Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you for the wonderful comments you have written to me over the years.

I have read each and every message either on Honey Good Facebook, HoneyGood.com. or in my inbox on my personal email. You are a sisterhood of women over 50 who know the value of reaching out during times of joy and times of hardship.

What I find lovely is that you write to me in an open and heartfelt manner. When you ask for my advice, I try and answer you to the best of my ability. When you send compliments my way I thank you from the bottom of my heart. This back and forth communication, through the written word, has formed a bond between us that is very special.

This past week, after I wrote, “If I Could Wish Upon a Star” the story of my pooch Orchid’s trials with her debilitating illness, your outpouring of compassion, advice, and friendship overwhelmed me. I cried reading many of them. I learned from others and I am so grateful to all of you for reaching out to me.

I thought you may like to read some of the notes I received regarding my darling, Orchid, who by the way, sends you tons of licks in gratitude for your heartfelt comments.

HERE ARE JUST A FEW MESSAGES. I apologize for not being able to put them all in my musings. Each of them is a gem.

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Dearest Susan,

I am so saddened to read the poignant article regarding Orchid’s terrifying health challenges. I know and everyone knows how much you love and cherish her. She is beautiful and your true companion. You have been writing about her being ill for quite some time and now we all know the heartbreaking story. If I could wish upon a star, I would wish for perfect good health and happiness for Orchid for many years to come. She could not have a more devoted Mistress than you. Your care of her has probably meant a longer and happier life with, I hope much more to come if she is able. We will not say goodbye just wishes for cthe ontinued love and caring for the rest of her life. You are a brave, caring and remarkable woman and I’m glad you shared Orchid’s story so that we can all feel your pain and heartbreak and send prayers and good thoughts your way.

Your friend, Emily

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Sable Tee

Honey,
you have given your beautiful Orchid a wonderful life. Orchid knows that, and the three of you have that strong bond together. Just being with her through these difficult times will be comforting for her and you. Know that so many are sending you strength to get through this. Orchid will always be a part of your memories and you’ll always have a smile when you think of your little angel.

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Dear Honey,
I am so sorry that Orchid isn’t feeling well. I have a fur baby I love who
will be 10 years this Fall. Our pets are family members that we care deeply for.
Sending my love and a hug to you during this difficult time.

Rebecca

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Becky Burgess

OMG my heart goes out to you and your husband. How many dogs have I been through in my lifetime and loved and lost. I now have a white lab and a black lab that are 4 years old. Please know that I am thinking and wishing on that star for you and yours. I will stay connected and wait to hear Orchid is doing better.

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Babs sobel

Oh Suzi,
I have such tears in my eyes, because I had an Orchid, only his name was Spunky.
We all loved him so much … when he had back surgery on a disc, my husband and I were in NY on business.
I was in Soho and Phil was up town. We both called our vet at exactly the same moment we knew the surgery was over… thank goodness it was successful.
You are the best mommy (caretaker) anyone could possibly be…. and Orchid knows it. I still cry over loosing Spunky, but I’ve had many dogs since, and I’ve loved them all❤
????
Babs

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Hans Clemens

My late friend Mary Tarnutzer and I met you and Orchid at the Border’s Books in Palm Springs when Orchid was still a puppy. She was so adorable. Mary and I both had dogs, then, and we talked about Orchid often in the weeks that followed. Mary and her dogs have gone to eternal rest, and the last of my dogs, Weaver, passed away last April eight days after my brother fell asleep and never awoke, again. I was bereft at first, but now the memories of the 36 years I shared with Mary, the 73 years with my brother and the wonderful times with the dogs sustain me and cheer me. Don’t look beyond today right now. Cherish Orchid every day, and luxuriate in the memories of all that you have shared with her when she crosses that rainbow bridge. Everyone is not as lucky as we have been. I really enjoy your posts even though the focus is on things we men don’t always think about. God bless.

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Sharon Smith

Hello Honey,
I could not enjoy this blog. I am saddened for you and Orchid. I am angry that we have all of these vaccines forced upon us. Our beloved pets are important and loved as family. Why do they insist on something that is so wrong ? They give the same dosage to the tiniest of dogs that are given to Great Danes. Common sense tells you that is incredibly stupid and uncaring.
The test you were referring to is called a tider test for most of the vaccines. But not for rabbies.
I paid 89.00 for it, when they were telling me my little 7 lb. Guy needed boosters for everything. Came back he needed nothing.
If I had let them re vaccinate he would have been filled with vaccines that he didn’t even need. I think it’s criminal. Sorry about the soap box but they are killing our furry loved ones. Makes me angry but also so sad.

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Pam

I had a Newfoundland with the same diagnosis as your Orchid. He also did the water therapy on a treadmill as well as Accupuncture and chiropractic adjustments. My vet said he will let you know when it is time for him to leave you and he did. One Sunday afternoon he could no longer get up from a laying down position. I had a wonderful vet and she came to our house that afternoon so it was possible for him to leave us on his pillow in our bedroom. When the time comes when you have to make this choice I hope your vet will come to your home. I miss my Yogi so much but feel so fortunate that our vet made it possible for us to say our goodbyes in our home.

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Andrea Witmer

Watching a beloved pet fail is one of the hardest things to go through. I know that you are right in believing that Orchid loves and appreciates all that you have done for her. You and Orchid are so fortunate that you can afford all her special care. I volunteer at a Humane Society and we often have to receive sick or elderly pets because the owners cannot afford their care. I think that the only flaw in dogs is that their life spans don’t match up with ours. Best wishes to both of you as you continue on this sad but inevitable journey.

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Hermi 

Oh my, what a subject. I do pray for Orchid’s well being, and for you for strength. It’s never easy when your pet(s) get this ill. I created a non-profit organization to rescue only those pets that were not sure to live. I did that for 5 years after my first Golden Retriever KAZ passed away, and I had no idea what to do with my feelings. Five very successful years, and all my rescues survived, and went to excellent homes. In addition, I was the sole instrument in getting the City of Tamarac in Broward County Florida to build a dog park. After 4 years of city hall meetings, the park was constructed and to date, lots of wonderful people and their pets enjoy the off leash privilege. I pray that Orchid continues to improve. Blessings.

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