Before Hilary Duff gets the chance to be a real mother, she first had some training - with a sick dog.

The former teen star's well-loved Chihuahua, Lola, came back home last Tuesday after undergoing a surgery due to an undisclosed sickness.

The actress tweeted, "Could not have asked for a better gift! Got 2bring Miss Lola home 2day!"

Obviously, the 'Lizzie McGuire' star was worried sick, and what happened to the poor pup was serious enough to ellicit that worry.

"She is standing up by herself! And taking some steps! Big improvement" Duff excitedly adds.

The 6-year-old canine had the actress by her side last December 13, when it gone under operation at an L.A. animal hospital. None of Duff's representatives preferred not to comment on the reason of the surgery, though.

"Could every1 please say a prayer for my pup lola, she has surgery in a half hour!" the pop star pleaded online. "She's a strong girl but needs all good energy sent her way."

For the following days after the 'big event', the Duffster had her Twitter followers attuned to Lola's recovery.

"Lola update: she is getting a bit better everyday it was major surgery and I have to keep that in mind. still in the hospital :( home on Tuesday," she told last Sunday.

The pooch wasn't exactly in good shape this year: summer saw Lola having multiple seizures, and in September, had an eye infection that made her spend a night at the emergency vet.

While people "aww" and pray for Lola to get better, we couldn't help but notice her owner's state of bliss this year.

Duff and husband Mike Comrie, are currently expecting their first child. The singer-actress announced it on the day of their anniversary last August 10.

"We also want to share the exciting news that... BABY MAKES THREE," the soon-to-be mom happily says. "We are extremely happy and ready to start this new chapter of our lives."

It looks like Lola's going to have some competition for her mother's love. Oh well, we only wish the best for Duff - and no sour break-ups, please.