I'm happy to report that Fineena did indeed move into her new cozy house, and was able to retrieve her precious dogs that same day. (See edrie's diary for an early update.)
She's had a few things go awry with the move, but nothing major. She is still unpacking, a slow process given her breathing difficulties (still untreated, at least until she can get a referral to a local community clinic).
But, she is HAPPY to be in a place with more SUNLIGHT, fewer hassles and hazards, and with such a nice, big, fenced-in yard. That it was possible at all is thanks to all of you who contributed when we put out the call a couple of weeks ago. Avilyn, edrie, JekyllnHyde, Aji, and I (links go to our respective diaries) asked on Fineena's behalf, and you all answered. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts!
In Fineena's own words: [I'm] so happy being here. It just feels like home & the right place to be.... [Please] let everyone know how meaningful their help is to me - beyond the money involved but also the caring & love.
Now, she isn't yet out of the woods. As you probably know, these crisis moves always take more time and money than one expects. She had to replace her laptop, after a disastrous coffee spill during the move. She still needs a new bed, because the old one couldn't come along, and some new food supplies too, because they shouldn't have come along (following a rodent infestation.) As Fineena observed to me,
It's weird not having condiments in the fridge or spices, flour, etc in the cupboards. Of course, I'm already worrying about June's rent....
Please don't misunderstand; this isn't a new pitch. It is, however, along with being a thank-you to all who donated already, also a request to all those who made a pledge of a later contribution. If you can make good on your offer of deferred help now, it would be very timely and greatly appreciated.
Via PayPal, a contribution may be made to palskaren@aol.com
As always, Fineena is most gratified when she is able to sell her work. Fineena's Etsy shop can be found here. She has a limited inventory now, but you could contact her about a special order, or purchase a gift certificate. Fineena wanted me to pass along some important information in that regard:
Those who bought things from my Etsy shop, everything should be in the mail by tomorrow [that is, Friday 5/23]. Not having use of a computer, I couldn't access their addresses so no way to mail things out. Please tell them I'm sorry it's late.
Please join me below the fold for some photos of her very happy pups.
I left this image uncropped for the sake of seeing the yard. A good size for two big dogs.
Nice big fenced yard for Julia and her buddy Sam (not pictured here) to roam in!
I have seen photos of Sam in motion at times, but the two have very different personalities.
Sam, happily watching the world go by.
Unfortunately, Julia's rambunctiousness gets her into trouble sometimes. In quick succession, she took out three mini blinds which now look like this (and which of course go on the list of things to replace, eventually).
Julia at the scene of the crime
Such beautiful hardwood floors! Lovely for both dogs and human, especially for human with breathing issues. Sam prefers some cushion, not surprisingly, when he can get it.
Sam, chilling out. Seems like a pattern, no?
Somehow he wound up having to make do early on.
Before the dog beds resurfaced, though, Julia was resourceful.
On a bed, of course, is the most comfy place of all, suitable for canine royalty. But sharing a single bed with an Airedale is not easy for the human, as you might imagine. What princess is going to make room?
Enrobed, the Princess Julia