Sweet Girl

Tonya may have looked like a fighter, but she was really a lover. When meeting someone new, she would cry to be petted and try to wriggle into the nearest lap. After a bit of attention, she would settle down to a quiet, calm sweetie.

Miss Curiosity

A true terrier at heart, Tonya liked to check out what her people were doing. When she noticed the camera, she would jump up for a closer look.

Cleaning Up That Smile

When Tonya first joined us, she didn't seem to know what to do with bones and treats... she probably hadn't had many in her earlier life. Phantom and Niquita soon taught her how to enjoy these little perks!

"Ears? What Are They?"

As is the common practice with fighting dogs, Tonya's previous owner had almost completely amputated her ears. If you adopt a dog with severly cropped or amputated ears, take extra precautions when bathing your pet or going outside in heavy rain, and check frequently for invading insects or foreign bodies. These poor dogs lack the natural protection provided by ear flaps.

"Honest, Daddy, We'll Wipe Our Paws!"

Niquita and Tonya, returning from a romp outside, were temporarily blocked off from the freshly-washed kitchen floor. Look at those pleading faces!

"I Like This 'Play' Thing!"

Through careful positive training, Tonya overcame most of her dog aggression and learned to enjoy the company of her canine housemates. Once she experienced the joy of rough-and-tumble play, she became a constant source of amusement with her antics.

Loved At Last

Although Tonya sometimes challenged Niquita, as same-sex housemates are prone to do, for the most part she became an adopted little sister to Niqui. She blissfully enjoyed many tender moments of tongue-washing and love nibbles from maternal Niquita.

Peaceful Moments

Tonya's favorite times were spent relaxing on Mom's bed, which Phantom grudgingly shared. This is how we most fondly remember her, soaking up the peaceful, loving moments she had been denied in the first half of her life. We miss her deeply and dearly, but we are grateful to have been blessed with the honor of making up for her previous suffering, if only for a year. Rest in peace, our puppy angel. Till we meet again...