Pup Snowy back in old neighborhood

It was over 14 years ago that we found our solid white pound puppy, dubbed Snowy by our 3-year-old before we even got to the counter of the SPCA. While standing there, I glanced down at her chart. The address of the party who gave her away was a house in our neighborhood only two blocks away. We had traveled some 20 miles roundtrip to get our dog that had been living a short walk from us for the past four months! It listed her former name as Penny.

Snowy now keeps me and my husband company with the same silly games that amused our girls all these years. She doesn't play fetch. She thinks the game is keep-away. She taunts us as she puts down a toy, then quickly takes it into her mouth and runs as we approach her to retrieve it.

She loves the cool feel of the glass back door. She'll hold her mouth wide open against the glass for long periods of time, her tongue lolling against the smooth surface.

Every summer, we trim her triple-thick coat all the way down. The other day, one of the neighborhood kids who has come to know Snowy from our daily walks said to me, "When she gets shaved, she looks like a different dog. You ought to name her something different for the summer."

I asked, "What name would you suggest?"

He thought for a moment before inspiration hit, "How about Penny?"

True story.

Sharon Robles

Mount Pleasant

CiCi

CiCi came into our lives during the summer of 2001.

I had recently divorced, and my son and I were adjusting to a new life. Justin was almost 9 years old and he was always asking for a puppy. I said it would be too much work. And besides, I was more fond of cats than I was of dogs. I knew nothing about them and really didn't feel that I was missing anything.

We went to visit my brother in Florida and were introduced to some people who bred long-haired Chihuahuas. Justin was the first to spot this little 3-pound beauty. His coat, which had not grown in completely, was a bit on the wild-looking side. He had a little pink nose and these big beautiful brown eyes. We fell in love instantly, but I still could not see myself owning a dog. However, when Justin's uncle saw the look on his face as he begged me to get this little creature, he cornered the breeder and paid her. I wasn't aware of it until he told me that we needed to give the puppy a name because he was ours!

Once we were home, CiCi quickly settled in to his new surroundings. As he grew, his coat became a very pretty shade of brown with a lot of blond on his fluffy tail. And although he is only 12 pounds, his big personality makes up for his tiny stature. He constantly reminds us not to be fooled by his size!

Although CiCi is a typical lapdog, he is not very fond of strangers. His breed tends to be overly protective of its "pack leaders," so his sweet, wet kisses and his constant companionship are shared only with Justin and me. When we come through the door, he howls over and over again and tries to tell us how much he missed us. If I am sick, he never leaves my side. If I cry, he licks my tears and lays in my lap. When there is a storm, he stays with Justin until it's over as if to protect him.

CiCi joined our family when we really needed a distraction, and our lives now could never be the same without him. He is a constant source of joy and happiness. He makes us laugh and he made our family whole again. I am forever grateful to my brother, Chuck.

Gina M. Plourde

Summerville

Got a pet? Tell us about it. We want to tell your stories and run your pictures of Rover, Boots and even Ziggy on our Pet Plus page. If it's furry, feathered or slithery, and you love it, tell us why in 250 words or less. If it's a hero, tell us. If it's a 'character,' share the antics. Send pictures (in .jpg format via e-mail) or a hard copy by snail mail that you don't need returned). We'll publish the most interesting, the cutest and the weirdest, but please no poetry and no letters from your dog or cat! Submit by e-mail to pets@postandcourier.com or mail to Pets, The Post and Courier, 134 Columbus St., Charleston S.C. 29403-4800. Always include your name, address and a daytime phone number.

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