A Tribute to Skittles

Skits, posing pretty after grooming.

This is a sad post for me.  My 12 year old Yorkie, Skittles, passed away yesterday.  I took her to the groomer three weeks ago.  I remember when I was dropping her off that one of the dogs was coughing.  About a week or so ago, Skits started coughing a bit, so I thought she caught something at the groomer's.  But, she seemed to be OK and actually seemed to be getting better (eating and drinking), so I was just watching her.  Then yesterday morning, she had what looked to be a huge seizure and became unresponsive.  We wrapped her in a big towel and ran out of the house.  She died on the way to the vet's office in my son's arms.  The vet said he thought she had a heart attack and had a weak heart, which is strange to me.

Skits enduring my son dressing her up, November 2010.

Two years ago when I brought Jordan home from the Animal Welfare League, I discovered she had Kennel Cough the day after I brought her home (that's when she started coughing).  She gave it to Skittles.  It hit Skits very hard and I took her to the vet probably 4 times in a 3-week period.  She wasn't eating and I thought it was going to kill her.  But, the vet told me that Skittles had a strong heart and was in great shape and that he thought she would pull through, which she did.

"Scruffy" is what we called her when she needed to be groomed.

Maybe the Kennel Cough weakened her heart or maybe her age just caught up with her.  I have no clue, but I can say I wasn't ready for her to go, not like this.  She had a wonderful life with our family.  She was an excellent dog with a lot of spunk and personality.  We will miss her deeply.

And this is how Skits looked ... inquisitive, ready to do anything.

Skits, knocked out in the "big" dog bed.  She looked like a little toy in it.

Skits on Christmas Day 2009, sitting by my Mom.

Skits, peeking out from behind my son's Snuggie, Christmas Day 2009.

 

Skits sitting with Jordan in the chair.

Skits never really liked Kobe, even though we got Kobe when she was 11 weeks old and was about the same size as Skittles.  Skits would bark at Kobe so hard and so fast, she would end up sneezing at Kobe.  They didn't fight, but it was a unique and interesting relationship.  We got Jordan when she was 10 months old and 50 pounds.  You'd think Skittles would hate her too, but she didn't.  Skits actually liked Jordan.

Skits' last picture, September 4, 2011.

We love you, Skits Bits.