Rio always had a sweet and happy face when I would come home. Rio would make me smile no matter what. Rio is a very special Maltese. Rio was given to me when he was 11 months old. Rio’s story is very special. Rio’s mom Marina tried unsuccessfully to have a litter four times. Each time she miscarried. On May 23, 1996 Rio was born and this is where his story began. Rio was born to Marina & Tamayo in Mexico City. The vet was surprised that this litter survived. My sister Letty had a friend named Sari. Sari had a beautiful white Maltese named Rio.
Rio was given to Sari when he was only 9 weeks old. He was flown on a private jet from Mexico City to California. He would often come and visit. I would always think to myself that this is the type of dog I would like to have. Sari was in the process of moving and was unable to keep Rio. Sari asked my sister Letty if she knew someone who would like him. My sister said sure my sister would love Rio and three weeks later at the age of 11 months old, I became Rio’s new mother. Sari brought him to our house and she provided me with a three page instruction sheet on how to care for Rio. She was sad when she handed Rio over to me.
However, when she gave me Rio he did not whimper nor did he look back. Sari knew Rio and I were the perfect match. At 2 yrs old he had a blood disease and wouldn’t eat, the vet thought he would not survive. He proved everyone wrong and bounced back after not eating for three weeks. When he was 8 yrs old he was paralyzed (because he jumped so much he developed arthritis and could not walk). An operation was an option but would not guarantee he would make it. The vet suggested home therapy. Little Rio could not walk but he managed for a few months and before you knew it he was walking again.
Unfortunately, a month after his recovery he was diagnosed with Mitral Valve Disease (a heart condition). We took him to the cardiologist and Rio’s survival rate was 1%. He had a heart murmur, ruptured chord and the disease. We thought we would lose Rio. The cardiologist said it didn’t look good. Rio started taking medication and 3 years later he was still here. On January 2008 Rio was diagnosed with doggie senility but with medication he did well for several months. The medication alleviated a lot of the symptoms Rio had (circling at night, getting stuck in furniture and forgetting the housetraining).
RIO IS A MIRACLE DOG. Oliver my other Maltese watched over Rio…so I am blessed to have both in my life. Unfortunately, the Alzheimer’s took its toll on Rio’s mind and body and on June 28, 2008 at 5:15 a.m. Rio passed away in my arms. With tears flowing down my cheeks I kissed Rio on his forehead and wrapped him in a beautiful baby blue blanket with a satin ribbon. I drove to my sisters house. Upon arrival, Letty already had the small coffin out.
We blessed Rio and cut a small piece of hair as a keepsake. My brother in-law, Letty and her kids walked out as Letty and I carried the tiny coffin. We had a beautiful funeral for him and he is buried in a fabulous back yard with trees and flowers. We all said a little prayer for Rio. I held Oliver in my arms as my brother in-law Michael placed Rio in the ground.
We all had tears. Believe it or not Oliver sighed and looked very sad. I know he was grieving for his older brother. Above Rio’s grave is his marker and a ceramic figurine of St Francis of Assisi.
Bless my little amazing Rio.
Forever in Our Hearts,
| Elsa Escobar & Lonnie Teper |