Rachel, your comment was right on! I don't know why I didn't say it in my post, when I was thinking it, a little rushed perhaps, but....like you, I long ago gave up the notion of worrying or even caring if my house looked less than perfect due to doggie or kitty wear and tear! I can't say it better than you did! Floors, furniture, screens, whatever, can always be fixed, replaced or even ignored! But I can't live without the TOTAL presence of my kids throughout the house. It is their home as much as it mine. A knick here, a scratch there. They are all loving little reminders of, and tributes to, the love and fun we share everyday! I can live without that type of perfection. But I can't live without my babies and all the joy they bring into my life. And JoJo, I'm REALLY hoping the pup's going to be a "go!"

[This message has been edited by tatsxxx11 (edited May 16, 2001).]