Ten Years Ago Today

Ten years ago today, I got an early morning email from breeder Linda that six puppies, all with nice markings, had been born. Ten weeks later I came home with Shiloh and the rest is history.
When I awoke this morning and realized it was his birthday I immediately was reduced to tears. Not much of a celebration as deafness, injury and illness has reduced my rock star dog to a shell of his former self.
As I began making the morning meal for my six-pack a wonderful thing happened: Shiloh got a tug toy and threw it at my feet, demanding a game. I haven't seen this since his illness. We had a good game of tug complete with his usual vocalizations (this dog can talk like no other). Not wanting to overdo it I resumed making breakfast and he watched, alert and tail wagging. It's been a long time since I've seen that.
After breakfast and his treatment given he needs to sit upright for 10 minutes and have his throat massaged. Previously he's lain in my arms like a limp rag. This time, he sat completely upright on his own with me just supporting him under his arms. He looked around the entire time. The big change is because we upped his medication yesterday....WOW what a difference. I hope this continues. It would be wonderful to have my flamboyant boy back.
I should have been giving Shiloh a birthday present, but instead he gave me one. Dogs are just so wonderful that way!