Sending my best wishes for a smooth delivery and for your baby Camryn to be healthy. Everytime I see that name in a post, I think of my DGD Camryn who is 16 mos. old now. We get to see her in the next two days. Warmest regards, Leslie/KS

Jean, Working with a trainer is excellent advice. My dog, Sawyer, now 2yrs old, is a doberman-coonhound mix. He is easily spooked by noises (not necessarily loud ones) and also by things that are unfamiliar to him. For example, this morning as we went for our walk, there was a hanging basket that had blown from someone's yard into the alley. From his reaction, you would have thought there was a demon hiding inside the basket. Took me nearly five minutes to get him to pass by it in a relaxed state, but we did it! This is just the way some dogs are. As others have said, it will be a constant work in progress. Working with a dog behaviorist when my dog was a puppy has helped me tremendously. A trainer will give you tips on what your dog needs from you to help deal with the spookiness. A trainer will also be able to hone in on your specific dog's needs. Reading and watching Dog Whisperer has also helped me. I like trying to emulate Cesar's calm, pack leader mentality. One of the theories my trainer told me is that spooky dogs are that way because they were taken away from their mothers too young. My dog was found wandering in the rural part of a nearby county, he was only 3 months old when he was found. So, this is likely true in Sawyer's case. But it really doesn't matter why. What matters is how you deal with it. Shepherds are very clever dogs, very fast learners, so I have no doubt you can work with this dog. I work every week on Sawyer's issues. My goal has been to introduce him to one new experience every week and get him to be "okay" with it. This week was the scary hanging basket. Next week, who knows? Work with a trainer. If you don't have access to a good trainer, ask the folks at the rescue. They almost always know someone who can help. Good luck and keep us posted.

I am anxious to hear the news as well:) I go in on Thursday for the dreaded glucose test and they will do another ultrasound and we will see if the baby decides to show itself this time away. Each other time, it has either mooned us or it had its legs crossed at the ankles and legs close together lol. Really part of me doesn't want to know because I know that the next 3 months will be long because of how big I am already and also with the gallbladder and headache problems. Stacie girlsingardens

"I'm the only one she trusts with both a key to her house, and her dog. " Not to be too cynical, jasdip, but I have a friend who frequently compliments me on my creative endeavors and skills (this is true). She often says my taste closely aligns with hers and she appreciates my advice. If she asked me to choose room colors and paint her house, or rearrange the furniture in it, the answer would be No. She can compliment me or say as many nice things as she wants - I appreciate it - but doing so doesn't make her responsibilities my responsibilities. I do her small favors, as she does for me. Nothing too involved that would be an imposition in either direction. Something you may or may not want to think about.