Monday, March 13, 2006.

Ernie, our little Chihuahua, died this morning.

When DAWG took in Ernie, we knew he had heartworms, a common but treatable condition many shelter dogs have. We didn't know how severe the infestation was, nor that Ernie also had a grade four heart murmur. When Ernie was examined by our regular veterinarian, he recommended that a cardiologist see Ernie to prescribe a heartworm treatment plan. The risk was great, but the initial part of treatment went very well. However, Ernie started to have difficulty breathing after the second phase of treatment, probably because heartworms had lodged in his lungs. He was hospitalized, then given on-and-off oxygen support for several weeks. Eventually, Ernie could breathe on his own, and we thought the crisis was over. Unfortunately, we celebrated too soon. Ernie's breathing became labored again. Round the clock oxygen was given to help him breathe, but this time Ernie didn't make it.

If you had met Ernie, you would immediately sensed his fragility. However, , we think Ernie thought of himself as Mr. Tough Guy. Ernie's "attitude" certainly came in handy as he went through endless days of regular and emergency veterinarian care. But Ernie could not overcome the consequences of his neglected past. Ernie never got the chance to enjoy a full life, but the life he had with his foster mom was the best.

Good-bye for now, Ernie. You showed us big things do indeed come in small packages.