We got some good news from the vet! Last Thursday we took Maggie to the cardiologist for the ultrasound of her heart to see if it was indeed enlarged and if it posed any health risks for her. The doctor said that her heart is slightly enlarged for her size (they calculate a ratio between the heart size and spine length to come up with a number to compare to a "normal" range). He confirmed though that there is no heart murmur, that she has a normal heart rate, and the ultrasound showed perfectly normal heart function. So, our little Mags' heart is totally fine!

Maggie seems to be enjoying her visits to the Mutt Hutt (aka "school"). It's amazing some of the changes we've seen in her since she started. Maggie is really wound up when we pick her up at the end of the day. When we picked her up yesterday she actually jumped up on her hind legs a couple of times when she saw us waiting outside for her. She's exhibiting more normal dog-like behaviors, such as curiosity of her surroundings, and she really perks up and wags her tail a little when she sees other dogs or people approaching.

We're just taking her once a week, but it seems to be a really good experience for her to socialize and learn from other dogs. They have a webcam so we can periodically check in on her. In just 5 visits, she has gone from sitting in the corner watching the other dogs to walking around, sniffing and interacting with the other dogs. She's not exactly running around and playing, but it's definitely an improvement.

We went on the Chicago PAWS fund-raiser walk a couple of weeks ago at Montrose beach. There were thousands of people and dogs. A month before that, I don't think Maggie would have been able to handle it, but after a nervous start she was pretty chill with it. And it was cool how many other people - with their own dogs in hand - stopped us to ask us about Maggie and comment on how cute she is.

Maggie also has become a pro at coming over to the couch to visit with us and seems to enjoy sprawling out in her new den next to mom and dad (the first picture above).