Success Stories
We have hundreds of success stories and we will add to these from time to time. Sometimes we get problem Chihuahuas which we find very hard to match. However, we believe they all deserve a second chance. After all they did not ask to be born and abandoned as soon as cute puppy hood passes.
Click on each dog's name to read their story or click to open all or close all
Hi Rita and Mayer,
Just a quick note to wish you both a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Also to update you on Missy and Percy with a couple of photos. First of all, they are both in excellent health and look magnificent. Missy has grown a really heavy and healthy coat - and is a real lady. She is the cautious and timid one with visitors and other dogs, whereas Percy is confident and aggressive to other dogs: especially big ones. He relies on his charm to keep on the right side of you. We have four acres un-fenced here and have never had to worry about them leaving the area.
They have a great time exploring the area when we are outside working in the yard and have made friends with Ricky, the neighbour's miniature pony. His yard abuts our boundary and although I can't make any sense of it, the three of them seem to be able to converse and enjoy one another's company.
The barking at night was resolved long ago. It is a set routine now. I just get up from the couch and say "Bed people" and they follow me outside, go to the toilet, run down the hall into the laundry where we have their beds, and sit begging for the Schmacko they get every night. I don't hear a peep out of them until we let them out about 7am. So we love 'em and they love us and we feel very lucky to have them.
So, another good home story for you to feel proud about organising.
Hope all is well with you and Mayer. Here are a couple of recent shots.
R and Di
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Hi folks,
I would love to add my story to your success stories section.
I had always wanted to have a chi, and for a number of reasons it just was not possible. Until, that is, about 4 years ago I found your site on the Internet and thought it worth checking out. I originally had planned to buy a pedigree male, until I fell in love with a small fellow on your chi rescue site who looked perfect.
When my partner at the time, and I, finally got to meet Rita and Mayer and the pup I had thought was perfect, I changed my mind very quickly. He was a chi cross, which was not an issue, but not what I wanted. I have a certain psychic connection to creatures and my senses were telling me, "no".
So I looked around at the 'flock' of chis' as I call them and saw this little fellow hanging around at the back of the flock. He was quiet, and I would have thought somewhat emotionally damaged. He was trying to look as small as possible. That was a hint to me, so I asked Rita if I could pick him up and she said yes but be careful – he does bite. Warily and gently I picked him up and he nuzzled up against my neck and went to sleep in my arms. Love at first sight for me, and may I say an enduring love. Rita very sensibly said, get the gear you need for a chi and think about it.
Note from Rita: Hooley Dooley had spent two weeks in a pound in Sydney and was on his final day on death's row when a friend rang and told us about him. We immediately said yes we would take him in. When the doggy bus arrived in Cranbourne, Mayer and I picked him up and my exact words to Mayer were "Hooley dooley what a poor little scrap of a dog", hence his name! Hooley Dooley spent many weeks with us before meeting Stewart. Stewart and Deb had to consider a lot of possible problems with Hooley. He was terribly malnourished and weak, and we did not think he would live a very long life due to the hardships he had suffered. We had no idea of his age but thought he was getting on a bit. He had two quite bad luxating patella's but was considered too weak to survive the operation. Stewart and Deb were advised to give it a lot of thought, and come back in a week's time to see if the "connection" was still there.
We were half way back to Melbourne and I was begging Debs to go back. Fortunately she was strong and said no. Anyway, one week later we are on the doorstep laden with doggy stuff and much more at home, the rest is history.
Note from Rita. The "history" is that Stewart and Debs persevered for weeks to keep this little fellow eating and slowly gaining confidence. They taught him to walk on a harness and took him out daily, socializing etc. Slowly but surely they trained Hooley to accept their friends in "his" new home when they entertained.
Stewart and Deb came down to visit several times over the next few months and watch all the Chihuahuas coming and going. They were very interested in one little long coat girl, Lacey. Lacey had come in to our care after she had been attacked by a neighbor's German Shepherd who killed Lacey's little mate and very seriously damaged Lacey. She had already been through seven operations on her stomach, back, legs, neck and bottom jaw, to repair the damage caused by this dog (Lacey was a very tiny 1.3kg). She was so seriously "damaged" by all these operations etc. that we were told she would not live through another operation. We decided that we would keep her for the rest of her natural life as we could not risk her going out for adoption where she might get "mated" by some male dog when ever she might come in to season.
When Stewart and Deb asked if we had another little Chihuahua to be a friend to Hooley Dooley we had none apart from Lacey. They were the only people we knew who could be trusted to care for Lacey, after all, look how well they were caring for Hooley.
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Rita enquired as to whether we would be prepared to take their very much loved Lacey, a little long haired white girl, who had survived many ops due to being attacked by a big dog. After much thought we said yes, and as you will see on the chihuaholics site she is as loved as is Hooley. They are loved, respected, and the most beautiful little people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.
Thank you so much Rita and Mayer for being insightful and supportive. I know that parting with Lacey was a huge effort from both of you, and can tell you that she is happy, healthy, and keeping Hooley in his place, at every given opportunity.
Love Stewart
I sent this to Stewart, and was charmed with the following response.
Hi Rita,
That is beautiful he says with a 'small' tear in the eye. They are so well known around my neighborhood now, everyone loves them.
There are some builders up the road who have been working on a house for a number of weeks. When we go for our daily chi constitutional, these young workers, go "well here they are again - the pocket rockets!"
I live in a very friendly area, with loads of very old folks, and very young children. They all want to know who is who and their history. This is where you and Mayer get the big wrap-up: your ears must burn constantly. Hooley loves all the other dogs around us, and Lacey wants to beat them all up. Mind you, it just indicates their respective histories. Cars pulling into their driveways always stop for us to meander past, and enquire as to the dogs health etc. The front of my unit is all glass, and it is primarily Laceys' job to ward off anyone having the audacity to walk past. Hooley always arrives after they have passed, does one bark like WTF and goes back to sleep. I have about eight cushions near the front window so they can luxuriate there and watch the world go by. Young parents with little ones in prams often stop to see the little puppies. I can hear them showing the littlies my babies. I should probably start charging. LOL.
Love and best wishes from Stewart
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In mid September 2011, we received this from Kelly, Brendan and Willis and Dexter the Kitty! Willis was originally named Max in 2007/8.
I don't know if you remember me but my name is Kelly and my partner and I adopted a wee chi cross something of an older age from you almost 3 years ago. We re-named him Willis, but you had previously taken him in under the name 'Max' with another cross named Rex.
uWe have moved back to NZ - and yes, wee Willis came with us! I just wanted to say THANKYOU for everything you do. I think of you often and always watch Chi Rescue on Facebook. Thank you for our dear wee Willis, he really is my best friend and is sitting on my feet as I write this, wanting attention!
I'll attach a photo so you can see him now, including a shot with him and the kitten he brothers... hehe.
I'm so proud of how far he's come, he plays little games and loves nothing more than a belly rub - from anyone! He is a far cry from the timid little man who was frightened of everything a few years ago. Everyone now is a potential friend, and he's a little fatty on a diet as he figured out how to get to the kitten food and ate it faster than you can blink a few too many times. Now the cat has to work for his food up high. :)
Love Kelly, Brendan and Willis and Dexter the Kitty! xx
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In mid May 2011, we received this fantastic email from Zack.
Dear Grandma,
I had a good time with you in Victoria, and I want to thank you for all the care and love you gave me. When I got put in that crate and had that long flight, I thought my end was nigh! I felt really down and out. Then I arrived in Cairns - the sun was shining, it was nice and warm. And the lady who picked me up was also nice and warm; she gave me a big hug, put me in her car and talked to me all the way home. She told me all about herself, her house, and big garden. When we arrived home she had a nice warm bed ready, one inside and one outside.
The past 4 weeks we have spent lots of time together at home, also went to the beach with a special dog-section and other dogs. I am still quite shy, but my new Mum (I call her Mutti) is always there to look after me. I am really very happy now.
I also lost a lot of my undercoat hair, hand-fulls actually. Now I feel quite comfortable in the balmy tropics! Mutti tells me that winter is coming, but 28 degrees during the daytime feels quite warm to me. No frost up here! Anyhow, my inside bed has nice warm blankets.
I like the food too. Mutti makes a meal for herself and then one for me - so we eat together. She is very strict and never feeds me from the table. My appetite is getting better. Well one acre of land is a lot to run around in! There iks lots of jungle, I feel like Tarzan.
At night I stay with Mutti till about 9-10 and then I go in my own bed. For about 3 nights I protested, you know, barking and howling. Then I understood, as she explained to me, that when it is summer here, Mutti has an air-conditioner on during the night and that would be too cold for me. I might get sick.
My favourite toy is an empty jelly cup. I throw that in the air and when it comes down it bounces on the tiles and I chase it all through the house. I sometimes do that also with my food and water bowls. However, I think Mutti does not like that. She does not say anything but I, by now, start to learn to read her face.
As you can see, I am extremely happy up here; it is a tropical doggy paradise.
Look after yourselves; take it easy and a big wet kiss from ZACK!
We also received this email from Zack's Mutti.
You asked me what I thought of Zack.
I am absolutely bowled over with him, he is a little gem. Yes, he still has to learn a lot of things. But he is intelligent and considerate, and learns pretty quick. He is smart too, and lets me know if he wants something. In the past 4 weeks he has learned the layout of the house - he races around inside and never bumps into things - and has become house trained and goes outside when necessary. Accidents sometimes happen when I forget to open doors; he knows where his food and water bowls are.
I brush his hair, sitting in a particular chair. So when I go and sit in that chair, he can't get their quickly enough; he loves it! He listens when I call him by name. So now I can take him out anywhere and let him run, on the beach, and in the park. He is a very good watchdog and has a bark like a bigger dog! Well that is not bad for a little bloke and I love him dearly.
And in regard to his letter to you, Zack has given permission for you to publish it on the website. As long as you let him know which website, he wants to have a look too. Understandable, it is his first literary effort!
