Okay, I thought I had already posted this but I guess I was wrong.  This is the story of Tootsie, and why she is so dear to our family.

 

I had never particularly wanted a chihuahua and really didn't know much about the breed until I met my hubby Neil.  He had a chi named Bandit, who was more like a son to him than a dog.  It had been just the two of them until I came along, it didn't take long for me to fall in love with the little guy.  A year after we were married, Bandit died in our arms after suffering earlier in the day from a stroke.  He was almost 12 years old and had been dealing with congestive hear failure for the past two years. 

 

We were hearbroken and really hadn't considered getting another dog when Tootsie came into our lives.  Neil's parents told us about her.  The breeders mother lives right behind Neils uncle, and he was there for the weekend with a litter of pups.  So, we decided to go have a look.  Immediately she caught our eyes and stole our hearts.  She was the tiniest one, and so quiet and cuddly.  You just wanted to hold her forever.  So, we took her home with us.  The next day, she started acting very strange.  She was totally lethargic, would not eat, and was actually dooling.  I rushed her my vet, only to find he was on vacation and the office was closed.  Luckily there was another close by, who I knew and trusted.  He took one look at her and told me that had I not gotten her in as quickly as I did, that she would not have lived.  She was suffering from a severe case of low blood sugar and was fading fast.  He took her in another room and put her on an IV of glucose.  I was so scared as I waited alone for him to come back.  He did about 10 minutes later, with her in his arms.  He said she was a very lucky little girl.  The next three or four days I was constantly watching her, literally staying up all night with and giving her honey every two hours to keep her levels up, and making sure she was eating and drinking.  I would sing to her like a baby to calm her.  Well, she bounced back and became a happy energetic puppy.  She didn't have another spell until the night I had my son.  I was had been at the hospital all day, and she knew something was up.  She was never left alone for long of a period.  Neils parents checked in on her that day, and got her that night to take home with them.  She started showing signs during the night, and they called our vet and he met them at the office (it was a Sunday).  She had apparently been grieving over us being gone, and had not eaten, and her sugar level dropped.  My wonderful vet took her home with him and cared for her all day and night.  He told us later on that she was in bad shape and we had almost lost her..... again.  After that, we started giving her Nutri Cal daily (just a tad) to keep her appetite good, and sugar levels up.  She has had a couple of weak moments since, but I recognize them and take action immediately.   I am not going let her go through that again.... not if it can be helped.

 

 She is now 8 years old, and I could not imagine my life without her.  She is our little angel.  She came into our lives at a time when we needed a little joy, and has given more than her share. For such a tiny girl, she has a huge heart....overflowing with love for everyone she meets.  We thank God everyday for bringing her to us.