An Embarrassment of Riches...

"An embarrassment of riches..." I read that in a book somewhere, (maybe by Louisa May Alcott???) and can't think of a better title for this post.

I came home from work and, from the driveway, I saw a huge package at my back door. Well, I ordered some nutritional supplements for the dog's food last week, so that must be it, right? No, the box is too big for that. Could it be the box of cat treats & a snuggle that Criquette said she would be sending for the cats my niece Jen is caring for at Tabby's Place. No, the box is really too big for that, unless it is the mother-lode of cat treats. I take a look at the return address, and it is indeed from Criquette. I open the box, and there are a ton of cat treats and a lovely green snuggle to keep the kitties warm, and there is an envelope that says "Brits Gone Wild: Please open before going any further."

I read the note, and it turns out that this whole time I've been nervous about slipping up and accidentally revealing my identity to my Secret Pal spoilee because I've known her for a while now, I also knew my spoiler. Yes, my "upstream" secret pal was the lovely, kind and wonderful Criquette! I can't say too much about my "downstream" secret pal since the package just went in the mail today, but it's really freaky. You'll have to trust me on this for now.

Take a look at this package of goodies. All wrapped in orange and cream paper. Yes, Brittany colors!

Every gift related to the dogs or cats (even the chickens) in some way.

Beagle Bagel dog treats for Emma and Tara, freeze-dried chicken & salmon treats for Joey (and now Tigger and Striper, but that's a story for another post), and lovely cleome seeds from Criquette's garden for the chickens to enjoy (but they are to just enjoy looking at them, not digging them up!).

Emma and Tara immediately got into the spirit of present opening, and they are both thrilled with their bagels! Tara loves her treats!

Here is Emma trying to help herself, but mean old mommy said "Just one treat until after dinner."

They looked through the book "Not Just More Socks" that Auntie Criquette sent, and they agreed on mommy's next project--a dog bed! Better, yet, TWO dog beds!
There are also two (count-'em, two!) CDs of celtic music...

... which Criquette made especially for me to listen to with the dogs. Here is "Music for Brits" with Tara's picture on it......and here is "Music for Brits II" with Emma's picture on it. How cool is that?

There were two skeins of yarn - one the color of the dogs, one the color of the cats. How thoughtful! Also a Brittany pen, and the all-important chocolate!

I was sitting on the floor, opening each present and laughing, until I got to this one:

This one made me cry. It was a good kind of crying...the "I can't believe someone would do this for me" kind of crying. Criquette made a needle-felted "Mellie" dog. The note says "In memory of a brave, sweet dog." Mellie was the sweetest brittany ever, and we lost her to stomach cancer in April. Criquette was so supportive during that rough time. She offered suggestions for foods to try and tempt Mellie to eat (who would have thought she would like tuna?) and understood what I was going through the way only another "dog-mom" or "cat-mom" can. There are lots of pet owners out there, but only another "fur-mom" can understand what it is like to lose a "fur-kid". Criquette is, indeed, a fellow "fur-mom", and that is the highest praise I can give anyone.

I have truly been spoiled with "an embarrassment of riches", and not just the gifts. I consider Criquette's friendship the most valuable gift of all. Thank you, Criquette, for everything. You are a treasure!