The one with the waggly tail

by Diane Merz
(Cudahy, WI)

I went into the pet store looking for a bird cage for my daughter, and there he was, 3lbs of adorableness. He was a Shih Tzu/Bishon mix. His back and ears were a deep pumpkin color tinged with black at the edges, as was his plume of a tail.

It was love at first sight on my part and on his. I couldn't leave without him. Our only mistake, as he was (unknown to us) from a puppy mill, yet without us he may have had a much shorter and unhappier life than he did.

We found out very soon that he had serious health problems, a liver shunt disease, and he had one bladder infection after another. We lost count of the many types of crystals that formed in his little bladder, as we lost count of the many trips outside and the clean-ups inside. On 2 meds twice a day he did pretty well for 3yrs and 9mos. That's 3yrs longer than they predicted he'd be here.

He was funny, smart, naughty (in a cute way), and adorable to the end. Near the end, after one procedure and one surgery, the Vet and the caregivers couldn't get over that no matter what he went through if he was conscious enough to hear "hi Pumpkin" his tail would go crazy. Yes, there were sleepness nights and many problems, but I'd do it all over again for him. IF ONLY I HAD THE CHANCE.

Because of the amount of care he needed, he kept two people very busy, and now he has left two bereft people with too much time on their hands.

"All Dogs go to Heaven"

Missing a soft, warm, Pumpkin to cuddle,

Diane Merz