We have a Basset hound in our family that is the light of our lives, but especially for my mom, Beth, who has been battling breast cancer for the past several years.  Dad got him as a way to help cheer her up as she endured the treatments and surgeries.  He's been the best thing that could have possibly happened to her (and to us).

We named him Fred.

Fred has long, brown ears that nearly drag on the ground, big, liquid brown eyes, a goofy expression on his doggie face, and short, stumpy legs, as well as a tail that never ceases to stop wagging (unless he's sleeping or tired).  He has a very strong dog smell, but most Basset hounds do.  We try to keep it to a minimum by bathing him several days a week and putting doggie based cologne on him.  It seems to help most times unless it's hot and humid out; then the stench he emits is unbearble.  This is one reason why we keep him inside a lot of the time, to try to tame down the stink.

Fred has been a godsend to Mom's life.  He's been there every step of the way in her cancer journey and we owe it all to him.  Mom is just a few months shy of hiting the five year mark; if she manages to get a clean bill of health on her next cancer checkup, then Mom will be deemed cured by the doctor.  We are praying for that miracle; Mom has already been through so much with her health.  She lost both breasts, has had several surgeries, and lost her hair.  It has come back, but it's grey and curly; beforehand, it was long and auburn.  She had really pretty hair.  The cancer has also aged her; Mom looks like she's in her sixties instead of in her forties.

Fred has acted as her therapy dog, licking away all her tears or her sadness; he can be counted on to make her (and us) laugh with his crazy antics.  One thing we have discovered about Fred is that he loves to sing.  Every time we put on our music on our stereo, there's Fred, howling right along.  He will also do the same thing if there's a full moon outside.  He's nuts!  LOL

Well, I hate to go, but I have to take Fred outside; he's acting like he has to go.  I will write in here again with more "tails" about Fred and our family; you haven't heard the last of us!  Take care and see you later!