Pets

for good reason. I once killed a kitten trying to get rid of a huge infestation of fleas on her. That was almost 50 years ago, and the pain of it is still with me as fresh as if it was yesterday.

I know you've just lost so many of the wee ones lately to fleas, Siwsan. I wish you all the best wishes I can muster for you. I'm lucky that the worst I've got to deal with here are small ants and those little beer flies. I'm trying to fight them -and- make peace with what little success I have. But I am so afraid of pesticides that I won't use anything not approved for pets and kids in the house. I have 9 cats that are my babies, all inside cats, who have an outdoor catio of which many of them make good use. I also have a dog the size of a pony who's inside/outside, but always fenced in our yard. Lately, with the coming of my grandson for an extended visit, I also have a guinea pig. But he's got his own cage and room... the only room in the house that doesn't have a cat door... MOST frustrating for the cats! (LOL)

I wanted to give you my condolences on your recent losses. I don't know how you could bear up under the loss of three of them to fleas, and I commend your tenacity in getting rid of the buggers. Much love to you and your brood... you're in my thoughts... even my hubby recognizes your name now, since I've talked about you so often to him!... and he doesn't remember much of anything these days. His baby goes into the vet for a checkup on the 15th. We're worried about cancer with her. So you're not alone in fighting all the things that afflict our most loved babies. {{hugs}} to you and yours!