My parents got Penny (a Boston Terrier) from a breeder at 8 weeks old. He was the cutest little ball of black and white and would fit in the palm of my hand. (And I have small hands) He was so little and at his heaviest during his life he weighed 18 lbs. Penny went blind at age 2 and my parents talked and debated and tore themselves up trying to decide whether to have surgery done on his eyes. The cost was going to be over $1000.00 and the vet couldn't guarantee that it would last so they decided not to have it done. Let me tell you, Mr. Penny just adapted right to not being able to see. He knew every nook and cranny of his house and his back yard. He never hesitated, but my mom didn't dare move the furniture without guiding him around it a few times until he knew where the new piece had been placed!
Penny became more my dad's dog, but when my dad went into a nursing home 3 years ago my mom didn't hesitate to continue caring for Penny. You see, my mom is not a dog person. Some people are and some people aren't. She had 2 very bad experiences as a child that stayed with her. But I know she loved Penny, I could hear it in her voice and her choking back tears tonight when she called me. Her house will seem very empty now without Penny there, my dad passed away last November also and that was still one connection she had to him.
I'm sure not many of you know, but Sadie and I lived with my mom for several months while I was going through a very rough time in my life. I became extremely close to Penny all over again, instead of just "visiting" time. And Penny always knew when I was in the room, we had a special bond. He knew my scent and would zero right in on me even if I didn't say a word. But boy if I spoke he practically did flips in the air, even in his old age!! I loved to walk into their living room and not say a word and wait to see how long it took him to know I was there. It never took him long even if he was in another room.
Oh, Penny Pooter, my heart is heavy tonight but I know you are in such a good place. I'm sure you have perfect eyesight now and you're up there running with your old buddy and my other boy Boomer. Know that you were very loved Mr. Penny and I will miss you.
In memory of Penny - The most recent pictures I have, taken at the end of 2009.
Penny snuck into my room and got one of Sadie's bones, he knew better but that nose was good! (Yup, thats a pile of dirty laundry there.)

Penny and Sadie begging for popcorn. (Penny never got table food so this was a REAL treat!)

Penny and Sadie, Penny got his piece of popcorn, is trying to chew it - lol - and Sadie immediately "sat" pretty.

The last one is Penny and Sadie side by side, for 2 different breeds they had such similar markings. You can see Penny's blind eyes in this one too.

I love you Penny Pooter and I will miss you my little man.
