Prize is not a puppy, of course, but the very best of the first great puppy-photos.

Most of you know that my absolutely beautiful, smart, sweet dog Mila (aren't all yellow labs like this? but see photos for proof, in subsequent email) is soon to have pups. The blessed event is about July 16-20th.

I'm excited! Especially since Pat and I, unlike all our friends, are completely GRANDCHILDLESS! Mila was given to me by our daughter Jennifer, in "compensation", and Mila quickly became a definite substitute for affection and attention.

Now I can have more dogs to love, at least until its time for the pups to go to their own homes. Quite a few of the pups are already promised to friends and family, so it will be fun to watch them grow up.

Hint for the puppy-pool, in case you remember genetics: Mila is yellow, but both her parents are black. Jake (who belongs to our son Ted and Suzy), the sire, is black, but his mom is yellow. Black is dominant. What are the probabilities of xxx black, and xxx yellow?!?, etc. etc.

(yea - I know that sounds like a trick question on your Biology exam; can't help it).