The Death of a Pet: My Little Buddy, Mr.Peepers

It was my 45th birthday in 2000 and my husband wanted to know what I wanted. I wasn't really sure. A couple of months earlier someone had stolen our two Labs and he thought that maybe I would like to get another dog. It was like scales that I couldn't quite even up.

So, after some thought I decided that I needed a little something to keep me company while my husband was at work. We decided to go to the Millcreek Mall up in Erie to Heartland Pets. It' s a familiar sight whenever you go into any pet store. All the puppies are vying for your attention and you're not sure which one you want.

Then, all of a sudden lo and behold, there he is, the one little fella that tugs at your heartstrings. Unfortunately another couple was also looking at him. In the store they had small rooms for a customer to take their "prospective purchase" into so they could see how playful they were.

Well, needless to say, my heart skipped a beat because this couple appeared to be as interested as I was in this little Yorkshire Terrier. I tried to look around the store for another puppy without much luck I might add.

I watched as much as I could without them noticing. Then, finally, they brought him back out of the room and gave him to the storekeeper. They told her they would have to give it some thought. Well, I don't need to tell you that I didn't have to give it any thought at all!

My husband and I went through the motions of taking him into the little room to play with this precious little guy. That was it; we were hooked. This little puppy barely weighed four pounds. Almost $1000.00 later we were the proud owners of a Yorkie.

I couldn't wait to get him home (especially since he threw up all the way.) Dear God, he was so precious! He was the most adorable thing I had ever seen! No sooner had we gotten in the door I put him down so he could check out his surroundings. At one point I remember turning around to se what he was doing. And, yes, he was making his little tinkle. I recall calling to my husband and saying," Look honey, it works!"