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Cee Cee was adopted in January of 2011. Following are some of the wonderful reports we have received from her new Mummy and Daddy.
January 26th, 2011
Lamb is (at this point) Cee Cee's favourite food. She told us so, and who are we to doubt her?
She hung around that kitchen, and when I was saying "No" to her, she turned to her Pa for support. This dog has it all worked out on how to get her own way. The sweet little innocent quiet bit is all an act! She's done this before in a previous life obviously.
So, not to give in to her, we substituted some well cooked lamb for her meat balls, and I put that out on her tray in the sun-room. I coaxed her out, holding the lamb in front of her nose until I got her out, down the step and gave her the meat. Then, with the speed of a startled rabbit I leapt up and inside and shut the door into the dining area. Not that she noticed, because she had her nose in that food bowl until it was emptied, then put herself to bed.
I might be a slow learner, but occasionally I know when I'm going to be conned. I will have to stay alert for our little dramatic actress and her 'get food' schemes.
Oh well, another day nearly over and I know who has the most to learn.
Tomorrow we will try the harness and a walk out to the front on the lead, then I'll see if she will go any further. Otherwise I'll carry her around again till she gets used to the street.
She's a good sleeper at night too, as I never hear her. She came into our bedroom this morning and cuddled in with us for an hour as though she hass always done it.
January 27th, 2011
Only blot on her copy book from yesterday was when I went to bed last night and found 3 separate little (hard) jobs in our bedroom. Have no idea when she was in there? I kept the door shut today.
Also, she is definitely a Lady who "Likes to Lunch"! Put a bowl each of the left over soup and some toast on the table at lunch time - for us. She got up from her inside bed and started dancing and performing around the table again. She is so sure that she is due a lunch! I gave her a bit of dog chewy and she settled.
This morning she wanted her breakfast, but you didn't tell me that even though her food bowl was out in the sun room, the meat content tastes so much better if it's picked up and carried in to eat on the carpet. What have you been teaching her? She must have done this at your place too! Anyhow she ate the lot.
I gather we are being trained into how Cee Cee likes to live her life, not the other way around.
She certainly likes to cuddle and sleep. We, CC & I, went in to watch the tennis around 2.45pm with Andy Murray. She was cuddled up on, between and over, my knees, lap, chest. Somtime, we went to sleep for a set or two, and I woke at 5.35pm to see the end of the match.
Cee Cee seems to love HER yard, HER toys, HER bed(s) and OUR laps!
No problem with food - in fact she's a little food bandit. Sure there's no Labrador in there somewhere?
She goes to bed with no argument and sleeps all night. When I open the sun-room blinds or door she is there, ready to run inside - and now - into the bedroom to twirl around until she is picked up to get on the bed. Yesterday morning it was my turn to be kissed to death, cuddled and fussed over. This morning Daddy got the full treatment. When she wants to get off the bed, she gets up and moves to the side. I lift her down and she gallops outside. This morning she galloped off, and a few minutes later she was back saying 'pick me up again' onto the bed.
She instigated a game of "chasies" this morning: giving me little barks, and running away around the table. I went after her, laughing and talking to her, and she raced around the table, and under the table with me behind her - although I didn't follow her there - no "under the table" for me! The tail wags when we speak to her: she knows her name so well that when either of us call her from another area the little ears go up and she races off to see what you want. Last night my husband was talking about her at the table and said her name. The next minute she was dancing at his side as if to ask what he wanted!
My lap is for spending the evening on in the lounge-room. She sleeps until I say it's time for me to carry her outside for wees, then it's inside to the sun-room and into her bed. I cover her up, turn off the light, and that's it till the morning.
Chi things she does - as our first little Chihuahua did. She lies on her back sun-baking a lot, either in the yard or on the tiles. She lies on her back playing and juggling with a toy in her hands and she spreads toys all over the house. She always wants lots of cuddles and she is a quick licker! She is adorably cute - and knows it! She gets little half smiles on her face with her eyes almost closed when you talk to her while she is on our laps, and she comes looking for us after a while if we haven't been looking for her.
I gave her a chicken neck yesterday: she wasn't all that interested in it. Then it disappeared. I think it's planted in some violets near the back tree because she kept going over there a lot.
She's getting used to the various noises that happen around this place, and is not reacting as much.
She barked madly yesterday when somebody came to our front door, and when a phone was ringing loudly on T.V. she put her head up and looked around.
There were fireworks on Australia Day evening and apart from a brief 'ears-up', there was no other reaction, even though we turned the TV up a bit and kept talking over it.
April 22nd, 2011
Yesterday I was cleaning up in the ensuite bathroom/wardrobe area, so I lifted her onto the bed so she could watch me. I had to take a phone call and when I came back into the bedroom she wasn't on the bed, but there was a lump half-way down the bed. She'd gone up between the pillows and burrowed under, and she eventually came out the same way. We haven't had an "accident" in the house for ages; I think that's all finished now, and she is so good at telling me if the door isn't partly open.
We didn't go out yesterday, and I said to her that we'd go out today. From about half an hour after she came into bed, she started working on me to get me out of bed and give her "breakie". Then she was tearing up and down the family room, study window to me, to Daddy, and then following me from room to room dancing... we had to go out!
It was cold and windy, but I took her lead. Firstly we had to call on somebody in the Probus Club to collect some bookwork (who came out and admired our beautiful little dog), then we drove around to the Lake. The sun came out and Cee Cee was looking out the window at the other dogs. I say "Look Cee Cee, Dog, Dog!" and she swings her head around to find out where I'm pointing. We all got out. Cee Cee had her harness on and walked so well, dodging puddles, sniffing posts and staring at people & dogs coming along. Under one tree there were possum droppings, and she went round and round that big tree sniffing, and kicking her back legs, and peeing: it was so funny! She ended up all muddy and dirty from kicking up and prancing through the grass, but she was quite happy. I should have put her coat on, but I wasn't thinking about walking off a made path, which she wanted to do.
Her vocabulary is growing every day. We have to change the way we speak so as not to be harassed at times. I keep saying to her Daddy to stop saying "see" or "sea" in her hearing, because immediately she arrives and wants to know why we called her. I can't say "she" now, because the tail wags and she comes to me. I only have to glance at her, and she's looking back at me, and the tail wags in greeting. We have to say "Og" if we mean "Go", but I think she'll figure that one out soon too. She really loves to come with us everywhere! I don't think she loves the car much, but she is so willing to go everywhere with us that she overcomes her nervousness of the car.
I just heard a little "snore" and she's down here alongside the computer, I didn't even hear her come in.
May, 2011
We just came back from a walk in the cold wind, but with sunny conditions. For the first time Cee Cee didn't want to turn into our street coming back but elected to go another block: so she is starting to enjoy walking, and is not so 'jumpy' at strange sights and sounds. She does a lot of sniffing & leg kicking & what I call 'ballet poses'. Sticky beaks up every drive and stares at something she is not sure of, but seems generally unafraid now. The traffic noise isn't worrying her even on a busy street.
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Missy and Percy, Part 2 - November 2010
Now, we have already had a success story for these two: back in May 2010. Unfortunately, Betty and Greg had to move and could not take Missy and Percy with them. However, Missy and Percy have such a spirit, they soon found a second home with Di and R. We were so happy when their new "Dad" sent the following email to let us know how they are going! [Ed. Sorry Di and R for posting this to the site so late!]
Di has her new camera and I have just downloaded three shots of the terrible twins to send to you. The two of them really settled into the new location immediately and are a bundle of fun. They spend the day roaming the block, chasing our pet magpies and kookaburras who we feed, and generally enjoying themselves. Our block is not flat and they end the day pretty tired.
They are two different personalities for sure. Percy always wants a cuddle and is the more adventurous of the two, always exploring and confident. Missy is more timid and follows him for a while. Then she is quite happy to lie down and enjoy her own company until she hears Percy bark at a bird - then she is up and out there to support him in whatever he is up to. They both get plenty of cuddles and Missy is first in line; but after a few minutes she has had enough and just gets down to lie on a sheepskin rug they have adopted as their day spot. On the other hand Percy will jump up and enjoy getting tickled all day if we had the time.
Strangely, they have bonded first with Di. At 6.30am when I get up, they give me a royal welcome and cuddles on the couch, but then as soon as I open the passage door, they desert me and take off down the hall, fly up onto Di's bed and proceed to tumble all over her. Di loves it if she is getting up but if she is trying for a bit of a sleeping, I have to keep the door closed. If I lie down on the couch at night I have the pair of them stretched out beside me and they will stay there until we go to bed.
So the progressive report is that we are delighted to have them and spoil them, and the little buggers seem to be very happy here with us.
Thank you, R and Di for giving these gorgeous little a wonderful home.
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Chee Chee, October 2010
In October 2010 we received this lovely letter from C and E. [Ed. Really sorry C and E: this update is five months over-due.. a certain webmaster has been far too busy.]
Thought it was time for a Chee Chee update. This little girl has really come out of her shell.
After a few weekly "Doggy Day Care" sessions, she is now queen of the castle. She loves the Big Guys and has a lot of fun with the little ones too. Chee Chee basically runs the show – she is the boss's assistant at Mutts. Mutts asked us to do a doggy photo shoot so her picture can go on display! We have enclosed a picture for you, so you can see the princess she really is.
Chee Chee is still not trusting of people until she has fully checked them out! Chee Chee brings us heaps of joy and happiness. Thank you for finding her for us.
Dear C and E, Thank you for being such responsible and loving owners for one of our little "lost souls". Chee Chee is such a lucky little girl to have been adopted by you! The photo is just beautiful, Thank you so much.
In 2007, we saw a little girl come from the pound as unclaimed. We named her Chee Chee. She was very shy: timid and quite frightened. Then we had a call from C and E regarding Chee Chee and their email shortly after adopting Chee Chee explains how it happened.
