Our two gorgeous blondes featured last week Oscar the Lab/Sharpei mix and Sandy the sweet little pit bull terrier mix are still hoping that they will find their forever home/family. They are presently residing at our Eastside shelter.
This weekend we are celebrating our Cinco de Chihuahua adoption event. At all three of our locations; Eastside, Westside and Lucky Paws all adult Chihuahua mixes (one year or older) will have the adoption fee of only $35.00 and if you want an amigo for them the second will be a $10.00 adoption fee. As always each adoption will include spay/neuter, all vaccinations required by law, a microchip and a free training class. This event starts Friday April 2nd and lasts through close of day Sunday April 4th. If you presently have one of these unique dogs and live in the zip codes of 87105, 87108, 87112, 87120 or 87121 you may request free spay/neuter vouchers from our East and West side shelters on Saturday April 3rd or Sunday April 4th. There are many benefits for having your pet spayed or neutered and you will be making a huge difference stopping unwanted litters of Chihuahuas coming into our shelters in need of finding homes.
I was curious to learn a bit more about this breed. We have a wonderful book in our volunteer room called the Encyclopedia of Dog. The origin of the breed is Mexico. There are differing opinions but this book says they have been around since the 1800’s. They have an average life expectancy of 12-14 years, isn’t that a blessing. There are short haired and long haired Chihuahuas. Chihuahua’s are described as a fragile dog but alert and bold. Sadly some are surrendered because the children were too rough for these little creatures. If you spend time with them their boldness speaks to their delightful personalities with unique character. Chihuahuas are the world’s smallest breed. They tend to shiver at the slightest breeze so can not be an outdoor dog; they can not handle either the heat or cooler weather, even the long haired ones. One fact I thought was interesting is that they were breed only to be companions. Many breeds are companions but also breed for a specific duty to help humans. They are the ultimate lap dog. Two more reasons to keep them close to you and indoors to be your constant companion.
Chihuahua’s are quite popular and we have several great dogs to choose from if you are looking for a tiny forever companion. They are often adopted quickly so we are featuring three with very different looks and personalities. Yes, you can find the perfect Chihuahua for you and we will be happy to give you tidbits of information to help you make your most important decision.
Coco (ID# A 1163075) is a 2 year old, chocolate & white smooth coated (short haired) Chihuahua mix. He weighs 14 pounds. When Coco arrived he was a shy guy. New surroundings, sounds and the hustle and bustle of a shelter can be scary for these little guys. He is such a cute little guy that several of us, even we who work with larger dog fell in love with him right away. He is unfamiliar with the leash but loves to be in your lap or be carried around. Perhaps in his previous life he was a constant indoor companion or traveled around town in a doggie purse. Coco has quite the personality. He prances when he walks. We have never heard Coco speak but he makes the cutest funny faces when he tries to communicate with you. You might remember in the Snoopy cartoons he wrinkles his lips and this is what little Coco does. We have been working to help him enjoy walking on leash. Since he is so eager to please it is fairly easy to trick him in to thinking he is having fun playing a game while taking a few steps on leash. In a hope where his person can spend just a few minutes a day doing this he should learn to enjoy talking a walk on leash. Coco has also participated in our small dog play groups. He was a delight to watch and had a grand time playing with the other small dogs. He was fun loving and well behaved. If you are looking for a constant companion and yes the ultimate lap warmer Coco is your perfect match. You will find him at our Eastside shelter. You won’t have to go far as he is in the lobby room sharing space with two other dogs.
Mama (ID# A 1692925) is a 6 year old, female, tan & white smooth coated (short haired) Chihuahua mix. She weighs only 6 pounds. Mama is an outgoing friendly girl. She is good on leash and enjoys taking walks. She is quite playful and extremely affectionate with everyone she meets. She should be good with children. Please remember that these small dogs are delicate. Children don’t always understand just how fragile they can be when picking them up or how easily they can be hurt if dropped. Even the smallest child can be scary and intimidating when running toward and trapping a little dog in a corner. Chihuahuas can be wonderful companions for children as well as adults. Extra supervision, watchful parental eyes and attending a training class will help make everyone happy with their new family. Mama has been kenneled with several other dogs so if you have another small dog bring him/her in and we would be happy to conduct a meet and greet. This tiny little girl loves laps and affection and fits yes is the ultimate lap dog. Her spunky personality will capture your heart. You can meet Mama at our Eastside shelter.
Weezy (ID# A 1693700) is an 8 year young, female, black & white smooth coated (short haired) Chihuahua & Dachshund mix. She weighs 19 pounds. Weezy is shy and sweet. She is fairly easy going and our staff and volunteers report she enjoys cuddling. She is easy on leash and enjoys taking walks. She had an unfortunate experience with children so must go to a home with no children or grandchildren. She would love to be the constant companion and walking partner. She is a tiny bit larger than our other two and looks a bit like a Dachshund but she also can be the ultimate lap dog. Perhaps you are like me and your children are of the canine variety or you are retired looking for that perfect constant companion since you have no human children or grandchildren. Weezy is the perfect match for you and she can’t wait to meet you at our Eastside shelter.
If you look on the KKOB website or the city’s website we bet you will find a Chihuahua that will capture your heart. As with these three our volunteer photographers do an excellent job capturing their personalities. Check out the pictures for shy little Coco, spunky little Mama and hopeful little Weezy.
This weekend is National Pet Adoption Weekend. For those of you on the west side of town a special event will be held at the PetSmart located at 10248 Coors Bypass NW. Our Cinco de Chihuahua event and special pricing will be in full swing Saturday from 10-5 and Sunday from 10-4.
Albuquerque Animal Welfare has joined efforts with Best Friends Animal Sanctuary for the Back in Black adoption event. This month long adoption promotion is dedicated to increasing awareness and adoptions of black cats and dogs. Although they are every bit as adorable and sweet as any other, pets that are black often wait longer for homes than their lighter-colored pals. This promotional event was started to shine a spotlight on these often over looked pets and help them find good homes. During the Month of May all adult (1 yr or over) dogs and cats that are primarily black may be adopted at a reduced fee. Dogs will be $35.00 and cats will be $15.00. So if you love glossy black coats and are in need of a companion, consider taking advantage of this event. Many of us are drawn to the beauty of black animals and have one or two or even three.
