Make sure to celebrate ♥

National Pet Week

This morning I saw Danielle @Breakfast at Toast's post about National Pet Week

and knew I wanted to join in and share a bit about my little guy.

Although I did not get Smalls from a rescue shelter, 

I do consider myself his rescuer ♥

I got Smalls May 12, 2008 from a boutique puppy shop.

The owner was a breeder and had all the puppies there in a playpen together.

Smalls was the only boy, the only one with color, and the tiniest.

I would have never guessed the issues this little boy was going to develop.

Smalls is an extremely allergenic dog.

He is deathly allergic to bees (stung twice), 

extremely sensitive to steroids (close liver failure), 

and has been tested positive to another 20 things he is allergic to.

(Certain trees and weeds, cats, black ants, etc.)

Smalls actually goes to a dog dermatology clinic for all

of his treatments and check-ups.

If you haven't been exposed to something like this with your pet,

 you don't even realize that these problems exist, 

I know I didn't.

It is extremely sad to see how miserable some of these

animals can get - from bald spots due to itching, to red eyes and toes.

Smalls has two bald spots on either side of his back,

he gets sweaty armpits (no joke), 

and if an infection develops (which they often do) 

he will get little red spots all over his belly.

Every other day he takes 2 to 4 different pills to help with

his itching and to prevent infections.

We have even done allergenic shots in hopes of him building

up a tolerance to what he is allergic to.

I know that this gets costly at times, and frustrating,

 but I do all I can because I love him so much!

I just learned this weekend that some people put their pets down

due to this condition

and even though I can understand why...

 I would never consider doing this to my little guy!

If you want to become a pet owner the only thing I ask you

to consider is are you willing take care of any medical needs they may have?

Being a pet owner is so rewarding in so many ways, and saving 

their lives is one of them. They know when you have, trust me.

Smalls looks at me with the most loving eyes and even takes care of me at times.

(If I am crying he comes running and cleans them up)

Because of Smalls I have a bigger heart than I did before,

and value life so much more ♥

Do any of you have pets that have changed your life?