Killian Spike

Music to accompany this page:
You've Got the Look, by Rozette

August of 1992, I made the decision. The time was right for an addition to the household. I had decided on getting a female yorkshire terrier. I was aware that it wouldn't be easy to locate just the right puppy, since Yorkshires tend to have litters of one, and sometimes two puppies only. And a female pup was considered a premium.

That turned out to be one of my luckiest days. The first stop I made, I found a yorkshire terrier pup, just eight weeks old. And to top it off, the puppy was female! She was a little bundle of energy, as I took her to a play area, and we spent a little time together. Running, rolling and chasing after a little cat toy, of all things! I put down a deposit on her, with plans to pick her up within two weeks. The next day, I returned, ready to bring her home. I just couldn't wait to have her in my house. They put a small purple bow into her hair before we left, and it was the last time she allowed an adornment to her hair.

On the ride home, she pulled the bow from her hair with her paw, and looked up with a happy, tongue wagging smile. Her hair was short and stood out like little spikes from her body, and she seemed to enjoy defying being a "girl." She was beautiful, and originally I wanted to name her Bonita. But her mischievious quality, sense of adventure, and yes, her short spiky hair, soon gave her the name that would be placed on her papers. Now for another name to separate her from the other yorkshire terriers named Spikes that where registered. Wish I had a neat little story to tell you how she got Killian, but I don't. There was a carton of Killian's Red sitting on the floor in the kitchen, and it happened to catch my eye. I said the names together a few times, and they sounded good, so ta-da! Killian Spike.

Spike was born on June 16, 1992. I'm sure that she came out kicking and barking, ready to get out and stretch her little legs. Somedays, I would get so tired watching her as she ran to and fro, with an endless amount of energy. At Christmas time, she went into the groomers to be prettied up for the holidays, and they were taking pictures of the dogs with little Santa hats, sitting in a blanket of "snow." They didn't realize the chore they had before them, until they placed her down and tried to take the picture. The hat came off immediately, and the puppy was rolling in the snow, having the time of her life. Finally, after about 35 minutes and some cropping to remove a groomers hand from the picture, they had some success.

Finding a collar for Spike has been a constant challenge. Because of her size, her first collar was actually meant for a small cat. When she finally became fully grown, she was able to fit into the smallest of collars made for dogs. But, like bows, Spike didn't like the collar. And she didn't like the collar on the other dog in the house either. Together, they would work on each other's collars, chewing them until they no longer were able to be hooked. Additionally, collars caused a problem for Spike, because they would pull against her thin neck when out for a walk, cutting off the flow of air into her body. A genius finally developed harnesses for dogs, and they have proved to be the answer to our collar problem.

After a few months with me, I started noticing that Spike had a few strange habits, or should I say, things that bother her. No one is allowed to touch me. I like to believe that she is just being protective of her Mistress, but she has hissy fits if someone even attempts to shake my hand. Actually, she doesn't like it when anyone tries to shake hands with another person! She also doesn't like when someone stands on a chair. Pointing is another problem for her, as is opening and closing the window or blinds. All strange little things, but they also endear me to her.

Spike, like most yorkshire terriers, is extremely fierce. She has no fear, and will approach dogs much larger than herself, argues with storms that crack with thunder and lightning, and takes on any foe, head on. Trustful, also describes her well. She will sit on your lap, and suddenly throw herself back, trusting that your hand will be there to catch her. A few times, both Spike and the other puppy have "disappeared," when they have climbed inside of the recliner, and then had it shut closed. But Spike trusts that I will her, and takes the time in the chair to rest, and refuel.

Spike also possesses a very loving quality. She loves to nestle in my lap, reaching out and giving little puppy kisses before laying her head down to rest. She's not allowed to sleep in the bedroom, but stays right outside the door, keeping a close watch. When I do nap on the sofa or recliner, she takes a place on the pillow or cushion as close to my face as possible. This way she's able to see when I begin to stir, and can be the first to 'say' "Goody, you're wake, and I'm here for you!" In good and bad, Spike has brought a world of joy to my life. I've been truly blessed to have Spike become part of my home.

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