Brooklyn died today.

Brooklyn was pure mutt. He was a mix of husky, lab, chow and newfie. There was only one other pup in the litter. That was Melmo, the pup I chose. These two pups were born on January 10th, 2000. While we chose Melmo, Brooklyn had a special spot in our hearts. Whenever we visited his owners, we made a special effort to pat Brookie and pay some extra attention to him. No matter how long between visits, you could tell he recognized us and was just waiting for his special time together.

Both of the dogs were pure white. Brooklyn had a square shaped head, like a Newfie does. Melmo has a lab look to them. Both dogs were extremely large. I have no idea how much Brookie weighed. It was a bit less than Melmo who was 110 lbs at his heaviest.

Brookie was an outdoor dog. He never went in the house. He had a good dog house, plenty of food and water and was kept where he got lots of attention. Due to the husky in both of the dogs, they were runners and they could not be left to wander the yard. Brookie was tied and Melmo has a large pen. Melmo is an inside dog. He doesn't like staying outside any longer than he has to. He is very spoiled.

The dogs lead two totally different lives but I think both were content with their lot. Because of their size, I never expected the dogs to live to 12. Generally "giant breeds" only live 8 to 10 years. We were given the gift of 2 extra years with Brooklyn. Hopefully we will be given even more years with Melmo.

Brookie was fine this morning. His owner patted him and played with him, then went out for awhile. When his wife went out a few minutes later, Brookie didn't look up like he normally did. When she spoke to him, he didn't move. She went over and realized he was already gone. He was curled up in a ball like he normally was...so I am sure he went peacefully in his sleep. The wife called her husband and he came home. Brookie is buried in the field behind their house. There is going to be an empty spot inside of his family for awhile...and in our hearts, also. Run free, Brooklyn! We love you!

Preying on people.

Oh, I know it is a "buyer beware" world. Always has been but it bugs me how people have no problem praying on those who are looking for help losing weight.

I admit it, I have a weight problem. I eat healthy, I watch my calories, I know I don't exercise enough but I do get exercise...and I still am shaped more like a teletubbie than barbie...not that I want to look like barbie, either, but being a bit thinner would be nice. A "magic cure" that would make the fat "melt away" would be wonderful, but it isn't going to happen.

The last couple of days I have seen a young woman trying to sell "It works". Wraps that, supposedly help you lose inches. "I lost 5 inches after being wrapped for 45 minutes!" Yeah, and I bet you sucked your gut in, too. It supposedly detoxifys by drawing the toxins right out through your skin. Of course, if it doesn't work, it is your fault for not drinking enough water...and you can KEEP losing over the next 72 hours.

You can wrap again and lose MORE inches! But you have to drink plenty of water to flush out the toxins...Wait a minute, didn't I just have my toxins sucked out through my now firm and less flabby skin? Why do I have to flush them out by drinking water? Oh...I see, now the wrap doesn't actually draw the toxins out...it "displaces" them so I have to flush them out. Why do I picture a toilet with the water swirling round and round and my money following the flow of water down the pipes?

Funny, it says, right on the website that the wraps "pull out your toxins and shrink your fat cells". No mention of what these "toxins" are. And again, if they pull them out, why do I have to drink water to flush them out?

Back to wrapping rather than flushing...what if I continue wrapping? Will I keep losing? Can I somehow disappear? Or will I have flabby arms, thighs and loose flesh under my chin but have an hourglass figure?

I have also read that it is "All Natural!" Sure, so is deadly nightshade but if chose to eat it...It is called "deadly" for a reason. Same with Foxglove plants. They are all natural. I have them growing out in my yard each year without even having to fertilize them. But if I start chewing on leaves, just a small nibble can cause nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, severe headache, convulsions and even death. But...if you go with the idea that "It Works" has..you will be ok because it is "all natural".

Did I mention that each wrap costs $30...at a wrap party anyway. Then they apparently sign you up for automatic shipments of the product...and if it doesn't work? well, you can get out of the contract for a mere $50. If you are lucky and they don't continue sending the product and charging your credit card anyway. Yes, I have done some research. For every 1 person saying "I sell this and it WORKS!" I am seeing 12 saying "It doesn't work. There is no guarantee on the product and customer service stinks!"

I understand some people are desperate to lose inches and/or weight. I understand considering trying things like this...but people need to THINK first. You didn't gain the weight/size overnight and it isn't going to disappear overnight, either.

I am still waiting to find out what those "toxins" are...