My deaf little sweetheart

Twelve years and 28 days ago my mom took me to get my first dog....Suzy Q. 14 days ago I realized my loyal, protective, endlessly energetic sweetheart is losing her hearing. She is no longer waits for me at the door when I get home because she does not hear the key opening the lock or the door shut behind me. She doesn't hear me call her into the kitchen for some yummy scraps of food, and she is now startled awake when I pet her.

Since this unfortunate discovery my wonderful husband has been incredible with Suzy. He makes sure not to scare her, seeks her out at dinner time to make sure she eats when he feeds the puppy because she doesn't hear the kibble poured in her bowl, and he remains sensitive and gentle with her when she needs to go outside but her stubborn little butt refuses.

Suzy still barks but not at anything outside of the house, just while playing with punchy; while punchy remains mute save for the times his reflection in the back door provokes a battle of chicken.

While Suzy's hearing deteriorates and her bones creak a little more and a few more age spots show up; her neck is still so soft, she still loves tummy rubs, she still chases the vacuum, her crooked little tail still wiggles for chicken scraps; her spirit continues strong and sweet, her energy rarely runs dry and her darling dark eyes always look for me first thing in the morning and last before bed.