Inheritance
My grandmother passed away on Labor Day. In part because my mother was with her when she passed, her dog has become part of my household. You could say I’ve inherited a 7-year old, 10 lb chihuahua. His name is Scooter, because he stretches out on his tummy and scoots at a high rate of speed across the floor. It’s hysterical. What’s even funnier is when he and Bailey do it together.
It’s been a challenge merging the two households because Bailey is still adjusting and Mom was gone for so much of the time Bails has been here, that they are getting used to each other, too. And poor Scooter is seriously traumatized. He’s lost his #1 human and his home, and relocated to the other side of the country. He has to get used to an entirely different climate and learn to share room and board with a really big dog.
Bails still isn’t entirely sure what to make of this relatively new addition, and I’ll be honest, I’m not either. I’ve never been a fan of small breed dogs. I’ve been bitten twice by a dog that wasn’t my own, and both times were by small breeds. I’m actually more scared of small dogs than I am of Dobermans, Rottweilers, or Pit Bulls. Many of the ones I’ve encountered are Napoleonic terrors. But, Scooter seems to have accepted me, and with the help of a trainer, we are all learning how to be a cohesive pack. They are now actively playing with each other, including play bows, and apparently they have a game where Scooter runs full tilt into Bailey and she rolls him over with her nose. As I type, Bailey is snoring at the foot of my bed, and Scooter is curled up on the large dog bed down below.
I’ve often heard that you may not get the dog you want, but you always get the dog you need. Bailey has helped heal my heart after I lost Pilot and Scooter is definitely teaching me lessons in compassion, patience, and understanding, and chipping away at my small breed prejudices. I think Gammy would be pleased.
Tails from the Dog-side 
That is so awesome Rachel I’m glad that Grandma wanted you to have her beloved pet Scooter .. I am sure you are doing an amazing job and she is proud of you.. Love you