[rinaina]

Since I am another dog lover, I must add my love story with my 10 year old Shi Tzu, Riley. Riley has not left my side since my surgery. It's like a sixth sense type of thing perhaps. I call him my shadow. I can't make a move without him. He was not as attached before my diagnosis but he was always a devoted dog. Not to far after my surgery, Riley was having trouble walking and limping pretty good. We brought him in and long story short, he has some disc problems in the middle of his back. It was touch and go for a while as to whether he would get any better. The steroids helped but affected his liver pretty badly, however, I am happy to report that this many months later, he is much better. He doesn't move like he use to but he still has some kick left in him. I sure hope we can keep him going for several more years to come. The hard part with pets is their lifespan just isn't long enough. It is so tough to lose one....I know...I have lost 2 in the past. For now, I will just enjoy my little shadow for as long as I can. So sorry Joy for the loss of one of the puppies. I know that is not uncommon but not easy nonethe less. It's kind of nice talking about other subjects once in a while. Just another example of life after cancer!!!