[Matthew]

Hi everyone:
Stanford and I are back for a visit to our favorite spot. It has been a nasty and trying time since last August (I became unemployed), and we struggled quite a bit. At least Stanford and his big brother TJ ate consistently! The same cannot be said for me. But things are looking up, and it appears that after a lengthy vetting process, I will be hired to do social work for the state of California. We are just waiting for the final paperwork and health stuff to clear, then hopefully we will be off on a new adventure.
Update on Stanford: He just turned 12, and is doing great. Not really slowing down at all, but it takes a bit more for him to get moving in the morning. In fact, we just went to the vet yesterday. He had tapeworms (yuck), and was due for his checkup and shots anyhow. I spoke to the vet afterwards, and she noted that his heart and lungs were "perfect- better than most dogs his age and breed". The most amazing thing was his jaw. You all might remember his experience right after I got him as a stray (took him for teeth cleaning, and they all fell out). The doctor found that his jaw was actually broken and rotted from neglect, so she used some oral "cement" and antibiotic implants to try and hold it together, but she did not have much hope for full recovery. She told me yesterday that she inspected her work, the jaw is ENTIRELY HEALED-LIKE IT NEVER HAPPENED. Go Stanford! She was amazed. But she did good work, and he is one tough customer.
I have noticed that as he ages, his coat is more prone to matting, and is loosing some of its luster. He gets vitamins, and needs the Sulfadene shampoo for dry skin. The vet says this is just part of the aging process. So now he gets the full inspection and beauty treatment weekly, with daily checks for mats and brushing.
He is also becoming MUCH more affectionate as he grows older... under the covers at night next to me, and gets upset if he cannot be in the same room with me (and this is a big change-he used to not seem to care about that as much). Interestingly enough, he seems to want MORE exercise as he ages, not less. The big dog is the other way around (he will be nine in May).
And... he got a new feline "sister" last March (stray cat got inside and gave birth in my living room). Hope (the kitten) tries to commander his bed at night, but he stands firm. He treats the cats like poor relations he cannot ditch. LOL
He has become VERY used to his daily routine. I had to wash his bedding today, and you would have thought the world had come to an end... whining, crying, yapping...which immediately ceased when he climbed into his fluffy clean bed.
Sorry for the long post. We are happy to be back.
Matthew