Just a quick note: ML (Marion Louise) is doing fine. She continues to vibrate at breakfast/dinner time and she always finishes her meal first. Moxie (the baby) has learned that if she leaves just a few puppy food morsels, ML will finish them when she comes in from outside. So, she makes sure to leave them and the two of them kiss as they pass on Moxie's way outside. It is so unbelievably cute and symbiotic it truly amazes me.

The dogs know something is wrong with Marion. They sense it. She doesn't let them take advantage of her but she lets them help her. Watching these "intellectually-challenged" dogs, I am overwhelmed with their understanding and ability to give support. In the native Wolf environment, a dog that is dying would be ignored and left totally alone. Here, in the Garvie household, the dogs seem to understand what is happening with Marion but are willing to help her. To support her. To give her the standing in the hierarchy that she's earned. Cassidy (the Queen) lays by ML's side every evening and licks her ears. She understands that ML is her diad. Her support bitch. And she doesn't want her to leave the pack.

I watch the dynamics with both awe and joy. These are very well-adapted dogs. They have both the wolf-like pack dynamics and the human/dog family dynamics. I've watched the pack change when Annie left. And, again, when Rowdy left. But ML is a different element of the pack. A negotiator. A peace-maker. A crowner of queens and a dominator of would-be kings. Her impact in our household is immeasurable. She will truly be missed.

Jim