My little furry babies...

We have 2 dogs and a cat and they are my babies! I lost a pekingnese named gizmo about a year ago. He was so sick and it broke my heart when he passed away. He was such a good dog! I had gotten him from the Animal Shelter here in Memphis during a weekend visit to my parents. I had been dog sitting for my parents while they went out of town and when I brought him back, I had decided to get a dog of my own. When I saw Gizmo in his cage, he was the first dog to start whimpering at me. I knew I had found the one. I couldn't take him home that day because the owners had 7 days to come and get him before he could be put up for adoption. I don't think they ever knew who the owners were, but no one ever claimed him. I knew he came from somewhere because he had been groomed. I came back the next day with a new leash and kennel hoping he would still be there. He was. I had him for 10 years. His kidneys began to fail and a short stay in the hospital only gave him a few more weeks to live. I cried every time I thought about how sick he was. I didn't want to have to make the decision to put him down. But one day when he wouldn't get up for me I knew it was time. I cried so hard as he left me. I just looked into his eyes and said goodbye as I rubbed his face. He is buried at a lovely pet cemetary several miles away under a marker that I had designed.

I already had another dog Maggie Mae when gizmo passed. She was very happy to be the number one doggie for the time. Then (maybe a month and a half later) a coworker asked me if I was interested in a little chihuahua. He was part of a litter that his dog just had 3 months before. I said I would see him, but I never thought I would get him. He was less than a pound with black hair and tan marking. I held him and fell in love just like that. I named him Martini. I surprised Mr. M who was my boyfriend at the time. I told him I got him a dog but we can keep him at my house. So really I meant I got myself a puppy. Mr. M thought I was crazy. He really had me convinced that I needed to give him up because it was too much of a responsibility. Luckily for me I couldn't find anyone to take him. When Mr. M saw me playing with him he knew I would be sad giving him away. So he gave me his "blessing" to keep him, which sounded like "I know he will make you happy." Well he has been a handful! But now he is a year and a half old and he makes me smile so big when he comes to greet me. He is always so happy to see his mama. He goes everywhere I go in the house. If I could take him to stores and work, I would. I love him that much. He sleeps under the covers with us nestled behind my knees. And now he has his daddy wrapped around his little paw. His daddy loves him so much too!
Well I found out from the coworker that Martini's doggie father was literally pulled apart by some large dogs. I was sick to my stomach. Now when we go outside I want to hold him the whole time. I am so scared that something will happen to him. I can't imagine not having him around. I would miss his kisses!
Do any of ya'll feel that your dogs are your babies? That they are a part of your family in every way?