We were asked to share our story and have it printed in an article for the Humane Society. I thought I would let you guys read what I wrote.
My parents had recently adopted a small dog after loosing their two life companions of 15 years, Teaspoon (mini dachshund) and Hannah (lab mix). After spending some time with him I realized that it would be nice to have a 'little one' around. We have three children who are all in school full-time and my husband works long hours which leaves me home 'alone' with our Great Pyrenees; Buddy and our three cats; Mooshoo, Stickers and Skye. I talked it over with my husband and he welcomed the idea. So, after much thought I decided to go take a look at the local shelter (Skagit Humane Society) and see who was in need of a home. I asked to see the small dog area and at once my eyes spotted a small 'bat' like creature staring back at me...a Chihuahua. She looked so tiny in her cage but it was fitted with a nice soft, clean bed. I was warned that she makes quite a bit of a scene when you go to handle her but once in your arms she settles down. And she did...squealed, yelped, coward and then promptly settled down once in my arms. The first thing I noticed was how tiny she was and how BIG her ears were! And those eyes...so scared. The second thing I noticed was how 'wobbly' she was on her feet but I figured that was due to a slick floor and being frightened. Well, after sitting with her for 20 minutes I decided it was time to 'start' the paperwork and bring this little girl home. Due to the fact that she had been exposed to kennel cough we thought it best to make sure my other older dog at home be vaccinated so that meant we couldn't bring her home for 24 hours. The day I picked her up she seemed to fall quite a bit so after we finished the adoption process I brought her to the vet. They were really concerned because she seemed to fall every few feet. It was determined that she either probably had an old injury or that something neurological was going on. He also said that she would be a good candidate for a cart because her front legs seemed to not be involved. At first I thought...no big deal, we will just bring her home and actually it was kind of enduring. That was until I got her home. The cats seemed to think she was an injured rabbit and I thought for sure they were going to attack her. Then my husband saw her and he was very concerned. Doubt started to creep in. Can I really provide a safe and secure environment? Do I have the energy with already three kids, three cats and one VERY large dog to assist her? Many tears later I answered those questions...'No, I am not suited to be her caretaker.' We decided to relinquish her back to the care of the shelter. I was inconsolable but everyone at the shelter was so understanding. Michelle, who had taken a special liking to her decided to take her on as her 'special case'. She said she would try to bring her home but with an already full house it wasn't looking to promising. It was evident that she would have to find a special place for this special girl. After more tears I left not really knowing her fate but knowing if she had any chance it was with in the care of Michelle. That evening we went out of town but right before we left Michelle called to tell me she would do anything within her power to find her a good home. At the last minute I decided to jot her phone number down off my caller ID. The whole trip I thought I should be feeling relieved but instead I felt empty. I prayed, 'Please Lord, find this little girl a home.' The response I got back; 'I already did, you.' Finally, after tossing and turning I told my husband, 'I made a mistake...she is meant to be with us.' He promptly responded, 'Well then call her and tell her you changed your mind!' but it was after 11pm and I knew she had young children probably tucked in for the night. My husband told me to do it anyway...and I did. Michelle was asleep (she had to work bright and early in the morning) but her husband reassured me that we could have her back. Finally on Saturday I was able to connect with Janine and Michelle and without hesitation they welcomed the offer for me to take her back. Sunday was the longest day because we had a 4 hour trip back to get her. Michelle greeted us at the door with a smile but there was something a little sad about it. I asked her if she had decided to keep her as her own (prior to me calling) and she said that she had. Then she gave her to me. All she cared about was that she would be loved and taken care of. She truly was unselfish. It was recommended to take her to see Dr. Campbell because he was familiar with her (he spayed her) and was familiar with the Chihuahua breed. I promptly brought her in and they did a full body x-ray along with a good teeth cleaning. Gratefully he found no noticeable injuries or defects and I am happy to report that she has gotten stronger every day. She only occasionally falls and is even able to climb up two stories with no problems. It's amazing what a good home, lots of love, exercise and faith can do. She has melded perfectly in our home...she is my 'little girl'...a bit 'Tipsy' but then aren't we all in one way or another.
This is what my daughter wrote
When we got Tipsy she was only one year old. Tipsy is a dog. She got her name because she fell over a lot. Tipsy is five inches tall and nine inches long. She loves everyone. Tipsy was not potty trained. It took a long time to potty train her. She has a brown nose, brown eyes, and brown hair. Tipsy doesn’t like to be alone. She would cry if she was alone. We once got rid of her, but we could not live with out her. So we got her back. We love our Tipsy so very much.
Our Adoption/Rescue Story:
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