Tzu
Li is a male Shih Tzu. He is fifteen years old now. Tzu LI used to
be my mother's dog. Unfortunately my mother died when Tzu Li was only
two years old. We (my husband and I) then decided to take care of Tzu
LI. Tzu Li was hard to resist because he was such a lovely doggy, almost
selling himself to us. We had doubts because we both had jobs and Tzu Li
was used to having someone around whole day. But because I was working
part-time, meaning five hours a day, we gave it a try. If Tzu-LI was going
to have trouble to be alone for a few hours a day we had to find another
home for him after all. But Tzu-LI felt at home soon and it was the best
thing we ever did!
I was having a real hard time those days because my mother had died so
suddenly. Tzu Li helped me to go on with my life by giving me his love
and attention, forcing me to take him for long walks outside and keeping
me busy with grooming. By the way: those long walks meant that Tzu
Li didn't miss me when I was at work. He used these hours to take a nap
and prepare for the next walk!
Tzu Li and I became real close friends. Till today: Where I go Tzu Li
goes. When I come home from work, he is always waiting for me. Even when
my husband, who also takes good care of him is already there he doesn't
eat till the moment I step inside. All those years, each day we went for
a long walk in the woods. So he was in great shape for such a little dog.
Unfortunately Tzu Li's sight slowly went backwards for the last few
years because of cataract. He slowly became deaf too, and in spite of
all the exercise he has a small heart problem. But he was still active
and asking for a walk in the woods every day. He only slept a little
more tan before.
About six weeks ago he must have had a brain stroke. We noticed he acted
a little strange for some days and he was a little sick. After this it
became clear that he had become completely blind and also very, very
deaf. Even in the house he has trouble to find his way. Sometimes he is
a little confused. His heart is also in a bad condition now. I have to
guide him everywhere we go but he still has his happy moments. He still
enjoys (a very short) walk in the woods. The rest of the day he sleeps
and sleeps. And the amazing thing, according the vet is that he still
has such a nice and shiny coat.
The idea that we will loose him in perhaps a few months makes me very
sad. No other dog will be able to replace him, he is so very, very special.
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