have tears in my eyes! I know how much he means to you!!! I am praying he has a speedy recovery and that the dog that attacked him will no longer be doing this anymore, if you know what I mean......so sad. Poor Brinkley. Soooooo glad he is ok though, keep us posted on his recovery! Melaine

Patty Marker said...

To some it might seem strange with all that is going on in the world and in my life that I would be sitting at my key board bawling my eyes out over a friends dog. Maybe it's because of the state of the world that we hold our furry companions in such high regard. They truly show such unconditional love. I have had a similar situation and actually saw my dog run over (I even heard the thud of his head hit the car. I don't think I ever screamed so loudly and I'm sure the neighbor thought I was dying. Miraculously, my dog was unhurt. I still do not know how he was not killed. I too believe he was protected by angels. Enjoy your sweet Bentley as he recovers and enjoy your thanksgiving. Patty

Sibi said...

Oh sweet friend!! Have mercy....I cannot believe that this happened to you and your Brinkley Boy!

I am so sorry!!!

Thank goodness that He was watching over you and helped and intervened and that everyone is recovering.

So happy for you that all of your girls are home and that you all are going to have such a wonderful Thanksgiving. I know your heart is beyond grateful for so much this year.

You are so blessed. xoxoxo

I am thankful for you my special friend.

Big Hug,
Sibi

Meg said...

I had to skip over the part about the dog attack because my heart couldn't take it. I'm so thankful Brinkley will be okay. Hugs and prayers!

Jboo said...

Oh my word -- poor Brinkley and poor you! How scary! So thankful that you are both ok.

Have a great Thanksgiving!


Janet

christina said...

i am so glad you are both ok. please give B. a tummy rub, from me.

xoxo

Hillcrest Acres said...

Paige, This broke my heart reading about what happened to you and Brinkley. I can't imagine the fear you felt as you tried to help him. It warmed my heart that others stopped to help. I hope he has a speedy recovery and that you both will be able to run again without worrying about a dog attacking. Have a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Susie

Free Art Printables said...

OH Paige, I am so glad he is okay! That would be horrible! And thank goodness you weren't hurt either!!!!!

Heather Crawford said...

OH GOODNESS...that happened to me and my Jack Russell one time..huge German Shephard jumped us..I was screaming and yelling and kicking that dog..thankfully some men were working in a back yard near by and helped me but my little man was hurt, but Ok...it is so scary..can't imagine the running through traffic part...terrifying! So glad he's ok..and you're ok!

Andrea said...

It is a miracle that neither of you were maimed. See if your local ordinances will permit you to carry some type of pepper spray. If not my neighbor swears by ammonia in a small bottle.

Roxanne said...

What a horrific experience...May your healing be quick for both you and Brinkley. He's a good boy - he found his way home with the help of angels. I cried reading your post. You have touched my heart is so many ways. God Bless you both. {{{hugs}}}

erin said...

We have neighbors that claim their 5 year old dog is "a puppy that just wants to play" while it is on MY property snarling and snapping at me and my kids are running in the house screaming. Some animal owners need to face reality. Your dog is mean, keep it fenced! Glad to hear your dog is going to be ok. That is a miracle.

Debby said...

I am crying over Brinkley. I have always loved your sweet dog. How horrible. Let them pay the bill not that the $ is as important as having Brinkley but for a lesson for them.
Brinkley sure was lucky. I would have been so crazy as well. What wonderful people to help you.
And Brinkley knew to go home......he is amazing.
I hope he heals well and that he isn't scared to go running a different path. I will pray for him.
So sad and so scary.
Have a thankful day tomorrow. Glad all the girls will be home.......love you Brinkley.

Tiffini said...

oh paige..how heartbreaking and so scary. i am grateful with you that he is ok. i would be devastated if that happened to bella.
you have a beautiful holiday and enJOY brinkley and all your girls being together. much love
xo

Dawn Gahan said...

Paige,

I'm sitting at work reading this and crying. How horrific for both of you. Am so grateful that he's OK and that you were spared getting hurt. I plan on going home and hugging up on my Gideon.

Blessings,

Dawn

Esme said...

Paige, thank goodness Brinkley escaped with little injury. Incidents like these are so scary. Thank goodness for the kindness of others. There is a little dog who lives down the street from me who is an escape artist. Let me tell you the tales of motorists stopping to pick her up.

Have a relaxing day.

Shannon said...

So horrible Paige. This made me cry again just as it did yesterday when I read it on Facebook. I'm so glad Brinkley is okay and has such a loving family to take care of him. I hope you and your lovely family have an amazing Thanksgiving weekend!

Kacey said...

Oh my goodness. How terrible. So glad both of you are ok. Poor Brinkley!

