PUPPY!!
So, if you follow Layla on Twitter or Facebook, you know that we’ve been searching for a puppy the past few days. We had a Shih-tzu that sadly passed away the day of Layla’s tumor resection. Since then, we’ve wanted to get a new dog but the timing just wasn’t ideal. I had too many things going on to worry about something else to feed and clean up after. We were planning on getting a dog for my oldest daughter’s birthday the end of February. With the recent happenings, we figured we should get the dog NOW, NOW, NOW. When Layla’s not at the hospital, we’re at home together. How soothing and comforting for her to have a tiny little dog to cuddle up in her bed with her when she’s not feeling well. A soft little thing to touch and love and hold.
One of my very dear friends wanted to do something for us and made it her mission to find Layla a new puppy. I am SO blessed to have such wonderful, caring, compassionate friends who know my family so well.
Initially, she sent out an email request asking for names and numbers of breeders in our area OR anyone who knew of a Shih-tzu or Maltese puppy being sold with papers and immunization records. Of course I received a few emails from those who love to complain about something, asking “Why a specific breed? Why does it need papers and immunization records? Why not a rescue dog? Why, why, why?” So let me address those questions first…..Layla’s immune system is extremely compromised and we have to be VERY careful about what she comes into contact with. We don’t want a puppy licking her that has a disease. We were advised by her doctors that if we bring a new puppy into the home, we must know EVERYTHING about not only the puppy, but it’s parents too. This also explains why a rescue dog isn’t a fit for us at the moment.
For every one negative email (really, there were only 3), there were HUNDREDS of positive ones! Within 30 minutes of sending the email, people were coming out of the woodwork asking my sweet friend where they could donate money towards the new puppy. Seriously??!! We just wanted a few names of breeders! The puppy request email was revised to include donation options and sent out again. 2 days later we had the names of the breeders we were going to visit AND enough money to get the puppy and all her supplies. Praise God!!
Today, my friend and I loaded Layla and her little boy in the car and headed out to La Porte to do some puppy shopping. There were 4 Maltese puppies to choose from. The first 3 licked all over her face, nibbled at her clothes and were pretty busy! The last little puppy came up and licked Layla so sweetly on the arm then nuzzled her neck. Layla exclaimed “She yikes (likes) me!” God brought the PERFECT puppy to us and I couldn’t be happier with our choice!
To everyone who donated, I want to sincerely say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. I could go on and on about how much it means to our family to be able to provide Layla with a puppy, but I’ll let you see for yourself how excited she was to meet our new puppy, EVIE 
I am so happy for all of you! The expression on Layla’s face is priceless! Thank you so much for sharing!!!!!!
I’m so happy to see your new puppy! What a thrill for all of you to get to enjoy this little fluff-ball. Thank you so much for taking the time to let us know and post these gorgeous pictures. You continue in our prayers!
Auntie ‘Ginia
Birmingham, AL
Shanna –
This day will be forever ingrained in my heart ! Being able to not only accept the mission of puppy finding, but to find one, and read every sweet email as people sent donations, and accept cash in hands for Layla. My heart was touched deeply! Today going and meeting those puppies and seeing the sheer joy in Layla’s eyes as she realized that the puppy is coming home with her – well that was just about priceless !! Layla is a special girl – today was a special moment !! Being a part of your family is something that came slowly but I hold my position very seriously !! You guys mean the world to me – I look forward to years of memories with the Marsh family and Evie !!! You know I will puppy sit ANY TIME !!! ALL of my LOVE ALL of the time !!
Sarah
So happy for Layla and for the family. A puppy can definitely bring lots of happiness and joy to you all! Love the pictures! Layla looks so excited.
XOXO
Thank you for sharing these precious moments with your sweet girl! Layla looks so happy and down right smitten with her new puppy! Congrats!
Evie yikes her and I yikes these pictures so much.
So glad that Evie found her way with Gods guidance into your family..animals have their own healing power…and as far as Sarah..she’s a blessing unto her own…what a wonderful friend you have in her…enjoy you new little bundle of joy! Thanks for sharing the pics of todays adventure.
that made me cry
Beautiful photos! What a wonderful addition to your family little Evie will be- she sounds like a perfect match. Those photos of her and Layla are priceless. Still praying!!!!
Love the photos…Layla looks so happy!! Grateful for this little furry blessing in your lives!
BEAUTIFUL … *tears* i have nothing else her face says it all.
Ohhhh sooooo cute!! Layla looks so happy!! What a wonderful new addition for lifiting all your spirits!! Enjoy the happiness!!
What a sweet puppy! I am so glad that God led you to the perfect one for Layla and for the entire family.
I am a NB mom from TCH and was told about your site & interest in wanting a supplement by a friend. (NB mom too) My son receives vitamin c infusions. If you are interested you can email me. I left my address in the information section of this message.
I will keep Layla in my prayers.
Claire
Too stinken cute Shanna…these pics are priceless & once again Layla has brought the tears to my eyes. Such a precious smile!
please know I am keeping you and your precious family in my prayers. I am praying with expectation and firmly believe that God hears our prayers and He stands by His promises and will answer them all! He sees us gathered together in spirit, lifting Layla up to Him and all asking for healing for her knowing He is the Great Physician and that He can do what no man can do! Thank You Lord for hearing and answering our prayers, Lord. We will consider it “done”! In Jesus name. Amen.
Thanking the Lord for bringing just the right dog your way! He provides in so many different ways!
Continuing to pray!
Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
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Shes beautiful!!! Just absolutly gorgeous!! Praying for her miracle!!!
Oh my cup overflows seeing that sweet baby with that precious puppy. What a blessing indeed. God will use ALL THINGS for good for those that love HIM and and have been called according to HIS purpose.
