Small Dog, Big Heart
Thursday, May 9, 2013
By: Kristal Brown

SweetPea rescues her humans with one little kiss

In November 2006, my husband, Rick and I lost our beloved 13 yr. old chocolate lab Copper. The months following were difficult. On a whim, Rick convinced me to stop by the Humane Society while out running errands. That day the HSHV was full to capacity from a recent animal hoarding case. As we stood talking to a volunteer I noticed the little Chihuahua huddled in the back corner of the cage with her head down, facing the wall and shaking like a leaf. My heart went out to her. After a half hour visiting with SweetPea (formerly known as Babs) where she didn't move on my lap or quit shaking, she bravely looked me straight in the eyes and licked the tip of my nose. I felt like it was her message to not leave her behind. That was it!! She had me by the heart strings then and still does now.

Due to her previous living environment, SweetPea was very leery of everything at first. Loud noises, fast movements, being left alone too long, new people, other dogs, etc. With tender loving care and encouragement, SweetPea has grown into quite a little lover with a 'big dog' personality. She is not your typical chichi! She guards the house from her high perch on the back of our chaise lounge. She can be found most nights strutting on her leash marking every tree in her path or roaming through our gardens for new things. She's a master at confiscating the best pillow in bed to sleep on and enjoys rainy mornings cuddling and soaking up all the attention. She loves her bikes rides, car rides, vacations and visiting family. I'm so grateful for whatever caused us to walk in that day. I feel blessed to have this little angel in my life everyday.