What a gorgeous dog! It's so hard when we lose a beloved pet.
When my Zachie passed I was so heartbroken. He was 11 and I had him since he was 12 weeks old. It took me years to be able to get another dog because I just didn't think I was capable feeling the depth of love like I felt for him. If there's a doggie heaven, he is definitely in it.
Then, I got my little Goldie last year. This little dog (sheltie) has brought so much happiness to our entire family. I have never seen Son love anything like he loves her. It's nice to see that tender side of him (it gives me hope!). Plus, she's so much fun.
Though she's not perfect. Just a couple of weeks ago, I left a bag of mini blueberry bagels on the edge of the kitchen table. I didn't think anything about it until I see her parading proudly into my bedroom with the bag in her mouth. After counting the bagels left in the bag, I discovered she ate five of them and had brought them back to the bedroom to polish the other seven off!
I'm also delighted that your step-mother is doing great!