Entertaining, Educational Stories about dogs and the families who love them.  Purebred or mutt, showdog or showoff, puppy or veteran, dogs love and protect their human pack.  No pet has more loyalty than a dog.  A pet dog will stay with its family no matter what, even if abused or starved!  What other animal will do that? 

Shih Tzu Patient

My dog handler called to congratulate me. Windsor's Crystal Gazer, or TBear to his friends, was a new AKC Champion and ready to come home. At the time, I was recuperating from surgery, the airline embargo against shipping dogs was in effect and TBear was several hundred miles away. Following a 20 second debate with myself, my choice was clear. I was just driving. That is resting, in a way isn't it? Off I went for my dog.

T’Bear was so happy to see me! After many wet reunion kisses, the two of us headed home. About two hours later, I began feeling ill. We drove for a few more minutes and then pulled off the freeway and ask for directions to the nearest hospital. After a lengthy examination and some medication, the doctor informed me that he wanted me to stay in the hospital for a day. Oops!

"No! That is impossible!" I said. "My dog is in the car. He can't stay in a parked car, for hours." The doctor pointed out that it was the middle of the night on a holiday weekend. Nothing was open. He would see to it that TBear was taken to a boarding kennel in the morning. My response was instantaneous. "Please get me my clothes. I am signing myself out. TBear cannot stay in that car! This is a hospital! Some emergency might happen and my dog could be forgotten" The doctor left the room with shock written all over his face. No doubt he figured I was a nut case. Better to jeopardize my health than leave my dog for a few hours.

The attending doctor returned to my room with a huge smile on his face. He had called my personal physician and between them, they had a solution to the problem. My Shih Tzu came bouncing into the room! For the next few hours, TBear the Shih Tzu "Service Dog" was 'King of the Hill'. He was overfed, watered, walked, and cuddled by all. Several staff members laughingly commented that they had never seen a service dog that was such a clown, or looked so much like a black, shiny dust mop!

The next day, we happily left the hospital together. Currently, my Service Dog is the proud Papa of four adorable puppies. He is a special dog, In Deed.

Aeryn Richmonde

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