Beach Coast Style said...

oh my Paige so sorry to hear about that! I am so glad Brinkley is ok! But, I so understand the fear. It's gripping and takes you forever to get over it.

Simply Jen said...

Oh Paige...how aweful! Thank GOD the two of you are okay. Seriously, so thankful!
Prayers for a "speedy" recovery.
I truly hope you and your family have a lovely Thanksgiving! Enjoy the full house.
Hug,
Jen xo

Lolo @ The Adventures of Stig and Lolo said...

Oh my dear....thank goodness all is well! Our pets are our children and a big part of our families. I will be thinking of you all (especially Brinkley!) on my long list of prayers. Poor thing - I can only imagine how frightened he was....I am sure that all of your runs made it possible for him to find his way home in such a state!

Big loves to all of you - have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!

XOX

Jenn A said...

Awwwhhhh...so sorry to hear that you and Brinkley had to go through such a terrible thing!!! What a blessing that he was not killed. May God peace and comfort surround you today!

PS...maybe he needs some broccoli to help him feel better ;)

Lulu and Co. said...

Oh Paige I am so sorry, the entire event sounded terrifying. I can't imagine the terror, I just picked our dog, lily up from the groomers and hugged her after reading your post....I couldn't imagine having to go through that.
I'm so thankful you and Brinkley will be alright. I hope this holiday and the whole weekend brings you comfort and rest and that Brinkley is back to feeling better!
Be well my friend,
Lulu

Anonymous said...

Dear Paige,

Thank goodness for the happy ending. Brinkley was definitely protected by angels. He is such a sweetheart...I can't imagine the horror yesterday. The dog attack coupled with the traffic...each would have been bad on its own. Keep us posted on his recovery.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving with your girls and Brinkley.

Betsy

Ruth said...

What a scary thing for you! You also could have been hurt.
Glad both of you were not hurt more seriously. I pray for you and quick recovery to your sweet Brinkley!

Sharon said...

What a terrible story. I think you should consider letting them pick up the tab for your vet bill. I had a similar thing happen to me after a woman let her large German shepherd off leash and it charged me and my mini schnauzer. The dog knocked me down, my dog was trying to get away and the woman just stood there looking at me like I was at fault. I don't walk without my cell phone anymore.

Seawashed said...

I too am thankful you both are okay. German shepherds are very loyal dogs to their own families...but not always with others. My brother was attacked by a german shepherd while we were kids. It was terrifying. The dog attacked him from behind, jumped on his back and began biting for no reason at all. I have been cautious of them ever since. I have a little dog, maltese, and we walk every day. I have had a medium size mutt attack her...came running from nowhere, jumped on her and began biting her neck. Terrifying...I was screaming and then kicked the dog off of her. Thankfully a neighbor came to try and help. The owners of the dog didn't care. We have also had a huge pit bull run at us...but it's owner got him before he attacked. It is a scary world we live in. Thankfully we have a mighty God covering us with his wing. love to you and your family. ox

Amy R. said...

Paige,
I am so sorry that this happened to your puppy! I run with my dog too so I can imagine your terror. Looking at his picture made me want to cry. I'm glad he is okay and you can enjoy snuggling with him. I hope you and your family have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Bethanie said...

I saw the title of your post and was sure you had been in a car accident or something...of course, that's when my computer decided to take its time loading....I am so thankful you are okay, and that Brinkley will be okay. He has had it rough lately, hasnt he?

You did have angels watching over you, you could have so easily gotten bit in the midst of all the horrible drama...or hit running thru traffic after him. Im so thankful you guys made it home and pray that your mind settles down as well.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I consider finding your blog one of the things I am thankful for this year...I check in with you first thing every day, and have been encouraged over and over. Enjoy all the girls being home, eat lots, shop more, and have a wonderful weekend. So glad you are okay. (Im adding this to my list of reasons not to start running!!!) :)

Much love,
Bethanie

Pam McDonald said...

Oh My Goodness, Paige!!!! I am SO SORRY but SO THANKFUL that you both are okay. I had a wonderful and loving greyhound and we loved our nightly walks. One night, we were walking in our neighborhood and a dog came running across the street and began attacking Terry, my dog. Fortunately the dog's owner was in his front yard and came running over to get the dog off of Terry. He grabbed his dog and told me to run. Terry and I ran to the end of the street where I stopped to look at Terry. He had a hole in his flank where the skin had been ripped back and his muscle exposed. I took him home and went back to the man's house and told him what his dog had done. Evidently, his dog is not friendly and has gone after other dogs in the past (but he had the dog in his front yard running loose!) I took Terry to the vet the next day. She was horrified at the injury. He had to have surgery, take antibiotics, have one of those terrible collars, and, for a week or so, he had a hard time laying down and getting up because of the pain of the injury. It cost $400.00 (the man paid $100.00 towards the bill) and I was terrified to take Terry out for a walk again. The vet told me to get an airhorn and take with me and that should ward off any animals that approached us. I did get one and, eventually, we resumed our walks, but I wasn't able to relax and enjoy our walks for a long time afterwards. Blessings to you and your sweet pup!!!!

