Treasured Chihuahua Swallowed

Flossie Torgerson has only a chewed-up slipper, a squeezable Shamu whale and a few balls to remind her of her pet Chihuahua Babette, which was eaten by a 7-foot boa constrictor.

“She was my life. She was so beautiful and sweet,” Torgerson said, sobbing. The 74-year-old West Hills resident held a picture of her beloved pet as an animal control officer took the snake away in a truck Saturday.

Animal control officials said there are no boa constrictors in the San Fernando Valley area and speculated it was a pet that escaped from its owner.

The 2-pound dog had pattered outside through the kitchen’s doggy door Saturday morning when it encountered the snake coiled on the patio.

“I think I’ll hear her scream for as long as I live,” Torgerson said.

Michael Torgerson said the longhaired Chihuahua was his mother’s constant companion after her husband died on their 45th wedding anniversary nine years ago.

Babette helped his mother recover from various ailments, including a rare form of arthritis.

“That little one is what made her physically better because she was on a downhill slide,” said Torgerson, 43.

Animal control officials said they would hold the boa for a week to see if its owners come forward.

Meanwhile, Torgerson said he is already searching for a replacement for Babette. But his heartbroken mother doubted there would ever be another Babette.

“All my friends, they said they had never seen a human and dog bond like we did - from the minute I touched her,” she said.