Big Paws Only Dog Forums

Dearest BPO Members,

It’s been a long time since Michael and I have been around here and just hung out, so I felt it was time for an update on all that is going on here as well as let you know about a major change that affects BPO.

Let me first start by saying that this is bitter sweet for me to write to you all. Michael & I began this site so long ago in the hopes of finding other dog lovers who could share stories with us and bounce ideas off of us when we needed some help with our big boy Bear. Since its birth, we were fortunate enough to find loving members to chat with regularly and become friends with, if only online. We were also able to meet some of the most amazing people who share a vision of a place filled with love and safety, where people could share their thoughts and feeling without feeling threatened. These people, our wonderful moderators, have been here every day working to keep the community as strong as it is. 

Unfortunately, as the years have progressed, life has also. Michael and I have found ourselves visiting less and less and the periods in between have grown longer and longer.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with our situation, here is a small look into our daily lives. Michael works full time and is in school. He has little free time between those two obligations, so when he is not in school or working, he is with me enjoying his freedom. 
 
I am a teacher at a charter school so my days are long and extra duties are always taken up by those of "who can" in an effort to help our students perform the best they can. My free time includes being the good wife & mom to Bear so there really isn't much time left over. I’m also going back to school (full-time) to get my masters & pursue my dream job. Michael and I have also made the big decision that this summer is the summer of all changes- seriously looking for a house to buy and starting a family. So, to say there is a lot going on for us personally is an understatement .

Bear is not doing as well as we'd like. He's an old man at 6 3/4 years old and has terrible hips & elbows. He is a constant focus in our lives and so we take him to fun places and do lots of outdoor activities to keep him happy instead of spending so much time indoors. We know he can't go on like this forever so we're wasting no time in enjoying what time he has left.
 
I have told you all that is going on with us personally but now I need to tell you what else has happened and how you are all involved. Michael and I have made the tough decision, through lots of talks and deliberations, to sell BPO to a new owner. BPO is now in the hands of new owners who seem to love everything that you love about BPO. The brother and sister team want to keep the board the same and have no plans to change that. They will probably have questions from time to time and I hope you will be as gracious to them as you’ve been to us.

I hope you all can understand our point of view and know that we do love you and have BPO’s best interest at heart. We have tried to ensure that the transition will be as painless for you as possible. We will pop in from time-to-time to check in and see what’s new with you all and will always be reachable by email or pm should you need us. Michael and I are so thankful for the friendships we've made and the love you have for one another. This site turned into something more than we ever could have imagined and we'll never forget the great times we’ve had here.

All of our love,
   Jaime, Michael, and Bear

I just wanted to share my loneliness for a minute. 

Bear is away at "winter-camp" right now and the house is so lonely. This coming weekend we're going out of town for some r-n-r and can't take him to the cabin we're staying in. We no longer have any non-relatives we trust with him, so he is staying with my parents for two whole weeks!  My parents live 3 1/2 hours away, so we went up there this past weekend & left him. We will be going to get him next weekend and although the break is nice (no 5:30 a.m. walks outside), coming home without being greeted is sad.  Even though he misses us too, he has grandma to give him extra tasty meals and grandpa to give him extra belly rubs so he's content.

Today we went to the San Diego Zoo and had a BLAST! Here are some pics to share, including my gimpy husband in the motorized wheelchair (what an adventure that was with him at the the wheel). 

I have also decided two things about my panda kidnap plan:

1. Stealing one from the zoo is not an option as there are too many people around & they are too tall- even the baby

2. My Bear is actually 10 lbs. more in weight than the 16 year old male panda so he could actually be considered a zoo animal too 

I hope you like the pics and yes, I too thought the tiger was going to eat me with that scary direct eye contact. 

I'm so excited that I had to share! I just got my Christmas present early from Michael. Woohoo!!!

It's a new snowboard outfit- coolest pants that look like cords & a black but uber feminine jacket. I'm in love. 

Just a bit ago Bear and I were getting ready to head out for the morning walk. I was getting on my shoes & coat and he was walking around- for what I didn't know. Usually he's hanging with me but not today. So, as I stand up with my shoes on I say "Bear let's go". No response. I see him standing by the coffee table though in deep thought- frozen due to the heavy concentration. "Bear hurry up! Let's go." Just as I finish the sentence, I see it in slow motion. His head lowers just slightly and he picks up the small piece of pumpkin pie from the plate on the table with the side of his mouth. I'm still just watching- one gulp, two gulps, done.  As he licked his lips he walked to me and all I could do was laugh. The pie was there all night and he never touched it- brat huh?!

So I was visiting my parents this weekend with Bear while Michael stayed home to work & go to class on Saturday. Everything was great and we were having  blast. Sunday morning after breakfast I get a phone call from an umber I don't know but I do know the area code & figure it is Michael. It is. He calls to tell me to meet him at the ER at home because he just broke his foot while riding his dirt bike!

I have told him 1,000 times to dress appropriately & slow down. At 33 he is no spring chicken & has a terrible back due to tons of accidents in his earlier, more careless days.  Anyhow, Bear & I rush home to spend 2 hours in the ER. Today, we go to our primary doctor and spend 1 hour there then 6 more in the ER at UCLA waiting for new xrays & a cat scan. Turns out he needs surgery but it can't be done til the swelling goes down. I'm annoyed he didn't listen to begin with but now he is in pain & prmises to be carful & act appropriately.  Let's hope right? 

Last night Bear and I were crossing the street after our finally potty. It was dark, about 9:30 and it was just the two of us since Michael was in class. People were around but nobody particularly creepy or anything in my opinion. Anyhow, before we crossed the street a new bunch of people arrived and stood near us but not to close. Bear turns around, looks at one guy and growls. I couldn't believe it! The guy looked ok and wasn't to close but Bear wouldn't let go. I told him to "leave it" and that it was ok but as we crossed he kept staring at the guy and growled again. The guy moved from the left of Bear to complete other side of the cross walk and then quickly walked down the street. I am so proud of my boy because he protected his momma by sensing something I couldn't. What a good boy huh?

Tonight we're enjoying the cool air & taking a slow walk through our little park when some jerk starts talking. He asked what kind of dog we had and I told him. Then he asks- "How can you be ok with that? Your dog is obviously sad! Look at him- in prison with a chain holding him down" blah blah blah. I didn't know what to say other than get very upset and so e walked away- quickly- but he kept on and on. Sometimes being able to speak your mind is so not ok. And living in downtown LA with all of the unstable bums, talking back is never a safe decision, especially if it is a disagreement.  Gr....people suck sometimes!