Happy Mother's Day, Xena

     Good Morning,
     Of course I am thinking of my own mother and wishing her a day blessed with many phone calls from my siblings and their children.  However, in my blog post I am paying tribute to the mother of my two West Highland Terriers, Niles and Nina, (Puppy Play).  Their mother, Xena is approaching her seventeenth birthday!  Although this wonderful girl is frail with lost faculties from old age, she has yet to indicate that it is time to travel to the Rainbow Bridge.  Her mother, my dear friend, Missy, (Walking with the Animals), is listening and watching closely, preparing for the inevitable.  Until that time Xena exists in a state of contentment, eating with gusto and tending to business outside.  Its about all we can ask for at the end of a long and spiritually prosperous life.  
     Without Xena, I would not have two precious Westies who have filled our lives with terrier joy for a sum of 24 years.  Their "big dog personalities in little dog frames" supported by sturdy exteriors have been a pleasure with which to co-exist.  Our daily walks keep them mentally and physically fit making frequent trips to the vet unnecessary.  Watching their elderly mother decline, reminds me that Nina and Niles will also be geriatrics some day.  The realization chokes me; forcing me to accept that which I can not control.  But it also forces me to keep them close, to spend as much time with them as I possibly can and to provide them with love and dignity until the very end. 
     Happy Mother's Day, Xena and all Mom's everywhere.

Xena hovers close by while Niles and I get acquainted.

Niles, 7 weeks.

Two years later, Nina arrived, 7 weeks.

My beautiful canine and swine family.

Nina, Niles, Lynnie, (Nina's litter-mate), Xena and Huxley

Another family reunion; Xena, Niles, Huxley, Nina, Lynnie.

Huxley, Niles, Nina, Lynnie, Xena and Hayden.