3/31/05 Update

Since this was written, I have broken up with this supposed friend.  Actually, she made the decision for me.  Duke’s new medication has done wonders for his physical and mental health.  I was so proud of him that day at the party.  Without the meds, this photo would have never been possible.

The dog he is next to is one he would continually give the evil eye and snap at on previous visits.  I spent the night and I’m sure Duke was tired because we also went to the dog beach that same day.  He’s 12 now and those trips are hard on him.  The next morning, he was kind of starting his old behavior with the black dog and I was watching him.  However, the light tan dog in the middle was following him and growling at him.  She chased him down outside and growled as he was getting ready to potty.  When they were back inside, they got into a little fight in which both got hurt and bled.  I didn’t make a big deal about it but my "friend" surely did.  Her dog is only 2 and got a few little cuts on her face, just as did Duke. She didn’t even ask how Duke was or understand he might have been hurt worse since he’s ten years older. She was going on about it so much that I went and put Duke up in the room where I was staying.  Later that day we had decided that it was because the dogs were tired and I thought that was the end of it.  Someone from my pet forum asked me if I had seen what she wrote there and I told them I hadn’t.  I read the words she wrote and couldn’t believe it.  I was at work and it was hard not to keep from crying.  Some really hateful things were said and all publicly for anyone to read.  Furthermore, she won’t even acknowlege that she said anything hateful at all.  I asked her why she changed her mind about when we discussed it and she said that was the way she felt at the time.  Sort of like Jennifer from Big Brother 6 if any of you are watching that.  I have to remember that she’s only 17.  But, when I was 17, I had integrity and honor and would have never treated someone I called a friend like that.  I still hurt to this day but it’s getting easier.  What really makes me sad is the dark tan dog and Duke adore each other and now they’ll never get to be together again.  I realised I was better off without this toxic person when their lost friendship saddened me more than mine lost.  This person is someone who requires constant giving from people and it’s never enough.  They are always trying to get attention on the site.  I had to get this out.  I can’t do it at Live Journal because a lot of the pet forum people are there.  Here’s one of my favorite photos of Duke from that day.  I was so happy that day and the memories have been ruined because of what happened afterwards.  I hope in time that I can remember it without being sad.