I was very fortunate to have been given your details from a colleague who adopted Max from you. When Chee Chee's photograph appeared on your website, there was no hesitation, she was the one! So, thanks goes to both of you!
Chee Chee is one very special little girl who means so much to both of us and we are happy for you to share our emails, photos or letters on your Success stories page.
It is just wonderful to receive updates on our little dogs from time to time, and see photographs of how they have developed and blossomed. Chee Chee has done just that with all the love and care given by C and E.
In 2008, another email arrived.
Hi Rita and Mayer,
It's been a long time since we have sent you an update on dear little Chee Chee, so I thought it was about time I did something about it.
Hope all is going well with you guys.
Thursday, 27th of May will be our 1st Anniversary with Chee Chee, and we thought we would share some of our special moments,
Chee Chee has grown into a gorgeous little girl.
She has just had her annual shots and now weighs in at 3.864 kilos: a little more than what she was twelve months ago - 1.7! We take her to a great doggy day care once a fortnight and she loves it. This keeps her socialising skills up to date. And of course, who does she play with but a St Bernard, a boxer and a Ridgeback (and occasionally some of the little guys too)!
I have attached some photos so you can see how beautiful she is. We absolutely love her.
Recently, she found a lovely bone, which she left between our pillows ready for a midnight snack! What can we say? She's our little angel.
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Read here the heartwarming Success Story of Alice (now called Gypsy): from rescue, vet operations, generous donations to a loving new home. If you want to comment on Alice's story, you can so on her blog page.
Early August, 2010.
Alice was found wandering on the streets outside a school; she had been hit by a car which had badly injured her leg. Notices were placed all over in an endeavour to find her owners. It is hard to say how long she had been wandering the streets, or even where she may have come from. Alice had her leg put in plaster by a local vet in same the area she was found in.
We know that she is a friendly little Pom cross Chi, probably 3 to 5 years of age. Despite the cast she is perfectly happy to roll over for a tummy rub and displays complete trust.
Friday, August 13, 2010.
We took Alice to the Beach Street Vet on Friday the 13th to be checked out. They took x-rays of her leg and discovered that the bone had not been set in place. Jan explained to us that it is very hard when a dog is injured in this sort of accident: they come to the Vet with grossly swollen body parts. When the leg is broken to the extent that Alice's leg is broken, all the muscle and tendons etc are torn away from the bone and, without fairly major surgery (when the swelling goes down) the bone cannot be put back together correctly.
The x-rays indicate that this is indeed what has happened. To leave Alice in this heavy plaster with her leg bones fractured is very unfair on Alice. She could spend months waiting for the bone to mend, only for us to find out weeks later that it hadn't knitted and never would! Meanwhile, who knows what sort of pain poor little Alice has been in - and is still putting up with!
The good news is that Euan Kilkpatrick - who owns Beach Street Vet Clinic - is an expert with bone surgery. Euan has agreed to operate on Alice on Monday the 16th of August. He will remove the heavy plaster, open her leg and manipulate the bone into it's correct place. Until he opens the leg we will not know if it can be fixed with a screw through the bone - very unlikely as the bones are so tiny - which may not be enough to "hold" anyway. The alternative (and most likely) method will be a plate and screws. This is a very expensive operation.
We were advised that the operation could cost about $1,000 or more. We looked at little Alice lying on the table, offering her tummy for tickles, tail wagging, eyes sparkling with fun. I looked at Mayer, and he looked at me. We both turned to Jan and said, in unison "she is such a happy loving little dog." What do you do when you just simply do not have that sort of money to spend on one little dog? The alternative is to euthanise her, which we just DO NOT DO!!
So on Monday we are off in an endeavour to raise some funds to assist with Alice's surgery costs.
Monday, August 16, 2010.
Alice went in for surgery this morning. We got a phone call early this afternoon to advise that when Euan took the plaster off he discovered that Alice also has a nasty infection. Because of this, the surgery has to be held off until Thursday. I just raced down to see Alice as she was waking up from the anaesthetic. The tired little darling tried to lift her head when she heard me say her name. Then they showed me her leg - ugh what a mess! Poor little girl.
4pm.
Nicole (one of our wonderful Vet nurses from Beach Street Veterinary Clinic) has just bought Alice home to be kept quiet and calm until Thursday. She has a little enclosure where she is safe from bumps from the other dogs. Euan has cleaned the leg and it will remain "open" to help heal the infection.
Thursday August 19, 2010.
Alice has come through her operation with flying colours! She is very sleepy tonight, but has had a little dinner and a drink of water. Now she is snuggled up in her bed, asleep again. No plaster or nasty stitches - these are dissolving stitches! She also has nice little plate in her leg to hold it together. She was very happy when we picked her up! More later.
If anyone can spare a few dollars to help, please contact us for Chi Rescue bank details, or use Paypal (link on web page - over to the left) with all donations marked "Alice". Acknowledgements will appear below. Thank you.
DONATIONS FOR ALICE (kept coming in over the next few weeks).
Target ($1,000) reached and BEYOND: $1,175
Thank you to these wonderful people who have donated:
- Elizabeth and Rex $50
- Smaro $25
- Betty $50
- Denise $100
- Irmgard $20
- Robyn $50
- Inge $50
- Katie $30
- Karyn $150
- Michelle $50
- Katherine and Elise $50
- And a special Thank You to Margaret C. for your extremely generous donation of $500 in memory of Black Beauty (15/4/95 - 28/7/2010).
- Joyce, Russ, and Sophie $20
- Beach St Vets for generous help for Alice
- Tarryn $30
Thank you ALL! Thank you so much for all your help with Alice. We had sufficient donations to pay the Vet account for Alice with a little left over, which will now be used for some of the other little ones needing special attention - like Tangaranga. THANK YOU EVERYONE!
Monday August 23, 2010.
The operation to fix Alice's leg meant that Euan opened her leg from just above the "elbow" almost down to her "ankle". He has put the bone back together and placed a metal plate over the breaks, sewn back the tendons or whatever and sewed her up again with dissolving stitches. All we can now see is a very fine red line where the leg was opened up. The hair will grow back over that fairly soon. It is less than a week since the operation and we have had Alice confined in a "puppy pen" for her safety.
She is such a good little girl: she whimpered every time she needed to have a wee, and gave two very short little barks if she wanted to go outside! Just amazing. She wanted to play with the other dogs but we had to keep her separate. However, yesterday we allowed her to stay outside with some of the smaller Chis for a few hours and she loved it.
Tuesday August 24, 2010.
This morning she has been outside and inside playing and having the time of her life with the other dogs. She is even putting a little weight on the leg now!
Friday September 3, 2010.
Alice is now looking for a new home! She is walking on her leg and is quite confident to stand up against your leg for pats etc. She is quite happy with everyone and is a wonderful, gentle little dog. Due to the fact she has had such surgery on her back leg, we feel that she would be better in an adult family only.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010.
Hello!
I've just seen the photos of gorgeous little Alice. What a sweetheart! We would very much like to enquire about the process of meeting Alice to see if we might be the right home for her.
A bit about us. We are a young married couple. We live in a converted shop (the size of a small house/large townhouse) with a secure yard and a 6 foot tall bricked in fence. At the start of this year, we said goodbye to the love of my life and our shining star Gremlin. Gremlin was a Silky Terrier X, 17 years old. We were so blessed to have had her for so long - basically my entire life. Though we'll never get "over" Gremlin, we feel ready to start looking around and opening our hearts again for the right little dog.
We are homebodies and while we are dedicated to exercising our pet, Gremlin was very quiet in the last years of life. Thus we became accustomed to a quiet life with a pampered, very-much-inside dog. We are looking for a dog with similar tenancies - one who likes to get out and about with us occasionally, but is mostly at home cuddling with us on the couch or having sleep ins together in bed!
We both work full time, so while we are absolutely committed to spending as much time with our furry child as possible, we will need to find a dog who is confident enough to be left on her own a few days out of the month. We love small dogs and the chi / pom breeds seem to match us quite closely in the research we have done on temperament and personality. We would dearly love to visit Alice and see if we might be the right match for her!
Hope to hear from you soon :)
Wednesday, September 15, 2010.
Hello Dear,
That sounds perfect. The normal procedure is that you come down and meet Alice to see firstly that she likes you! Then if you like her. Mind youm, Alice likes everyone - although food is her first priority! We have to keep her food intake under control as she would eat everything in sight otherwise. Friday, Saturday and Sunday are OK with us at the moment.
We ask people to come between the hours of 11 am and 4 pm on days that suit both parties.
Alice's full story as we know it is on our web page.
The Chi cross Pom is a gorgeous mixture and seems to take on the best of both breeds.
Let us know if you would like to meet Alice.
Friday, September 17, 2010.
Our darling Alice has gone to a new home and will be "trying out" for a fortnight!! THANK YOU to every wonderful person who has donated for Alice's leg operation. Such a wonderful response and generous spirit from everyone.
Saturday, September 18, 2010.
Hi Rita & Mayer!
Just wanted to drop you a really quick line to say all is well. Alice was just wonderful in the car home and cuddled with Daddy the whole way home - with a short snooze before arrival!
We have obviously had a low key afternoon and did some normal housey things to get her used to and exploring the house. This evening we've been chilling in front of the TV which she thinks is just great. She has claimed the middle spot of the couch already as hers! She seemed a little bit unsure and overwhelmed earlier in the evening. She needed LOTS of cuddles and reassurance. Now, however, she trots around and is happy to leave the room and come back when she's ready. I think she is settling. Naturally it will take some time but I really think she can be comfortable here.
We are just so besotted with her. She looks just like a little fox!
Hope you all the other kids are well! It was so lovely meeting you today and thank-you again for the opportunity to meet this gorgeous little girl. We'll keep in contact and let you know how she's getting on as the days pass.
Take care.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010.
Here is the long overdue update! So sorry for the delay, we've had a friend staying with us from Perth so the study has been occupied and we've not been able to sit down and get all the photos on the computer.
