Our new reconstituted family

Today was the official day to drive to Canine Companions for Independence to pick up our beloved Demi, a 3-1/2 year old service dog newly retired after being diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Failure. We have one goal -- to keep her comfortably alive as long as possible. Right now it is easy -- she is gorgeous, playful and fun to be around. She is eating a special low protein diet that she gobbles with gusto and she looks totally healthy. She runs, she's interested in everything, she's affectionate. But her prognosis is poor and I don't know if we can turn that around but we'll try. My first plan is to see the last veterinarian who examined her, ordered scans and made the diagnosis. I want to talk to her first and hear what her treatment consists of and whether that can be improved in any way.

We at least got to bring Demi home. It was much harder for the family who had to say their goodbyes. We promised to stay in touch and keep them updated all along the way. My greatest hope for them is that they will soon have another service dog for their special needs child.

The dogs at home went wild when they saw Demi so we spent the afternoon and evening protecting her from all their issues regarding hierarchy. Beulie, who has never barked, engaged Demi in such a shrill barking contest I was sure the neighbors would be over. That will resolve quickly because Beulie is scheduled for Turn-In and will begin advanced training in just three weeks. When Steve took Beulie for a walk the house was silent so it appears that Brix and Parisse can live happily with Demi.

In the meantime, I never in my life expected to have four dogs, even if it's only for this short time. But I can look forward to having the three beautiful black ones and pray that Beulie graduates.

Demi goes to bed early but the others just fell asleep. I took over the living room and CNN and cooled my jets by drawing the third challenge in the Everyday Matters series - Draw a purse or wallet. I love working with black ink on toned paper.