All living things have bacteria and virus in and on them. Many are innocuous, actually most are. Plants and animals that are healthy have systemic processes (immune systems) to prevent the 'germs' from taking over and killing them. In humans, we get a fever that raises the body temperature high enough to kill the bacteria. Antibodies are produced to tackle the virus. In plants, if a bug or a dirty blade punctures the cuticle of the tissue, the plant will induce a protective death of the cells surrounding the wound, thus sealing it off and preventing the spread. If that doesn't work, the plant will often drop the affected leaf. It saddens me to think about all the poor plants that have been thrown away due to this paranoia about virus. Obviously if you're a breeder, there are certain viri that are worth worrying about. But for most casual hobbyists, there are MUCH bigger problems. Squirrels, for instance... or scale/mealies/crown rot. Hydrogen peroxide is your friend. Besides, how often do people really have to cut into their plants??? I can think of maybe two or three times I have in the past five years. If you're doing surgery on your plants more often than that, perhaps you should be growing roses. :) -MB

Oh, I'm so sorry. The day last May that we had to have our 12 year old Yorkie, Cassie, put down, I bathed her that morning and loved her all day. We had a great day together and I don't think she even realized that I was crying most of the day while I was holding her. Those of us who've had pets and loved them sympathize with you and what you're going through.

Thanks to everyone. We just got back from the vet's office, where Rudy died peacefully, surrounded by his family. I am heartbroken and already miss him desperately, but I am sure I did the right thing. Thanks for all the support.

I have never been to this forum before, I usually hang out in the garden areas but I needed to get some relief this morning. This post has helped me just to break down and let all that 'strength' and pain go. I do not wish to take away from the purpose of this thread but I would like to share my story with someone. It has been about a month or a little more since we lost Fred; Fred was a beagle that we adopted from a couple who left him in a crate almost 24/7; he was about 2 years old when he was sent to us.... that was 15 years ago. In that time , I have lost my two shepherd mix girls at 15 and 14 years old.... I have taken in three more pups as they passed my way in need... but Fred was special. Independent, never needing attention and so appreciative when he got it. About 6 months ago , he went blind and my husband thought it was best to help him cross over, I disagreed. I told him that if that were the case, I would know but Fred seemed to be adjusting well and he did...... most times, you could not tell he was blind to watch him. Physically , he was still pretty active, his teeth were getting pretty bad but the vet said none were in need of removal YET.... Long story short, I made the decision that the time had truly come about a month ago because it seemed that everything that moved began to startle him and he seemed to be in constant fear and that was not the purpose of adopting him; it was to give him love, freedom and a carefree life......he had that. That morning, I told him how much I loved him and we spent an hour or more just cuddling...I explained that I was ready to let him go and I knew he was ready ..... I had contacted my vet and we were to be there at 3 pm; at 1 pm, I went to get him and spend just a few more special moments and I found him in his bed; he had taken the journey on his own after receiving my permission to give up..... he now sleeps under a newly planted magnolia (in his honor) with a beautiful marble head stone that has his picture on it....and I spend some very nice quiet times there just as we did together for so many years..... Thank you all for letting me share this here and please know that your thread has helped me get through yet another day without Fred...