I hardly know where to start! We are just so enamoured with this gorgeous little soul. We have taken to calling her Gypsy (I hope that's OK!) - and she has fit right in to our family immediately.
She is starting to feel a bit more secure, and even sleeps in bed with us now. She used to sleep by herself on the couch the first few nights, so I think that it is a good sign. Maybe she realises this is really "home" now! The first few nights I left my bathrobe on the couch: I think she must have thought it was the best bed in the house - so now that's where it stays every morning after I leave for work. She gets SO excited at dinner time and tears down the hallway at lightning speed, but she picks up her little leg and carries it behind her so she is kind of hopping down the hallway: it is just adorable.
Other than when she runs, she doesn't seem bothered by her leg at all, and of course she's decided she likes the taller couch rather than the one closer to the ground. I always fret when she jumps up off it! We've made her a little set of steps so she can get up more easily but half the time she doesn't even use them.
We have an appointment with our local vet on Friday, just to introduce her and keep a check on her leg. She also seems a bit bothered by her right ear for some reason and keeps scratching it all the time, so we'll just check that out too to make sure all is good.
We've taken her for a few short walks to our local park. We carried her there and walked her home! She LOVES it! I was worried it might be too overwhelming for her given she still seemed a little bit insecure at home, but she wasn't fazed at all! She wears the harness and walks on the lead beautifully, stopped for pats with the kids. She is just an angel. She sits quietly to be brushed and even lifts her head up at the right times so you can get all the fur under her neck and ears properly. She is such a good girl. It is obvious that she has been part of a family before. Honestly it boggles my mind that no one came to find her when she was lost.
We are so thankful that she has come into our lives, and so grateful to you, Rita and Mayer and ALL the people who donated for her operation for giving this little one the second chance she now has in life. I knew she would be a sweetheart but it really does seem "meant to be": just how perfect she is for us.
Hope you and the rest of the pups are going well! Once we get the OK from the vet after Friday we'll be looking to enrol her in some socialisation classes, I think she does miss her little doggie friends there at Chi Rescue!
And now some photos!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Gypsy is doing so fantastic, she has well and truly settled in and her confidence has skyrocketed. She is our little queen of the house. Everyone who meets her just falls in love with her right away, she is such a genuine loving soul. When they hear her story they are even more amazed that she is still so trusting and loving after all she has been through.
She loves walking around our neighbourhood so we go for a short walk every morning, then a longer one at night. She is the best alarm clock ever: she will not let me sleep in when there is a walk to be had - haha! She has made a few little doggy friends we see regularly at the dog park near our house (always playing on the leash of course). The fur on her leg has grown back over her scar and our local vet said it has healed up perfectly. It doesn't seem to bother her at all, however when she is tired or when she barrels down the hallway at dinner time she still picks up her little leg and carries it behind her - a trait I think she might have for life.
We have these two silly little chairs on our back deck, they are tiny and when we sit in them our knees almost come up to our chins - well Gypsy thinks they are great because they are just the right size for her! So yep, "our" chairs are now well and truly Gypsy's chairs, haha :)
Remember - if you want to comment on Alice's story, you can so on her blog page.
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Curley and Cara, 17th of May 2010
Betty and Greg adopted Kelly (formerly Curley) in 2005 and had a few problems with her in the beginning, but she soon settled in and became part of the family. Here are some emails they sent to Chi Rescue.
Kelly has been with us for 5 years now. She is a beautiful little girl and I love her dearly. She won't let me out of her sight; she sleeps with us on our bed and doesn't do anything wrong. She is still scared of different people, which is very sad. But she has a great life here with us.
As you know, she has a friend called Candy (who was called Cara) whom we have only just adopted. They both get on pretty well together, which is good. Kelly just wants to play and Candy chases her around! Recently, we caught them sleeping together on the couch.
Just thought I would let you know so you can put her in the success stories as well.
Betty and Greg adopted Cara (whom they renamed later to Candy) on the 8th May, 2010. That evening we received the following email.
Well, everything is going ok, sort of: but I am stressing. Kelly is being the dominant one. Poor little Cara is showing her teeth and telling Kelly where to go; Kelly is being a bit overbearing. Greg is telling me to chill out and just let them be. It's a big place for Cara: she had a crazy time running around mad - no escaping though.
When Greg goes outside for a smoke he takes the girls outside too and all is well. Hopefully she will eat something. Earlier, she didn't seem interested when we tried to give her some dried food. What is dinner time for the kids? Our dinner time is 6.00 O'clock. Boy she is beautiful and guess what: she LOVES the bright pink bed! She tried to have a sleep but Kelly wont let her be.
This was followed on the 9th May, 2010 with this email.
Well what a night! Cara slept in her pink bed in the kitchen. Kelly kept annoying her on and off all night. Up and down - she drove me mad. And boy does she snore - her nickname is now Chainsaw! She is nearly as bad as Greg... heh. I wouldn't mind her in the bedroom with us as well but not with that snoring.
Cara is a very, very good girl. But yesterday she did her wee inside all over the place, but I suppose that was to be expected: she didn't do number 2 until this morning. She hung on all night and did it outside when we went outside this morning.
Well both girls had a bath today so they smell sweet and are blow dried as well. We took the magnets off the doggie door and now she is going in and out ok. She is a quick learner, so she must have been someone's beautiful little girl. She loves the big yard and when we go out the front door she listens and doesn't try to get out. We just say NO if she is bad. So far, so good. Kelly is the problem we will have to see how she goes this week. I might have to give Kelly back (just kidding)... she did eat her tea last night very delicately I might add.
She is one adorable baby.
By 17th May, 2010 we received this email arrived advising us of even more wonderful progress.
Well what can I say Cara is a beautiful little girl, She a has a great nature and wants cuddles all the time. She is getting on better with Kelly now, as Kelly wants to play and Cara chases her, yapping all the way.
She loves her new pink bed and she learns very quickly. Already she is going out the doggie door. She has had a few accidents inside. Probably she is upset with Kelly poking at her all the time with her nose - which I find quite funny. She hasn't even tried to escape when we let them in to the big yard she burns around like a maniac! Then we just say "come on girls - come inside!" and she bolts inside. They play flat out for about five minutes before sleep time, little darlings. Also she loves the car and makes herself at home - I might add she jumps right to the back on the parcel shelf and settles in. It was so funny.
There's no way you're getting her back either & Rita we are changing her name to Candy. I have enclosed a couple of pictures & will send more when I can.
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Missy and Percy, 10th of May 2010
Missy and Percy (was named Boyess) came into Chihuahua Rescue care when their owner passed away. They had lived their entire lives (eight years) with Mary. A neighbor handed them in to a large organization who were going to euthanize them as they were too old to re-home. So when told of their plight, Chihuahua Rescue said "no, they come here!" Both little dogs fretted for almost three weeks before we saw a tail wag or two. In April 2010 they were listed as looking for a new home.
We have written previously of our great respect and love for some families and people who will adopt these old dogs and give them loving homes in their final years. Thank you to Jasmin, Isabel and their parents for the following updates and a wonderful success story for these two lovely little dogs.
29th of April, 2010
Well as you can see we've renamed Boyess to Percy. Day one has been quiet and uneventful. They are more nervous around the kids than they are around adults. We've discovered they are fine with brushing and bathing. They have only yapped once, after a bath as they were so excited.
We are about to go and pick up the kids from school. Think I will drive them, then walk them on a big first day for them, but they are going well. They are not eating much so far, so hopefully that changes soon.
From Jasmin and Isabel's Mum
1st of May, 2010
Hi i am Jasmin.
I am the bigger of the two girls. Percy and Missy are very good dogs. Missy is not walking with the lead. Percy is very good and is walking with the lead. Percy is very happy and out-going. Missy is still scared.
From Jasmin
9th of May, 2010
Well they are settling in fabulously.
Isabel is still a bit unsure with the doggies, mostly when we take Missy to the beach - which happened for the first time this weekend. Missy has regressed in her walking habits back to what she was like on the lead.
I have reassured Isabel that if we do it each week the dogs will end up loving the beach.
I think we can safely say that we are now the proud owners of two dogs: Missy and Percy! Since we have changed his name, does this need to be noted on the micro chip? [Chi Rescue: Yes.]
They have both transferred to dry food and eat well. They are walking to school and back, twice a day. It's about a 2 km round trip, and they are going at walking pace. Percy can be left tied outside the shop and will wait but Missy slips her harness if she is left. They are not chasing the cat and things are going well in that respect.
Percy really has settled and seems to love his new house and busy life. Missy does too, but is timid and - I think - stubborn. She is a determined little thing so when we need the opposite to what she wants it's a clash of wills - but all is still going well. They have not been aggressive at all, the worst being a little growl when getting their harness on. This, from Missy, I think more from not wanting to go for a walk, but that's it and it passes quickly.
So thanks very much: it's all good from this end and I think you can safely send the micro chip certificates off.
Thank you so much.
We will send you an up date and a photo with the dogs and kids in a little while to show you the happiness of all parties. Actually today Isabel said she thought Missy's coat was getting a little thicker, so if that's the case it's a good sign of contentment.
From Jasmin and Isabel's Mum
10th of May, 2010
Missy will jump on our laps and so will Percy. Percy is wagging his tail and Missy is not tucking it away. Missy is walking on the leash. They are walking a lot faster. Percy knows his way home.
From Jasmin
Glad to see a new update from Betty and Greg on Sunday July the 11th, 2010.
Well all formalities are gone now.
The dogs were sleeping in the bathroom, but if you're a kid the only thing you want is your dog to sleep with you! So, in the bed they are. And not just on - I mean in the bed. Both dogs love being under the doona. They know whose bed the live on and for the first time in awhile they are sleeping apart from each other, but they have a child each to snuggle up to.
They are looking so healthy and happy now. They spent the day with my mum the other day. We were gone for long hours and she is an older lady. They used to love going to her place, but this time they were so forlorn, waiting for our return.
