A Sam update and Fawkes Harlow

First of all, a long overdue update on Sam.  Right now our boy is doing a lot better than he was a week ago.  His testing last Monday revealed the lump to not be cancer, and in fact, to not be anything other than a very well developed muscle in Sam's shoulder.  The new theory is that Sam has an inflammed shoulder joint due to either valley fever or bacterial arthritis.  So, Sammish is on Prednisone, Tramadyl and Clavamox in the hope that one of those will defeat whatever is wrong with him.  Sam is getting around much better with only a slight limp.  We have a sneaky feeling that there is still something that isn't right and hasn't been covered by this diagnosis, but we are taking it one day at a time.  As long as Sam is happy, then we are too!

Thank you, everyone, for thinking of me.

Now, our timing has always been wacky, but in the midst of worrying about Sam, we added a new family member....

One... two... thr... wait a minute!

Originally, her name was Libby, but she didn't seem to respond to it.  We renamed her Fawkes Harlow, or Harlow for short.  She is a 9 month old female Golden Retriever.  Our boys are absolutely smitten with her.

I shall teach her everything I know.

Of course, Harlow is all girl and needed a very girly collar:

After all, what girl doesn't want to dress up in pearls and lace?

Harlow needs some work on her basic manners and potty skills, but she is incredibly smart and wants to please.  She also thinks she is Super Dog.

I'm sure I have the position right, but how do I get off the ground?

Did I mention she's not spayed, either? 

Monty at times acts horrified about her, although, we think he is pleased to finally have someone to play with.  Harlow pesters him to death, and Monty has stoically adopted the role of big brother.  Of course, if you ask him, he will deny that he likes her.

Dis isn't what it seems.  I was framed!