Tiny chihuahua wanted

[Lil'RickyMom]

Hello fellow rescuers. Some of you may know me, some of you know of me, and some of you don't know me at all.

However, I have been rescuing for 11 years, and am very thorough. Some rescues have even criticized me for "screening" too much.

Well, over the last 11 years, I have dreamed of getting a tiny little chihuahua. I always figured I would keep this one for me. Little do you know, a fellow rescuer called me the other day to ask if anyone I knew would want this little fellow. I immediately said I did, and was making plans to go get him on the week-end.

As it seems, I am not "good enough" for this little guy, because I rescue big dogs and rescue SPCA dogs. Can someone explain this mentality to me? It seems this rescue's Board of Directors "doesn't want me to have this dog" because of my fostering. It is not the "right environment" for this dog. So what am I supposed to think? That because I rescue, I am not worthy of giving a little dog a good life? I have an extremely grouchy dog who is 17, very healthy, always been to the vet for every little booboo, my vet is amazed at how well I took care of this dog, and I am not "good enough" for a 5 lb. chihuahua?

The frustration and disappointment is very upsetting. I see all this "political bull****" in rescues around me, and it makes me want to give up. What should I do, stop rescuing and go buy myself a chihuahua? I've always said the chance of getting one of those through rescue was so slim, and now one is slipping under my nose, because the Board of Directors does not want me to have this dog. Can anyone believe this?

So if any of you fellow rescuers ever come across a Chihuahua under 7 lbs, please think of me, it is my dream dog. I already had a name picked out for this little guy.

Thanks guys, and if anyone knows of one or comes across one, please e-mail me at sophie@rimasec.net

[Lucky Rescue]

Gee, sorry to hear that! Maybe these people are afraid your dogs might harm the Chi, even by accident since they are so fragile.

Animatch has a Chi. It's 9 lbs but looks overweight (although I'm not sure)! Scroll down the page.
http://www.animatch.ca/en-ouradoptees.asp

[savannah]

"Can anyone believe this? "

I do! I have found Chihuahua rescues and most small breed rescue's very very particular to whom they adopt out to. I can't say i blame them. And this is coming from someone who is also 'discriminated against' because i have a yound child (people with young children are not high on their lists either and most will not adopt out to people with small children).

I have a small dog, who is my "firstborn" and my dogs breed is known not to get along with children. But, surprise surprise, my dog and daughter are best friends, and my dog adores kids.

I don't think you should resort to buying from a breeder, i would just hold out until the right chi enter's a rescue, and the right rescue has a chi for adoption.
I think you also have to see things from the other person's point of view. Perhaps they are worried about the chi getting accidently stepped on or hurt by one of the dogs you foster?

Good luck!

[greaterdane]

Its funny how they think big dogs will harm the little ones


I am a great example of how that is soooo not true
Look at me with my 2 chis and a great dane in the same house. Everyone gets along and if my dane gets out of line my female chi is right there putting him in his place. Ozzy adores the chis, they love each other. My chis are only 3.5lbs and 4.5lbs and can definatley hold their own. I would however not recommend anything smaller then that with a large dog. My guys have strong hearts and bones, those little "t-cup" things dont.

[Lizzie]

My first thought is simply that they are afraid for the safety of the Chi. It would, in my opinion, have nothing to do with your own ability to care for a dog.

If you stand back from it (pretend you'd never wanted a chi), perhaps you would feel the same way the rescue does if you had a chi to adopt out. I would think you might also fear placing a fragile tiny dog into a home that has large dogs coming and going--dogs in need of training and extra attention at that.

A reputable breeder might have the same concerns.

[Lil'RickyMom]

First of all, I would never go and buy... As much as I am frustrated and realize I will probably never come across one again in rescue, I am a true rescuer and could never buy a dog.

I am disgusted however, at the attitude as I have not even been screened, no one even talked to me about it or voiced their concern. I honestly think it has to do with all the crap and bad-mouthing that has been going on with the different Quebec rescues, and I am getting really fed up with all the fellow rescuers who think they know it all. I have always been a very responsible person when it comes to my dog and any dog I have ever brought in, and the risk of the Chi getting stepped on is a lame excuse. Any "risk" they might foresee is a lame excuse.

