May 18, 2026

Our lovely, sweet, gentle Opal crossed the Rainbow Bridge early this morning after battling her inability to walk and struggling with her advanced age. The Chiropractor and I agreed a week ago that her treatments were not netting any effects, so we ceased further sessions. Throughout the last week, Opal became more and more weak. On Friday, I scheduled a euthanasia for May 22, knowing that her struggle to remain alive was coming to an end. Throughout the weekend, she became lethargic and stopped eating and drinking. We laid her down to sleep last night for the final time. She passed quietly after midnight. 

Sue will be there across the bridge with open arms to welcome her along with the multitude of other White Dog Army recruits. Fare well, Opal. Know that you are forever loved. Thank you for bringing your energy and joy to our home for so many years. We are greater for having known you.

April 30, 2026

Opal continues on her path with Chiropractic treatment in an attempt to get her walking again. She has this week off since the Chiropractor's son is getting married, but Michael continues to provide daily therapy to work her muscles. She is also on URSOLYX, an over-the-counter med that has the potential to encourage muscle health. These techniques and therapies are all new to us despite having three other dogs who had similar issues, so it provides us with a little hope for a positive outcome.

Opal returning from her last Chiropractic treatment in Pumpkin

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.