Assistants is introducing "Fund-A-Foot"; a fundraising drive to pay for Pirelli's surgery and after-care. This special fund will go towards the cost of surgery (to be done at the vet school at NC State when Pirelli is 1 year old), travel, x-rays, CAT scans, exams and replacement treads for life. The prosthesis will be implanted in his leg bone so no padding or straps to secure the implant. It will be permanent with only an occasional retread "paw" when worn from walking. I am proud that Pirelli will be a special spokesdog to show kids that everyone can overcome. I love his name too!

If you want to help: http://www.canineassistants.org/fund-a-foot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYmRaGyqsJs&feature=youtu.be

tank, posing impact or laceration hazards to consumers and property damage. These systems were sold at several big box stores and toilet manufacturers including: American Standard, Crane, Eljer, Gerber, Kohler, Mansfield and St. Thomas. http://tinyurl.com/7b3m7nl

Okay, now you can insert your joke about the exploding toilets. You know, like "I have got to stop eating Mexican" or "warning: flush at your own risk". (Okay, I have to work on the jokes....)

6:30pm-8:00pm at the Roswell Branch Library. Please spread the word! http://www.ncphif.org/​workshops-presentat.... I will be one of the presenters.

building inspectors do NOT do detailed inspections. They spot check more often than not and they rely more on the contractor's fear that having something not pass. This home had over 13 code violations not caught (including missing support columns), mold issues and other issues. The builder was defunct. They turned to that home warranty policy that they got as a sales tool (ahh, the "comfort" of knowing that if the builder won't fix it, you have an "insurance policy"). The warranty company figured out the home repairs would cost over a $1 million, so they offered $183,000. Now assume some of that is a reflection of the drop in real estate values in the area but does not seem right yet. The homeowners have sued. http://tinyurl.com/84z3ots

Lesson: New or old home: Get a good inspector. A warranty is good but it may be little comfort when needed.

offering a variety of services. There are a lot of scammers who flood areas after a storm. Not long ago a homeowner told me about being in a Home Depot while one gentlemen bought roofing shingles and a "How To Roof" book talking about the job they had and others they were going to get. Reputable contractors generally do not go knocking door to door. Generally do what you need to protect your home, e.g. tarp the roof, cut out a tree that is on the house. Hold off on things that are not an emergency until you have time to research the contractors and do your due diligence to be sure that they are good.

Be safe and don't become a victim twice!