It's Adrenal Insufficiency

That is what my daughter said in her phone call to me last night. Finally, an answer to a very long and scary journey. I haven't shared it until now as she was being tested for many other entirely terrifying diseases, particularly the one with the "C" word.
After what our family has been through this was beyond scary. I don't think I drew a full breath for several weeks until it was ruled out. What remaining color I had on my head turned completely white. Thank goodness for Lady Clairol.
She's been plagued by hives and an array of other things for most of her life. But after the birth of baby Ella she never gained weight back. I went into panic mode when she said she weighed in at 103. She's 5'8". Even for little ME that is under weight.
Doctors dismissed her with "it's stress" until one finally took one look at her and realized the urgency of the situation. Made some smart pre-diagnoses and ordering of more specific tests.
Now it won't be an easy journey as she begins a round of medicines and therapies to see which mix will help her. But, we get to have a NORMAL life, and things are going to proceed as they should. My daughter gets her life back and gets to continue to be a busy wife and mom of five (count 'em!) kids.
We both were practically doing a happy dance during the phone call.
And now, relief and rest.
2011 is starting off with a NORMAL bang.
As it should be.

First Attempt at Movie Making

I've been wanting to make this video for a long time. It's always been Blitz's "fight song" and every time I hear it I think of him. ("Lost!" by ColdPlay). The video is very crude and watermarked as I didn't purchase the software - just wanted to try it out and see if it worked for me. So I apologize that it's not very fancy. It's a collection of my favorite pictures and his only wonderful video, taken at a Springfield fun match. It shows happier times when he had hair and felt great the majority of the time. I made this for me but I wanted to share with you as well, so you could see how he loved to work and how he once was a beautiful dog. So glad we live in a time when we can capture these special moments. I'll have this always to remember my special boy.

It Is What It Is

Even thought a new year brings lots of goals and new beginnings, some things just get carried over from the previous year. My life lesson, dog-wise it seems, is to just accept the cards I've been dealt. Shiloh and Blitz's illnesses, and my struggles with Moto just keep on keepin' on. My two sick 'uns are really forcing me into the Quality of Life question. Bad days are overtaking good for both of them, although Shiloh is in the lead. I do fear I'll be taking him to the vet very soon to have this discussion. It's just been hard.
As for my beloved Moto, training goes up and down. He has really, really good days followed by several weeks of - it's not fair to say bad - but rather "I just don't care to do this" days. We are currently in that mode. When he's like this, there really isn't anything to do to get him out of it. With Obedience, he does do it, but he's not having fun. There's no stress, he just doesn't LIKE it. Ditto herding. He'll follow along politely behind the sheep but again he's just doing it to be a Good Boy. And he IS a good boy. A really good boy! As you can see from the picture he is wonderful with Pinch, and is equally as sweet with my old boy Dusty. Being a Therapy Dog truly is his calling and where his passion lies. So that's what I need to accept: I'm not going to have a dog that is going to set the performance world on fire. I have a dog that is going to be my Best Friend, the one I can count on to always be by my side when times are tough. The one to be gentle and sweet and play with my grandkids, whom I can take anywhere and he will be good and kind to all dogs and puppies.
As it was with Blitz, it's a death of sorts because I have to let go of dreams and plans. It's not an easy transition. But loving them for who they are and accepting the gifts they give me does eventually make it easier on all of us.
I still plan on bring Moto out in the spring in Novice. But I no longer have expectations. Of course I want him to qualify but it wouldn't be fair to either of us for me to expect more than a green ribbon.
When I hug him and look into his sweet happy face I know I've made the right choice. It is, what it is.