Kerri said...

I am so glad Sweet Brinkley is ok and that the angels were truly watching you both. I am glad all of your girls are home for the holidays!

Happy Thanksgiving to the Knudsen family!

Wendy said...

Oh Paige, I am so thankful right along with you, that Brinkley made it through everything okay. I can only imagine how scared you both must have been. It is a tender mercy that your poor pooch was able to make it home by himself, and as hurt as he was.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Hoping all good things will come your way this year.

xoxo
Wendy

amybeth said...

Sobbing- i am sobbing. I have never met sweet Brinkley but I can tell from his eyes that he is one kind-hearted dog. So very glad he is ok. Makes your realize what you are really thankful for and what we take so much for granted. Glad ALL your girls are home to love on you and sweet Brinkley after such a horrible day.

Anonymous said...

I have fallen for Brinkley after seeing his picture over the course of reading your blog. So happy that you are both safe....now that is something to be be thankful for! God Bless!

3 Peanuts said...

Paige, I am not sure what happened as you blog is coming up in a weird language for me today but from reading the other comments it sounds like y'all are safe and sound:) Thank goodness.

carolyn said...

Oh, this story made me cry. Your beautiful dog is precious. God bless him and I hope he heals quickly.

Michele said...

How very frightening Paige! I cried while I read about this. I am so glad Brinkley and you are OK. Maybe Brinkley needs some broccoli to help the recovery :)

Enjoy Thanksgiving with your family and give Brinkley a kiss from me!

Michele xoxo

Maggie said...

aww poor baby!!!!!! He is so darn cute!!!
Happy Thanksgiving!! To all the girls and Brinkley!!
I will be heading out for some Black Friday shopping also...

tessie said...

What a terrifying time for both of you! He knew where he was always safe and ran to it. Happy Thanksgiving

Ruth said...

Oh Paige! I'm so sorry. I hope Brinkley feels better soon. What a scary day for you. I hope you can enjoy a relaxing Thanksgiving with your family tomorrow.

Laura said...

God bless you all and i just sat and cried reading your post. My dog was once attacked by a much bigger dog & my husband was able to pull her away, but not after being bittewn in the process. I love seeing how sweet and laid back Brinkley always looks and so glad to hear he will be okay. Enjoy your time together & have a blessed Thanksgiving.

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness! I gasped out loud! I can only imagine how terrifying that was! I am so glad that he will be there with you to celebrate thanksgiving! enjoy your thanksgiving with your sweet family! xo

Bravehearted Beauty {formerly LLH Designs} said...

Oh, Paige...so sorry your sweet Brinkley was attacked. You've had the sweetest things to say about your your dog here on the blog. I hope he's feeling the love.

Enjoy having ALL your girls together this weekend!

xo,
Lins

pballard said...

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. God is good! I know you had angels watching over you both.. Blessings Pam

Unknown said...

Oh My goodness Paige! I simply cannot imagine the terror you must have felt, and the helplessness!

We have a Golden too and they are the most gentle, loving dogs you can find. I am sick to my stomach just thinking about what you and Brinkley went through. I'm so sorry.

I'm sure Brinkley will be getting a huge amount of love and attention this weekend, which will help him heal. I think I'd have a place for him at the Thanksgiving table after all that! ;)

Just a reminder of what we are truly thankful for...a healthy family (including our pets). Enjoy your Thanksgiving!

melissa said...

Oh Paige - I am so sorry for you and Brinkley. What a horrible ordeal!
Wishing you and your beautiful family (Brinkley included!) a wonderful Thanksgiving day. Blessings!!! xo

Jodi said...

My heart just sank when I read the title of your post! I am so glad that you and Brinkley are okay. That is my biggest fear when I take Bailey out is other dogs!

I hope and will definately have him in my prayers for a quick recovery!

Happy Thanksgiving my dear friend! Enjoy your day and weekend with your wonderful family and give that special Brinkley some extra hugs! :)

Good Luck shopping Friday, Beka and I are venturing out too! Hope you find lots of great deals!
Jodi

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad that both of you are all right, but I do hope that you are listening to the Universe tell you that you are not supposed to take Brinkley out running with you anymore. That's two times now that he was hurt; you really aren't going to go for three, are you?

ellieshine said...

oh my - I was in tears reading this! so so thankful sweet brinkley is ok.

happy thanksgiving!

xo ellie

Deb said...

