Just a few months ago it seemed that the world’s tabloids and bloggers were waiting at the bottom of the guillotine, busy knitting, while awaiting the news that Patrick Swayze had passed.

But with the recent release of this photograph, that clearly shows Patrick, 56, and his wife Lisa Niemi, in happy place, accompanied by their dogs, the waiting was obviously pure speculation.

Sat comfortably on an upturned boat, with their dogs, poodle, Lucas, left, and Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy, Kumasai, receiving a cuddle from Lisa, the couple look completely relaxed in the afternoon sun.

The photograph was released by the Dirty Dancing star’s publicist showing that Patrick is in good health as he and Lisa work together on a book of his memoirs to be published by Atria Books in the fall of 2009.

Actor, Swayze, who was diagnosed with stage-four pancreatic cancer in January 2008, had the photo posted, according to a report in the U.K’s Daily Mail, in response to a Florida radio station’s claim that he was dead.

During his illness, Swayzee has managed to complete his work on the critically acclaimed television series The Beast, all without painkillers, and proclaimed that “there’s more” he wants to do. Throughout his treatment, the Ghost star has corrected several rumors about his death, slamming tabloids for reporting “inaccurate” details about his condition.

Although Patrick looks visibly slimmer, his smiles and his resilience in his battle with cancer show through as he and Lisa enjoy an afternoon on their ranch in New Mexico.