I think they have truly settled into life owning a kid each. Would you believe that all 4 (2 kids and 2 dogs) got in the bath tonight for wash! Too funny.
Thanks Rita!
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Gizmo, Wednesday, 5th of May 2010
Hello Rita and Mayer,
I wanted to give you an update about Gizmo - he's a little gem!
Our old male dog LOVES him and Gizmo has given him a new lease of life, I haven't seen him so happy in a long while and although he is very slow he enjoys rolling around with Gizmo. Our little female Chi cross is less impressed, but is coming around and I did catch them sleeping together in a basket so it's all good.
Gizmo has a lovely nature with our daughter. He is very tolerant of her, and he loves being chased by her, especially if he has his new fluffy toy in his mouth.
Gizmo's appetite is good. He sits on command and is learning to sit at the kerbside and wait for cars (on the lead). He also loves the beach and chasing birds. He's not happy with big dogs and rushes up to them barking - I wonder if he had a bad experience with a big dog? Our other Chi dislikes big dogs immensely too. Gizmo is very well house-trained.
Gizmo is desperate to sleep in our bed, but has contented himself with sleeping on my coat at the bottom of the bed (he does have his own basket though).
All in all, he's a beaut little dog, he is very loving and I get the feeling he would be VERY protective if he had to be - first thing in the morning he trots around the garden along the fence ready to "have a go". I think he thinks that our old dogs have been letting the side down a bit and it falls to him to guard our territory.
All in all I wouldn't bring him back for quids!
Many thanks,
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Joey, April 2010
Here is a beautiful letter we received from Cheryl, who adopted Joey in 2003.
Hi Rita & Mayer
Recently I discovered your website and thought I would drop you a line.
Back in 2003 a few months after my father died I adopted a dear little fellow you called 'Joey.' When I phoned you to ask if you had any dogs for adoption you described him as looking like a little bear.
He is a cross Pomeranian/Chihuahua. We renamed him 'Bobby' after my dear father who died a few months before
My daughter Kim and I came to meet him and immediately he took to Kim who sat on the floor and he came to her. It is nearly seven years on now and he is still with us bringing us joy every day.
He had two knee operations fairly soon after we adopted him (cruciate ligaments) and we laughingly say he cost us $700 a kg, as he weighed only 2kg and the operations costs $1400 all up. Every cent was worth it to see him back to his normal, loving little self.
He loves our other little dog, Shari, who we have had for 15 years now. She is a Maltese/Chihuahua X. They sleep on my bed one either side of me leaving not much room to move.
I now have a three year old grandson, Ryan, and he loves both the dogs. Shari and Bobby are very good with Ryan, however we always supervise them very closely.
Anyway I have been meaning to get in touch with you so many times to say thank you for the work you do and also for being able to hand over to us our dear little doggie.
I will be looking to adopt another dog in the future as Shari is getting on now and Bobby would be lost without a play mate.
Kind regards,
Cheryl
P.S I have attached photos of Bobby (Joey) & Shari
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Buddy, March 2010
A few days ago I received this heart warming letter from the family who took in Buddy. He is with a loving family and has a Chihuahua friend too: Charlie. I am so glad to see Buddy setting in with a loving family. These doggies are precious and give so much joy.
Dear Rita and Mayer,
I'm sure you will be pleased to know that we are very happy with Buddy and definitely want to keep him.
He has settled remarkably well in such a short space of time. He's getting better with Ed, my husband, letting him walk him (once I have attached the lead) and jumped onto his lap yesterday!
I've started getting up earlier so that I can walk him & Charlie in the morning before work. He is a good little walker and we all go out again in the evening before tea. They have both settled down well. Buddy instantly claimed Charlie's bed so Charlie has the new one although they did get in together on Sunday night and I'm sure they will when the weather turns cooler.
I have registered him with our vet now, she gave a quick look at him on Friday, examined his back legs and said they were good and strong. So the funny skip when he walks is probably just a quirk for now.
I've attached a couple of early pics.
Thankyou so much for letting us have him, you do a wonderful job dedicating so much of your time to ensure these adorable dogs get a loving home, I'm going to have to restrain myself from looking too closely on your blogspot!
Thank you Jane! I think Buddy and Charlie have a lot of walking and exploring to do together, and you are just the right family for Buddy.
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Pablo, January 2010
I recently got this letter from Pablo's new family. In this picture, Pablo is on the left, Leroy is on the right.
Dear Rita and Mayer,
Hi there, it's me, Pablo! I want to let you know that I am doing really well and I was terribly spoilt this Christmas. Santa brought me my very own airplane dog bed and I get to sleep in the cock pit! Leroy got a fancy convertible car which I thought was mine too. It may as well be as I sleep in this as well. Mummy keeps the airplane on the couch and bought a little doggie step ramp so i can make my own way up onto the couch.
I've been spending some weekends down in Flinders where Mummy's partner has a holiday house. It is really cool because there is a dog beach at the end of the street. As you can see from one of the pics, I love the water!
I get spoilt with food too, vitamized raw chicken thighs (free range or sometimes organic) with cooked beans, carrots, spinach and rice, all rolled up into little tiny balls which I can scoop up with my tongue. All in all, I'm sooo very happy, I hope you both are too. Oh, and by the way, I'm the boss of Leroy but Mummy says she's the boss of me!
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Pepper, 2009
This is a letter I received from a wonderful family who took a puppy who was named Soxy in 2007 - and now is Pepper!
We always talk about getting in contact with Chi Rescue to let you know how she was going. Well you might remember a little Chi named Soxy that you guys had. When we brought her home we thought she looked like a "pepper" and now that's her name! She fitted right in straight away and thinks she is the queen of the castle.
She has many nicknames such as peppi, pep, chi chi, princess and many more!! We absolutely adore her, and can't thank you enough for giving us this little bundle of joy. She's the funniest little dog we have ever met: she gets so excited when we come home. If we leave her for two minutes she acts like we've been away for a year!
She loves coming for car rides and as soon as we pick up our keys she flops on the floor in front of us begging to come. She loves sleeping! She HAS to sleep right under the doona, snuggled between us, up against our legs. She has about 1,000 little toys that she loves playing with, and follows us everywhere we walk.
Here are a couple of photos that we thought you might like.
Comment from Rita and Mayer: in 2007, Soxy was a scrawny half starved little puppy who was due to be put down (at the pound) because no one claimed her. These wonderful people adopted her as she appears in the first picture as a puppy. Just look at her now in 2009: a gorgeous happy little girl, cared for and adored!
Thank you for adopting her and giving her so much love.
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Sir Sid, 2005
Sir Sid was one of unidentified Chihuahuas until K and S recognised his pic and let us know recently.
He adopted by K and S in November 2005. His name was Neeko and he was a 12 month old puppy. K and S changed his name to (take a breath) Sir Siddaly Vivian Vladimir Velour Venus Vicious III.
Sir Sid now lives with his friend Monstro who was adopted from Pom Safe House. Sir Sid and his family live on the outskirts of Melbourne and the whole family enjoy regular walks in a nearby park. S sent us this quick note:
I can say with real confidence, Sid and Monstro are loved, indulged and spoiled! Each has a special pouffe to laze on during the day, a very cute bed with a zip up cover to keep them warm at night (called the Taco shells) PLUS sheep skins on the couch for their comfort. They have the run of the house.
The back yard is small but it is theirs! They have lots of nice sunny spots to doze when they're not terrorising the local birds.
They are both grateful for the helping paw extended to them when things got tough by your organisation and Pom Safe House. They remember and forgive the past and never fail to share their love with all of us every day.
We are so happy Sir Sid found a good home with you K and S - it is such a joy to see a happy Chihuahua!
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Sanchez, July 2009
A letter from Ricci.
Sanchez (or Terry as he was previously known) found me when I came to see the dogs at Chihuahua Rescue. I had come to look at another dog who was more of a true Chihuahua but Sanchez kept coming up to me, all long legs and so skittish. It was love at first sight.
I think it was perhaps within the first hour of him coming home, we explored the house together and we were starting our midday siesta when I truly felt I have never loved anything as much as I loved him!
At first he was very scared of strangers, especially men, but after taking him out into the public, encouraging all sorts of people to quietly approach him and give him a treat, he has become super social, sometimes jumping up towards strangers for a pat on the head. He now loves men, often choosing to snuggle with my partner rather than myself. Saying that, he is still a "mummy's boy" and we have a special bond.
Some lovely quirks I have found with him is that he is very intuitive with other animals, especially cats. He will quietly approach a cat - not rush towards them - and suss out how to approach in a calm way. He has also become a little obsessed with the hydrobath, eager to jump in and wait to be pampered. He loves to be photographed: posing when he sees a camera and only looking away after either the flash has gone off or he hears the click noise.
He was destructive at first, chewing a good amount of my furniture and power cords. I no longer have a phone line thanks to him pulling it out from the floor! Luckily he has grown out of it, resorting to chewing his rope bones which we have affectionately named his "boney bones".
All in all, he is the most amazing dog I have ever had, the perfect little man. He loves to go for walks, but is also okay if we just have cuddle times on the couch. My partner and I will be adopting another Chihuahua, and I am sure Sanchez will be in seventh heaven with a playmate!
Thank you once again.
And thank you to Ricci for sending this lovely story and allowing us to publish it on the web. What a very lucky little boy, Sanchez!
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Penny, 2009
Penny came into our care as a very old dog, we think about 15 years. Our Vet thought she may have cancer as her little breast lines were huge masses of lumps and bumps. As time goes on we believe that these lumps might be fatty tissue. However we are not Vet qualified, so who knows? Only time will tell.
Penny is the most quiet and obedient girl, no barking, toilet trained and very loving! She is a perfect little angel.
A lovely lady called Lynda has a little dog called Virgil, and recently her older dog, Virgil's companion, passed away. Virgil misses his old companion. Lynda decided she would like to give Penny a home; a caring and comfortable place where Penny can spend the last years of her life. Here is an email we received recently from Lynda.
