Bits and pieces...

It's been a week since we've updated the blog... And, for several days of that week, Larry and Margaret have been nursing a little gray dog with a very sore back. Last Tuesday night we took Nica to the emergency vet after she'd cried out in pain lying still on the living room floor, then began panting heavily. It was also possible to feel pain spasms run through her body. (We've been through this before with Sassy and were pretty certain we knew what the problem was...) X-rays and blood work were done, and it was determined that she has a couple of tiny spinal spurs that had caused her back to flare.
Luckily, she's very good in her crate, which is where she spent most of her time up till yesterday, allowing the pain and anti-spasm meds to do their jobs. As the days pass we are trying to allow her more freedom, while still encouraging her not to be stupid! We expect that full recovery is just a few more days away.
Brandon is scheduled to come back for another visit the end of the week. He and Grandpa have a demolition/construction project on their agenda - removing the existing shelves in our pantry and replacing them with adjustable shelves.
Little brother Riley is doing great - a healthy, growing boy who, for the most part is letting his parents sleep much of the night.
And over at the Huertas house, Heather and David are preparing for the birth of another baby boy, Isaac (middle name TBA) due in December.