Tequila

When I was 12 and a half, my human died. I loved my human very much and I was their special baby--- or so the story goes--- No one knows for sure, but what I am certain about is that after the funeral, the family didn’t want me anymore, and they dumped me at the dog pound. I was very alone and very afraid. At the shelter, because of my age and a skin condition that made me unattractive, they gave me a death sentence. I had a ‘cherry eye’ and a scent gland problem and to add insult to injury somebody there decided to label me “Stinky” to live out my final days. Who is going to adopt a “stinky” dog? I was placed on death row and everyone forgot my real name, including me. Luckily, I was rescued and given another chance by Animal Rescue Force. They gave me a new name, “Tequila” because I’m mostly a Chihuahua mix. Pretty soon I went to a new foster mom, but she didn’t understand me because I was so sick and sad. I growled at her kids and her other dogs. I didn’t want to be around any living creature. I didn’t want to be bothered! I just wanted to go home to my own human, but that was impossible and she brought me back to the rescue shelter. Another foster mom came and rescued me, but when she found out how expensive it would be to make me well again, she decided to take me back to the rescue too. No one wanted me. Humans only want perfect dogs it seems. I was lost. Then one day, my new human found me. He took me home and gave me a beautiful soft bed, a golden collar with sparkling gems on it and a new name-- “Abuelita” (Spanish for Granny), because I’m mostly a Chihuahua mix. He hoped my new name would bring me better karma, but he likes to call me “Granny” or “Bubbie” for short. He tried his best to make me healthy and happy, but I became much sicker and even more depressed. Because of my age, I wasn’t adapting well. I missed my old human. My kidneys were weak and I had long been starving because I couldn’t keep any thing down and I hate dog food. But I couldn’t tell him that. I lost 1/3 of my body weight. My fur turned grey and course and raggedy looking. I was very sick. But, my new owner loved me and wouldn’t give up on me. He gave me water and medicine in a syringe for a week. He mixed dog food into the water and fed me. Even though I was ready to move on, he told me to get better and stay alive. He promised to take good care of me. On Passover night, my keeper was very, very sad because I was so sleepy and couldn’t stay awake. I couldn’t lift my head or walk. Maybe it was my time? He left the house expecting my spirit to fly away while he was gone. When he returned after midnight and found me still breathing, he refused to surrender me. He wrapped me in a blanket and he took me to the PetPB emergency room just one more time in the middle of the night. We’d been to 3 different vets before this, but none of them knew how to help me. Then at PetPB, Dr. Fayman gave me medicine and water through a tube in my skin. It seems she knew just what to do. She told my human to take me to Dr. Armstrong at Best Vet in a few days if I was better. After my keeper put me to bed that night, he resigned himself to let me pass on if I had to, because there was nothing more he could do. I lay next to him, in my blanket, as he slept. My human has several other dogs and they all snuggled around me in bed to help keep me warm. That night, something happened. I could tell I was loved again, and I just couldn’t leave! I decided to recover and to live. It was truly a miracle. My new daddy was so happy when I was much better in the morning. At the Dog Park Many months have passed. With the love and care I receive from my keeper and the support we get from Best Vet Staff, today I am like a puppy again! I love my new Daddy; I follow him around the house, spin in circles and dance for him. I play with the puppies that live there with me and we go to the dog park. I go to work with him some days and sleep under his desk. I have lots of new friends and family that love me. My fur is now shiny and black like when I was young. He feeds me cheeseburgers, chopped liver and chicken jerky. Every once in a while I get a big slice of cheese. I love pizza too, but it upsets my stomach. You know, I don’t like dog food. With regular grooming, I’m not a “Stinker” anymore, but the best part is that I am someone’s special puppy again. Now I’m 14 and loving it! My human tells me every day that I’m going to live till I’m 21! Now that it‘s the season to be thankful and to express how much we appreciate each other. I am lucky that I’m alive and able to share in it and I am being loved because of people like you. Playing With Puppy Mingus Every living creature deserves a chance to have a good life. My daddy is very grateful to the people at Animal Rescue Force, PetPB Emergency Room, Dr. Fayman, “Best Vet” Dr. Armstrong and especially Dr. Armstrong’s staff who keep me healthy every week. Never take the work you do for granted. You bring joy and happiness to many animals like me and to many humans too. My Dad wishes you a very happy holiday season and so do I. Happy Holidays and a Wonderful New Year! Love, Granny Bubbie