Update, 17th June 2009. An email from Lynda!
Just a quick email to let you know that Penny is settling in very well. Virgil and her are being polite to each other, eating in the same space without any problems, sitting on the couch together - not touching yet! And Penny has decided that she prefers to sleep under my doona, next to my feet. She is a little sweetheart, and I hope will be happy with us for her twilight days. I will talk to you soon.
Update, 15th August 2009. An email from Lynda!
Hello Rita and Mayer,
Thought I'd give you a quick update on how Penny is going. She and Virgil have now overcome their initial shyness and will lie back to back together on the couch. Penny also has a very healthy appetite - I love to see her chewing away on chicken necks! She doesn't have many teeth, but she absolutely loves her bones. I think she feels more settled now, and has even started to roll over onto her side and back for a belly rub. I took her to my vet for her vaccinations, and he also said he thinks her belly lumps are cancer, but so far, there's no sign of this affecting her. Penny is sleeping on my lap as I type, and she's snoring away! I wouldn't know what to do without her, so thank you for all the wonderful work you're doing with the rescue service.
Thank you. Lynda. What a wonderful person you are to take on a darling little older dog. Wonderful to hear from you, thank you.
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Bella, 2009. Thank you, Sandra, John and Nick.
Bella was picked up in 2007 as a six month old puppy suffering from epileptic fits. Her family did not want her and the responsibility that went with that problem. Despite very limited experience with epilepsy, Chihuahua Rescue took her under their wing.
It soon became obvious that Bella had a beautiful personality but was a little wary of people coming to see her.
In early September 2007 we got a call came: "have you got any Chihuahuas?" Later that day Sandra called in to visit and meet the Chi's who were looking for a home.
Bella chose Sandra, making it quite obvious that this was the lady she wanted to be with. However, Sandra was a little reluctant. The questions Sandra asked me included "how will I look after a sick little dog?" She was not exactly sick though; with the appropriate medication, it is all under control. Sandra was still worried and reluctant, so went home to discuss it with her family. A family conference was called to discuss the pros and cons of adopting an epileptic dog. Nick made the very poignant comment "Mum and Dad, if one of us was sick, would you reject us?" That was the clincher – Bella had a new home!
Sandra, John, and Nick welcomed Bella into their home and spent a great deal of time training this little Bella to walk on a harness, sit and wait, sit nicely while being driven in a car, go outside to the toilet etc. Bella was kept on her epileptic drugs for many months and then (with veterinary approval) Sandra slowly weaned her off them! It has been many months now and Bella has not had any "turns" whatsoever. Sandra rang so many times to tell us of Bella's antics and the joy, love and devotion Bella showed to the whole family.
Bella and Nick – isn't this a total love and devotion? (From both sides!)
Six months after adopting Bella, the bottom fell out of this wonderful family's life. Sandra received the shocking news that she had a very insidious breast cancer.
The following months saw Sandra go through drastic breast removal, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Sandra has experienced so many weeks of terrible pain and illness caused by all these treatments. Not only has she had the beautiful gift of an extremely loving, caring and supportive family, but she has also experienced the true comfort and love of a tiny little dog who seemed to understand what she was going through. All through the nausea and pain, Bella lay quietly beside Sandra; comforting her with some little licks of her hand now and then. Most beautiful of all, Bella never left her side, almost as though she was guarding her!
Bella also comforted John and Nick as they worried and waited for news. Kissing and licking their tears, sitting quietly on their laps and seeming to understand that now was the time to just be quiet and wait together.
Now it is 2009; almost two years later Sandra is in remission and Bella is clear of all epileptic turns. They are a very happy, loving family with their little Bella.
Bella and Nick at play.
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June, 2009.
Disco came to live with us five years ago and has enriched our lives one hundred fold. He is a real character! Each morning he begs to come on our bed and then, after a cuddle, he plays like a puppy: pretend biting, twisting and dancing. At dinner time he goes from doggy plate to doggy plate ordering the other dogs to move aside, and they do! Then he goes off to sit in the sun.
At nine years of age, a Chihuahua can give so much love, joy, and laughter. Disco has always been a sugar drop baby and has required constant watching to make sure he gets his honey when needed.
He can also be very protective of his little friends. One morning Mayer picked up our little Gypsy for a cuddle and Disco became quite angry with Mayer! Growling, barking and standing up on his hind legs trying to get Gypsy, he was very agitated. He "attacked" Mayer's leg with his gummy mouth until, in his agitation, he tipped over on his back and did a complete somersault!
Disco has an endearing habit of rearing up to his full height of about six inches and sitting back on his haunches. To keep his balance, he uses his tail like a kangaroo – straight out the back! This stance is also used when a stranger comes into our home: this is his way of showing he will protect all of us. Mind you, he is trembling in great fear at the time! He will not relax his protection until he is sure the person means us no harm. He is simply amazing, and even now in 2009, aged fourteen years, he still protects his family.
Disco was given some professional assistance to mate with a small bitch several years ago. This produced a single bitch puppy, who was born badly deformed and died soon after birth. Shortly after that, Disco was placed in a pet home since he couldn't breeding. He lived happily with this lady for eight years when she became very ill. After many trips to hospital she passed away and Disco came to live with us at age 9 years. That is how he came to our home and has enriched our lives beyond imagination.
No matter how many times we wind up his tail – his tongue will just not go back in!!
We jokingly tell people that he has to earn his living by licking the stamps for us!
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March 2009. Great news! Little Lolly went with Pippin to a new home. Both little girls have settled in and are really happy: it makes your heart skip a beat to know they have fallen onto their little feet so happily. The lady who has adopted them protects them completely and everyone has settled down really well.
9th October 2008. Today we took into care a tiny Chihuahua called Lolly, the saddest little girl we have seen. She is so tiny and timid, with very bad back legs. She is one year old.
13th Oct 08. After a trip to the Beach St Vet Clinic we now know that this little girl has suffered from rough treatment. She is so malnourished that she cannot have any operations or treatment yet, so for now she is on special foods to improve her strength. Four days here and now she is wagging her tail, following us and showing some signs of "play"! We have great hopes for this darling little dog - she is unassuming and unobtrusive. You cannot help falling hopelessly in love with this little dog!
Some of the donations towards Poppy being are used to assist with the special vet expenses that this little one will have shortly. Grateful thanks to all for have assisted.
This morning, 16th Oct. Lolly has been showing signs of pleasure: little wags of the tail, little nibbles - in play - of my fingers. The damage to her back becomes quite obvious when she tries to do a little "dance" and you notice how her hind quarters tend to go sideways a bit. I have been trying to get some Nutrigell into her, both to increase her appetite and to give her some vitamins etc. She clenches her teeth together, so I wiped a bit of it on her mouth. The little devil! Instead of licking it off, she wiped it on my jeans! So how did we manage to get it into her? We put it in an old plastic syringe (no needle!) and squirted it between her clenched teeth, both of us holding her! It is the fighting spirit you have to admire. She deserves a second chance, just for her spirit.
17th Oct 08. This morning we have given Lolly a much needed bath (very gently) and she was not impressed!
22nd October and this little one has come out of her shell: playing with the other little ones and wanting some cuddles and attention. She eats spasmodically, but she is slowly gaining precious grams! We hope to have more Vet checks next week.
28th October and we have booked this little charmer in for x-rays on Friday. We will then know what has to be done to help this darling little girl.
Well, back to aquare one! Lolly's x-rays have been deferred for another week while she gains some strength. This afternoon Lolly decided to play with Hillby and Poppy - play as in boss them both around! It is good to see her showing some excitement and play!
8th November 2008. Little Lolly spent the day at the Vets having several x-rays of her spine, both hips and back legs. She was too weak to have a full anaesthetic so was sedated with a gas mask. It appears that she has been either badly treated or run over by a car or suffered a similar accident. Her hips have been badly broken at some time in the past and have not healed properly - obviously she did not receive proper treatment at the time. The head of the right femur has enlarged - it's outside of its socket - to about four times its normal size and cannot be put back. The spine (thank goodness) is not broken but is curved from long term favouring of one side of the hips. The brain swelling has subsided and that is a great relief.
Hip replacement operations are available for large dogs but almost unheard of for very small dogs. The cost of such an operation would start at $8000(!), with no guarantees of success, even assuming the dog survived such a large and traumatic operation. First question for our Vet was "is Lolly in any pain now?" He reassured us that she was not. She is all right for the time being but must be protected from further harm. Lolly will develop serious arthritis in both hips and legs later on in life.
We feel quite strongly against euthanizing these little dogs and operate on a "NO KILL" basis as much as possible, providing the little one is not in pain. We have decided that little Lolly will live the rest of her life in our care.
We would like to express our very grateful thanks to all those wonderful people who have enabled us to have so many x-rays of Lolly. This has proven to be very expensive and we would not have been able to do this on our own. THANK YOU!!
14th Feb. 2009. Our darling little Lolly has gone to a new home with a wonderful lady who will be able to give her all the love and attention she reqires without the damage of other doggies jostling her all the time. There are no children or other dogs who can harm her, and although we are both broken hearted to see her go, we are also very grateful to this wonderful lady for taking on the responsibility of a little dog with no great future expected. Our grateful thanks to everyone who has helped us with little Lolly!
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This
is the story of Elvis and his rescue. Elvis is probably about 16 or 17 years old and he was dumped outside the gates of a pound. After the required 8 days waiting period, the local Vet decided he should be put down. Sue, a volunteer, rang us and we took him instead. However, the Vet in his great wisdom decided that this little dog HAD to be neutered before we could pick him up! When I saw Elvis my heart broke.
He could only stand for a few seconds. He was just bones, doubled over with starvation, every disc in his backbone sticking out, the width of his tummy about half an inch through! There was not a hair on his tail - it was just like a black string or a rat's tail! He could not even stand up. On top of that they had de-sexed him and he was in agony.
