I found out on Tuesday that my boy, Achilles, has hip dysplasia. He's only 2 1/2 years old and has arthritis in his hips as well. The vet was as surprised as I. For now we are giving him pain medication and glucosamine. Surgery may be needed eventually.

My poor boy! Achilles is a wonderful dog. He's calm, sweet, highly intelligent and loves to snuggle with me. He's the only one of my boys that will sit in my lap for hours. He loves raw meat, pig ears and carrots. His favorite thing is for me to take him and his pack to the woods where he can walk through the trees and smell the many animals that live there. He chases cats and he caught mine one time and while he did hurt her, he could have hurt her more. He chases the bunnies in the backyard at dusk. He is fearless and will charge at a noise or movement he sees in the backyard. My other two, Loki and Atasi , would not charge at anything.

Achilles was the most beautiful puppy I had ever seen. I will do my best to keep him safe and comfortable and if need be, spend my life savings on surgery. Heck, I will take out a home equity loan if it means he'll be in less pain!

Here's to you my baby boy!