We just adopted SqueakaChu on November 11th, 2000. She's already stolen all of our hearts, including those of the other dogs. They seem to know she's special somehow. They are all getting along much better than I'd ever imagined. Here's the paragraph I read, the first time I read about her:
"SqueakaChu here! I'm just 2 ¼ lbs. and 6 yrs. old. I started out in a place where they tried to breed me and cut my vocal chords so I couldn't bark anymore... I still try but I can only squeak. That's how I got part of my name! The rest came when someone said I look like a "Pokemon". My other owner couldn't keep me so I came here and stayed because I have a few problems and I can't "tell" anybody if I get hurt. I'm really feisty and I love to boss the others around!"
Here's Squeak last night (11/17/00) in her new bed (below). She's claimed it as her own and spends every free minute in it that she's not got someone talked into holding her in their arms or on their lap. I hope her little bed becomes her comfort and safety zone, at least to her, she's got a bit of a battle ahead of her in getting rid of tooth infection and then getting spayed after she's all infection free. At her size, any procedure can be a battle, so please keep her in your thoughts, for us, and check back often for updates!
11/18/00 - We started two weeks of antibiotics today to work on the tooth infection and will have blood test results back on Monday or Tuesday. Then we'll be able to start making some sensible decisions on where to go next with her care. Unfortunately, the vet doesn't want to do her dental and spay at the same time. She feels it's too risky because of the dental infection and the risk of bacteria in the abdomen if she does them together. So, she'll have to endure anesthesia twice. I don't disagree with the vet, it makes sense.
11/20/00 - We got great news today! All of Squeaks blood tests came back almost completely clear! The only thing she has is a slightly elevated level (the Vet didn't specify of what, in the message she left me) in her Kidney's. She said that this CAN be caused by diet (by the protein - she eats Lamb & Rice, which is high in protein). The best news though, she's OK'd for getting her dental surgery done ASAP!! I still need to call and schedule it but she said in the message that they should be able to do it on Friday (Nov. 24th). Please send us good healthy and healing thoughts! I'm worried about her having surgery being so small as she is, but it's something that has to be done. Thank You for all the wonderful well wishes and notes you've been sending.
11/23/00 - Just a quick update. We are doing the dental surgery tomorrow (Friday). Going to drop her off at 7AM. Will let you know how it goes tomorrow as soon as we get her home. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
11/25/00 - Surgery went extremely well! She made it through with no problems whatsoever! The vet was very pleased with how she did and how things turned out. What teeth she does have left are now very clean. They had to pull 5 teeth, and amazingly, the one's that are left are mostly chewing teeth! So, she's not going to have any problems with chewing her food. As soon as she finishes her antibiotics she'll be ready to be spayed also. I think we'll be putting that off until possibly after the Holidays. I've put up some before/after pictures of her teeth if you'd be interested in seeing them, click here.
12/19/00 - Squeak is doing just wonderful!! She's really made herself at home. She absolutely loves to play with Sliver (as seen in the picture below), and the feeling is mutual. It's so cute watching him be so gentle with his little friend. She's feeling wonderful too. She's just full of energy and spunk! She's quite a gal for 6 years old! She's pretty much ruling the roost around here. Ishi-Boo has always been dominate, but she's giving him a run for his money and he seems to not quite know how to take it. I think he's a little surprised that he finally met someone that'll stand up to him and not take him bossing her around. It's just funny sometimes.
SqueakaChu and Sliver
(December 19, 2000)
3/18/01 - Well, good news to report again: Everything has been done!! She's been spayed, has clean teeth, and she is happy and healthy. My life has become one that wouldn't know what to do without her around. I have become so attached to her. She fits in just perfect with our family and she's such a little love bug! Just last night we had a birthday party for my daughter, 8 girls on the living room floor all night and she was on a lap the whole time! All 4 dogs did extremely well, I was a proud mommy last night!
