I'm fostering a senior chihuahua, starting today.

[mwdem]

She's very old, and it appears she's a puppy mill dog. She was spayed Sunday and I can tell she's had lots of litters. She was given up by her owners to a shelter. I think she's spent her life in a crate. She walked through our house and around or yard for over 2 hours. She's not inclined to be friendly, but she will follow me. She was no one's pet. I'm her last stop. She's a cute, crotchety, humpbacked old girl, and I'll patiently wait for her to come around. Or not. I want her to feel loved and safe however long she has left.

[Behind the Aegis]

1. As a chihuahua household, we say "you are AWESOME!"

PICTURES!

[mwdem]

2. Pics soon. May need pointers....

I've had retrievers in the past. Tammy is very old, and not used to human contact. She needs to be comfortable in her last months, or years. Who knows? She's a nipper when you pick her up, but she's missing quite a few teeth. No harm, no foul, but I'd like to see her friendlier. Time will tell.

[Behind the Aegis]

3. I'll be happy to provide pointers.

Given her unknown age and treatment, she may never "come around." Try a firm, but soft-spoken, "no!" when she nips. It may be best to sit on the ground and let her engage you in play or contact. It will show her you are a friend. She will also likely be very "food aggressive" and the same when she is sleeping/napping and disturbed.

You are a wonderful person for caring for such a life in need.

[mwdem]

5. Thanks. That about sums her up.

We'll take our time, and be extra patient with her. If she doesn't come around, fine. She just deserves some quality time before it's her time.

[renate]

7. what you're doing is so wonderful

"If she doesn't come around, fine"--that is really moving to me.

I know that when we get a dog, I would be very disappointed to not get some love and affection in return. But you are much more selfless... you just want to give her a safe place and love, whether she returns that love or not. That is a beautiful gift.

[mwdem]

8. She's so old.

Nobody will adopt her. She needs some love, even if she doesn't recognize it. I had to do this for both of us.

[shenmue]

4. Yay!

Thank you for helping her.

[mwdem]

6. Just had to do it.

Nobody else was stepping up. Just wanted to give her a chance to have a peaceful ending to a hopeless life.

[pnwmom]

9. I wonder why the pound here always has so many Chihuahuas? n/t

[mwdem]

10. I don't know where you are...

But here in the L A. area, all around this area, we have practically nothing but chihuahuas and pit bull mixes. That is just a fact.

[pnwmom]

11. I'm in Washington state. I understand a lot of our dogs are imported from California,

so maybe that's why. We also have a lot of pit bulls, but in the last few years even more Chihuahuas.

[mwdem]

13. I do wonder why so many chihuahuas?

Apparently over breeding, for whatever reason. I just know my little girl suffered from this.

[Curmudgeoness]

20. Remember the Taco Bell chihuahua?

They were quite the rave at that time.....and that leads to shelters full of a particular breed.

[bettyellen]

28. And Bruiser from the "Legally Blonde" movies, and a whole lot of celebs with purse puppies..

[spooky3]

12. Thank you for giving her the love and the

Good home every pet deserves.

[mwdem]

14. We will love her as much as we can

Even if she doesn't warm up to us, we will give her our best. She is a hard case.

[spooky3]

15. I'll bet you will win her over despite her terrible experiences.

Please keep us posted!

[mwdem]

16. Will do.

Night.

[cntrygrl]

17. We've had a total of three Chi's, When

we made our first choice we weren't sure if we really wanted one because many people say they are pretty 'yappy' but we too a chance on a 3 1/2 yr old rescue. His name was Toto and very timid. We then got our 2nd one so Toto would have a playmate. Neither one was 'yappy'. After Toto passed on we saved a little girl (5 wks old) for a companion for Rocky. Rocky is gone now too and little Ms Kandi fills us with love and joy. She will turn 6 on July 3rd. I'm so happy you giving her a home and love.

[mopinko]

18. awww. i would say try to teach her to play.

put her food in forage toys, so that it keeps her engaged.
kong wobblers are great, and even the leerbug green feeder (which is a little oversized for her, but she would still love it. spendy for a little dog, but i think worthwhile.)

toss some treats around for her to find.

maybe you could work your way up to squeaky toys.
good on you. i dont think i could do that. old dogs just weigh so on my heart.

[TorchTheWitch]

23. Leerburg has such great toys

Lots of unique hard to find stuff, too.

I'd never be able to take in an old dog either. I bond so fast and so strongly I just couldn't stand to have to lose them so soon. I really admire those people that are able to do it.

[oldandhappy]

19. good for you!!

I am fostering an old guy right now -- funny jumpy curious. You are a hero. Sending smiles. Hope all goes well.

[Curmudgeoness]

21. What a wonderful thing you are doing!

Thank you for taking on a challenge, in so many ways. Old. Not socialized. Nippy.

At least her life's end will be a good, safe one.

[TorchTheWitch]

22. that's so great of you!

Sounds like she's had a very sad and unfortunate life, but even what little is left with you as a loving parent means the world to her for whatever time she has. I can just picture her waddling around your house and yard being amazed at just being able to travel about as she likes and feeling so safe and comforted by you that already she feels good to follow you around. That's such a wonderful thing.

[roody]

24. Thank you!

[mwdem]

25. Thanks to all that posted.

Already she's showing her little personalty. I think she's adjusting well and we are to her. She seems happy so far. My kitty, a Norwegian Forest Cat, is getting used to her too. Baby steps all the way.

[Sunlei]

27. what a lucky little dog to have a home. My friend adopted a 'senior chihuahua' about 5 years ago.

The Vet thought he was about 12 when she adopted him from the pound. He was a stray and looked 'humped-back-ancient'. "Chip" is still going strong today, I'm baby sitting him for the weekend.

Don't count your senior Chihuahua as "however long she has left", you may have several years left to enjoy her.

Chip is also a wanderer when he is outside, you have to watch the little wanderers, because they will wander very far.
One time while outside, the owner took her eye off Chip for a couple seconds and he disappeared! She could not find him for about 20 hours. He was found wandering under the next door neighbors house!