The Happenings of Ashton & His Mom

I have been through a lot with this little guy! Back in 2000 I wanted a chihuahua SO badly. I saved my money and waited until my birthday to finally go get me one. I found a local breeder and after visiting her and her 30+ chihuahuas I chose a tiny blue-fawn 8 week old chihuahua and named him Chico. I chose the name Chico because I knew my great-grandmother also owned a chihuahua named Chico when she was alive.

Chico was everything I wanted and more. Incredibly sweet and snugly. I took care of him like he was my own child. He was my baby, and everyone who knew me knew that. Throughout 8 years he did have a couple medical mishaps which included knee surgery and a tumor removal from his front paw, but I got those taken care of promptly. I was very protective of my little pup. Chico remained like a puppy the entire time I had him. The funniest thing he could do was kick a small ball with his back leg, like he was playing soccer. Everyone would get a kick out of him and his ball skills! Chico also was a friend to my piano students. They all looked forward to trying to get him to sit with them, or maybe even a small kiss from him...if they were lucky! He was pretty shy! Chico was around for the big changes in my life, a new baby and divorce. He adapted so wonderfully to my son Ashton and accepted the changes that a new baby meant for him. During my divorce he was always there to hold, snuggle and lick the tears from my face. His love was unconditional. He was a true companion. I know he loved me with his everything.

Last month, after moving in with my parents, it became apparent to me that I could no longer keep him and care for him like he needed. It was very hard to face letting him go, because to me a pet is a lifetime commitment, and once they become family they are always family. But I did what I had to, and found a sweet loving lady with a small family that wanted to adopt him despite his older age. I was relieved but heart broken. I feel like I have let him down. I know it is what is best for all of us at this time, but the guilt and feelings of loss are strong.

I know I will have other pets in the future, I am an animal person, but Chico will always have a place in my heart just for him forever.

I'm sorry puppy. Forgive me. I love you.