Let me tell you about our beloved Chin Ella, a little strawberry blonde bundle with a heart as big as her bark. Chin, as we affectionately call her, is the four-year-old daughter of Sylph and Tobias, an adorable mix of terrier Maltese-poodle and chihuahua dachshund. From the moment she was born in our home, which we now lovingly refer to as “Chin’s Mansion,” she’s been the heartbeat of our family.
Chin isn’t just a pet; she’s my husband’s lifesaver and constant companion. As a cardiac service dog, she’s been trained to alert my husband when his blood pressure drops dangerously low. She’s been doing this since she was just six months old, and her training is nothing short of remarkable. When she senses his blood pressure falling, she puts her two front paws together, pumps them in a rhythmic motion, and whines loudly. This incredible ability gives my husband the critical time he needs to find a place to sit and avoid any potential harm from falling.
Chin’s training involved her becoming attuned to my husband’s unique physiological signals. From a young age, she was exposed to his scent, particularly the changes in his sweat that occur when his blood pressure drops. She learned to detect subtle shifts in his body chemistry, as well as his increasing heart rate and changes in his demeanor. Chin became adept at recognizing these signs, understanding that they indicated an impending dizzy spell that could lead to a fall. Her keen sense of smell and acute awareness of his physical state are truly extraordinary.
Chin’s intelligence and calm demeanor make her the perfect service dog. She accompanies my husband everywhere, snug in a bag he carries across his chest. Whether they’re running errands or sitting through long hospital appointments, Chin is always there, quiet and composed, yet ever alert. It’s truly amazing to watch her sit in her carrier for hours on end, observing her surroundings with those keen eyes, ready to spring into action if needed.
Despite her serious job, Chin is incredibly sweet and loving. She’s the picture of health and vibrancy, and when she’s off duty, she’s just like any other playful dog. At home, she transforms into this bundle of energy, running and jumping around. One of her favorite pastimes is dropping to the ground and rolling onto her back, inviting anyone passing by to give her a good belly rub. Her joy is infectious, and it’s impossible not to smile when she’s in her playful mode.
Chin also enjoys her free time in the large field surrounding our home. She loves the freedom to roam, chase after anything that catches her interest, and bark her heart out at the deer grazing nearby. It’s her time to let loose and just be a dog, and we love seeing her so happy and carefree.
Our family walks in the afternoon are incomplete without Chin. She trots along with us, her little legs working overtime to keep up. She’s not just a pet or a service dog; she’s family. Chin has this wonderful ability to make everyone feel special, even though she spends most of her time with my husband. Her independence is admirable, yet she never misses a chance to show her affection to every member of our family.
Naming our home “Chin’s Mansion” feels so right because she was born here, raised here, and continues to bring so much joy and comfort to our lives. Her presence is a constant reminder of love, loyalty, and the extraordinary bond between humans and their canine companions.
Chin Ella is not just our service dog; she’s our heart, our hero, and the little owner of our mansion. Her unwavering dedication to my husband, coupled with her playful, loving nature, makes her a truly remarkable member of our family. We are blessed to have her, and every day with her is a gift. So, here’s to Chin, our little strawberry blonde miracle, who makes our lives richer and our hearts fuller.