Introducing Our Rescue Dog, Gizmo – Born To Ride!

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Gizmo – The Dog No One Wanted

Note: This article was originally posted in 2013. Since that time, sadly, we’ve lost Barley, Hopps, and Killian and have gained – ta da! – Dash The Basset. Back to the article:

Little Gizmo entered our lives in October 2010 when she locked eyes with me as I was minding my own business having a cocktail at our little dive bar. Little did I know that this charming animal would change our lives. Now, with 5 existing rescue dogs, we have NO interest in yet another dog, but, somehow, Gizmo drew me in. How could I resist this little waif?! We adopted her on the spot and have never rued the decision.

At the time, my elderly Mom was living with me. Mom’s famous words upon first seeing Gizmo were “What is THAT?” Gizmo was in such sad shape that Mom didn’t even recognize her as a dog at first!

Gizmo was having a horrible reaction to flea bites when we adopted her. Annie’s Orphans Rescue had rid her of fleas, but they didn’t have the money nor resources to treat her allergic reaction to the fleas. She was perfectly miserable and her back was raw so off we went to the vet the very next day. And, my wallet was down $400 in no time at all due to cortisone shots. But, the money certainly didn’t matter when I considered how much love I would get in return from this little 6 lb gem of a dog.

Gizmo joined our existing pack of Barley (the basset wannabe), Hopps (the 3-legged wonder), Killian (the problem child Aussie), Rita (the St. Croix rescue), and Matee (the most adorable 14 lb pug ever). Oh, let’s not forget about the confused cat, JB.

Born to ride, wee little Gizmo has her own seat in my convertible and, because she has so much hair in her face, to protect her eyes, she willingly dons her doggles. She gets many admiring stares from all who see her.

Update Feb, 2016: I took Gizmo to the vet last week to check on a cough she has. The vet suggested an Xray which I agreed to. Both the vet and I were dismayed to see that this little teeny dog was carrying around a bullet under her rib – poor little Gizmo had been shot in the past! How any dogcould be the target of this kind of cruelty is mind boggling, but, when you consider that Gizmo tops the scales at 6 lbs, it’s even more difficult to understand.

At least wee Gizmo is now safe; no bullets will ever touch her again nor a hand that isn’t loving.

Some of Gizmo’s Favorite Things

We Protect Gizmo Eyes With Doggles When She’s In The Car

Gizmo spends a lot of time with me in my convertible. But, after our little Rita had to have an expensive eye surgery, Gizmo only rides now when her eyes are protected by Doggles.

 Water & Wood New Fashionable Water-Proof Multi-Color Pet Dog Sunglasses Eye Wear Protection Goggles Small Doggles ILS Medium Shiny Red and Smoke Lens NO:1 Fashionable Waterproof Pet Dog Doggles Sunglasses Eye UV Protection Goggles Red Doggles ILS Sunglass, Medium, Pink Zebra Frame/Smoke Lens

Gizmo Can’t See Anything Without Her Dog Booster Seat

Gizmo is small enough to be portable so she comes everywhere with me, but she’s also so small that she can’t see anything when riding in my car! That’s why Gizmo rides in style in her own booster seat. As an added bonus, these dog booster seats have clips in them so Gizmo is securely belted into the seat.

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 Snoozer Pet Stow and Go 3-in-1 Pet Car Seat, Black Solvit Tagalong Pet Booster Seat Medium Kurgo Skybox Dog Booster Seat, Black/Orange K&H Bucket Booster Pet Car Seat, Small, Tan Snoozer Lookout I Pet Car Seat, Small, Black Precious Tails Gray Pet Booster Car Seat High Density Foam with Safety Strap Medium HDP Car DELUXE Lookout Booster Car Seat Pink Pet Gear Bucket Seat Booster for Small Pets, 22

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Small Toys For Small Dogs

Since Gizmo is so small, our challenge was to find toys that would be teeny-weeny and, if I say so myself, we’ve succeeded. Here’s some of Gizmo’s favorite small dog toys.

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 KONG Duckie Dog Toy, Extra Small, Yellow KONG Elmer Elephant Cozie Dog Toy, Small KONG Wild Knots Squeaker Bear for Dogs, Small/Medium, Colors Vary Mimibox 3pcs Dog Squeaky Toys for Aggressive Stuffed Chewers Indestructible Puppies Small Medium Dog Toys

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Dog Beds For Small Dogs

Our little dogs all like to be in very small, very confined spaces. Most of the time, they’re buried underneath the covers in our bed. During the day though, all three of our little dogs have their own special beds. Here’s some of the ones we have (we have a lot….).

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 Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler in Sherpa, Brown, 20 Evelots Small Round Pet Bed For Cats & Dogs Comfortable Soft & Warm, Brown K&H Manufacturing Ortho Bolster Sleeper Aspen Pet Round Bed Animal Print – 18 K&H Manufacturing Self-Warming Lounge Sleeper Small Mocha/Green 16-Inch by 20-Inch Grey Shark Bed for Small Cat Dog Cave Bed Removable Cushion,waterproof Bottom Most Lovely Pet House Gift for Pet Small Coral Fleece Lace Heart-shapes Princess Cat Dog Pet Beds (Pink) Anima Pink Ultra Plush Leopard Print Bed with Removable Pillow, 16 by 16 by 5.5-Inch

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