Fredericka - Shelly is doing ok.  She had chemo again today but overall other than the extreme fatigue she is doing well.  We are very much looking into moving into our new home this week.  It had been put on hold for several years due to Shelly's first diagnosis 5 years ago and then again when the cancer came back but we said enough waiting and moved forward. 

Lucy is almost 10 months now and she is weighing about 120 lbs.  We, actually Shelly, was getting second thoughts about Lucy several months ago because she had become such a rambunctious "teenager".  Shelly and the girls could not hold her on the leach if she saw a bird, cat, or another dog because she would just take off after them.  I had no problem with her but I finally broke down and admitted defeat to my ego and we hired a professional dog trainer that came out to our house for several classes.  We are actually still a little more than half way past with the classes and Lucy is doing AWESOME!!!  Our trainer has 11 dogs of his own and one is a bull Mastiff.  He has done incredible things with us.  It really is us, the owners, that need the classes.  He has told us on many occasions that Lucy is just doing what is natural to her and that is pleasing us.  Just like any child a dog needs to be educated and we are the teachers! Now Lucy  can be walked by any of us at anytime with any distraction around and she obeys our commands at all times.  We are SO SO glad to have gotten her.  Shelly has bonded with her more than what I ever thought;  Since Shelly spends a great deal of time in bed most mornings once I leave for work or for whatever I am doing around the house Lucy jumps up into bed and literally lays at least one paw if not half of her body on TOP of Shelly and will sleep like that for hours.  She has spent 4 to 5 hours sleeping with Shelly right after she just slept all night  right next to Shelly's side of the bed.  I take her out to do her business and she comes right in and will jump up and sleep some more with her.  

My daughters have bonded very well with her.  She is so loving with them.   Our older Llahso Ahpso is going on 14+ years and he has recently lost his hearing.  He has been a great companion to us even before we had kids and all during our daughters lives.  Having gotten Lucy I think will soften the blow to my little girls once it is Gordy's time to pass on.  They realize that we have a life cycle and that we will all reach the end on this earth sooner or later and then move onto to eternal life.   Shelly and I talk often to our friends when they ask us on how we got Lucy about the two of you and your wonderful farm.  I wish you all a safe and joyous holiday season.  I am sending a picture.  This  is this year's Christmas card that we sent to friends and family.  Sincerly, Carlos

Wishing you the best,