Skimo joined out family in January 1992, when she was one and one half years old. She was born and lived in Spokane, Washington until 1992, when her owners relocated to New Jersey but could not keep her as they were moving to an apartment.

Although I love all animals, especially dogs, I was not looking to adopt one as I already had two dogs: Brandy, a Pomeranian, then age 10 and Smokee, a long hair dachshund, then age 7 who I had recently adopted from the Bergen County Animal Shelter.

However, I could be convinced to think about adopting her as long as she were a smaller sixed dog and female.

She was!!

When I asked what type of dog she was and what she looked like, I was told she was a terrier/schnauzer and was "The cutest dog in the world!"

We anxiously awaited her arrival as she flew in a plane across the country to her new home.

Upon arrival, we could see her description was appropriate. Once, we got to know her personality, we agreed that she was the cutest dog in the world, with her one ear up, one ear down trademark look. She is also the friendliest dog in the world who wants to greet everyone she meets. When our neighbors pull up in their car and open the door, Skimo has been known to jump right in and say hello. When our neighbor across the street walks to the end of his driveway to pick up his newspaper, Skimo is right there to greet him. People often stop us in public to ask questions about her and pet her.

We felt that she would be a good candidate as a therapy dog for the nursing homes, as she loves people and people love her.

Our intuition was correct as she has been a great hit at the nursing homes. She is about 10 pounds, so during visits, my husband picks her up and places her in the patient's laps. She in turn, loves the attention. During the Christmas session, we took polaroid pictures of each patient holding Skimo on their lap. They enjoyed looking at the photos after we were gone.

In 1998, we lost Brandy, out Pomeranian at age 16 and a half. But in April of 2000 we once again welcomed a new addition to our family, this time, a baby boy, Andrew James Hoffman. Skimo and Andrew made fast friends. Skimo was both protective and intriqued by
Andrew. Our family was complete.
  
In 2002, Skimo was diagnosed with inoperable bladder cancer. She was given an anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the tumor. Our vet said he used it on one dog and it extended her life for an extra six months. We were hopeful it would work with Skimo and it did!!! It was truly a miracle drug that worked wonders along with all of your prayers. Skimo was back to her normal self, active and full of energy. We were extremely blessed have her for an extra year and a half.

We lost Smokee in April of 2003 at age 18 and a half and in August of 2003 at age 12 and a half, Skimo lost her battle with cancer. We cherish the times we had together and it helps to know that she brightened the days for so many nursing home residents. Not surprising, after all she was "THE CUTEST DOG IN THE WORLD".

   Written by Donna Hoffman