Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to our two- and four-legged friends. We hope the day has been a good time spent with loved ones. God bless you from the Dog Farm.

Jasmine Maggie Brandy Pennie Annie

Oreo

On his way through North Platte to visit our parents, Brother George stopped at the shelter to "just look." Now, who can "just look"? Anyway, George stopped, went inside, walked down the row of cages, pondered the future and thought about a dog who might fill the empty spot that dear Sasha's death left. Well, it was meant to be. The timid, lost-looking border collie who was scheduled to be euthanized walked up to George and picked him! Within minutes, the two became best friends. That day became the first day of 11 years of mutual love and devotion. George, Girlfriend Nancy and Oreo became inseparable. Oreo mountain climbed, escorted George on bike rides, hiked the Moab Desert, frolicked in Summit County's snow, white water rafted, hung out at the fire station and traveled hundreds of miles to Mexico on a sail boat. Oreo led a life of adventure. She went from a shelter to all parts of the country. Oreo's life on earth ended Thursday but her afterlife has just begun and there are lots of unexplored clouds in heaven. God bless Oreo.

Our Jasmine went for a check-up yesterday. The vet is amazed at how good Jas looks and how well she acts. Although she is still terminally ill, there's no longer an estimated time frame because Jasmine's responded so well to her medication, pampering and prayer. :)

This and That

Daughter Molly sent a photo of a puppy who is visiting her fire department/911 center. Puppy Julep is in training to become a service dog and she is being given as many social opportunities as possible. I'm going to try to post Julep's photo for you to see. Definitely a ahhhh-picture.

Yesterday, Husband Bob was pleased to announce that Annie had a milestone. Annie stood close enough for Bob to reach down and touch her. Not a pat or pet, but she allowed him to touch her. Bob said it was only a moment before Annie hurried off but the event was important enough that Bob considered it to be good progress. The end of this month marks the one year anniverary since Annie arrived at the Dog Farm.

I wrote Brother Chris about Jasmine getting special treats while she's sick and mentioned that all the dogs appreciated the additional snacks. Chris' response: "Tell the other dogs to enjoy the extra treats but to not look so excited to benefit from the misfortune of their roommate, it makes them look like animals." I love Chris' humor!

The house looks festive with the Christmas decorations up. No gifts under the tree yet - we've learned that the dogs' curiousity gets the best of them and they have to poke around under the Christmas tree and open packages.