Last year I was looking for a small dog to adopt. My last dog was too big for my new mobile home park and he bit someone at my office, feeling he was protecting me. But the insurance company made me get rid of him. Through the magic of Facebook, I posted my dilemma and a new and loving home was found. We are both so lucky, he is in a forever home where he is loved and cared for deeply.

I was cruising Citrus Critters web site looking for the perfect dog and there she was. My little Mimi (formerly Minnie). I went to see her immediately. She was a little shy but very sweet. She was underweight and had a limp on her back left leg. But I didn't care, she was the one, there was no doubt in my mind. I was in love. We took her out to interact with a little. We walked around, got a acquainted and before long Mimi jumped up on the gazebo bench, laid next to me and put her head on my thigh. Sold!

When I took her to be spayed I asked her vet, Dr. Toby of Floral City Veterinary Hospital, to check her leg and see why she limps. When I went to pick her up (she came through surgery like a champ) I got a surprise. Mimi was suffering from a dislocated hip, broken leg and had 4 extra teeth. The extra teeth, all four canine baby teeth, were removed, but the hip and leg would have to be taken care of through surgery. An expensive surgery I couldn't begin to afford. I wasn't sure what to do, but I stopped at CCAS to see. I spoke with manager, Pattie Amon. I explained the situation to her and was thrilled to find out they may be able to help me with the surgery. Pattie explained to me that CCAS was thrilled that I wanted to keep Mimi and help her get healthy again. I couldn't imagine anything else.

In the two weeks since Mimi came to live with us I was deeply in love with her and wanted her healthy more than anything. Within a week I received a call from Pattie saying CCAS was going to pay for her surgery! I cried tears of joy and thanked her so much. Surgery day came and Mimi came through like a champ (although she is quite the little drama queen). Dr.s Toby and Bennett did wonders for her. It was worse than they thought and they literally built her a new leg bone and fitted it to her hip joint. Now, months later, Mimi is no longer underweight. She looks forward to every meal and treat with great fervor. And she runs like the wind. No more limp at all. She went from a thin, limping, unhappy little girl to a happy, healthy companion who never ceases to make me smile.

She is the joy of my life. I am lucky enough to be able to take her to work with me every day and she knows my moods better than most people do. I cannot thank Citrus County Animal Services enough for the joy this little girl has already brought to my life and will continue to for years to come.

With Kindest Regards,
Karla J Rubin and Mimi