Squirt and her canine mother were rescued by the Perkins about twelve and a half years ago in Kentucky. They were found and brought home by Linda's husband after being abandoned and nearly starved. Squirt was only about one month old at that time.
Squirt is Linda's first house dog so she is very special. Linda's human children are all grown and Squirt has filled the void very nicely and willingly. Besides her husband, Squirt is the first thing that Linda sees every morning. Squirt spends the whole day with her human mother and of course sleeps in the same bed as the Perkins. Little Squirt has also been on several camping trips, lots of drives in the country, and gets to do just about everything the Perkins do. She has helped her human mom through several serious illnesses, including cancer, and now she has cancer.
Squirt's best characteristic is her absolute love for all people. She will make friends with anyone and will walk up to strangers for a pat on the head. She seems to understand everything the Perkins say to her and can distinguish between different family members by name. She has a great ability to make Linda feel so guilty with her sad eyes, also known as the "Eyre look", if left behind at home by herself. It takes a lot for Linda to admit it but her day revolves around Squirt a whole lot of times.
Squirt
was diagnosed last September in Kentucky with a sinus and nasal cancer. Rather
than do something radical as radiation, since she is over 12 years old, the
Perkins elected to monitor her status monthly with veterinary care and
symptomatic therapies. Linda calls us as needed and brings Squirt in at least
once a month to allow Dr. Sukhija to re-evaluate her condition and continue her
ongoing supportive treatments including antibiotics, cortisones, inhalers, nasal
drops, and ophthalmic anti-inflammatory. Linda has done an incredible job taking
care of little Squirt. Our staff and the Perkins have worked together to set a
goal to keep Squirt painless, happy, and as healthy as possible considering her
cancer.
So, beyond getting several medications, Squirt spends her days chasing squirrels and lizards, going to the Ormond Pier to chase pigeons, and get lots of pats on the head. She naps with "mom" in the chaise on the porch, and gets little food treats like hamburgers and ice cream! Linda said, "Squirt has won my heart and changed my life forever. She has given me so much love and insight over the years. I can't imagine what life will be without her. Everyone should be so blessed. I cherish each day I still have her". Linda and Squirt are another great example of the human-animal bond. This is as close to 50/50 a relationship can get. We at Atlantic Animal Hospital are privileged to have Squirt as Companion Animal of the Month for June 2006, and would like to express true appreciation for the care that the Perkins, especially Linda, provides for this little canine.