So So Happy you have found the perfect puppy for Layla…There is nothing better than putting a smile on that pretty little face of hers.
my eyes are tearing again. WOW! wonderful family with wonderful friends. Enjoy!
Love and prayers
Edith
COLE Prayer Team
Those BEAUTIFUL pictures say it all!!
My name is Natalie. While I was working at a church, I met a woman named Shannon, and she told me about your story. We did a fundraiser for Layla at the VFW. Your little girl is so beautiful and precious, and I’m sure she’s touched everyone’s heart (including mine).
I came across a magazine article in May of 2008. At the time, I don’t know why I chose to save the article, but I believe God works in mysterious ways. The article is about a seven year-old little girl battling brain cancer, and the doctors said she only had three weeks to live. Her mother needed a miracle, and she felt three weeks was long enough to get one. Although “no doctor would agree to operate,” the mother found a doctor who “gave us hope when we had none.”
The doctor who saved the little girl’s life is Dr. Robert Spetzler. His publlished contact information is below:
https://www.thebarrow.org/Find_A_Physician/index.htm
Just enter his last name for details.
My friend and her husband (both of whom are in the medical field) know about this doctor and his cancer center. They highly recommend Dr. Spetzler. I’m not sure how you feel about garnering a second opinion, but I at least wanted to give you the opportunity.
Please call me if you’d like to see the article, or if you need anything (no matter how big or small it is)… 281-970-4266 / 713-480-9227.
You are all in our prayers.
How sweet! The puppy and Layla are so cute!!! I am so glad that she could have a special sweet puppy all her own to cuddle and love when she is not feeling well… =-)
this brings tears to my eyes.. to see her soooo happy. the puppy is adorable. as is Layla.
I love the name. and praise God indeed for all the monetary donations. 
Oh so sweet!! Layla is so stinkin’ cute I could just kiss her little cheeks
Glad you guys found the perfect match for your little family!
The pics of Layla with Evie are just too adorable! I am so happy to hear that you found the perfect match.
Know that I’m here praying right now.
Psalm 23:1-3: The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
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Praying right now!
Psalm 23:4-6 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Prayer Bears
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The Lord is with you right now, lifting you up, giving you strength! Always praying!
Isaiah 40:28-31 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Prayer Bears
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These are priceless…. She looks so sweet with her new puppy.
Your baby girl, Layla Grace, is so precious. Such a sweet little face.
God only loans children to us and I’m thankful to have my daughter. I wear a bracelet that reads “A Mother hold her children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever” – this is so true. I’m tearful that your time with Layla Grace is limited but the strength this journey has given will bring you closer to our heavenly Father. Layla Grace will be an angel to all. My prayers will be with you and your journey continues, today, tomorrow and forever. The new puppy look so AWESOME.
AWWWW!!! She looks so happy with her new puppy. Im glad yall were able to find one. Its amazing and what wonders something so simple as a dog can do for someone so sick! Evie is very very cute too!
Just found this on my Twitter account. What a beautiful little girl you have. I will add you to my prayers. And God sure knew what dog to get for you. And I’ll just bet that puppy knew that he needed to be gentle with your daughter. Animals seem to sense things so much better than we humans. God bless you.
From all of us in Montague Michigan…..we are praying for little Layla Grace…God be with you and your family….God is so very powerful and great!! He has a plan for everyday of our lives and i pray that this adorable birght star will get the miracle she so deserves whether it be here, i know she will be free from it all in our Fathers arms….God Bless you and your family….you have been through so much…and being a Mom my heart bleeds for you!! God Bless You…thank you for always sharing the updates for us…From Montague Michigan God Bless You!!! Love&Lots of prayers…Renee Merrill-Montague Michigan
From all of us in Montague Michigan…..we are praying for little Layla Grace…God be with you and your family….God is so very powerful and great!! He has a plan for everyday of our lives and i pray that this adorable birght star will get the miracle she so deserves whether it be here, i know she will be free from it all in our Fathers arms….God Bless you and your family….you have been through so much…and being a Mom my heart bleeds for you!! God Bless You…thank you for always sharing the updates with us…From Montague Michigan God Bless You!!! Love&Lots of prayers…Renee Merrill-Montague Michigan
I love how happy Layla looks in the pictures with the new puppy. I will pray for her and your family. Sorry for all you are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Jessica from Maryland
God Bless Layla and her family…*tears* we also have a Maltese and believe me, it is a unique member of the family (thinks she’s human!). All our prayers are with you.
Found out about your beautiful little girl on twitter. I will send prayers here from Michigan and send healing energy her way. The little dog is adorable and seems to bring her lots of joy. I am a practitioner for The Healing Codes. If you wish to check it out closer go to http://www.TheHealingCodes.com. Many have been healed of major illnesses and I am committed to do this for the next 5 days for Layla. I ask that God heal her small frail body and give her strength.
Blessings,
Ingrid
Darling little Evie will bring you all so much joy and to see the wonderfull photos of Layla and Evie together is just priceless! I have a darling little Maltese girl named Francie Rose who is the joy of our lives. Evie has come into your lives for a reason and will always be a sweet link to Layla—she will help with your healing. GB you all in this really unspeakably dreadful struggle…
Beautiful little Angel..I didn’t know you but I love you! I have a son who is almost two and you remind me how important it is to hug and kiss him everyday.
I love the look on her face! She was an angel!
RIP Layla
hey…all of what i am reading makes me cry. This is all sooooo sad but yet happy. I am glad layla had good days and is now in a better place………
Sometimes God makes good mistakes….he sends a child that is supposed to be an angel in heaven to Earth. If they die to soon..it is because God needs the angel back to watch over everyone.
Rest in peace Layla. I just started following you on twitter, the day you died. hope you get through these times Layla’s family!