You know, don't you, that I have muscular dystrophy - I've been super fortunate as I was never really expected to live a long and "normal" life. I've been strong enough to do almost every thing I've wanted with no complaints. Well, over the past two years, the disease seems to be progressing. Assuming you know the history and what is muscular dystrophy involves, I'm moving on to my news.

In October, while photographing a service dog, I had some trouble getting up. The labrador retriever moved next to me and, without thinking, I used him to get up - putting my hand on his back and pushing. As I bent to get a lens cap, he picked it up.

Nothing occurred to me until several hours later in the quiet of my car... Gee, that dog actually was working for me. Someday, I have a bad feeling that I'll need one of those.

My boss and another trainer immediately got excited and volunteered to help me find and train a service dog for myself.

Well, on January 10th, we went to see a dog which was big enough and, after testing him, he met all the critera for the service dog!! Plus, he absolutely adored me - literally would not take his eyes off of me.

I've named him Muscles for two reasons - first that he will be my muscles as my own peter out... and, second, when I was a kid and had to go to the hospital for a muscle biopsy, Mom gave me a stuffed dog named "Muscles." I still have Muscles #1... and now I have an incredibly devoted, beautiful Muscles #2!

Enjoy the photos -- and watch for more news on Muscles and his training!

Leslie