When my Cadbury a golden retriever mix got sick he would not pee in the house so I carried him in and out of the house so he could make. He finally got better after 2 weeks, he was playing with his bone and running around like a puppy. The next day he had a massive heart attack and died suddenly. I was devastated, depressed and so was my Samoyed mix Snowflake. The house had a very empty feel to it and no longer felt like home. I had a herniated back and neck from carrying him and felt horrible both mentally and physically. I was going to the doctor and hospital a lot for my back and neck and my husband said no more big dogs. I said don't worry I do not want any more dogs. My sister-in-law came to cheer me and help me out. As my back felt better I felt so sad for Snowflake. She just would lay on the couch on her blanket, alone. I would just sit next to her and cry. I went to Petco to buy some treats for her because she was not eating very well. My sister in law said that my husband was planning on buying me a yorkie for my birthday and I told her I wish he wouldn't. I remember turning the isle and seeing a dog on the cover of a book called the new owners guide to Maltese and I thought it was the most beautiful dog I had ever seen. I picked up the book and thumbed through it. My sister in law said forget it they are very expensive, I put the book in the cart next to the bones and bought it. I didn't read it. I just loved the picture on the cover. Snowflake was losing weight, did not want to eat the cookies and cried every night, I cried too.My husband said he had a big surprise for my birthday and I said if it is an animal forget it. Finally I thought it would be nice for Snowflake and I said if you really want to buy an animal get a Maltese. I remember holding a little girl pup and thinking she was cute. But I felt so numb, visions of Cadbury filling my mind and just numb. I looked to my left and could see a very sick dog looked older and limp, I felt so sorry for him. I thought he needed us more then the healthy baby and took him, my Flurry. He couldn't play he wouldn't eat and as much as I tried to be unattached, I had to care and nurture him, I got him to eat baby food from my hand, I ran him back and forth to the vet and I fell so in love with him. Snowflake mothered him too. The kennel cough went into ear infections and relapsed and I kept feeding him and loving him. He finally got better and I took him for his shots and license. I took him everywhere I went. Snowflake was in a second puppyhood and our house became a home again. They way he hoped around the house with joy brought back my smile, he soothed our hearts with his happy disposition. Snowflake has put the weight back on and is livelier than ever at just 16, we just had he birthday party last week. Flurry was wearing Snowflake out so I decided I still would like another little girl so along came Sassy. Flurry plays with Snowflake and Sassy, when Snowflake naps Flurry still plays with Sassy and sometimes they all curl up and take a nap together, or run around the yard like 3 puppies. It is so cute. Snowflake mothers Flurry and Sassy all the time. I am glad my husband wanted a dog, and I am glad I went to Petco that day or I might not have ever experienced the joy of a Maltese.