[Oscar's Mom]

We got Oscar in November 2004. We were working storm claims down in Florida and it was a very stressful time working claims, seeing all of the devastation from the hurricanes, living in a 29 foot 5th wheel camper and yes...housebreaking a yorkie! But I did it. I loved Oscar from the moment I got him and we made it thru just fine. He loved his long walks thru the campground and to this day, loves every stranger he meets because those are his first memories of all the strangers coming up to him on our walks and making over him. But as Oscar got older, he became more demanding of my attention to the point of barking constantly if we would not play with him right then. He wanted to play non-stop. I ignored him to a point and was o.k. for awhile. Then a terrible family problem just almost killed me. I started having severe panic attacks where I could not breathe and even passed out and fell on the floor once. Scared my hubby to death. My Dr. put me on Wellbutrin XL. Oscar just became more than my nerves could bear. I was talking to a dear friend in Memphis and told her how I was feeling. She knew from my tone and the urgency in my voice that she needed to intervene. She offered to take Oscar for a long as necessary...that ended up being three months. She had a Bichon and he and Oscar got to play and had the best time...but I missed my baby! She knew I missed him and when we would talk she would always remind me "Now you know, he is your dog...he will always be your dog...you take him back whenever you are ready". That day came about a month ago and I have never been happier! He changed a lot during his time with her...he grew up. Just don't give up on your girls. If you do and place them with someone else, you very well may regret it someday. I was just blessed that he went to a dear friend that knew his forever place was with his mommy. It broke her heart to give him back, but she wanted to do it...she loves him like he was hers. Give them time...they will come around and become potty trained and you will wonder how it ever really bothered you in the first place! Keep your chin up and take those meds.