Grand Dog is a Five-Pound Yorkie: The Tiny Dog with a Big Personality

Grand Dog is a Five-Pound Yorkie: The Tiny Dog with a Big Personality

Speranza (HOPE in Italian) came into our lives when our youngest daughter got a dog. Now that she is away at college our grand dog lives with us. Nothing prepared me for the whirlwind of energy that came with Speranza, our five-pound grand dog. She's a Yorkie, but not the dainty, delicate teacup variety most people imagine. Despite her small size, she has a presence that fills every room she enters. Let me tell you about the delightful smiles she brings into our life.

One of the first things I noticed about her was her uncanny love for playing ball. I’ve had dogs before as a child, but none with the precision and enthusiasm of this little Yorkie. It’s almost as if she was born to play soccer. She’s tiny, sure, but don’t let her size fool you—this girl can dribble like a pro.

Every time I pull out the ball, her eyes light up with a determination I’ve only ever seen in professional athletes. She’ll chase the ball down with lightning speed, nudging it with her nose, pushing it across the floor with her tiny paws, and every now and then, she’ll throw in a little spin, just for flair. It’s both hilarious and heartwarming to watch her go at it, completely engrossed in her game.

The funniest part is how she treats the ball as if it's her opponent. She’ll bark at it, pounce on it, and even growl softly as she pushes it around. Sometimes, I imagine she’s playing out a dramatic match in her head, complete with a roaring crowd and a stadium full of fans. In those moments, she’s not just a little Yorkie in the yard—she’s a champion on the field.

Cat-Like Comforts

While her soccer skills are impressive, it’s her cat-like behavior that really catches people off guard. I’ve always loved cats, and somehow, Speranza seems to have picked up on that. I often find her perched on the back of the couches and chairs, just like a cat would. It’s her favorite spot in the house, and from there, she surveys her kingdom and the outside world calm and collected.

It’s a funny sight, seeing a dog sitting where most cats would be. She’ll curl up in a tiny ball, her head resting on her paws, and watch the world go by from her elevated position. I’ve caught her dozing off there many times, completely at peace, her little body rising and falling with each gentle breath. It’s as if she’s found the perfect balance between being a playful dog and a laid-back cat.

When guests come over, they’re often surprised to see her in these unusual spots. “Is that a dog or a cat?” they’ll ask with a chuckle. And I can’t blame them—it’s not every day you see a Yorkie lounging on the back of a chair. But for her, it’s the most natural thing in the world. She’s always had a knack for finding the coziest, most elevated spots in the house.

The Joy of a Yorkie with a Big Heart

Despite her small size, Speranza has a heart that’s larger than life. She’s the kind of dog who’s always ready to cuddle, always eager to play, and always happy to be by your side. Her loyalty is unwavering, and her love is boundless. Whether she’s curled up next to someone on the couch or chasing after her ball, she’s always radiating joy.

Some of our favorite times is when she curls up beside us when we are in a Video meeting. She’ll nuzzle into whoever side she is sitting by side and you can feel all the stress of the day melting away. It’s these quiet moments that remind us just how special she is. She may be small, but the love she gives is immense.

She has become a member of the family, a little ball of fur that brings endless happiness into our lives.  Every day with her is an adventure.

Lessons from a Five-Pound Wonder

Having Speranza shows us that you don’t have to be big to make a big impact and that sometimes the smallest creatures can bring the most joy. Her playful spirit and affectionate nature are constant reminders to enjoy the simple things in life.

Speranza doesn’t conform to the typical image of a Yorkie—she’s her own little person, with her own unique blend of traits. And that’s what makes her so special. She’s a soccer player, a cat impersonator, and a loving companion all rolled into one.