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   I was going to write you a handwritten note telling you how lovely it was to meet you and your family - all of them, LOL - but decided that I 

couldn't wait.  As you could probably tell, I was in Heaven all day yesterday, listening to the stories and seeing your beautiful babies (including your own Elizabeth; how beautiful and strong she is!), looking into Lily's eyes and feeling her little round belly, and hoping......and hoping.

  You taught me more about Shih Tzu's and a dog's life in general in a few short hours than in all the books and training sessions I've ever had.

I understand completely why people want "one of Dianne's pups" exclusively.  So do we.  Myles was overwhelmed.  He never had a dog as a child, and when Cinna-man cuddled in his lap, and then Hershey's Kiss, he couldn't believe that a dog that he hadn't fed would actually want to be with him for any length of time!  He was thrilled.  Every one of your dogs had a distinct and beautiful personality, to match their loving and lovely little faces.  And it was so obvious to me to see that you know your dogs!  I never knew that by looking at the pads you could tell so much about the color of the fur, or how a black and white plus a "Cinna-man" could make black and white and red and red and white pups!  I know Mendel's Law of Genetics, LOL, but seeing it was something so different in my experience!  To hold a newborn pup - what a generous gift that was that you (and Roxy) gave us.  Her eyes never left her babies when we had them but my eyes were tearing up, at what a great Momma she was.  And how they all trust you!  That was the most important thing of all.  And you continue to learn, to read, to do whatever is necessary to be the best breeder of dogs that you can, don't you?  You are an amazing woman, and your have a wonderful "human" family, even though I know the brunt of the work falls to you.  It truly is a labor of love though.  You deserve every penny you get for those beautiful puppies and I think that you aren't living high, from the proceeds.  It mostly goes back into the dogs and their care, doesn't it?  Looking at little Ace, the miracle baby, feeling his tiny heart beat next to mine as I hummed to him was so special.  I am running out of words to express what a wonderful day we had.  You definitely need to get back to your painting, too; you are so talented! (in your spare time, LOL)

  Whether Lily gives us a female from this litter in December or we have to wait, we will wait for one of your Shih Tzus.  I don't know if you watched us walk away to the car, but if you did, yes, I was crying.  They were all so loving and for a moment, I grieved for my Anabelle.  On December 14th, it will be the one year anniversary of her death.  Seeing your dogs' sweet faces reminded me that as much as I loved her, life must go on, and that I will love another dog.  But I needed a moment to grieve and I took it.

  I think it was a good thing that we left when we did, or we'd have been sleeping on the floor with your dogs!  Traffic was bumper to bumper all the way home, and what should have been a 2 hour and 15 minute trip, took us 4+ hours.  I slept most of the way, and Myles planned his work week in his head.  We had dinner later, closer to home, and laughed at what a good day it had been.

  I'll be sending prayers for your daughter, Elizabeth, for Ace, constantly, and also for Lily, that she have an easy delivery with whatever the Creator gives her.  Please don't be afraid to let me know that our turn didn't come this time.  I truly am very good at waiting, as I said, and since obviously "good things come in very small packages," I know that there will be one of "Dianne's dogs" for us, sooner or later.

  Myles sends his best and thanks for a beautiful day, as again, do I,

    Much love and happiness to you and to your family,

      Selene