I thank everyone who wished the prayer pups a Happy Birthday. They had a great birthday cause we didn't go away New Years Eve and we stayed home all day New Year's Day! They like to get a lot of attention and they love to be around us so any time we are home they are happy. Of course, we gave them some special treats and they were kind enough to share them with the other 4.

Since I don't like to think about age (mine or theirs) I think Cinder turned 13 this year and Smokey 12. All of our dogs are getting older now. And I would like to say it is getting quieter around the house. However, Cinder is starting to lose her hearing and so she barks when she THINKS she heard something. And she must be able to hear the others bark because if anyone else barks she joins in whether she has a clue as to why they are barking or not. Smokey is a howler. When he thinks he is not getting enough attention, he will come up and nudge us and if we don't respond if whatever way he has in mind for us, he starts howling. Sometimes he wants out, sometimes I guess he thinks he needs to be petted or brushed or just paid attention too.

The start of this year has been so much better than last. As you may remember we thought Cinder had a degenerative spine disease as she got to the point that she couldn't walk But several weeks later after starting a very expensive Glucosamine product that is obtained through the vet, she was walking again and now runs (although not all that fast) and hops around when it is time to eat.

They are such sweet dogs. My others get into fights sometimes (yes, Tucker may have been a rather large mistake on my part as he seems to be in the middle of every fight)and Cinder and Smoke move quickly away from the brawl. The two vets we have and all the girls in the office think they are the greatest - they are so quiet and well behaved when they are in there. Well, actually all of mine have them fooled even Tucker and Pippi the two little terrors who act all sweet and nice when they are in there.

They both love Jasmine and Dominic and the kids love them too. They have adjusted well to having the two of them whether they (the kids) are being noisy or quiet. They (the dogs) haven't learned that they shouldn't walk through construction areas and I often hear, "Smokey, you knocked my tower down again," or "Cinder, go find your mommy, go find your mommy and stay in the living room (or kitchen) with her." And we all find ourselves saying, Smokey, don't follow so close you're going to kill us both one of these days when we trip over you!"

We think of Phred often, he did such a great job raising these pups. It is still easy to recall his voice talking to and about them. I guess that means he still hangs around waiting for his kids to come home to him. But we are very glad they are still with us!