Kay,

I've gotten in my fair share of internet scuffles. I actually used to be a rather big drama-seeker at another forum, though I never set out to personally offend someone. It was usually a debate over a topic that I was very passionate about and wouldn't back down that escalated into a full-on dramafest. At any rate, when insults began to fly I naturally became upset - at first. Then I began to realize that getting upset over what a virtual stranger says to/about you is NOT worth it. I know you actually *know* a lot of people on here, but the fact of the matter is that those you don't personally know are just screennames on a computer monitor to you - including me!, and there is nothing wrong with that. That's all! What they say may be hurtful, but please remember - it could always be worse.

Remember how you said how horrible it was to come here and not know who you could trust anymore? I went through those same exact emotions last month, only with my husband. Do you know how difficult it is to not know if you can trust the person you loved and trusted enough before to vow to spend the rest of your life with? Imagine that void. And you don't even love the person who said those things about you!

Maybe you didn't like Richard's approach with what he said, but joking aside he did make some valid points... Life is full of hardships and one of these days, you'll have to face really serious, really scary, really hurtful problems in person. I am not, in any way, belittling your thoughts or feelings over what just happened. Like I said, I've been there. But if you learn anything from this experience, it's to take it all in stride. That person doesn't know you. Therefore, anything they have to say may hurt, but doesn't mean anything. They're only trying to get a rise out of you. If you're worried about what everyone else thinks, I think this thread is testament enough that no one believed whoever it was that said those nasty things about you and your dogs, so you don't have to worry that any of us think badly or differently of you.

And there are Jaime's Words of Wisdom. I hope I didn't step on your toes and make you feel bad. I only wanted to tell you that I really honestly understand how you feel and that, as hard as it may be, you just have to let this one roll off your back. It's just not worth it.