God's greatest gifts to man...

...are pets. So why does he give them such a short time with us here on earth? A friend's dog died suddenly yesterday, and her pain and sorrow are immense. Nothing prepares one for the death of a pet, especially a deeply loved one.

I swear, when (if) I get to heaven, it will be my first question to the big man - "Why take from us the ones we love the most?" For example, cancer strikes some of the best people and eventually takes its physical toll on the body and mind, leaving friends and family with an empty hole where once a vibrant, amazing person filled that part of life.

With pets, it is the same haunting feeling. They play such critical roles as companions, friends, ball tossing partners, floor pillows, stress buffers, weekend playmates and so much more. How does God expect us to live when one of these precious creatures leaves us, leaves this world?

"It's funny how dogs and cats know the inside of folks better than other folks do, isn't it?"
- Eleanor H. Porter

We honor you, Mattie.
Much love,
H&K

"Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens, not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst, a spark that creates extraordinary results."
-Anon.

With more than 317,000 seals killed for their fur in 2005 alone-- 98% of whom were babies under three months of age -- Canada's harp seal hunt is the largest commercial hunt of marine mammals on earth. It is certainly the cruelest.

Although Canadian citizens don't support the seal hunt, the fishing industry and the federal government have refused to end it. With the recent election of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, there is renewed hope that 2006 will be the last year that seals are clubbed and shot to death on Canadian ice.

As Prime Minister Harper begins his term, we have an unprecedented opportunity to influence the Canadian government and save hundreds of thousands of baby seals. Please take action today to help end the cruel Canadian seal hunts by sending an e-mail to Prime Minister Harper immediately.
Thank you!

https://community.hsus.org/campaign/harper_protectseals?rk=6dzU-aY1SXEPW

"The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong in the broken places. But those that will not break it kills. It kills the very good and the very gentle and the very brave impartially. If you are none of these you can be sure it will kill you too but there will be no special hurry."
- Ernest Hemingway, A Farewell to Arms, 1929

Who has time?

Ok, so I have only had this blog for a couple weeks and already I am behind in posting regularly. I mean, who has time to do this stuff? I guess it's like being commited to a television show or a book; you have to give it a little time each day. Unfortunately for me, I barely have time to be quiet in my own house much less to journal deep thoughts or share photos online. Who the heck reads my junk anyway?

But alas, I will not give up on the technology because I truly believe it is a discipline one must develop and nurture....kind of like that Abs Diet thing. Oh well, that's another story in itself. Now, off to this dang toe doctor.....AGAIN!

Valentine revisited

Be mine. Won't you be mine?

"Puppyhead" wins

Rufus, a 6-year old colored bull terrier, takes Best in Show at the 2006 Westminster Kennel Club. This boy has some 'tude and I love him for it. Solid.

The USA Today reports that Rufus won last night's competition due to his rockin' head, which is "perfectly shaped like an egg." More impressive, however, is that Rufus is the first one of the bull terriers to ever win the competition.

Good job, buddy.

These chics rule...

I recently went skiing for the first time in about 15-plus years. You know, I have to admit I am a pretty good athlete and did well on the slopes despite my inexperience, but DAIM... I have a new found respect and sense of awe for what these gals can do on the halfpipe.
A shout out to Hannah Teter (photo) and Gretchen Bleiler for the gold and silver medal wins, respectively, yesterday for the Ladies' Halfpipe.
Go USA! Kick it.