So I got to thinking, I know I joined here a while ago posted a little then quit posting, then came back and have been a posting fool, but not many of you may know Zoey's whole story and where she's coming from and what she's been through so I thought I would post it so you know a little more about why she's my special girl...

Here is Zoey playing with her doggie Grandpa Hershey:


I fell in love with Zoey the day she was born, I was on a breeder group as at the time I was raising Westie puppies. I begged pleaded, and showed my hubby pictures of her EVERY day of how cute she was, well he finally broke down and agreed, and shortly before our first christmas together, we drove from Utah to Illinois and picked up Zoey, when she was 7 & 1/2 weeks old (should have been a huge red flag) My husband graciously gave up our first christmas so we could afford to pay for Zoey & the trip to get her, he was unemployed at the time due to a back injury....so he sacrificed so much for me. He's amazing! I thought with my heart not with my head, I should have known better, I should have asked for health history on the parents etc, and checked her out when I met her, my BIG red flags should have been that her breeder didn't want to meet me at her house, but in Galena at a restaurant. Anyways I was already in love so no turning back. On the way home my hubby noticed her mouth seemed a bit 'off' and sure enough she had an overbite of about 1/8th-1/4th" with her bottom teeth jamming into her top jaw, already creating sores.



A few weeks later she was diagnosed with an ear infection and sarcoptic mange, then I noticed that her blue spots were thinner and a different texture than her white spots...and she was diagnosed with Color Dilution Alopecia when she was just a few months old, upon doing research later, I found out that her fathers bloodlines had problems with CDA, and Zoey's parents were both dilute colors (a no no in breeding so I've learned). I also learned that Zoey was like her mom Daisy's 3rd litter in a row with no breaks, and her mom lost the entire litter before Zoey. Zoey's breeder told me she would give me 1/2 the money I paid for Zoey back....but I haven't seen a dime of it, but that's okay, due to my big mouth on yahoo groups, she shut down her website so hopefully no more unsuspecting people got a puppy from her. Anyways Zoey has battled chronic throat infections (like every other month), chronic bladder infections, allergies to food & environmental, was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus at 18 months old when she started having seizures. Has had anaphylactic reactions to Zeniquin (antibiotic), was diagnosed with arthritis in her knees and above her tail by age 2, & collapsing trachea, and last October was diagnosed with COPD (Chronic Bronchitis) which causes her congestion and coughing fits. Most recently in the beginning of July she had surgery on her knee for Lateral Collateral Ligament Repair (similar to cruciate but it's on the outside of the knee), and she needs to have the other leg repaired as it 'pops' out every time she walks (it's not luxating patella). She has battled so much and is truly a lucky girl to be alive, she is fortunate to have a Veterinarian as her human Grandpa. My dad absolutely adores Zoey.

So this is what my little precious Zoey has been through. She truly is remarkable. I never wanted a Chi in a million years, I thought they were ankle biting little turds (working for a vet we see a good portion of biters) but Zoey has changed that, I can't imagine my life without her. It is hard to believe she will be 5 years old next month. Thank-you for letting me share her story.

Here is her first christmas picture and one of my absolute favorites of Zoey:

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Thank-you Sugarbaby for my awesome siggie!

Awe little Zoey...I'm glad she ended up with you, you so obviously love and care for her and do whats best for her. Sometimes I think things happen for a reason, but can also serve as a warning for the future...so thank you for sharing. Its so so important to get a puppy from a good breeder or to rescue one that's been thoroughly checked over...I need to set foot in the breeder's home if the puppy is to come home w/ me.

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Thank you Jan & Chico!!

Thanks for sharing Zoey's Story
She has faced so many challenges. So glad you have been there to see her through.

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"My little dog - a heartbeat at my feet." - Edith Wharton

Yes, all 'outward' appearances were 'normal' for Zoey's breeder, seemed like she knew a lot about Chihuahuas, turns out she hadn't even checked their bites (that's something I did with my westie pups on a weekly basis as they were growing). Most of the stuff I found out about Zoey's breeder I found out after the fact, with my research and what others who were on groups with her told me. I should have done more research, and I did more research when I got Sebastian, he came from a wonderful breeder however his life was cut short due to idiot children and decon. But lessons learned, and yes I agree stuff happens for a reason, I think Zoey is in the right home, where she needed to be.

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Thank-you Sugarbaby for my awesome siggie!

She is an absolute doll, and so very lucky to have you as her Mommy. And also to have Grandpa as her Dr. She sounds like a trooper, bless her heart. It's a shame that some Breeders are so money hungry that they can't see past the end of their noses. No regards to life, and it makes me sick. I feel so bad for the pups that are brought into situations like that. You are Zoey's savior. Bless you for being such a great Mommy to her. I think many can learn from Zoey's story. She is a beauty, and thank you for sharing.

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She is an absolute doll! what an awful ordeal you had, it's so true you just have to be so careful these days dealing with people.
It's so sad to see money put before ethics and the welfare of animals!
She is lucky to have you mama! and it's so evident how much you care for her from her pics.

She is a little peach

Extremely sage advice and excellent point.
I completely agree with you on this!! It's the only way to be sure what you are getting into.

We had originally planned on going to her home, but when we were on our way (on the road) she changed and said she had to go to Galena which was like 1/2 hour away for some Christmas shopping, so wanted to meet us there instead, I should have stuck to my guns and said no, we'll come to your house, but another one of my friends who got her sister did see her house and it wasn't 'bad' so that made me feel somewhat better. Zoey's breeder was just shady all around.

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Thank-you Sugarbaby for my awesome siggie!