I lost my beautiful Chess on Nov. 30, and my sweet child on Dec. 17. It was a very hard time, and for those of you who have read my stories during those days, you know how difficult the holidays were for me. I wanted to write and let all know how everything has turned out. Holly is now 8 months old, and she is a ball of uncontrollable energy!! It took us 2 months to get over the shelter syndrome. She would run and hide when someone came into the room, now days we are working on trying not to jump on every person who walks through the door!! Yesterday she finally figured out that mom isn't throwing that ball just to watch it bounce! Boy was I getting some exercise chasing that stupid ball. Now that we will chase it, the next step is to learn to bring it back... not carry it away to chew on it! Holly's ears are finally standing- I thought they wouldn't because of a bad diet as a small pup- they aren't perfect, but who cares! She is growing up to be a beautiful little lady. I still catch myself calling her Chess, there are days I think she believes her name is "Chess, whoops, Holly". As for the Italian Greyhounds I love so much- Boo, who is Banshee's brother, has decided Holly is his new sister. He has come out of his little shell to be an absolute terror! Actually I am very happy that he is becoming such a great little boy with an outgoing personality. I was so worried after losing his sister, that he would just retreat and be one of those skittish little dogs that no one can do anything with. He will be competing in his first dog show in April. I am so proud of him! Of course his new sister, Holly, will be coming with us! They are inseperable. Now for the best news I could possibly report. After my loss of Banshee because of conditions in my local shelter I have spent the last 3 months bombarding the humane society with letters daily over conditions and problems I had to endure. Last month I was finally acknowledged and had a hand in making a change. Personnel in the shelter has changed and the people in charge have been terminated. Gross negligence was sited as the reason. I promised Banshee on her last night on earth that I would not give up- I didn't!! My business is going to foot the bill for signs that will make visitors to the shelter aware of the rampant Parvo by warning them to wash their hands and shoes before leaving. I have met and spoken to many people in the pet loss chat room- I can only hope to make a difference to those I speak to, as did the 2 women whom I credit most with surviving the loss of my sweet ones. My dogs are my life- they give me joy, and happiness. It was the hardest thing for me to put my Chess to sleep- and then the loss of Banshee- the night of her death these 2 women stayed with me for hours- candle lit prayers, and wonderful words - They were the first to contact me the next morning and learn of my loss- it meant alot to me that they were there. I only hope that I can help others the way they helped me. Dot and Sage- I love you both dearly- ... Thank-You.