I don't post much, but following this whole tragic episode has grieved me. To read about poor little Tink bleeding rectally and not being taken to the vet because "they couldn't afford it" seemed terribly irresponsible. Of course, only a day or two later she was dead. No surprise there; such a tiny and young dog should have been RUSHED to the vet at the first sign of blood.

The sad truth is that any 13 year old girl would love to have a cute, tiny dog because it is a living toy. That isn't a valid reason for the parent to buy it for the child -- it is the worst possible reason. When the "toy" gets sick and dies, just buy another one. How awfully sad!

All the while, the bigger, adult dog spends its life at the end of a chain, alone and wishing for some companionship. What are the odds that it will receive vet care if it gets sick; I think we know the answer to that question.