Tykee

Prince Tykee Woo-Woo

by Montez Vickers

Little Tykee didn't know he was royalty until he came to live with us.  I addressed him with the title, Prince Tykee Woo-Woo, and he visibly puffed up with pride.  Somehow he seemed to understand the honor bestowed upon him. Most of Tykee's life story is lost, or perhaps his life doesn't hold much about which to write.  It is known that he changed foster homes on at least three occasions.  Originally he had been purchased as a puppy for showing.  When he became too large for judges impressed by the tinier Chin, the owner released him, and hence his journey through foster homes began. 

Perhaps one reason for his foster-home trek had to do with his slipping patellas.  It was obvious he would need to have at least one surgically corrected.  His gait was awkward, and he had great difficulty maneuvering steps and small heights.  Once Tykee was placed in his last foster home, with a foster mother who worked for a veterinarian, his left
knee was operated upon successfully.  He also had some bad teeth removed.  Under the excellent care of the veterinarian, it also was discovered that he had a severe chronic ear problem.  It became obvious this would require ongoing treatment.  Skin allergies added to the poor fellow's discomfort. 

Tykee was listed with JCCARE for adoption for some time? Apparently his health problems discouraged some from adopting him. For several weeks, my husband and I had discussed with various JCCARE foster mothers the possibility of adopting one of their charges.  While we have great accommodations for Chin living in a very rural environment on 70 acres of land, back in some woods with a home environment designed for Chin, and freedom to a fenced backyard, the problem arose in terms of transportation.  Finally, it was suggested that we consider Tykee, whose foster home was only a four-hour drive from us. We discussed it with his foster mother, and we assured her that his constant in-home ear treatments would not be a problem as one of our Chin also had ear problems.

We wanted to give it a try.  On a hot Saturday in July 2000, we drove halfway to meet with Tykee's foster mother and pick up Tykee. His foster mother was so very thorough with his medicines, instructions, his likes and dislikes, and his medical records.  We were impressed; however, Tykee did not seem to be interested.  The poor fellow.  We couldn't blame him considering how many times he had changed homes. We took Tykee home and introduced him to our boys and little girl, Cookie.  It took a few days, but he was finally accepted into the clan.  It took much longer for his personality to fully unfold.

We now believe that Tykee believes he is finally "home."  We were told that he could not be house trained.  That he would use the bathroom wherever he happened to be when he needed to go.  I cannot take credit for his house training.  The other Chin taught him where the doggy door was, and where they used the bathroom.  In addition to that, my husband? who is retired? makes sure that all the Chin have ample time out in the front yard and in the immediate area.  Now Tykee rarely makes a "mistake."  We were told that Tykee did not like to be held, and at first that is true.  Now he asks to be held. Not long ago I was sitting in a chair with my feet on a footstool.  Tykee jumped into my lap for a little
loving and petting.  He has never liked to have his stomach touched.  He's always been a bit touchy about that.  Recently he was playing with Tenshi and was in a "feet in the air mode"...so I reached over to rub his tummy to see what would happen.  His hind legs went into action kicking crazy for a couple of moments when all of a sudden he stretched them out and lay real still.  I just kept rubbing his tummy, and a look of sublime enjoyment came over his face, and then he went to sleep! To see Tykee happy and loping around and playing with the other Chin is so rewarding for us.  His favorite place to sleep is next to me. 

We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to help JCCARE in providing a home for this rescue.  We only wish we had the resources to provide a home for many more of these wonderful, delightful, and loving Chin who have fallen on hard times.
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