I Miss My Baby

About a year and a half ago I was awoken by a faint yipping sound. The next few moments would change my life forever...

My brother's friend had almost ran over a small dog. After trying to find the puppy's home, my brother decided to take the dog in. Now, it's the middle of the night and my parents and I are meeting this skinny pooch with a long body, little head, and missing fur. The poor thing was pitiful!

Already having a dog, my dad insisted that we find a good home for this house guest. After putting up photos at his work and nobody showing interest in the dog, I begged and pleaded with my parents for them to let me keep her and they gave in!

First thing was first--a much needed, and expensive, trip to the vet. This little girl, who we named Kiki, had mange and ringworm and was clearly neglected. Eventually with numerous medications she improved and became a healthy member of our family.

We aren't sure how old she is but we think she's about two now. And we also think she's a mix between a Chihuahua and rat terrier, but not positive.

My family loves dogs and we have always had them. Out of every one of them, Kiki is definitely the most loving. She always wants to be held and hugged. If you stop rubbing her belly she uses her little paws to grab your hand and pull it down to her stomach. If you walk into another room, she follows. If you leave, she howls.

That being said, when I moved out of my parents house I found an apartment building that allowed pets so I could bring Kiki with me. So I moved in and brought her with. That night I left for a few minutes to go to a friend's house. Within 15 minutes my landlord called to tell me that Kiki was crying and three tenants had complained. For a Chihuahua, she is really quiet. We never have problems with her barking!

I am pretty sure that being alone in my apartment scared her. Since she wasn't cared for during the first months of her life, I think that she has a strong need to be around our family. This explains her desire to be hugged and loved constantly. She can handle being alone with my other dog, so despite my extreme sadness, I decided that it would be best for her to live with my parents and our other dog.

That night I met up with my parents and gave her to them. On the way back to my apartment I balled like a baby. I literally felt like I was giving my child up for adoption. Although I miss snuggling with her everyday, luckily, my parents only live an hour away so I get to see Kiki every weekend.

She's absolutely the best part of my week!

UPDATE: I totally forgot to mention this...on top of all of Kiki's other issues, she has seizures =( We actually found out she is epileptic last month, so now she takes two pills everyday. The pills seem to be working though!