Hi everyone,

I would like you to meet Ellie's Wonder Zuzu's Petals, Zuzu for short (her name is from my most favorite movie ever, "It's a Wonderful Life")....the opportunity for her to come to us happened rather unexpectedly on the last day of 2014, when my desire for this awful year to finally be over, was coming to its end. I don't think there is enough space here to write about how this entire situation came about, but I can say that my Angel Polly definitely had this sweet girl in mind for me. After the ordeal in mid December of the emotional decision of possibly taking a pup from my breeder that was born with a severe heart defect, Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia, I now know why I was so torn and conflicted.....a second pup was found to have the same defect and I wanted her to come to me to live out her life, no matter how long or short it may be. Polly knew there would be this sweet yellow girl waiting for me so that is exactly how it worked out. Pearl loves her so much, too.

I do have to add, that my Lab breeder has never had this happen in all her years of breeding, and has taken measures to stop this very serious genetic problem from going any further.

So I started this New Year on a very positive, happy note, looking to when we could bring this precious pup home. I was feeling that very strong shroud of grief that was still smothering me, start to lift....we made arrangements for her to come home with me on the 8th of January, because she needed more cardiac testing, blood work, starting of heart medications, and vaccines before she could come to me. Then BAM!!! On January 6th, I fell in our first small snow and ice storm of the year, going to a pet sit, and broke my arm....well, I had to put her coming home with me, off for an extra day or two.

I have thought seriously about this situation of bringing home a pup that is already seriously compromised in life, but when you go into something like this with eyes wide open, it is really not so bad. I mean, to me, it is far worse going into what you expect to be a happy, hopefully healthy, long new life with a pup, and the world crashes down on you repeatedly with terrible medical issues.....I don't worry so much now, I know there will come a time when Zuzu will have problems and we will be ready for them, to do what we can, if we can, when the time comes.....this is where I've learned from being a member of this amazing community, that living in the moment, and making those moments count for as long as possible comes into play, and is the most important thing in life.....that is what the awful "ugly c" journey teaches more than anything else. My Polly will remain in my heart forever, and while my spirits have been lifted, I will always grieve Polly's loss, but I also feel a bit stronger having a new pup in my life to care for.

Zuzu will be happy everyday, and every moment....she has a great start so far.....

Love to all......

Bonnie, Angel Polly, Pearl, and Zuzu

P.S. The last 2 pictures are #1 of little Zuzu and Pearl, and #2 of Polly and Pearl.....the bittersweet circle of life, and start of a new generation....