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The fateful weekend that brought another dog ...

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Contributed by: Donna Hoffman on 7/21/2008

The terrified dog cowered in the corner of the crate as Delta unloaded her from the belly of the plane. Just as a reminder of how fast your life can change, I left on a flight Friday and returned Monday with my sister-in-law's dog. She had had a heart attack and died while I was flying in from Denver to Cincinnati for a weekend visit. We were supposed to have dinner together when I arrived. Instead, we were making funeral arrangements for her. Arriving at her chaotic house, I learned that no one wanted to take her old Chihuahua mix. I have to tell you she loved that dog, and I didn't have the heart to let them take her to the pound. It was a decision I would regret for the next 6 months.

Her name was Sugar, and she was anything but sweet. Crabby, cranky, mean, yes -- sweet, no. Knowing that she was traumatized over losing her owner, I showed her patience and comforted her often. My little Sophie, my darling Jack Russell Terrier mix, had to take a backseat to all of this, as Sugar needed a lot of my attention. Sugar quickly became possessive of me and wouldn't allow anyone or anything to get close to me. She was constantly growling and snapping. She would grab little Sophie by the back of the neck and shake her like crazy. The growling and yelping went on and on. During some of the attacks, I would get bit by Sugar while trying to break it up. It seemed as though these two dogs would never get along, and one of them would have to go.

Flyers went up to all the necessary places of interest. My hair salon, the vet's office, the groomers, but to no avail. No one wanted a grumpy 12-year-old mix. After six long months of consulting with dog trainers and talking with my vet, the fights between Sophie and Sugar grew more and more serious. I reluctantly made the decision to put Sugar down.

Now this wasn't easy for me, and it came with a lot of sleepless nights and tons and tons of tears. I even got down on my knees and begged my sister-in-law to forgive me, but I had to do this. Fighting back my tears, I snuggled with Sugar that night and fell asleep.

The next morning I felt like a weight had been lifted off of me. Sugar was laying at the foot of my bed practically smiling at me. Remembering the decision I had made, tears welled up in my eyes once more. She jumped off the bed as did Sophie, which would have normally resulted in growls, yelps and a fur-flying dog fight, but this day came wagging tails. I rubbed my sleepy eyes in disbelief and just in time to see the two of them scamper down the hallway to the back door. Yes, I said scamper. I opened up the back door that leads to the porch, and they burst through the doggy door, leaping and playing and running around the yard like the best of friends.

We just passed the three-year anniversary of Sugar living here in Denver. I'm thrilled to report that she is happy, healthy and enjoying other dogs. As a matter of fact, we added a third dog to our happy family pack, and everyone is doing great. I'm sure my sister-in-law is looking down at all of us smiling knowing that you can teach an old dog new tricks.

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Submitted By: Katherine Jerome

posted on 7/22/2008 @ 3:36:18 PM

Rated Story

Maybe Sophie had a little talk with Sugar that night and said "hey, relax and try to have some fun!"............Nice story Donna!!

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Donna Hoffman

Lakewood , CO

Donna Hoffman has posted 14 stories and 1 comment since joining on 1/3/2008. Donna Hoffman 's average story rating is 4.79.

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