So Thankful that Brinkley is o.k ♥ what a sweetie!
Happy Thanksgiving Paige.

Anonymous said...

Oh, I'm so sorry, but I'm so glad he's okay. He's a beautiful, lovely dog!

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry this happened. How traumatic. As a shepherd owner, story's like this make me sick. Attacking a dog is hardly playing. Owning a powerful breed comes with responsibility. Prayers for Ms. Paige and pup Brinkley.

sle said...

Oh my gosh, Paige! I can imagine you were horrified at all of this and I'm so happy that you and Brinkley are ok! Hopefully, he will be feeling much better in a few days. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your sweet family!

Alecia said...

What a traumatizing event to have happen....I'm SOOOOO glad you are both ok...I'm pretty sure I wouldn't want to play that way...interesting way of showing a desire to play...wow!
Hope you have a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving...thankful for you friend! Blessings to you and your sweet family!

Anonymous said...

God bless you, god bless you, god bless you. My girls are still little, so when I run, I take them in the jogging stroller and run with our golden girl Molly. There are a few German shepherds on our street, and your experience is one of my worst nightmares. I will pray for your sweet Brinkley and for you. Hope your jogging buddy is back up and running soon.

Between You and Me said...

so thankful that he is home safe with you guys.....so thankful that he is alive!!!

**BIG HUG*

One Woman's Thoughts said...

Oh my what a horrific experience. Hope that your beloved Brinkley will be okay soon and that you recover as well. A big hug to you.

Chez Zizi said...

OMG, Paige I am so sorry to hear of this. I hope Brinkley is getting better. It is amazing how he knew where and how to get home to where he knew he would be safe. This made me so sad for you and the fear you must have felt. I am happy to hear that he will be okay and he is home where I am sure he is getting all th elite he needs to heal and the love that brought him back home to you in a very scary time for him I am sure. Have a much better weekend with your whole family.
Xoxo

Lindsey said...

Hugs to Brinkley...I too am a Golden lover...sweetest things on earth. Hope you both recover quickly.

Lemonade Makin' Mama said...

I'm so glad both you and Brinkley are okay. I couldn't imagine how awful that would be and I'd be a wreck myself just like you were. Thank God for the kind woman who helped you.

3 Peanuts said...

Okay, now I can read it all in English and I am SO SO SO sorry this happened to y'all.So thankful you are both okay. How scary!!!!

A very similar thing happened to the loved one of a friend recently and their dog was in fact killed. So sad. I personally think all dogs (friendly or not) ought to be on a leash so these things do not happen. Scout is super friendly but she will get defensive is she feels threatened. I think it is their animal instinct.

I am joyful about how many people tried to help y'all and I pray that dog never attacks again.

julieann said...

:) I AM SO HAPPY YOUR BOY IS OK..
I love dogs but when one attacks it is so frightning. I was bit by a dog as a child. My husband was bit by a neighbor dog while running and recently my Dad was bit by a relatives dog. All were terrifying and the owners fault.. I think owners should be more careful of dogs that lash out. If it happens once it happens again.. You have a lot to be greatful for and I hope the owner resolves the problem so it does not happen to another dog and it's owner. Im glad your both ok..

SoSoBella said...

I am so happy sweet brinkley is ok and home resting with you. That happened to my mom, a dog ran up out of no where and attacked our cat right in front of her. It was awful and our kitty did not make ;(
Take care of that sweet dog, I know you will.
Xoxo

Anonymous said...

I don't even own a pet and I was sobbing for you and for your Brinkley by the time I finished the post. Get well soon Brinkley! Destiny

P.S. I'm thankful too that you weren't hit or hurt...

Lindsey said...

Oh, Paige...I can't even imagine! So glad Brinkley is okay. I'm sure he got lots of extra loving this Thanksgiving.

Kelli said...

I'm sorry that I am just now commenting. Reading this story brings tears to my eyes and I felt like I was there running with you. Sweet Brinkley...SO grateful that he's alive and that God sent people to you to help. Big Hugs!!!

Katherine @ Grass Stains said...

Paige, I'm catching up on a week's worth of posts tonight, and I just got to this one.

I absolutely know the fear and panic that you felt when Brinkley was attacked. Our dog was attacked by two roaming huskies about 20 years ago in our own driveway while he was simply going to the bathroom ... on our own property in a safe neighborhood (I lived in Marietta at the time). Unfortunately, he was killed right before our very eyes. It was one of the most horrifying things you can imagine.

I am so glad that Brinkley is safe at home with you! What a wonderful companion he is. :)

Haley's Hopechest said...

Oh Paige thank goodness Brinkley is ok. I'm catching up on all my blogs because our internet has been down and I just read this. Poor baby.