LiLi and JoJi

These are pictures of my kids, LiLi and JoJi.  A year ago this April, they came to me through the help of the Japanese Chin Rescue in the Washington DC area. Another rescue Chin I had loved for 7 years, Imari, had died from genetic heart disease the year before.  LiLi (we call her Miss Tongue sometimes because it's out more than in) was 3 and JoJi was 5.  They had been together since LiLi was a puppy.  In that short 3 years I became their 4th and final home.  I still can not figure why anyone would give these two up.  LiLi is so sweet.  Right from the beginning she decided she was going to be my little girl.  Sitting in my lap, giving kisses constantly, following everywhere around the house.  JoJi was a little more conservative. He seemed to display the wisdom of experience in moving from home to home. He wanted to be loved but was afraid to bond.  I found out from watching him that he also has separation anxiety . It took about 4 months for him to believe he wasn't going to live anywhere else and he settled in.  He doesn't give kisses and wont sit in your lap for long but he has to be next to you all the time now and he looks and acts satisfied and content.  They both talk, all the time now.  Little grunts and groans.  JoJi will also bark and howl.  LiLi can coo like a dove when she is really excited and happy.  She can do chin spins faster that I had ever seen.  They both love belly rubs, tolerate shampoos, but love blow dries.

Through observation we found out that LiLi has a very mild case of epilepsy. She will come to me and shiver as if she is cold.  I will hold her till the episode is over then she is fine and giving kisses again.  This only happens about once a month and the vet say it does not require any medication.

On weekends we go to the Delaware seashore year round where we will all retire to in a few years.  They know when it's Friday and they are "READY" to go, bags packed, loving to ride in the car. 

This is our family story, our happy ending,

Mike Ballenger

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