After losing my dog of 14 years to cancer, I realized the hole in my heart may never be filled, but I had to try to fill in the hole in my life that only a dog could. My best friend suggested a family's 3 year old Chihuahua mix that was abused and trying to be given away. Even though I considered myself a 'large dog' kinda person, I decided to meet "Myah". A few days later I found myself excitedly greeting by an extremely overweight, much older looking dog. But I could not leave any animal in the hands of an abuser, so Myah went home with me. Since then, the sluggish, fat, but still happy dog has turned into a healthy, slimmer and playful bundle of personality I couldn't give up if my life depended on it. Renamed "Petunia" (after Porky Pig's girlfriend, which she resembles) she has since learned to play, fetch and what a walk is like. She knows that scolding does not mean hitting, and what a belly rub feels like. Not only has she stolen my heart, but the heart of everyone who meets her. I have never had so many dog-sitting offers when I go on vacation (there was only one offer to watch my cat as well). Petunia may not be the physically cutest or most beautiful Chihuahua mix, but her personality makes her shine. I always hear as she greats every stranger like her long lost friend, "what a cute little happy dog... her tail never stops wagging." Petunia has taught me that no matter where in life you are, in good times or bad, its okay to be a hopeless optimistic.

Crystal Dziwanowski
Glen Burnie, MD