Yes, It Does Say Sucker on My Forehead!

Do you know that they basically have a WebMD for pets? It's extremely dangerous for me to go there. I was convinced that Penny had the deadly leptospirosis despite being current on her vaccines! Thank you to Dr. Womack for assuaging my fears. Today, I continued to do research on slipped discs in dachshunds. It is an extremely common ailment, so there was much cyber information to sort through. Most sites agreed that vitamin C and glucosamine can help to heal and prevent slipped discs. So, off Cora and I went to PetCo in search of supplements for Penny-dog. Cora was in a particularly good mood, and smiled and cooed at everyone who happened to glance at her. She was particularly thrilled with the Santa that we ran into in our vitamin quest. Turns out they had a little area set up to take pictures with Santa. (Oh, if only Penny could have been there!!!)

"Would you like to have a picture of her with Santa?" the man asked.

"Sure!" I said. This would prevent me from having to make a special trip to the mall.

"Okay, we're taking pictures for $8.95 with $5 going to the Elgin Humane Society. Is that okay?"

D'oh! In the few seconds I had to respond, I could not come up with a reason to say no that wouldn't make me look like a heel. I realize that "No, thank you" is a reasonable way to respond, but I have a history of not being able to say no. Just ask John how our power company got switched or how we ended up supporting the Texas State Troopers Association. Basically, I am now forbidden from answering the phone or the door! Since John wasn't around to intervene, here is the picture with Santa.

No, it was not my wish to be in the picture! When I handed Cora to Santa, she let out a scream to wake the dead. Never mind that this is the same Santa that she was cooing at not five minutes ago. I encouraged the man to just take the picture of her crying. I mean, there are tons of parents out there with screaming children in the first picture of Santa. However, Santa had the brilliant idea to have me hold her and then sit on his lap. Umm, okay?!? In the reasonable amount of time I had to respond, I could not come up with a graceful way to say no. Hmm. . .I'm beginning to see a pattern here. Maybe I should have "No, thank you" printed on a card that I can just flash at people instead of having to use words. Or maybe it would just be easier to tattoo "Sucker" to my forehead. . .or does it say that already?!