Mitzi is an 18-year-old dog. She tells the story of her adventurous life in this heartwarming tale, written by Dennis West, the man who rescued her, and charmingly illustrated by Glenn D Woodrome.
Mitzi was rescued by her beloved Dad from a miserable life chained to a post in a backyard until the age of five. Mitzi's Dad was a U.S. Air Force K-9 handler many years ago while stationed in England. Dad made it clear from the beginning that she had to learn to obey if she wanted to live with him. Being part German Shepherd and Boxer, he knew that she had two valuable instincts: the ability to learn and to protect. Quickly she learned the five basic commands of sit, down, come, stay and heel. Never did she receive a treat for obeying. Mitzi learned that if she obeyed she would receive lots of love and praise.
Shortly after she moved in with the man she now calls Dad, a burglar attempted to break into her new home. Her instinct to protect kicked in and she attacked the man. The injury to his hand was so bad that he went to the emergency room, where the police found and arrested him.
Dad became an actor after he retired and when Mitzi was 13 years old she and Dad appeared in the play "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck. Dad portrayed the character Candy and Mitzi was Candy's Dog. Dad always said that Mitzi was the star of the show.
Mitzi and Dad loved to take rides in the country, where she was allowed to romp in the creeks and chase critters. In 2008 Dad met Carolyn, who a year later became his wife. Strangely enough, Carolyn had never had a pet of any kind. For their second date, they planned to take an old fashioned Sunday drive on the beautiful Natchez Trace in Tennessee. With Carolyn's permission, Mitzi went along to chaperone. Mitzi was very jealous of Carolyn; but after all, Carolyn was sitting in her seat. However, by the end of the day they were great pals and now she has a wonderful Mom to love.
In 2015 the family moved to New Mexico so Mom could pursue her acting career in movies and TV. Dad built a special perch on the passenger seat of his van just for Mitzi. Now when they go for rides she can see all around, and she especially loves looking out at the beautiful mountains.
Mitzi is now 19 years old, and is still in good health. When Dad rescued her she was underweight and in poor health. Dad immediately put her on dog food that was high in protein. It was important the food had no cereal or byproducts such ground bones or intestines. She quickly gained weight and has maintained a very healthy 45 pounds.
In human years she is well over 100 years old. She has arthritis that she takes pain pills for twice a day. She recently lost her hearing, so Dad and Mom use hand signals to communicate with her.
Mitzi still meets all guests at the front door and only allows them to enter after she has checked them out, ensuring that they are nice people. Mitzi is a very important member of her family and Mom and Dad are grateful for every day they share together.
