Before I go any further, my decisions to bring this dog into my life and now to re-home her are not ones that I take lightly. Nor is this decision entirely based on her separation anxiety. In fact, based on some of today's observations, I'm not entirely sure that this is an accurate diagnosis. However, as previously mentioned, there is a major lack of compatibility. In many ways, she is exactly what I was hoping to find. But there's something missing. Could this missing piece suddenly manifest in the next couple of weeks? Don't know. It seems doubtful. I am also discovering that I am much more suited to short-term fostering as that's always been the role I've played in the past, and it has worked out for both me and the animals involved.
This is the first animal in my care that I've ever had a problem of this scale with. And there have been numerous animals of different species and temperaments in my care - some of them relatively unfriendly. This is the first time that I've ever had any trouble clicking with any of them including the ones that I've been bitten by. Which is why compatibility issues concern me. For me not to click with an animal that is as sweet as this is a big deal. It never happens. So the not clicking is something I pay attention to. I will have her for at least another couple of weeks while she finishes her recovery from Kennel Cough and then goes through the final round of medical procedures. Unless there's some weird magical moment where we click that changes things, when she is re-homed, she will go as healthy as possible, spayed, micro-chipped and fully vaccinated. I will not place her without having made sure that these things are in order. She will not be returned to a shelter. Whoever she ends up with will be given a full personality break down, toys, food, pretty much everything I have for her. And if it doesn't work out, you may return her to me, and I will try again. She is NOT to be returned to a shelter under any circumstances. As I said - this isn't about money. Otherwise I'd be forcing myself into the relationship for the sake of the money invested thus far. But I know what's good for me. And I I hope I know what's good for the dog. And staying together long term just doesn't seem to be it. That being said, if anyone in the Los Angeles is looking to add to their pack, please let them know I've got a real sweetheart in need of someone interested in a lap dog ready to be your best friend in the world. _______ Pia - Downey Shelter Death-Row Rescue, formerly Muneca Approximately one year old, female chihuahua. White, with brown markings; apple headed; 4lbs. To be cleared of kennel cough, spayed, micro-chipped and fully vaccinated prior to release to new owners. >From what I've been able to observe in our time together, this description is >accurate to the best of my ability. She is not a stereotypical chihuahua. She is neither yappy or prone to barking. She is a high-energy dog and enjoys relatively long walks. She walks wonderfully on a leash provided you remind her to mind her manners. Once your authority is established, she's fine no pulling, and mostly at heel. If you're looking for a chihuahua you can walk, this little girl is it. We've done 2 mile circuits, and she's been ready for more. Although I haven't walked her past other dogs being walked, I have walked her past yards with very high energy, dominant dogs in their yards - large, loud, boisterous, dominant dogs. She looks, ignores them, and moves on. No fear response. No aggression. No interest. Once she's better, I will be able to get a clearer idea of how she does with cats and other dogs. Depending on how long it takes to place her, I may be able to see how she does with children, as a toddler will be joining this household mid-to-late June. But, from what I've been able to tell, she does perfectly fine with other dogs as I've had both Sylvia and Pia out walking together, one on each side. The cat has come down to investigate, and although she's been interested and curious, there was no sign of aggression towards the feline. I have had friends over to see her and help socialize her. She has had no trouble being handled by them and has been happy to fall asleep in their laps - both men and women. Although bonded to me, there is no protective aggression. She is mostly housebroken. I've had relatively few accidents and those that I have had have been related to stress or my failure to read her cues. She will use piddle pads relatively consistently. There is some suspicion that she may have had puppies at some point as her nipples are relatively large. This has not been confirmed as I have relatively little background on her from the shelter. She was an owner-surrender. But this could have been a surrender from a raided puppy mill. So it's hard to say. She is highly trainable and very smart. She is somewhat obedient and will be a fine, well behaved dog with the right leadership. Some obedience training is highly recommended if only to focus her youthful enthusiasm - her joie de vivre. We are currently working on the 'sit' command. She is pretty good about coming to you if you call her and make kissing noises. Training should be easy as she's food motivated - I've been using leftover lamb successfully. Now for the big one - the separation anxiety. Although I have yet to test this theory, I believe that the previous behavioral problems have been the result of a number of factors. Yes, separation anxiety is most likely part of it. But I do not believe this is the whole story, nor do I think that SA is the primary cause for the howling fests I've been enduring. There are two primary factors contributing to her issues with separation. First is environment. She is not happy in enclosed spaces. She likes being near windows or enclosures she can see out of. An x-pen would probably be ideal. Unfortunately, right now I've got a hallway and a bathroom with which she isn't entirely pleased. The second was my inability to figure out what sort of attention she would respond to - I'm just a dumb ol' human after all. She is still very much a puppy and enjoys playing like one. She likes pouncing hands and then running up for a snuggle. She'll also chase her Kong around. 15-20 minutes of this will wear her out. She's slept most of the day. Not only that, but I've been able to walk away from her for extended periods of time with minimal whimpering, no howling, and most importantly, once she has settled she hasn't felt the need to see where I am every time I move around the house. This is a huge break through. But it has yet to be confirmed through further trial. We'll see how things go tonight. That being said, there are most likely at least minor separation anxiety issues. But I do not think they're nearly as bad as previously conjectured. She has never been destructive. She is a bit noisy. However, these periods of whining have become increasingly brief on the whole as she's responded to her preferred form affection and attention. She will sleep quite happily in her bed besides your bed. I've only done this once. I don't actually want her in my room while she has kennel cough. So she's been sleeping in the bathroom must to her disgruntlement. I believe she will do best with another small dog companion or even a medium, mellow dog companion as size doesn't seem to deter her. She will also do best with an owner looking specifically for a lap dog as this little girl is happiest when she's with you. Although, she is doing much better on her own as opposed to being constantly under foot. At the moment she's about eight feet from me, curled up in her bed sound asleep. So chihuahua people - if any of you are in Southern California and looking for an addition or know of someone who is looking, please contact me. These plans are still tentative, but I am 90% sure that I will place her once she's well. Incompatibility is just too big an issue to ignore at this point. And without another dog or human to help keep her company, her abundance of energy is something that I find overwhelming. By nature, I'm a more calm, mid-level energy. And unfortunately, being a highly active individual and having that sort of high energy are not the same thing - something new I've discovered. I would like to give this group first dibs - you've all been tremendously helpful during this past week for which I am very, very grateful. Also, I'd rather place her with people that know the breed or have experience with the breed. I will not be placing a formal advertisement until she's well and finished with medical procedures. However, if there are any people in the group interested, I'd be more than happy to introduce you. She really is lovely. As I said, in theory she is absolutely the perfect dog that I was looking for and hoping to find. But, there is something missing. And whatever it is, it feels rather crucial. Please email be directly if you or someone you know is interested. Please feel free to ask any questions. I am currently based in Antelope Valley between Santa Clarita and Palmdale just to give you an idea of geography. Kind regards Autumn ------------------------------------ We are now on Facebook! Join today! http://www.facebook.com/groups/chihuahuasclubYahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Chihuahuas/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Chihuahuas/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: [email protected] [email protected] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [email protected] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
