Life has a way of throwing nasty surprises our way. I just
found out that a much loved niece has a mass on her lungs.
She has been repeatedly diagnosed with COPD and although
we are not sure it is the dreaded cancer, it probably is
because she has lost a lot of weight. We won't know
more until after the holiday and she has her MRI.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Rex has undergone cancer
surgery, a tooth pulled, his teeth cleaned and his paws
clipped. He is home and is doing well. He even had the
strength to jump in bed with me last night. He will
most certainly have to wear the notorious cone when
his stylish bandage is removed. We had a long talk with
the Vet and as long as he feels well, we won't think
about euthanasia. Rex is at least 10 and probably
eleven. He said that 60 percent of Golden Retrievers
die of cancer so you pay a price for all that sweet,
loving nature. Pets bring us such joy but so much
heartbreak when we lose them.

I will be thinking constantly of Lisa and of my poor
sister. Lisa is her only daughter and I love her like
my own children.