Amy

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Amy

March 23, 2002 marks 9 months that little Amy has been with us.
Amy is an 8 year old Yorkie who was rescued by Elaine and PMR from a Missouri
puppymill in the Spring 2001. She went to her wonderful foster home with
Sara & Darcy in Minnesota. After going through the adoption process, it
was arranged that we would pick up Amy on June 23. Now, I believe we had
a special angel who had a big black paw in this...Kiefer, our Black Lab
who went to the Bridge in April. It just so happens that June 23 was his
birthday...now it is little Amy's.
The past 9 months has been a HUGE challenge but worth every minute. At
first, I cried alot. I had studied, researched and communicated with
those who had experience with puppymill dogs, and still, was not totally
prepared. I was so excited to get Amy and had the total support of my
family, but I got so sad looking at her and thinking about what she had
went throught the past 8 years. I wondered when did she stop crying,
when did she give up.
She doesn't know how to play and it broke my heart watching my 2 year old
Yorkie Gabrielle trying to get Amy to play. Amy hadn't even had the basic
care...good food, fresh water, grooming, soft bed. And no love, petting,
and cuddling. The worst was the cowering...then when you finally got her
picked up, she shook like a leaf.
Then there was the medical and physical issues. Amy had mammary tumors,
both legs have luxating patellas. She has cloudy eyes, splayed feet, and
only 5 teeth left. Her coat was dull and stained around her eyes and
face.
I was so scared about the mammary tumors, that they would have
metastasized to other organs, I didn't know if I wanted to get too close
to Amy and then lose her right away. I prayed to God to bring her through
the surgery and my prayers were answered...and there was no metastasis but
it was found she has an enlarged heart.
I also prayed for one year...I want to show Amy all the seasons,
Christmas, Easter, birthdays and all holidays. Crackling leaves, snow,
the squirrels scolding from the trees. The birds, the warmth of the sun,
a country walk in South Dakota. Trips to the "big city" of Sioux Falls,
shopping in Petco, touring Falls Park, staying in a motel. These are ALL
new experiences for Amy and I LOVE showing everything to her.
Amy has come a long way and I have learned to accept her for what she is
>>able to accomplish, no matter how small it may seem. We still have to
"catch" her, but she goes to her special place in the kitchen where she
feels most comfortable then lets us pick her up. Sometimes we can even
pick her up from her bed in the living room! The cowering and shaking is
so much better and I am so glad of that. She is learning to sit by Gordy
for a short time in his recliner. She is not too comfortable with
cuddling and doesn't give kisses...but I can kiss the top of her head! I
believe Amy knows she should go outside to potty but she doesn't know how
to tell us and we don't always catch her signals. So we bought a carpet
cleaner! Amy has had moments of interest in a toy but doesn't play too
much. When her Yorkie sister and Boston Terrier sister are playing,
sometimes Amy just runs around with them. Sometimes I think she is doing
some scolding as they get a little loud and rowdy! She has recently
started to roll to her side so I can give her a little belly rub. Amy is
so good for her bath and grooming.
Her coat shines now! Everyday she gets eye drops and her hair
fixed...then a treat! Amy and her Collie sister have a very understanding
relationship...April will be 12 on April 1 and I think Amy and April can
relate very well, being more mature girls! They just like to quietly hang
out!
This is just a short story about Amy. I could go into so much more! I
just wanted to be able to share a little bit. I am so glad we adopted
her, this has been a most rewarding experience. I know she will never be
a "normal" dog...Amy is special and we love her very much. We are facing
another surgery in April, there is another mammary tumor. I pray she
comes through this one as well as the first. Now I look at Amy and see
she is happy, through her eyes and little tail wags!
Thank you PMR for allowing us to adopt Amy.
Iva and Gordy