Tia of Michigan

 

Tony and Amy S. knew the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was the right breed for them after getting to know Amy's mother's Pembroke. "She showed us just how awesome the breed can be" writes Tony. "We fell in love with her many quirks and personality."

"We contacted her breeder in late 2001 and learned a litter was on the way. When we met the puppies early the following year, a very anxious but happy male greeted us first. Adorable as he was, we knew we wanted a female dog. Although the pups were playful, none of them quite fit the bill for us."

"The breeder had us wait while she fetched the runt, the last female in the litter. Though she had decided to keep the pup for herself, when we met Tia something just clicked and felt right. We played and held her. We flipped her over and cuddled with her on her back and she remained perfectly calm. When Tia passed our tests with flying colors, we knew she was the right puppy."

 

"Soon Tia was displaying all the adorable characteristics. In no time, she became our little pampered princess. We were extremely pleased with how quickly she learned and how easy she was to train. Then again how could you not spoil a puppy this cute!"

"Of course living in northern Michigan means lots and lots of snow, so we are fortunate that Tia absolutely loves the snow. She enjoys jumping through it, having it thrown at her, and biting at the snow shovel, treating it with the same fierceness she does the vacuum cleaner."

                                    Wait for it, wait for it ...

So silly!

"One of Tia's many pleasures is camping with us. Since she's our only baby, the fur kid gets equal treatment around the campfire, where she claims her own chair."

Naturally!

Hey Dad, howzabout throwing that stick again?

"After a long hard day of outdoor fun, she'll snooze a bit before coming to bed."

 

"She amazes us with her intellect and curiosity. Tia genuinely seems interested in the world and everything around her. Here she is enjoying the view from our local dunes."

"When we're not enjoying camping, swimming, the beach or other summer activities, off hours we're back at the house with friends. Over a barbeque, Tia enjoys the company of her human companions. She really is a "people person" kind of dog."

"Just like the rest of us, our girl enjoys the holidays -- especially Christmas because it means presents! We taught her early on how to help unwrap presents and she's quite good at it. She learned that gifts under the tree couldn't be opened until we ask for her help. To our great delight, we don't have to worry about her deciding it's time to open them until we request her able assistance."

"She likes to start with the corners and go from there."

"Tia genuinely delights in presents and Christmas and Santa Claus ...

... and mugging for the camera. She is so photogenic."

"We are fortunate enough to be close friends with Tia's aunt, a professional photographer. One Summer we had several studio shots done for a calendar. Our girl loves posing for the camera and will remain calm while being “placed” for her picture."

"As a goof that we took the studio’s mascot goldfish in for a picture with Tia and got this gem just in the nick of time. Tia was more interested in watching the fish than she was in going after it."

"Unfortunately, this year right after Tia’s 11th birthday in January we got confirmation that she has lymphatic (B cell) cancer, Stage V. Although the lymphoma involves her liver, spleen, and bone marrow, a B cell result means she has greatest odds of extending her still active, still healthy life while also placing her in the percentage of dogs with lymphoma that have the highest success/remission rates!"

"We started chemotherapy immediately under a 25 week treatment protocol. During this time Tia will need to undergo weekly treatments, routine checkups, and routine blood work. After her treatment protocol ends she’ll remain on some form of dietary supplement for her immune system and will forever be on a grain-free diet going forward to help her fight her cancer and keep her in remission."

"This was devastating news, but cancer has an alternative plan for her and we’re bound to fight it to give our Tia every chance to live out a happy, healthy life."

 

"My wife and I have put together a donation page at GiveForward for those who are fortunate enough and able to donate to help us pay for her ongoing treatment. At her page we provide more information about her type of cancer and post regular status updates so others can follow her path to wellness." (Editor's note: More Tia photos there, and you can leave a hug and a message for Tia and her family too!)

"Tia is the love of our life and is full of love as well. She means the world to us and we’re determined to do whatever we can to help her stay happy and healthy. We’re very fortunate that her particular type of cancer is responsive to the treatment she’s receiving and she remains a spirited, happy, and healthy acting Corgi. She is certainly unaware of her situation and you would never know her condition by simply looking at her. People often ask “How old is she?”

"We thank you all for your kind thoughts, wishes, and generosity."

Tony, Amy, and Tia