Small But Mighty

 A Chihuahua can communicate in so many ways. A look of pure love and adoration. Haughty indignation at bath time. Drowsy snuggle eyes. That poor deprived look when tasty tidbits are not shared. Or teeth bared growling like a demon when anyone dares to enter her mothers kingdom or go near her squeaky duck.
The whole body wiggle with lots of bouncing, smiling and licking. Just to say I am soooo glad you are home. I have missed you. It has been years and years since you left. I thought you would never come home.
 Their ears have a language all their own. Straight up not happy. Back scared or shy. Pointing forward and down guilty. Up and out inquisitive or "Ohhh yes I would like that treat".
 
                             
                                   And yes they "BARK" 

With that being said, in order to have peace, happiness and harmony the rules had to be established early in our relationship. 

Very important rules.

1. Love the puppy.

2. No going potty in the house. Unless your very bad Mom stays away too long. Then please do use the puppy pads.

3. Feed the puppy.

4. No barking at imaginary creatures no one else can see, hear, taste, smell or even imagine exist on this planet or any part of the universe. 

5. Pet the puppy.

6. Thou shalt not chew on anything that does not belong to Katt. Possession is not nine tenths of the law. No borrowing, coveting or sliming your mothers possessions.

7. Love, feed and pet the puppy!

                      DO NOT FORGET TO LOVE FEED AND PET
                                         THE PUPPY!!!
And she loves scratches, belly rubs, kisses, treats, more treats, stuffed toys, snuggles, sock monkeys .... this could go on and on.

All any fur baby ever wants is love, food and attention. You are their whole world. And if you are lucky enough to have this type of love and devotion cherish it always. It is a blessing and a gift to treasure. 




  

SIX YEARS AGO........

"She was a poor lost soul because she had no furry friend of her very own."  

.. a little too dramatic?

The first time I saw Katt I went to Kamas, Utah to visit my son Jeremy for the 24th of July 2007.  I had thought about getting a furry friend of my own but was not sure it was a good time. I had started traveling, enjoyed camping and worked a full time job. I was not sure it would be very fair to my new friend if I was gone a lot.

•  This is a life time commitment. I only believe in forever fur babies.   

I hopped out of my car and started walking over to the group gathered in front of Jeremy's home. I paused when out of the crowd wobbled this tiny little scruff of black. She was no bigger than a minute and she headed straight for me.

What can I say? Have you ever been so focused on one little thing the world simply stops moving? All is silent and you feel the simple beauty of something amazing.

"We took one look at each other. It was mutual adoption time."    

Systemic Autoimmune Disease

At Strut Your Mutt with Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and the Humane Society of SLC 

My name is Katt. I am a sweet little black and white
 Chihuahua
 This will be my story as told by my best "blessed" human friend and guardian Jan Beach.



In May of 2013 I had never heard of this disease. It now controls and consumes my life. There is no cure.  We can only suppress and maintain the pain.
This tends to be a BITCH.  "just saying".
But I will tell the tale.

"This is a multisystem autoimmune disease that is characterized by the formation of antibodies against a wide array of self-antigens (antibody-generating substances) and circulating immune complexes. In other words, this is disease in which the body's immune system has become hyper-defensive, attacking the cells, organs, and tissues of its own body as if they are diseases that need to be destroyed. SLE is rare, but is believed to be underdiagnosed. SLE has been reported as a hereditary disorder. The mean age is six years, but it can occur at any age. Gender does not play a role. The definitive causes for SLE are unidentified.

One Symptom:

Clinical symptoms depend on the localization of the immune complexes, along with the specificity of the autoantibodies. However, genetic, environmental, pharmacologic, and infectious factors may play a role in the appearance of clinical signs such as letahrgy, loss of appetite (anorexia), and fever, which is especially seen in the acute phase. Other signs include

Musculoskeletal

• Deposition of immune complexes in the synovial membranes (the soft tissue lining the surfaces within the joints)
• Swollen and/or painful joints - major presenting sign in most patients
• Shifting-leg lameness
• Muscle pain or wasting

This is a progressive and unpredictable disease. Long-term, immunosuppressive therapy will be required. The treatments frequently have side effects that you will need to deal with as your dog's caretaker. Also, your veterinarian will want to see your dog weekly, at least initially, to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and to watch for severe side effects." From petmd.com.

 OHHHH But this really begins 6 years ago when I met my HUMAN.