Elvis had no teeth and no bone structure left in his bottom jaw. His jaw hangs down limp and useless. I thought he would die that first nights. Thanks to my Chihuahua Club friends I found out the name of a product called Nutrigel to give him vitamins and minerals. He was, and is, eating OK by putting his head on the side and scooping up the food with his tongue.
He is so well toilet trained that he hangs on all night! I would take him outside and hold him up so he could relive himself! Six week later and this little scrap of a dog put on some weight. He has a real fighting spirit! He dances under the clothesline as I peg out the clothes! The little rat's tail wags flat out! His glaucoma affected eyes actually sparkle as he writhes that little body in such a happy little dance (is this where they got the name Elvis?!). He is so proud of himself because he can now go to the toilet without being held up! He even lifts his little leg on the tree - very wobbly, but it works! He even tries to eat chicken necks!
I take his as far from the back door as we can go, put him down and wait while he walks the whole way back to the back door, which is probably about 20 paces, but to him it is like 20 miles. He never gives up, bless his dear little heart. Talk about a fighting spirit! The sight of the nail clippers puts him into a frenzy! He growls and 'snaps' both the clippers and my hands, putting up a real fight! That dear little mouth can do no harm except to slobber over everything; he thinks he is biting me!
If on of the other Chihuahuas come anywhere near his food bowl, Elvis goes immediately into attack mode! He has the weirdest little screaming bark you have ever heard. The reaction of the marauding Chihuahua is hilarious. He stops dead in his tracks and starts backing away!! The heartbreaking part is that I know he can never be placed and eventually we will have to see him put to sleep. Who in their right mind would adopt this little scrap?
Do you ever question yourself? Why did I do this for that particularly little lost cause? Was it to give a strong fighting spirit in a little dog a helping hand? Was it for my own gratification to prove that improvement was possible and could be achieved? I really do not know. What I do know is that he broke my heart with sorrow and compassion just thinking of what he had been put through by some very thoughtless person.
In an effort to strengthen Elvis' bones and muscles I put hid bed on a step so he has to jump up and onto it, or make him walk across the yard and then jump up two steps to gain access to the inside.
Elvis has been successfully placed with a really wonderful family, where he is loved and cherished as one of the family! He brings so much happiness and joy and is such a happy little dog.
Update: December 2001
Elvis died about a week ago. He died December 2001. He was adopted by a wonderful family. He spent four months happily - playing. Four months of loving family life. He went to bed and slept permanently in God's hands. He was a seventeen year old little chihuahua with no hope for any future before these wonderful people gave him four months of total love and happiness.
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Gizmo is our gorgeous 14 year old Chihuahua with a history of "rescue".
We learned of his adventures when he was four years old and Chihuahua Rescue received the phone call to come pick up this little dog.
A farmer found him cowering in the farm shed, covered in oil and blood, whimpering. Numerous phone calls to the authorities failed to give any leads on car accidents or reports of a missing Chihuahua. A bath, warm food, and bed soon saw Gizmo emerge as a gentle loving little dog. The farm dogs thought he was their little puppy, and the farmer's six and four year old sons just adored Gizmo.
A month later on a torrid Australian summer's afternoon Gizmo was missing. Searching all over the place with no results, when in desperation the farmer asked his six year old "have you seen Gizmo?"
"Oh, yes, Daddy. He was so too hot so we put him in the freezer to cool him down."
Shock, horror! Fearing the worse the farmer whipped the freezer door open to see Gizmo lying on the bottom shelf – then relief to see that glorious tail do a slow wag! Quickly wrapping him in a towel and placing him into the barely warm oven, he watched as Gizmo slowly returned to normal. A trip to the vet clinic confirmed that no harm had been done and Gizmo was as good as new.
The heartbreaking decision was mad to ring Chihuahua Rescue as the family felt Gizmo would be a lot safer living elsewhere. The possibility of harm unintentionally meant; the danger of snakes and the bigger dogs put Gizmo in too much danger.
Chihuahua Rescue went to pick him up. Just occasionally you meet a person, a dog or cat, or see a place, and you get that spiritual connection – as if it was just meant to be. Gizmo was meant to be with us. Hence we fell in love and kept Gizmo.
During the following eight years Gizmo has saved my (Rita's) life on many occasions. I am an insulin dependant diabetic and Gizmo always "sensed" whenever I was having an insulin reaction by scratching my face gently which would make me moan thus alerting Mayer that something was amiss.
Mayer also had episodes of near death experiences with his heart, and spending many days having enforced bed rest. Gizmo never left the bed (apart from going to the toilet). He lay quietly on the bed facing Mayer, just watching him. Gizmo normally jumps onto Mayer's chest for his morning teasing and cuddles, but during this time he did not once jump onto Mayer's chest – nor make any movements that way. How could he possibly know Mayer had undergone open heart surgery?
The boot is now on the other foot. You see Gizmo is now fourteen years old, totally deaf and almost blind. It breaks our hearts to walk into the yard in the moonlight to check on Gizmo only to find him sitting there – quite lost. He appears to be able to see the torch light and will follow its beam back inside. It is now our turn to watch over this little darling in his faltering years
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Day
1. Phone call. Home wanted for twelve year old Chihuahua. My immediate thought was "How sad. How could anyone leave their little dog after all those years." It is not my place to judge others, so off we go to meet Susan, Ivan, Chrissy and Phillip, and of course, Chiko. This family are leaving for far away places and feel it is unfair on Chiko to expect him to travel long distances in a confined space for such long periods. You have to understand that Chiko had never been an inside dog, he had the run of a huge suburban block and two main roads (busy ones, at that!), coming onto the verandah at night to eat and sleep.
Mayer had the forethought to take some photographs of a few of the little Chihuahua's we had rescued and placed over the years. This thought proved to be a Godsend when we meet the family. They are all devastated at the prospect of leaving Chiko, but are putting his welfare first - only a very great love will do that sort of thing. The children, in particular, are broken hearted, and the photographs helped reassure them that we would take very good care of Chiko, although we are silently wondering "how?" He is quite obviously a "one family" dog. Nasty baring of teeth and growling at us, while cuddling quite contentedly into the arms of Susan.
Chiko is a tiny little scrap of a dog who weighs roughly 1.5 kilograms when we meet him, extremely agile and wiry. OK we agree to take him and try to find him a new home, although we have our doubts that anyone will adopt him mainly because of his age. His bed and blanket go onto the back seat of the car, and Chiko hops into his bed. He does not move from his bed all the way home, but his huge big worried brown eyes, peering between the bucket seats to watch every move of the steering wheel and me! A glance back to check on him tells us that he is aware that we are taking him away from his home of twelve years, huge big tears are rolling down his chocolate colored cheeks and dropping silently onto his bed. What a beautiful little man he is! As a younger dog he must have been a really handsome specimen of Chihuahua. I can imagine he was deep chocolate in color all over except for his two "dots" for eyebrows, which are pale tan! Years of living outdoors unprotected from the elements has caused his coat across his back to become very dry and sun bleached. Arriving at our home he will not allow us to pick him up, so throw a rug over Chiko and his bed, roll them up into a bundle and carry the silent parcel into the laundry, where he will be locked for the night. Put down water and food, then a lattice board across the door so he will be able to hear and see us as we do our evening chores, lights out and off to bed. Several times I get up through the night to check on Chiko. He sits silently, sorrowing, in his bed, eyes bulging with tiredness.
Day 2. Alarm wakes us at 6.30 a.m., struggle from my warm bed, first thought - Chiko. He is still sitting in the same spot - he has not moved all night. Let out all the Chihuahuas for their morning toilet trips and greetings - such joy! All of my attention is now allocated to Chiko. Open the door and he rushes out, straight into the melee of dogs, through the crowd, and disappears around the house somewhere in the back yard. I know he cannot get out anywhere, so leave him be for the time being while I prepare the toast and Vegemite for the rest of the dogs, and I hear this little hurt voice in the background "where is mine?" from my darling long suffering husband, Mayer!
Before leaving for work I do one last check on all the dogs, ensuring there is plenty of water and dried food in case they get hungry before I return. My heart breaks - there cringing in the corner of the back yard is Chiko, teeth bared, hassles up, and the biggest growl emanating from his mouth, but at the same time his eyes are teary and clouded - he is sad and lost! Idiot that I am I reach down without thinking, except that I must comfort him and love him with a motherly cuddle, but I forget that he is very frightened and unhappy. A really nasty growl, bared teeth, and whammy! he attacks my hands. He has razor sharp teeth and he uses them along with his clawed nails to rake both my hands, blood streams from the cuts as I pull back in total unexpected shock. Have never had a dog do this to me before! Through the pain and shock of seeing the mess he has made of both hands, I still realize he is simply terrified, so, saying as softly as I can manage "I'll be back for you in a minute", I go inside to tend my wounds. Bandaged hands are placed in two very thick oven mitts and I head back to Chiko, who is still crouching in the corner, still watching with terrified eyes. Oh, you poor little mite. He can bite and scratch all he likes, the oven mitts are thick. Pick him up and quite firmly stress that this sort of thing will not be tolerated at our house. Quietly talk soothingly to him, reassuring him he will not be hurt, while carrying him back to show him where the water and food is served. "Sniff! Huff! Not likely" he makes sure I know he is not impressed, turns on his heels and runs back to the back corner! I have to get to work, so pick him up again and put him in the dog run, plenty of food and water, but at least he is separated from the other dogs.
Evening of day 2. Home from work, into old clothes, off to let Chiko out of the run, then turn my attention to the rest of the dear little Chihuahuas as they come galloping to greet me. Not Chiko, he sits all alone, no food or water has been touched, but he is watching closely every move I make. As soon as I turn away he races out of the run and up onto our little back porch.
