Four months after my Dad died we had to put down my parents 12-year-old dog,  Zorra. It was a very difficult time for my Mom as the loss of my Dad was still so fresh and now Zorra was gone as well.

For many months after Zorra’s passing Mom inquired about getting a new dog. She asked during every phone call when we were going to get her a dog. This became a topic of much debate among my siblings, as some believed she still had the ability to care for a dog and others, not so much. In the end the winning argument was a rescued pound dog could do worse in a life than living with Mother and so my sister took her down to the shelter where they adopted a dog named Timmy.

Timmy was a one year old Chihuahua mix found running the streets of Carson City. The workers at the animal control facility, knowing Moms condition, thought he would be a perfect match. My sister agreed and Timmy came home to be Moms new companion.

Mom warmed up to Timmy quickly and soon they were taking four to five walks a day.  Timmy instantly bonded with Mother, and as each others sole companions he never leaves her side. So yesterday it should not have been a surprise that he became my Hero.

Mom had just finished a shower and was out in the backyard brushing and drying her hair in the sun. I was busy in the kitchen when I heard Moms voice calling out. I assumed she was throwing the ball for my dogs, to whom she gives a loud congratulations every time they bring back the ball.

Suddenly Timmy came running and barking into the kitchen. He looked at me and barked, ran out only to come back in barking again and repeated the pattern. Timmy never leaves Moms side so I quickly followed him as he ran into the backyard.  He rushed up to Mom barking and whining and I saw that she was sitting on the cement next to the wood deck. It was clear she had  fallen.

Unfortunately her foot was injured,  so we were off to the emergency room where an x-ray confirmed fractures in two metatarsals of her left foot. It will be a series of doctors appointments from here to decide the best course of action for healing.

I think back to all the debate on whether a dog would be too big a responsibility for her, or if he would receive the proper care. All water under the bridge as I couldn’t be more grateful for his love and devotion to Mother. Lassie herself could not have done a better job!