Thanks, Therese, for your kind comments and enthusiasm for one of my favorite words. Poppycock is so much fun to say! On the top of my Great Words To Say Out Loud list along with flummoxed, cattywompus, brouhaha and bamboozled.

And on a more serious note, I have little tolerance for those who claim to adore dogs, cats, or other pets but don’t provide a home for one because they can’t bear the future heartache of losing her/him. Why live at all if your only goal in life is to avoid heartache?

Actually, I believe that reason is an excuse for not wanting the responsibility of a pet. Certainly a valid reason not to have one. But, people should be honest and say that they don’t feel financially or physically able to care for another being or they work or travel too much or they value their freedom to come and go as they please or whatever, but the heartbreak excuse is disingenuous and inane.

Sorry, I got on my soapbox!