Yep...we are moving back to New York!

Tiger: My daddy, uncle Ambrose and I are moving back to New York. This past week they have been packing our things and I hope they are still taking me with them because I can't live without them. My life would be empty and I would be nothing without them. I love them so much and I am happy because they are taking me. Our house is in a big mess as you read this and as daddy and uncle Ambrose pack their favorite things. It is an emotional time for the three of us. We love our home and our dear friends. We love the weather in the bay and the way we live. Acceptance is a year-round virtue in the Bay Area -- we can be who we are, free of judgment and discrimination. We will miss that the most about the Bay Area.

Moving can also be one of the most difficult things you'll ever do, with most feeling the stress build from the moment the decision is made. Moving is difficult in itself; throw in the holidays, and you might feel like your world has been turned upside down. Moving can be tough on pets like me, too; its quite normal for us to feel like we don't have any control and that we were never part of this big decision.

As we all know, and most of us have experienced at least once, moving, at the best of times, is difficult. So, when you add the extra emotional stress of a major life change, such as a divorce, death or economic crisis, a move can be a breaking point.

Lucky for us, ours is a good and a happy big move.

I know many people have to move - as opposed to wanting to - because of the reasons above. Feeling that they don't have a choice in their decision to move, many feel that their lives are spinning out of control.

With a house full of memories surrounding us, it must be very hard for daddy and uncle but I know they are a strong team.

I think daddy and uncle should get rid of everything we can live without to minimize the amount of stuff we have to load. For people who are going through an emotional trauma as well as a move, I cannot imagine them not taking everything with them because when emotions are involved, our personal things tend to comfort us and make us feel more secure, especially when our lives feel like they are anything but secure. As for daddy and uncle, they are only taking what they need to help us get through our move. I hope uncle Ambrose is feeling better emotionally and no longer having a hard time leaving behind some of his favorite things. I know he is feeling sad. I feel sad because I know daddy and uncle love their stuff. It is difficult. I can't do it. Each time I see a new box being taped, I feel sad and at the same time happy for them.

I know my daddy and uncle will make a good choice to do only what they could emotionally do. I also know my daddy and uncle Ambrose still have heart palpitations every time they think about packing up our home. But I hope they talk to their friends to ensure that our move is as serene as it can be. We might even be able to enjoy the moment, look forward to the change, knowing that this move will be a positive and rewarding experience for daddy, uncle and me.