When we got back from Colorado last week, we picked up the guys and tried to get the house back in order. We noticed that Cassidy -- who had stayed with her son, Jasper, for the two weeks -- was a bit gimpy on her right front. So we decided to watch her and see if she healed up with simply some rest. Marion Louise, who stayed with Linda's sister RoseAnn along with Harry Potter, was limping badly on her left front -- something we had treated a little over a month ago and had felt was getting better. When neither dog responded to a week of relative calm and rest, we decided to take them to the vet to get them checked out further.

Cassidy's limp seems to be the result of a strained neck muscle and we've scheduled her for massage therapy next Thursday. Marion Louise, however, is another case entirely. The Xray showed clearly that she has Osteosarcoma of upper left arm/shoulder. Marion is our rescue girl. She's at least 13 years old and has filled our home with her exuberance ever since she joined us some 8 years ago. Here's a picture I took of her just a short while ago. Now, is that a face to love or what?



So, now we just treat the symptoms and watch her carefully to make sure she doesn't do anything that might shatter the shoulder bone. Shortly, we'll have to say goodbye to Ms. Marion Louise. But for now, we'll continue to enjoy her time with us. Since food is her singular joy in life, she's going to get spoiled a bit. And she's going to have to imprint on Moxie so Moxie will get some of her soul when she leaves. If you can spare a prayer or two, please wish that Marion has as little pain as possible. We promise not to let her suffer.

Jim