THIS IS DAHLIA…a 10 yr old, 13 lb, tri colored, Shih Tzu, whose life was one of producing puppies — litter after litter.  When her family saw a mammary tumor, they had it removed once — but when it came back, it was “off with her head.”  They dumped her.  Their loss, our gain.  The tumor was benign, she was spayed and no more puppies!  This little lady was even reluctant to walk on a leash…but day by day, she’s gaining more confidence and now she is doing great.  Maybe part of that is because she has dry eye (she will need drops for the rest of her life) but she still can see — even though it might be a bit compromised.  Dahlia is a special girl…she just wants to make you happy!  She does her business immediately after you take her outside.  She is better walking on the grass than on asphalt, but she is learning that the outside world is safe.  She has learned how to walk on a leash and up and down stairs now!!  Our vet was amazed at how patient she was when he was cleaning her teeth!  She is a good eater and she loves to roll on the bed/couch to express her glee!  One thing we have recently heard she does bark when there is outside stimulus and she doesn’t like being left alone and she will bark, so she would not be good in an apartment or condo.  Dahlia is a wonderful girl, despite her age, and we believe she has many years of love ahead of her.  She’s waiting!!!