GIVING THANKS

As I sit here at St. Josephs Cardiac Center in Baltimore, MD with nothing but time on my hands, I figured I would provide everyone an update as to why I haven't posted new puppy pictures, returned phone calls and e-mails and generally have neglected my computer and phone.
A few weeks ago, my father was diagnosed with prostate cancer...luckily still in Stage 1. After weighing options, he decided for a full prostatectomy by the leading prostate cancer specialist at Johns Hopkins. That was one week ago yesterday.
Two days ago while at home recovering from the surgery, he suffered a heart attack and was rushed to St. Josephs. Doctors installed a stint to open his blockage and as of this morning he is stable and doing well. We are actually waiting for his release at this moment. At what was a very healthy and "young" 60-years old, the last week has certainly been a blow to his confidence and sense of immortality.
Until this year,"good health" was simply something that my family took for granted. But this past week, coupled with my mother's diagnosis of a malignant kidney tumor and consequent kidney removal early this year has tested our limits. And at the same time, given us pause to sit back and evaluate the important elements of life.

Spending the last week in two seperate leading hospitals and seeing the many faces that come and go with various issues has led me to question today if most people realize how truly lucky they are. I think about how often, especially in the world of dog shows and competition, people forget to take a step back and prioritize what is truly important in life and take stock of everything they have.

So today on Thanksgiving, I would simply like offer a sincere heartfelt "Thank you" for all of our friends and family and for all of the wonderful friendships and "dog show family" we have gained over our many years of being involved with dogs. May today find you and your loved ones with good health and much happiness.

Now go give your "furr-kids" a hug!

- Jeff, Chris and "the kids!"