When Millie, aka Heidi, arrived at C.A.R.E.'s shelter, she got her hopes up. Abandoned and lonely, she had found a place where people cared about her and pursued her dream of moving into a permanent home. Linda Sanford made Millie's dream come true. After seeing a picture of a dog at C.A.R.E. in one of the local papers, Linda went to the shelter and adopted Millie.

Millie loved her new home the moment she entered it. Linda said Millie acted like she owned the place when she brought her home, walking all around the house and the outside.

"She's Chihuahua-Maltese mix, she has big long ears," Linda said. "I love her, she's so sweet. She's very well-mannered and well-behaved."

Millie, 4-5 years old, turned out to be a perfect lap dog. When Linda is home, Millie spends the time with her on the couch. When Linda is not home, Millie sleeps, waiting for her to come back.

"She's all over me," Linda said. "She favors me because I brought her home."

Millie also enjoys spending time with her dad, especially taking a walk with him early in the morning when he gets up. Walking is Millie's favorite pastime, and she makes sure her mom walks with her again, one more time in the morning and later in the evening.

When Millie moved into her new home, she acquired a brother named Wizard, a schnauzer mix, and they both sleep together. Wizard tries to play with his little sister, but sometimes, he wonders about his playmate because she is half his weight. Despite her 11 pounds, Millie has taken over the task of protecting her new home. During the day, she sits on the back of the couch, looks out the front window and barks when she sees someone.

"She thinks she's a watchdog," Linda said.

During the time Millie isn't on guard duty, she likes to play with her toy, a blue squeaky elephant. It's the only toy she plays with. Millie's help with decorating the house has so far encountered resistance. Every morning, she knocks the cushions off the bed, only to find them, a little bit later, back on the bed where she leaves them until the next morning.

Although Millie is fastidious about cleaning her feet, she is not crazy about the bath she gets once a week. She thinks is humiliating, Linda said, but she likes the grooming afterward. To promote healthy teeth and fresh breath, Linda also brushes Millie's teeth every other day. Besides savoring her favorite food, Science Diet, Millie also indulges in treats. Linda said when they get the treats out for her, she stands on her hind legs and put her two paws together like she is praying.