Hootie

Not all pets are created equal, I like to say. This infers that some are more special than others. That’s just the way it is. My little Chihuahua was one of those special companions. He had many nicknames and his official name varies with who you ask. He was found in a 7-11 dumpster five years ago and was handed over to our assistant Kimberly Troxel, as she stopped by for morning coffee. Tiny, with great big eyes and spindly legs that went this way and that when he ran, had a temper he could unleash on those he didn’t appreciate. In fact there were very few people he did appreciate. We called him Hootie and he stayed at the office for about a month and then on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving I said “You’re coming home with me for the Holiday”. He had found his new home. My wife, Alicelynne, called him Rudy; he was a survivor after all. He liked to snuggle so he acquired the nickname Snoogie, then Snuglitos as a result of my son, Adam, taking Spanish classes. There was also “Mr Lits” (he was little) and “Stick Man” (those spindly legs again). Whatever name he went by he was truly loved. He especially adored two people; myself and Marsha at the Pet Care front desk…. and we adored him back. He could love you with those great big eyes and his animated dance and excited, sniffling nasal sounds. He would beg to be held and when picked up, pawed at the outside of your shirt until you let him underneath where he snuggled and would be at peace. I have many fond memories of lazy Sunday afternoon naps with Snoogie tucked under my shirt and his little head resting on my shoulder. Such contentment for both of us!

Hootie was adopted as an older pet and we never did figure out his exact age. I always admire my clients who adopt the older pet in need of love and a good home. You never know how long they will be with you because for all you know they could be 8, 9, 10 or older. Hootie developed congestive heart failure in November, 2005. Through the expertise of our local cardiologist, Dr Merrilee T Small, we got him on a regimen of heart meds which I adjusted from time-to-time. Dr Small, gave me an encouraging; “He has another 12 months, give or take”. During early 2007 his condition became more brittle; in addition to his multiple oral medications he needed periodic injections of a diuretic to ease his congestion. I knew that when I had to go out-of-town for two weeks in early March that this might be it. Ten days into my trip Hootie took a turn for the worse. I was attending a management meeting in Phoenix and little Hootie’s heart was giving out. Thanks to Marsha’s outpouring of love and comfort and to the medical expertise of Dr Small and my friends and colleagues at Pet Care Veterinary Hospital and Tidewater Veterinary Emergency Hospital and Critical Care (TVEHCC), we were able to keep Hootie going until I got home. I went directly from the airport to TVEHCC and picked up my little friend. We spent 12 hours snuggling and resting together. Then as Marsha held him we said our last goodbyes.

His bright spirit, engaging sniffle and excited, “I am so glad to see you” prance will live on in my memory and heart. He will be missed, but the remembrances of the love we shared will live on forever. As I said, he was one of those special companions.

Peter G Fisher, DVM

 

Harry

Love, Mara and Sam

 

My Hercules was a very good lizard (Black and White Tegu) and he and I were very much attached to each other. Rest in peace.

Hercules owner, April