Some times Love hurts.

If you know me, even if only slightly, you know or should, that I love nothing more in this world than Santiago. He truly is my angel on Earth and has gotten me through MUCH in the short 16 months he’s been in my life; a heart breaking break-up, a couple of nasty illnesses. Given me infinite unconditional love. Cuddles in tight to me when he knows I’m sad, or lonely. Causes me to smile with nothing more than a look. And never asks for ANYTHING in return save food and water and unlimited time to play fetch… the later something I try desperately to fulfill.

Well I took the wee monster to the vet on Saturday for his check-up and I was simply devastated. I have to take him back on Thursday to have all (12) his front incisors extracted. It’s a common enough issue with Chihuahuas. Small mouths make for a lot of dental issues. The thing is he had his teeth checked and cleaned a year ago and they were spotless and in tip top shape! 2 Weeks ago I took a look was totally grossed out. I immediately ran out, got him a little tiny doggie tooth brush and beef flavoured toothpaste but alas it was well too late.

The Vet said his molars are in great shape, if only a little tartared. The Canines “look good” but she’s a little worried one might have some damage below the gum-line. The front incisors are all wiggly and rotting. She also said that it’s not my fault and virtually impossible to have avoided, but that don’t make Papi feel any better. It’s certain that had I taken him earlier it’s possible the extractions might not have all been needed but we’re talking probably 4+ months ago and even she said it’s highly unlikely that I'd have felt the need to check… but still I blame myself.

She said I shouldn’t worry, they these teeth really are not used in domesticated dogs, especially house pets as small as he. But again I still feel guilty. i just do.

THEN she said, “And he’ll feel so much better after his gums heal. He won’t be in any more pain and discomfort.” PAIN AND DISCOMFORT?!?! This dog must have some amazing pain tolerance because he will play fetch for hours. And I mean HOURS! The record is over 6.5 hours; non-stop; and it was the humans who gave in and called it quits, not him. And he’ll play tug a war too. Not a lot, as it’s never really been his "thing” but even the morning of the appointment he did play tug a war a little but…

The vet said after he heals he’ll probably want to play even more because his little mouth won’t hurt. MORE?! Are you mad woman?

So I take the little booger in Thursday morning on my way to work and pick him up on my way home. And all I can say is thank god my Bonus came in last week ‘cause it’s all but been eaten up by the Check-Up and the Dental Appointment. Don’t get me wrong, I’d sell a kidney to cover any bill for him, but so had my heart set on an HD PVR… alas that is gonna have to wait, cause my little guy needs his Papi and Papi will do what it takes. My happiness comes after his.

I am not looking forward to Thursday. Le sigh.



So, sorry Pinky, Sorry Mom and Dad, Sorry Nan, Sorry Friends… I love you all to the very end of my days, but Santiago is at the front of the receiving line because simply put he is my Sun, my Moon and my Stars. He is the very center and very ends of my universe.