Wonderful animal stories. Marilyn, I wish you and Merlyn many happy, healthy years together. The dog in my avatar is my dog, Stitches. I had just lost my Olde English Sheepdog Maggie, when the vet's wife asked if I'd be interested in Stitches who was 1 1/2 at the time. Long story short, we were made for each other. He came fully vaccinated, neutered, housebroken and with impeccable manners. Even his name was perfect because of my quilting and that fact that he mended my very broken heart. I have been so rewarded and blessed. Stitches is 17 1/2 and still doing well with a lot of assistance from my husband and I. There is nothing on earth like the unconditional love from a pet.