Hi Carol - welcome back after a break

! First, I have to say thank GOD that your little precious Gertie is okay! My gosh, that must've been just terrifying to think about her going into cardiac arrest. Did the vet say why it happened? And what would happen if you had to put her under again, like for a dental? So sweet that Gus nursed her through

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I don't have any suggestions on the run as far as mulch. But, I can tell you that for our little grass patch outside, we used fake grass - which lasts a LONG time, looks real, drains to the ground, and is reasonable. Maybe that's an option for you? It looks really nice/clean/fresh.
Edited to add: This is the grass we bought from Home Depot:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/2020252...13&R=202025213