April 19, 2026

Bailey is healing slowly from her operation to remove the two tumors. She's on a mild chemotherapy routine that keeps her activity level rather low, but she's still enthusiastic at meal times and when I arrive from outside. All said, she's a real trouper. Each day with her is a joy and we hope to have many more days, weeks, months and, perhaps, years with her.

March 23, 2026

Today is #NationalPuppyDay. Sue and I have rescued so many dogs over the years and have had only two puppies. Siku (seen with Steve) came to us in 2005 from a breeder from whom we recued another American Eskimo long after we received Siku. Zsofia (in Sue's arms) was a gift to us from one of my students in 2015 when I was teaching full time. Both are gone from our lives now, but their snuggles, barks, and adoring looks persevere forever.

Siku - 8 weeks old in 2005

Zsofia - 8 weeks old in 2015

February 20, 2026

Bailey's sutures are healing nicely. Today is the day she has the stitches removed. Last week, Dr. Julia removed the two drain tubes that were reducing any remaining fluids from the surgery. 

Unfortunately, the biopsy returned a diagnosis of cancer, so today we're discussing treatment options. Bailey is a stubborn girl with a lot of fight left in her, so we're hoping for a good outcome. Please send healing vibes to her as she faces the next phase.

February 5, 2026

Bailey had her surgery today to remove the lump on her back and the lump on her chest. Everything went very well and I'll be picking her up in an hour or so. Yay!

February 1, 2026

Hazel and Clara joined me for a walk through the neighborhood this afternoon. Now, Hazel is relaxing on the couch with her favorite toy.

January 27, 2025

Today is Bailey's turn for a wellness exam with Dr Julia. We're getting a blood panel, a heartworm test and checking some suspicious bumps, one on her tummy and one on her back.

She's always so cooperative at the vet ex

cept that she urinated in the exam room. 

January 25, 2025

Shih Tzu Sunday  

January 24, 2025

I'm usually not home when the letter carrier arrives at our door, but we're awaiting the arrival of rare snow in Albuquerque, and I'm cocooning. We still have only rain. I am greatly amused that my companions react like this to the letter carrier when they deliver the mail. 

Of course, they'll all bark if a dog on the television barks.

January 9, 2026

I've reinstituted dog walks with our motley crew, benefiting them as well as my health. I only walk one or two per day for now. Since my hip became painful, dog walks became shorter and shorter until they were nonexistent. After two years with the new hip, it seemed like I should really get back in the habit. In an unusual coincidence, it turns out that January is National Walk Your Dog Month!

January is National Walk Your Dog Month, an annual observance encouraging pet owners to prioritize regular walks for their dogs to boost both canine and human health, happiness, and bonding, especially at the start of the new year to build healthy habits. It's a great time to get moving with your pup, providing essential exercise, mental stimulation, and strengthening your relationship through shared outdoor adventures. 

December 18, 2025

Our little Miss Diva, who is 17 years old this year (actual birth year unknown), was overdue for a grooming. Today, she was groomed by a mobile groomer who did a fantastic job with our old girl. Diva looks so adorable.