Each night the dogs are given a home cooked stew of beef, vegetables, and garlic, thickened with pasta and rice - they love it! This night I feed each little dog in his or her own bowl, then place a special bowl of food and some clean fresh water on the back porch next to Chiko and softly tell him this is his tea. He studiously ignores me and the food. Am a bit concerned as it has been quite hot and he has not touched the water. He looks tucked up, but will give him a couple of days.
I phone Susan to give her an update on Chiko. She tells me to try a raw chicken neck as that is all he has ever eaten! No wonder his teeth are like razors! A three hour search of several supermarkets to find raw chicken necks, all to no avail. Will just have to wait till the chicken shop opens tomorrow morning. He sleeps in the laundry again - or he vigilante's all night. Chiko has me quite worried by now as he is decidedly tucked up, skin a bit tight and un-pliable (showing dehydration signs), nose dry, eyes literally bulging!
Day 3. Saturday, time for all the weekly chores, washing and ironing, washing dogs bedding and cleaning out kennels etc. - a never ending grind, but for the love of these little dogs, it is all worth it! Managed to get some chicken necks at the shops on my way home from picking up the dogs meat. Chiko is still sitting on the back porch where I left him at 8.30 this morning. Offer him the back of my hand which is beginning to heal, and a raw chicken neck. He stretches out his nose, draws back sharply, and sniffs, but ignores the proffered chicken neck! I don't believe this. I put the chicken neck down on a plate and leave him to it. Ten minutes later I bring a basket of clean washing out and begin pegging it on the line. Just then I notice Chiko is chewing on the chicken neck. "Good boy, Chiko, good boy." I gently tell him, keeping my distance! I ignore him after that and keep pegging out the clothes, when I sense a soft damp nose sniffing my bethonged toes. Holding my breath and keeping very still, I glance down to see Chiko checking me out. I murmur "good boy, Chiko", he looks up, meeting my eyes, and that tiny little tail - wags! It is a case of slowly, slowly, as I bend down and reach out with downward hanging hand, then slowly come up to lightly touch the top of his head. Chiko strains ever so slightly towards my hand. My heart is pounding with joy and relief as I reach towards him, pick him up, and cuddle him close as he snuggles into my chest. We are over the worst of his trauma of being abandoned by his long term family. He has approached me, so now we can spend some time becoming friends. A good half hour is spent talking to him as I hold and caress his dry little back and head. This time he follows me back into the house.
Day 4. We are well on the way with this little baby. Took out the toast and Vegemite, cut into nibble bite sizes, for all the babies and place it onto their several plates. Well, blow me down, Chiko is pushing through the throng, grabs a piece in his teeth, and scampers away from the mob! Back for a second piece, and then a third! He will be right now, the worst is over. It continues to amuse and amaze us that these little fellows can accept what fate hands out to them, and after a couple of days mourning and pining it is almost as though they think "not much I can do to change anything, so best just get on and enjoy what I can".
Afternoon of the fourth day Chiko comes racing into the kitchen from the back yard, then round and round in little tight circles he races, tail wagging madly with exhilaration! I am amazed! He comes over and rubs his darling little face against my leg, just like you would expect from a cat or kitten!
Day 14. This morning Susan phoned to ask if they could call in and say their final good-byes to Chiko. I have grave doubts about the effect this may have on Chiko, particularly after all he has just come through, but cannot say no to them. I am aware of their heartache caused by this parting, especially the children. With trepidation I invite them in later in the afternoon. Chiko is reasonably excited to see them, but (thankfully) he keeps running back to me! I am reassured that this visit will not be a handicap to his resettling. Susan, Ivan, Chrissy, and Phillip are relieved to see Chiko so happy and healthy. I had been phoning them every few days during the past fortnight, so they were aware of how worried I have been. Finally they are on their way and Chiko does not give them a backward glance! Stands by my feet as they go out the front door, no sign of wanting to follow them. He has settled in well with our routines, however, I have very grave doubts that we will ever be able to allow him to be adopted.
Chiko lives outside with the other prospective adoptees. His favorite spot is in the sun on a little stool beside the house and pity help any Chihuahua who tries to steal his seat! When Chiko decided he wanted to live outside I purchased a little cane dog basket and a red doona. This little dog is so intelligent that he understands what you tell him. "Chiko, look. A present for you, and your own doona!" He sat there and then bounced around my feet, with those huge brown eyes sparkling. He hopped onto his new doona and "glowed" with pleasure. From that day onward Chiko will not allow any other dog near his bed! As we suspected no one wants to adopt this beautiful little dog. Chiko is now 14 years old, still very active and full of fun and life. He loves everyone, has a very independent personality, and we love him dearly!
December 2001. On returning from a trip to pick up a lost Chihuahua, I found Chiko very sore and bleeding. One of the other Chihuahuas had attacked him. Chiko is now almost 15 years old and quite stiff with arthritis. My belief that these little dogs are kept together and learn to live with each other no longer is my total belief. I understand that, little as they are, they are still dogs, and dogs will attack the weaker or sicker one. Chiko was very cowed and sorry for himself. I gathered him up and gently cuddled him while trying to check where he was hurt. His neck and behind his ears was badly bitten as well as both ears - blood everywhere. No life threatening wounds, fortunately.
Chiko has long been loved by several people, but because of his age and experiences I did not let him go, but now, for his own protection, he has to go to a home where he can live his last years (hopefully) in some semblance of security and peace. With all the strange dogs coming in here, it is no longer safe for him.
Someone has adopted Chiko. Rob, Sue and Talya have taken him into their home. Two months later and he has put on a bit too much weight but who cares at his age? He also bosses their two bigger dogs and two cats. Sue has a bottle of water and gives him a spray whenever he does wrong! Chiko loves his old home and gets very excited whenever we visit him. Love you, Chiko!
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Lonny is a 4 year old male who came in to our care in July 2004. A very quiet shy, slightly timid: no biting, just a friendly little dog. He had been surrendered for adoption by his previous owner, who, to put it frankly, knew "bugger all" about raising a Chihuahua! (Please pardon my language, but some people really annoy me when they do this sort of thing to these little dogs.
DOGS, yes I said DOGS, for. small as they are, they are still DOGS, and should be treated as such. Mind you more cuddles and "lap" treatment is fine.
Poor Lonny came into our care weighting in excess of 6kg. and could barely walk – or I should say, waddle! This woman had fed him and fed him – no not dog food, or bones, or dry dog food – oh no. Lonny had been fed greasy fatty lamb chops, steak, bacon and eggs, puddings, cakes, ice cream and lollies - heaps of human foods. This has had the expected results, a massively overweight tiny little dog. When this picture was taken, Lonny had lost more than 2 kg and still should lose at least another kilo. Due to the excess weight over a four year period, Lonny had developed a heart murmur but, in the four months we spent treating him, he was going along really well and getting healthier and healthier as each day passed. We advised potential new owners that he would eventually need to go onto heart medication and that his life expectancy had been shortened, but at that time he was doing really well on "diet only". We expected him to live a good 4 to 5 years, if not longer. He was well toilet trained and very obedient, a very wise little man.
We required someone to give Lonny a loving home and heaps of love. To be prepared to keep him on a diet and do little walks every day to keep that weight off, and strengthen his heart muscles, for without these restrictions, he may not live many more years.
Several people looked at Lonny and all wanted to adopt him, but we were being very "choosey" for this little man.
On 24/11/2004 we had a visit from one of those people who have a heart of gold; a lady of compassion and a heart full of love to give to a little boy who does not have many years to live! The lady we will call "Jenny" has given a home to Lonny.
Lonny will now be on a diet and walked a little every day. So hopefully he will live for a few more years with heaps of love and attention. The world is certainly full of some really wonderful people, and Jenny is one of them! December 2007 we were thrilled to hear he is doing really well, and has become a very fit little man weighing a whole 2 ½ kg.!! His heart murmur, although still there, has not become any worse, so we are all hoping his new living conditions will give him quite a few more years.
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Wanda is now trying out her new home!
Such a darling little dog! Wanda is an ex breeding dog and during her five years has produced two litters, so she is now retired and looking for a pet home. She is so gentle and quiet, just a little shy. She allows you to pick her up and is more than happy to sit on your lap for hours.
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Bandit is a male "stud" dog (he made some gorgeous little puppies during his stud life) now retired!
He is about 7 years old, very shy. He is not the cuddly type of little dog as he has not had any experience of that! He is quite happy inside and outside, and would make a wonderful little "watch dog". When he has been with you for three or four days he gets more confidence and will come inside and follow you around, even sniff your fingers and take a little chicken from your hand! Just patience needed!
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Pippin is now trying out her new home!
Pippin is a young female who was taken from a "puppy mill/farm" where she was expected to produce puppies and then more puppies with no other interest in life. Food thrown through the fence by the only "human??" she had any contact with.
She was a frightened little "wild" dog when she came in. Now we see her playing with the other dogs and living with all of us and showing no signs of fear. She is still a little wary of strangers, but if she is given time to adjust to a new home without being forced she will settle down to be a lovely little playful dog. She is very suited for an older person and definitely no children. She is fine with other dogs and spends hours "grooming" them! A real little "mother"!
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Fifi has settled and has definitely found her "forever" new home!
FIFI, is a three year old gorgeous little female.
Fifi is a good little watchdog. She is very friendly and playful with her family, although just a little wary of strangers, but settles quickly.
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Girlie is now trying out her new home!
Girlie is a very small Chihuahua cross, estimated at 2 years of age. Girlie was staying here with us until we found her a good home
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Tia has happily settled into her permanent new home!
Tia is a very very tiny Chihuahua; a so-called Teacup. She is six months old, really friendly and playful – she is a darling little girl. If the so called "teacup" was true, then Tia is one of those. This little one was de-sexed and micro-chipped, immunized, and health checked before placement.
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Tango has now found and settled into his "forever" new home!
TANGO is a gorgeous little male Chihuahua, 15 months old, very friendly and playful. Tango was de-sexed, micro-chipped, immunized and health checked before going to a good home.
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