On December 25, 2000 Virginia and her rat terrier Sweet Pea were on their way home from Alamogordo, NM to Albuquerque, NM.
A severe winter storm was in progress. The further north they traveled on I-25 the worse the storm became. She reached Socorro, NM and the interstate was closed due to the snow and ice.
She tried to find a room for the night. The only motel that allowed pets was full. No shelters were opened for the stranded travelers. So there was no room at the Inn.
Virginia and Sweet Pea spent the night in the car. They ran the engine from time to time to get warm.
At one point she had warmed the car up and shut it off and fatigue set in and and she went to sleep.
The cold set in and at 7:30 A.M. Sweet Pea tried to awaken her master. Normal ways of doing this was not working. Sweet Pea became distressed and nervous and went potty in Virginia's lap. This appeared to be enough to shock her so she woke up.
A quick breakfast and the road was open, so they made their way home.  All the way home Sweet Pea kept getting up to nuzzle her neck. We feel it was her way of being sure everything was all right now.
Upon arriving home it was discovered both of her feet had gotten frost bite.
Had it not been for the determination and loyalty of this seven (7) month old pup the out come of this could have been a serious tragedy.
Virginia has completely healed from the frost bite .
But our HERO IS SWEET PEA