I was never going to have another dog when my last one passed at the age of 15 years. He was so perfect. He was well mannered and so loyal. He had been there during the difficult years as my kids went through grade school and high school. Actually it was the kids idea to get him but he ended up being mine after the second week. (Sound familiar?)
It was several months after he passed that Gracie came along. I had looked into adopting an adult dog but had no success. Gracie has been an awakening to me. Shih Tzu's are the sweetest little dogs and they are very smart but Gracie is a thinker. Sometimes she out thinks me and is one step ahead of me a good deal of the time. She is right with me when I am active and on the days when I'm not able to move very well she is right by my side. While most dogs are loyal and good friends this little girl just goes several steps beyond what any other dog has been to me. She she has picked out several activities that she feels are her "job", like letting me know when one of the cats wants to come in or go out. She also feels quite defensive when a stray cat enters what she considers her territory.
I have a serious back injury and some other health issues that have made me considerably less active then I ever expected to be at this age. Gracie has given me that incentive to push myself forward in doing things. I have found ways to exercise her and keep her active little mind happy. I really love her and her quirky little personality so much. I could not have found a more perfect furry friend. |