An update (sorry, long)

I haven't been around much lately and am part of the group that can't wait for 2011 to depart. It's been a horrible year and come to think of it 2010 was great either.

As you may recall I had health problems earlier in the year. Then just as I was getting my health back I got a lay off notice from my employer for early September. Two offices were being closed and 99% of employees laid off with only a few being moved to available positions in other departments.

In mid August I adopted Sieben because I figured I'd have a job by the time my lay off was effective. I didn't. I kept applying. Nothing. With my savings depleting rapidly and still no job losing my house was looming large. I stressed about where I could move with one 12 year old dog and a young, energetic working bred GSD. Large dogs are not always welcome in apartments and GSD even less.

I remembered Karina's predicament and I decided since Sieben was so young that I would contact the breeder and ask if they could rehome him. I broke down crying on the phone as I explained to them what I needed and why. And bless their hearts they completely understood (one of them had been laid off for some time a few years ago) and they came and got him. They even said that once I got back on my feet to contact them. Sieben has been gone several weeks now but it still breaks my heart to think that I couldn't keep him and I have cried buckets. But there is a happy story about him. He was rehomed with a young family that lives about an hour outside the city I am in. The family actually came to the breeders for Sieben's sister but they were so smitten with Mr Personality that they left with him instead.

I have found a job and I'm trying to put in at least 48 hours a week. I've managed it for the last two weeks and I hope to continue until at least Christmas, enjoy the break and then start up again so I can get some bills paid down and my feet back under me. I'm still a heartbeat away from having to sell the house but I'm trying to stay positive and hanging on by my fingernails. I decided I didn't want to wallow in self pity and that I can do this if I try hard enough. Time will tell.

Flurry has been a star throughout all of this. No matter how tired I am when I come home from work I make sure she get's a short walk because I love the joy in her face when she sees the leash. She's handling my working 6 days a week like a trooper.

When I do get worried and down I remember those of you on the boards who have been going through trying times of your own and also that we must take life as it comes.

Probably too much information but it feels good to write it down and then move on.