laura, i'm really sorry that you feel that everyone has exhibited a "lack of empathy" re the passing of virginia. i did see the post - (only one - if you made multiple posts they did NOT come through) - and i did email you privately to share my thoughts about a lovely lady who i first met over 25 years ago. i highly doubt that anyone meant to be disrespectful toward you or virginia. we have lost so many people in the last couple of years and each of us mourns a passing in his or her own way. to be honest, i almost didn't reply to your post - not because i didn't care about virginia but because i don't know you. please don't assume that anyone is cold-hearted simply because they don't reply publicly to a private matter. again, it's just me, but i always send condolences privately and will continue to do so. those of us who did know virginia appreciate your friendship toward her - she was a kind person who was always there with a smile and an encouraging word. diane Diane Silver-Strasser Silstra German Shepherds In a message dated 7/19/2009 12:46:02 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, grnram415@xxxxxxx writes: I will be off the List for awhile until I decide if I?really want to?remain part of this cold-hearted group of individuals. **************An Excellent Credit Score is 750. See Yours in Just 2 Easy Steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1221323041x1201367261/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgID=62&bcd=Jul yExcfooterNO62) ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2008. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://showgsd.org NATIONAL BLOG - http://gsdnational.blogspot.com/ ============================================================================