Raquel came to live with us on April 30, 2005 and made her journey to Rainbow Bridge to wait for us on June 20, 2006.   There never would have been enough time with this gentle, life changing little dog.  I wish someone had loved her enough to have her spayed when she was young so her last year would not include so much pain... pain she never for a moment let us know she was in.  She taught us the true meaning of accepting what comes your way, being appreciative for the little you are given, and never complaining that it isn't enough.  The lesson I could not learn was not wanting more time.

 Found by the side of the road by my friend Rachelle, for whom she is named, Raquel was a mass of mats, sticks, and oh dear... the smell! An obvious cataract in one eye and microphthalmia (an eye smaller than normal and recessed) in the other, she is nearly completely blind.  And extremely hard of hearing.  But on April 30, 2005, her life changed when she found someone to love her forever.

 

Our best guess on breed is a Shih Tzu.  A tiny body with a huge spirit.
 

Just thinking about the people who left this sweet gentle girl by the side of the road makes me furious.  She is the least demanding dog I have ever known.  Her sweetness has been in no way diminished by the neglect she suffered.  She is grateful for everything she gets, expects nothing, and the strength of her spirit touches my heart with wonder and admiration.

Finally after a few months, Raquel put on some weight, her fur grew back, and she started to look like a shih tzu.  Who knew?  Her Auntie Judi made a beautiful collar for her to add to her beauty. 
Zoey never minded sharing her bed with Raquel and oh how the little one loved to cuddle up to her bulldog.  I think it made her feel safe, warm, and accepted.

She got a new winter coat....

charmed us by sleeping upside down...