Tribute to Taquito

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Most of you know I have my mini dood, Peri, but her big brother is a 6.5# chihuahua Taquito!  The love of my life LOL.  These stories of other dogs, mainly non-doods, made me want to give you T's background...you may find it intersting:

 

After I graduated from college in 2004 and returned home to Nashville from Dallas, I moved into an apartment and decided I wanted a dog.  My little sister had adopted a chihuahua that I just adored, so I was looking into finding one at a shelter.  My mother photographs beautiful mansions for realtors when they are about to go on the market.  She was at a house and was talking to the owner about her 3 8-month old chihuahuas and 2 other dogs.  Mom mentioned "oh my daughter wants a chihuahua" and the lady replied "that is so weird, because we have too many dogs and are looking to give one of them away to the appropriate, loving home - our breeder friends gave us the 3 (all siblings) and our son in NYC is about to be bringing 2 additional dogs home, so we would have SEVEN". 

 

I will spare you the details, but we set up a time for me to meet Pepito, the chocolate chihuahua she had chosen for me.  The day of the meeting came - at her house.  I met Pepito and we just didn't click.  He didn't seem interested in me and I was not in him! 

 

We were sitting in the living room, gazing out their french doors to the backyard.  Then I saw him. Taquito.  Running with a grin with his sister Margarita.  I whispered to mom..."I want him".  Just as I was thinking this, the lady's 15-year old son came downstairs and we started talking.  He said "mom, I just don't see Pepito with Allyson.  Let's see if Taquito and her get along".  The lady was hesitant because she was least close to Pepito (closest to Margarita, but loved T. too).  She got him from the backyard and put him in my arms. Taquito looked straight into my eyes, grinned his signature grin, and licked me in the mouth (yuck!).  I looked at the lady, she looked at me and said "Taquito needs to be with you. He deserves to have you." 

 

As they say, the rest is history.  He came home October 30, 2004.  In summer 2007, he almost died from tainted chicken tendons from Costco (recalled).  He dwindled down to 4.5 pounds.  I lost 15 pounds and cried daily for 2 months.  Then boyfriend (DH now) came to visit from law school and cried when he saw how poor T. looked.  I would sit on the floor and eat his dogfood, mixed with anything I could think of, to try to get him to eat.  I paid thousands to keep him alive and somehow, he survived. 

 

In September 2009, he was diagnosed with early kidney disease after a routine blood test prior to getting his teeth cleaned. This is a result of those recalls. He was better for a year after I adjusted his diet.  Last checkup was not so good.  I have eliminated all treats except carrots, apples, pears and the occasional animal cracker (vet okayed!) and take him back May 4th for new bloodwork.  Keep your fingers crossed the levels improve or it will be daily medication and homecooking for the rest of his life (I pray that is 18 years, like many chis live!).

 

In closing, Taquito is my first dog that is all mine.  I always grew up with dogs (longest span without was 6 months), but he's my little man.

 

At our rehearsal dinner in 2008, my best girlfriends from college gave a speech that ended with "Conor, remember, Taquito is Ally's first love" and actually SANG the song everyone who knows me knows.  This is what I sing to T:

 

Taquito, Burrito

I love you, love you, love you

The sun and the sky

I love you, love you, love you

Oh Burrito.....

How I love you

(set to my own tune of course).

 

Here's to you Taquito!  I will never not have a dog because of the love you have given to me. 

 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Allyson, thanks for sharing Taquito's "story".  I feel like I've really gotten to know your Tacky through DK.  I love this guy!  Here's hoping things are good for him in May.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

What a tiny little bundle of love and joy you have been blessed with!! I hope the next set of tests bring you good news!!

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Fingers (and paws) crossed for a good check-up in May.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Tacky, you're a lucky boy, and we are all grateful to you for training your mom to be the wonderful friend and dog owner she is today! May you live a long and healthy life, little man!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Taquito is a very special dog and you are lucky to have him. But then, he is lucky to have you too.

[Smita, Ollie and Juno]

Such a sweet story about a sweet litttle dog. Long live Taquito!

[Camilla and Darwin]

Oh Taquito, you are such an adorable and spunky guy. You sound like the perfect match for your mama. :-)

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

Taquito I thought something happened to you little guy!  So relieved you are all right and being a good big Bro to Peri!! 

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

great story - lucky Taquito to have found you and survived the tainted food.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Oh my, more tears-what a great story! You belonged together from the start-awesome! I really do hope all comes back ok in May we'll be thinking and praying for you.