Shelly Freed didn't mean to end up with another dog.
But at a dog show, a breeder approached Freed about a Yorkshire terrier puppy who had been born 11 days premature and was severely crippled.
The breeder knew that Freed was involved in Yorkie rescue (a rescue for Yorkshire terriers), so she asked Freed to see if she could find a home for the crippled dog. Freed agreed, but when she saw the dog, she knew she wouldn't have to look far for a new owner.
"I said, 'I will take her, no questions asked,' " recalls the Scottsdale woman.
Since then, the dog has thrived. She doesn't know she is crippled, says Freed, and she can outrun the other four dogs in the home.
"I am normally really good about placing dogs without a problem. You can't keep all of them. But this one, no. I truly think that it was meant to be."
What is your pet's name? Thumbelina.
How did you choose your pet's name? Her very small size.
Where did you get your pet? In Denver in August 2001.
What is your pet's worst habit? Going "wild" and biting at our other dogs or at our heels. When the doorbell rings, she goes crazy!
Has your pet ever embarrassed you? Due to her physical appearance, her spine is curved and several times while we're walking her, people will stop us and say "Your dog is trying to go to the bathroom." We smile and say, "No, that's just how she walks."
How do you celebrate your pet's birthday? Every year is a pleasant surprise, since when I first brought her home from Denver I was afraid she wouldn't even make it to her first birthday. When she turned 5 this past March 22, I was so grateful for these years with her.
What's the best thing about your pet? Thumbelina is a Delta Pet therapy dog. We go into nursing homes for pet therapy and a local elementary school doing reading therapy with children. She is a terrific inspiration as she has overcome her handicaps and gives hope to others.
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