I have a 13 year old Pug, Orson.  Last month it seemed his hind legs were bothering him so I took him to the Vet who thought it was most likely old age and arthritis.  He recommended giving him treats with glucosamine to see if that worked.   A couple weeks later, his front legs began to give him trouble as well and he began walking with a sway (almost as if he was a little drunk).  Orson and I went back to the local Vet and this time the prognosis was not good: possible brain tumor.  They referred us to Dr. Sean Saunders of Seattle Veterinary Specialist in Kirkland who specializes in neurology.  An MRI revealed that Orson does not have a brain tumor; he has Hansen's Type II invertebral disk disease–as bad as this sounds, I'm relieved since this is probably can be managed with doggy drugs. 

What's the probable cause (or at least an aggregator)?

• Stairs.  His compact body is jarred going up and down stairs. 
• Being walked with a traditional collar.  Orson now sports a nice harness for his walks.
• Jumping can also cause injury to the disks in their spine.  Orson's not a jumper.

So this weekend, we're cleaning out our home office area.  Orson's "movin' on up" from the basement to a kennel in the office.  No more stairs for this fellow and I'm happy to share my home office with him. 

I’m still taking a break from work and blogging…I will be back to work on April 1,  2008.  While I’m away, please contact my sister in law and President of Mortgage Master, Marilyn Porter.

I look forward to seeing and hearing from you then!

Pictured here is Thelma.  The cat I inherited when I bought my old house.  She’s a mouser!

One of my past clients contacted me about refinancing their existing mortgage.   In a nutshell, I advised them to consider not refinancing their mortgage at this time.   They replied something to effect of:

“Not many loan officers would recommend “not refinancing”.   We appreciate your advice and we’ll keep you our little secret.”

I’m thankful they contact me when ever they have a question about their mortgage planning.   Typically my relationship with clients is just beginning once they’ve closed on their new mortgage.    In fact it’s my goal to provide such a high level of service that my clients feel compelled to refer me to their friends, family, co-workers…anyone they know who is considering buying a house, refinancing or in need of a home equity loan.

Although it’s available at my office, I do not take “up calls”.   All of my clients are either referred to me from past clients, professionals (such as real estate agents, financial planners and CPAs) or from reading my blogs.

During these times, with major lenders facing uncertain times, it’s more important than ever to select a Mortgage Professional based on their skill, knowledge, ethics, dedication and available mortgage programs.    Shopping by rate alone will cost people big  in the long run if the lender cannot perform.

I probably don’t ask for business or referrals enough…so since my client reminded me that if I don’t, they WILL keep me a secret…I thought this is the perfect opportunity to remind you that I am here to provide mortgage advice and programs.   I only receive income once a transaction has successfully closed.

Blogging is something I’m passionate about and I’m so pleased for my readers and the kudos Mortgage Porter has received.    I do not sell ad space like you’ll find on other blogs…this is a just labor of love that I hope you find helpful in your quest for information about the murky world of mortgages.

Please don’t keep me a secret.