Minnie the Shih Tzu by Val

Minnie is one of my Shih Tzu's. I laid eyes on her when she was just three weeks old and held her then too. My neighbor Pat brought her and one of her other pups for me to see. I fell in love instantly. I never owned a real little dog and I told her yes I would love her when she was ready to go. Did you know they change color as they grow up? I didn't either but it was great because she turned from a tri -color to just really two colors. She is mainly white with some yellow spots. I named her Minnie. She was a speedy little gal that loved to think she was part bullet. She would run little sprints around my fenced in yard. I laughed my head off everytime because it really is a sight to see. She is already two and I decided to get another one.This one is also a girl and she is special to me because we have the same birthday in February. The same day is amazing to me! I was nicknamed Sissy as a girl because my brother could not say Valerie for some reason. Anyways, I decided since she was alot like me she should have my name somewhat. I changed the spelling and spell her name Cissy. The two little girls are my pride and joy! They take some time to potty train but I think all little breeds do. I am lucky because I come home for lunch everyday. I am able to take them out then. I also have to groom them. Minnie does best when she is sleepy in the evening. I then can cut her hair and brush her better then. Cissy doesn't mind when I do it. I am not an expert at trimming dog's hair but I don't want to spend thirty dollars on something I feel I can do better. Minnie doesn't like the wind from the hairdryer on her face. She also doesn't care for baths. I don't want her traumatized by someone who would just scare her. I guess she is spoiled that way so is Cissy. I have bathed four baby boys so two little dogs are a piece of cake compared to a slippery baby! I got them a little child's pool. In the summer they love a freshly filled pool. They will lap around the pool dunking their heads and splashing around and around. Have you ever seen a Shih Tzu wet? They are ugly wet but that's what makes it hilarious! Then when they are wet they will run out and race each other. Cissy is a little yapper when she races after Minnie. They are basically a quieter breed of dog. Minnie rarely barked when she was little. Cissy is more vocal. She is also more bossy. Minnie gives in to her sometimes to let her little sister (as I call her) have her way. They also share the house with Zeke the German Shepard. He is a loving comical dog. We had two Golden Retrievers who both got cancer. They died before they were real old. I got Zeke to help the other golden feel less lonely. Zeke didn't need any training. I am not joking. He learned everything from Savanna. He was lost when she died but he claimed her spot where she used to lay only a few days later. We then knew he would be okay. He loves to play fetch. He also has a squeaky hamburger toy. We can put him in the enclosed porch and go hide his hamburger anywhere in the yard. Zeke will use his nose and prance around for awhile. He will then find it. He could very well be a police dog. My son's love him very much though so no way would he go. He loves my older son who graduates this year from high school the most. He sheds more than either one of the Golden's did so he is some work brushing too. He loves to get the very back of his back scratched. He will do a flat stretch of his back almost to the ground when you scratch there. He is very good natured but does not like the dark yard at night. When I take him out at night he will always run around the perimeter of our yard and do a bark or two. He wants everyone to know he is fierce and a protector at night. I grew up with pets all my life. I want to always have a pet or two. They say that the owner is somewhat like their breed. I think I found my breed. My husband is definitely like the Golden. He is very friendly and likable to all. I am shy but once you get to know me I am a great friend.