Our little sun-worshipper, blind-and-deaf Granny (the elderly Jack Russell terrier formerly known as Duchess), managed to find the one spot in the yard the other day that didn't have any snow. The "island" she found is actually the concrete access cover for our septic system. Not only was it snow-free, but it was also the warmest spot because of the heat absorbed by the concrete lid. Alayne saw her standing on it, soaking in the sun, and got these photos. In that first shot above she almost looks like a lawn ornament, doesn't she?
This view will show you just how small her island is in the larger scheme of things:
Finally, here's a close-up of the sun lady:
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I have very sad news to report on our other elderly blind-and-deaf girl, my little minion Ellie May. We had to say goodbye to her a week ago. For the past year Ellie May had battled intestinal problems, and I had posted on the blog in January 2008 about the colonoscopy and other diagnostic tests we had done on her. After ruling out cancer, growths in her intestine, and other problems, our internal medicine specialist in Missoula could not find an underlying cause. For a while she improved and we got our hopes up, but then she began deteriorating again. She struggled with weight loss and chronic bowel issues, and no dietary changes or medications made a difference. Towards the end we think she was also developing doggie Alzheimer's, because she started wandering off and losing her bearings. For a dog with an incredible nose who could smell me at 100 yards, to see her unaware of her surroundings was really sad. She continued to waste away physically, and we finally had Dr. Bostwick put her to sleep. Still puzzled over her medical problems, Dave did a necropsy (an autopsy) but even now could not find any sign of what caused her intestinal issues. Bless her heart, we didn't have her long but she sure was a joy to have in our lives.
Rolling Dog Farm Blog 
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