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Bud and Duke are the closest things we have to children. When I was stationed at the Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center in Tucson, AZ a few of the staff members had these little red dogs that were very yippie and barked a lot. I never gave them much thought until Andy Wilson, one of my co-workers, asked me if I could babysit Ren while they were out of town. I have always loved animals and my only concern was that Ren would not settle down and bark the entire time he was staying with me. Well, I was hooked on this breed within hours of having Ren nap with me. Jody Reives, another friend of mine, had a min pin that had some relation to Ren and his name was Red. I also had the opportunity to babysit him not long after my experience with Ren, so I was eager to see the difference in the two dog’s mannerisms. Miniature Pinschers also known as Min Pins are the king of the toy breeds and the cutest. I knew I had to get one of these dogs, and I did not have to wait long before I was presented with that opportunity. A friend of Andy asked if I would be interested in purchasing one of his bitch’s litter. LOL - I actually got to use “bitch”. So Aug 31st 1997 finally came, this was the day that I was going to bring home my baby. This was also the day that Princess Diana was killed in Paris, so I will never forget that day for two reasons.

In the summer of 2001, I was over visiting my mother and I saw a little black dog over at the neighbor’s house. I immediately recognized the little baby as a min pin and I also remembered that one week earlier I saw a lost dog poster describing a black min pin. I made my way over to the little dog and I immediately wanted to take him home. The neighbor said that he had called the police and was waiting for animal control. After the officer took the dog’s description down I indicated that I could take the dog home until the owner claimed him. I honestly was hoping this would not happen and I would get to keep him. I brought him home, not even knowing his name, but I was going to make him feel welcome. Bud was very curious about this new addition to his castle and had to smell every inch of his body. I decided to give him a bath and just give him some TLC for awhile. I started to notice him limping on his rear leg but it was not that bad. Later that night the phone rang and it was the owners. They asked if they could get directions to come and pick him up. I waited outside for them and a poorly kept van pulled up and a woman stepped out and tossed her cigarette in my driveway. She snatched the little dog out of my hand and scolded Duke. I was sad to see Duke go but I was also glad he was going home. I could immediately tell that there was not a lot of love in this relationship. I then asked that if she ever wanted to get rid of Duke I would take him. She acted like that would not happen and got back into her white trash van and lit up another heater as they pulled away. The very next night my mother’s neighbor called and told me that Duke was back, and asked if I would come over to get him. I declined and gave him the phone number of the upstanding citizens that claimed him. Less than two weeks later my phone rang and it was Dukes owners. They asked if I wanted him but I told them I would like 24 hours to think about it. I knew though that there was no question in me wanting him. Within 24 hours Duke was back on my couch in a blanket. It almost brings me to tears to think about how much my life has changed and how much I love these little dogs. They are my boys, my angels, and my life!