Permit me to introduce "Inky" ... a Mexican Chihuahua and the newest member of our family.

She lived across the street from us in Yuma with her Dad (owner) and Sister (Chihuahua) ... her Mom (owner) had passed away a few years earlier. About 10 days prior to our departure for Canada her Dad was discovered on the floor, unconscious; he had been there for 3 days or so. The paramedics took him to the hospital where he lay in a coma and passed away 5 days later.

When the paramedics entered his residence, two Chihuahua dogs bolted out the door ... the smaller of the two had cataracts and was extremely frightened by the noise of things she couldn't see ... she trembled like a leaf. The larger dog appeared to welcome her new found freedom and ran from person to person. I surmise neither had eaten or drank anything during the time their owner was incapacitated. Both dogs were eventually captured and given to Butch & Cherie, friends who live close by and work for the park ... they also reside in Yuma year-round.

While all this was happening Canadian friends dropped in to visit and upon hearing what all the excitement was about the four of us went over to Butch & Cherie's residence to inquire what would happen to the dogs. We learned they would be turned over to the Humane Society who would offer the dogs for adoption ... however if unsuccessful ... they'd be put down.

That didn't sit well with any us and it was obvious the smaller dog's "adoption" future looked bleak so ... seeing my wife's eyes start to mist and feeling my gut start to wrench ... we decided to adopt smaller of the two and our friends adopted the other.

Later, both dogs were taken to the Vet for general check-ups, rabies shots, etc and it was then we
learned Inky had other problems ... she was old ... 10-12 in dog years (but what the hell, I'm old too)... she had cataracts and couldn't see properly (I can't see properly either and wear glasses) ... she had heart problems (I also have heart problems and take Lipitor) ... she has lost all but one tooth (I'm losing my hair) ... she has coughing fits from time-to-time due water on her lungs (I cough each morning to clear my lungs) so ... all-in-all we are a match ... couldn't have done better on FaceBook ... we committed to make this dog's last years ... happy years.

Later, after discussing "there's no dog by the name of Pinky (her original name) coming to live at our house", my wife and I compromise ... she's black in color so we'll call her Inky ... this is close enough to her original name and she responds to it. An additional bonus is the fact Ms. Abbi (our Pomeranian) and Inky (aka "the Inkster") get along well.

Once back in Victoria, B.C. Inky is taken to the Vet for more tests (ultrasound, x-rays, etc) whereupon we learn she has an enlarged heart which from time-to-time presses against her trachea and causes her to cough. She is now on medication to decrease her coughing spells. The Vet was quite candid about the long term prognosis however until that time comes her new Mom & Dad will ensure she has a quality of life.

As you can see in the photo, Inky has a long tongue which since she has only one tooth causes it to hang out the side of her mouth. : )

There you have it .. a Mexican Chihuahua .. rescued from the USA and who now has Canadian citizenship. : )