I wanted to give you an update on Abygail Anka's life since she had left the rescue association (VGSR). Abygail was adopted from the VGSR association in August 2001. She has been a wonderful addition to our family since this time, and her relationship with our house cat (Malamar) is amazing. They play chase throughout the house and an 8 lb. cat chases the 90 lb. Aby as if she were a dog. They stay together like best friends. Shortly after Abygail's adoption she received the AKC Canine Good Citizen Award. Soon thereafter, he was appointed the Ol'Roy (dogfood) Dog of the Year for our area. She was given the best of the best food but will only eat it with a light mixture of Ol'Roy. The contest judges appearance, personality, and other aspects of being a great dog. Soon after her appointment as Dog of the Year, she began to show signs of lameness and difficulty walking. After many trips (and hundreds of dollars) later, she was diagnosed with SEVERE bilateral hip displasia, which surprised me since the VGSR vetinarian stated she was cleared of hip displasia on her intitial evaluation. Anyway, Abygail was admitted to Virginia Tech's Vetinary Hospital on September 1, 2003, and now has a new prostesis for a hip joint (Total Hip Replacement). She has many more weeks of rehabilitation before she can return to her regular daily activities. She will be off her precautions at the end of December. As you can tell, we are very thankful for the companionship Abygail has offered us up-to-date and we would not trade it for anything. She has showed to be a great German Shepherd, guardian, and friend. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Virginia German Shepherd Rescue for joining our family with Abygail Anka, who has provided an abundant amount of love and friendship. Please pray for Abygail's quick and successful return from her recent surgery, and I know she will be in your hearts.

Dr. Daniel Morrell