Teddy Gillespie was adopted in the summer of 2010 in Spokane, WA. He was a tan, short haired, deer head Chihuahua. We immediately picked him when we first saw him. We had never seen a more friendly and cute dog. We welcomed Teddy home with loving arms, and occasionally had to sneak him into our apartment since we weren’t allowed to have a dog at the time. After a few weeks, the military moved us to Savannah, GA. As a young newly married couple traveling across country, Teddy rode the whole way in the front with us and loved every minute. Teddy was always there when my husband was at the fire department or away traveling with the military. He was my small and fierce protector and loving companion. During our time in Savannah, we adopted a cat named Sophie, and a Miniature Pinscher named Buster. Teddy made it known his dominance, but loved and played often with his new brother and sister. After several years, it was time to move again to Anderson, SC. This time with a new baby boy and my husband working swing shifts, Teddy was always there to protect, comfort, help, and play whenever my husband was working, or if I was sad missing my family in Spokane. Once again after a few years it was time to move back to Spokane, WA. Teddy learned he didn’t quite like the snow, and we often had to shovel a “chi” path for him and his brother to go outside during the winter. Teddy continued to be a wonderful and joyous part of our family for the next few years making sure we knew if anyone was at the door, taking walks through the neighborhood and even sun tanning on the back of the boat during hot summer days at the lake. Unfortunately in the summer of 2020, we noticed Teddy was starting to drink abnormal amounts of water for such a small dog. He was diagnosed with diabetes shortly thereafter. We were heartbroken, but determined to help him get better and live the best life possible with his condition. He required two injections daily, and a special diet. Of course it wouldn’t be our loving Teddy if this was an easy process. Many times he didn’t want to eat, but he was a trooper and took his injections like a tough guy. We welcomed our baby girl in August 2021. Teddy had provided me with more comfort and snuggles during that time than he ever had in his life. He knew that I needed him, and that he needed me as well. Teddy’s diabetes continued to progress. He began to lose his hair, more weight, his continence, and his mobility. Teddy crossed the rainbow bridge on January 13th, 2022. There’s not a day that goes by that our family doesn’t miss him dearly and remember the fun and joyous memories he brought to our family.