Hi I'm Trooper
by Canadian Chihuahua Rescue & Transport"

Hello, I'm Trooper - and I am a real trooper. I am only about 7 years old, but I have a lot of obstacles to overcome. I was found wandering in a ravine, and at first the lady who found me thought I was a squirrel. But she soon saw that I wasn't, and with a lot of patience, encouraged me to come over to her. She took me to animal services, where I hung out for a while hoping that my owner would come for me. When they didn't, I got to come to live in a foster home instead.

I need lots of TLC, love and medical care. Not only do I have vision problems (I can't see very good at all and bump into things all the time) I have spinal arthritis, which gives me a little hunched back, and both of my back legs have bilateral luxating patellae, making it hard for me to get around. You would think that all this would make me grumpy, but I'm not! I love being held and snuggled. Sometimes growl a little bit at strangers, but it's just to warn them to take it easy with me since I'm fragile.

My foster mom says I'm going to be staying with her for a very long time. She helped to make my skin better, so that my fur grew back where it all fell out. She says that it's because I wasn't very well taken care of before, and that I am a very handsome boy now.

I was sick too, with a respiratory infection that made it hard for me to breathe, and made me cough. I took lots of medicine and now I'm feeling much better. I also have to take medicine for my heart, which makes a funny sound when it beats, and needs a little help.

I won't mind staying in my foster home for a long time - I get lots of snuggles here, and there are other dogs to keep me company. I can eat lots of food to get fattened up (I eat almost as much as my foster brother and he's a golden retriever!), and my foster mom even has a heated bed for me so I don't get cold in the middle of the night. What more could a guy want?

They don't know if I will ever be well enough to have a forever home, but they are trying their best to get me healthy and stable. I know the CCRT would really appreciate any help that you can give us to help me get all the expensive medical care I need. Can you help me get well again?

Love Trooper

Update: April 2005

I had a big operation and now I have two new knees! I am learning how to walk on them now. I used to fall 3 or 4 times, just to go potty, but now I can go without falling over at all! My foster mom is so proud of me! I am also learning how to play and how to walk to the door to greet people. My foster mom days she doesn't know how I can stand up with my tail wagging so much!

I still have to take lots of medicine, but I am feeling so much better! I am very happy in my foster home and will get to stay here for a while longer while I get used to my new knees, and get stronger and healthier.

Love Trooper