Oh so sorry Jen. That's one thing about large breed dogs, they don't have a long life. I have some friends in Tulsa who have Boxers, and 8 or 9 years seems to be the limit. I'm down to just one dog now, and she will be 11 this spring. She had emergency surgery this fall, but is doing well now anyway. I hope all goes well with your dogs and they recover nicely.

Thank you Debra and Tom! Yes the large breed dogs definitely don't have the long life span genes and I'm pretty sure all the medical bills are even more expensive because of there size. I wouldn't trade them for the world though. I have the 2 biggest sweetest lap dogs any girl could ever ask for.

Having lost both my kitties within 3 months of each other I feel your pain. Cancer is so heart wrenching because there is so little in your control to fix. Sending best doggie wishes and hopes to your puppies.

Thank you Leslie!

Oh, Jen, that's heart wrenching! I'm so very sorry!
We have 3 Labs, both Bailey and Katie had lumps removed from their sides. All is well so far. Bailey is 12 now and has out-lived all the other Labs we had.
Wishing the very best for your babies.

Oh boy Jen -- when it rains, it just pours -- doesn't it? I'm so sorry to hear about all of this (and you kept it from us this long?????) I hope the issues are manageable, and at minimal expense.

Hugs from another dog-lover..............

The animals can't tell you that they are in pain so things go on too long. Best wishes to them.

I definitely want Arson-SDB & Marsh Mist-IB. thinking about adding TB Mixed Signals.

Arson is one I ordered too. Love the color and the bright orange beard. An Mixed Signals sure is a unique one. Had to have that one too.

Jen! That's a whole lot of heartache. Sending healing wishes for your pups.

I hope your dogs feel better soon Jen. I don't have any furry friends because of allergies in the family.

I will add my wishes for a quick resolution for all your dogs health issues. I hope they are as painless as possible. poor puppies.

John said 'no more pets'. We certainly could not have handled a dog last year.

Tom, you're getting some beauties from Keith!
We've both ordered SHE. ! It will be interesting to see how they do - mine from
Australia, and yours from Oregon! I understand that Keith does a lot of growing
for Barry. I'm hoping that the exchange rate from Australia will offset some of the
spendy part!

"She" but this one must wait for a few years before I get her.

When you get them from Australia, sometimes they are confused and bloom the first year. Usually it's not the best bloom though, but then later years they are just fine. You may see your "She" this summer! Of the Blyth irises I ordered, I think I'm looking forward most to seeing Painted Words.

Another Suggestion is one of the Keppel Irises I'm really eager to see, along with all the others. Mixed Signals should be a show stopper too. And then . . . I better stop, I am sure I'm going to love them all. Even little Arson!

Jen I will keep you and your pups in my prayers

There are at least eight Blyth new introductions I slobbered over, but Valley of Dreams is at the top of the list and will be a certain future acquisition. Assuming subsequent garden photographs come close to the hybridizer's images, of course.