Hey,   Just wanted to let you know that Lump (Yump-Gump) is now almost 20 years old.  We adopted her almost three years ago (December, 2002). My little Gumpers is doing very well. I would love to bring her out to see you all, I just need to find the time. She comes to work with me and my elderly residents absolutely love her. I don't know what I will do when I have to let her go.  I was hoping that you would keep me in mind when/if another elderly,small, dog comes in to you. No dog will ever be able to fill her shoes, but I don't ever want to be without a small elderly dog. I thank you again for allowing my little Gumpa to be such a huge part of my life.

Amy Doersam  

Update 12/20/04

Oops, my post said that we adopted Lump in 2002, it was actually 2001.
Lump is now 20 years old and is doing VERY well.
She has had to have most of her teeth removed, but her bloodwork showed her healthy enough to withstand anesthesia. She continues to eat hard kibble, with the few teeth she has left. She takes daily medication for her arthritis.
Lump and I have never been separated. She has been to the Adirondacks, camping, and has her own 'camp chair'. She has been through PA, camping, to pick up a Golden pup, Kleara. Lump went to OH, with us, when my Grandfather died (he loved her). She was at our wedding, July 3, 2004. And, came with us, on our honeymoon, through VT, NH, ME, MA..... We orchestrated our honeymoon plans around her.
We just recently, Nov. '04, drove from New York to Indiana to pick up my next 'obedience' Golden Retriever, Finnegan. Lump went with us.
Lump comes to work with me, I am an R.N., and work with the elderly. Unfortunately, Lump's best friend, Tom, died this week. Lump hasn't realized it, yet.
Tom carried treats in his pocket and when he came down the hall towards my office, he would call for her. Lump would 'cry' for him, when she heard his voice, and loved to give him kisses. At our wedding, as we were announced 'man and wife', Tom yelled 'Where's Lump!!?'
Lump forgets how small she is, and tries to attack every dog she meets. We took her Christmas shopping today, and brought her in to a 'backpacking' store. The owner's dog was there. 'Kitty' was a good sport. As Lump did her usual 'bark/snarl/attack', Kitty laid down. Kitty soon learned that Lump was in charge. Lumpers does not continue her 'attack', as long as the dog she is meeting doesn't challenge her.
I don't understand, how she came to be 20 years old!!!!!!!!!
I am glad she is!! Of our nine dogs, she is my favorite!!!!!!!!!!!! She is as spoiled as they come, and she deserves it!!!!!

March 2006

Hi!! Just wanted to update Lump's page. She is now 21 years old and doing great. She's been with us for four years now! Her little front legs that were bent with arthritis continue to bend with each year. She is on a terrific arthritis med (Deramaxx) and she shows no signs of slowing down.
She spends most of her days on her poofy bed on the couch, princess style. When we travel, she is never left behind and has seen VT, NH, CT, ME, MA, MI, OH, PA and most recently, Canada.
We regularly do hikes in the Rochester area and the Adirondack Mountains. We purchased a 'pack' that Lump fits nicely in and she loves to go along on the hikes, traveling on one of our backs. She has her own chair that she sits in, wrapped in her chenille blanket, when we go camping and we sit around a fire.
One of her Christmas gifts, this year, was a Long Hair Chihuahua puppy (Olivia) with the exact same colors and markings as her. Lump loves her and has taught her to protect Mama and Daddy from the other dogs if we're sitting on the couch. Lump shares her 'poofy bed' with Olivia.
I am soo glad that Lump is in my life and that I could give her a great life for the years that she has left. She gives me so much love and appreciation, every day. I know that, four years ago, at 17 years of age, I thought that I could give her some love and make up for her previous life. Maybe, I'd love her for a few months. Never, did I think that she would still be here, four years later and 21 years old.
I have never loved a dog more!!
Thank You!!!!