I picked Alice up late yesterday from the vet. They had given her a cortisone shot that seems to have had a remarkable effect on her. No, she's not running, no, she's not jumping, but she is up and walking around and for the first time in almost 2 weeks, had NO desire to sleep away from the rest of our pack, on her throne at the foot of our bed, she wanted to be out with the other guys.

I am cautiously optimistic that she'll continue to heal.

And in the spririt of Thanksgiving, I want to mention how grateful I am for some very special dogs: For Alice, who has changed my life completely and remains the shining star of my life.
For Zeus, who is Andrea's sweet boy and who was the first dog in our lives to play with toys (of course, now the house is littered with the carcasses of stuffed toys)
For Rainie Roo, the world's cutest basset, our Ellie's 'grandaughter' and the most compassionate little soul you'd ever hope to meet
For Gus, who would surely be dead had he not caught my eye at the shelter. Today, Rainie is his best friend and he spends his days resting and nights wrestling with his pal.

It's a full house, it's a loud house at times and it has yet to be a clean house, but our house is most certainly a home, filled with evidence of a life made rich by the furry and human friends who bless our days. Thanks to all of you for being part of that richness, for the continued support, prayers and good thoughts as we faced a tough year with Alice.