I'll never know the truth on this issue, but not to even discuss any concerns and to just deny me this little dog because I help others, is simply disgusting. I am really starting to hate all humans..... I have not stopped thinking about this little guy, and seeing how this rescue works (or has in the past), I would be surprised that he ends up in a "forever home" that would be better than what I can offer.

[SnowDancer]

The only thing I can think of is the fear of the big dogs and little ones. But I myself bought our Eskimo simply because I was immediately told "NO" BY 3 rescues. Their first and only question was "Do you have a fenced yard?". The answer is No, but we do have a yard. And our dogs have never, ever been off leash or off stake with chain and one of us monitoring them at all times. The first one hung up on me. The second one I managed to ask if they would like to hear from my vet of 25 years and from the neurosurgeons at Guelph as to the type of animal Mommy I am. The answer again was No. After the third attempt I gave up and bought the dog. My vet was furious that anyone would turn down us - she would have called the rescues in question after the fact but I did not want to have her waste her breath and get her further agitated. Funny thing is is that we once did have a fenced yard - my husband went out for one minute and our Beagle followed him - next thing you know the Beagle is sitting on the other side of the fence waiting to go for his walk. He dug under it. Our former neighbours had a fence between our properties. The lady like to bake butter cookies - actually she made them for our Dachshunds. My husband was out with the guys, tied to their tethers, and looked up and there was my main guy sitting on the other side of the fence eating butter cookes. Then of course there is the Eskimo who at 21 lbs. could take a leap to the top of a 6 ft. fence and then tumble over and break his neck. My husband's associate was turned down by a Bull Dog rescue because she works - she lives in a house we all could only dream of - her Bull Dog tied and since there were so many homeless dogs available wanted to go that route. She ended up buying a dog. She is also a true dog lover. All of my Dachshunds, except one, came through my vet, through a couple who Rescues privately, much as you do. She boards the "extra" dogs that one can't really hide at home - you can only grandfather so many when you have mean neighbours - and helps find homes. In our case if we want a dog, it is ours. But due to the pain and suffering of Dachshund disc disease we now have the Eskimo. I just read the thread on the little pup with dysplasia. Eskimos are prone to this - I think the fates are against me. Should we ever take in another dog, it will come from this vet. Sorry this has happened to you. Last week on the way through the vet's office to the grooming studio, my Eskie and 3 Big Dogs were all startled by a sharp commanding bark that seem to come from nowhere. They were all united in trying to find the source. It was a tiny - teacup I guess, chi - that was sitting behind a regular size paper back book. I think this dog - full grown - was a little smaller than you would want - especially if you had a 22 lb. cat as I do. But kind of a shock to all of us - the looks on the dogs' faces were hysterical - but they all shut up fast enough. Hope you find a little dog one of these days. I know from a previous post that Lucky Rescue managed to get past the fence problem but probably running a rescue helped. But it sure was a turn-off.

[chico2]

LilRickysmom,sorry to hear about your troubles,I could not think of anyone better to adopt a little dog....I thought this pic was very fitting

[SnowDancer]

Very cute, Chico - and I have no doubt - seriously - over who would be dominant.

[BMDLuver]

Would you be willing to take one out of a kill shelter in the USA? I'm trying to remember, I'll track it down, but there's a shelter that has 14 of them just come in. I'll get the information and get back to you on it. Transport can be arranged to Canada, it's done all the time. I'm sorry that this rescue did not take the time to meet you and your dogs before making such a decision.

[BMDLuver]

http://www.petfinder.org/pet.cgi?act...ns6=&pet.Name=
Here's the link for the petfinder site. They have photos and bios of each of them. Maybe there's one there for you. They are in Illinois.

[maddoxies]

BMD: I have Sophie's phone number back at my hotel. I will call her tonight and tell her about your post (chis in kill shelter).
I am seriously considering adopting a paralisyic doxie from South Carolina. Maybe she and one of these chis could hitch a ride together.

[SnowDancer]

goldengirl. It would be wonderful for you to take in this disabled dachshund, and I am certain you have researched the subject, but unless there is someone home all the time there could be a problem, depending on the dog's condition and likelihood of an event that could result in serious pressure on the pup's spine - and intense pain for hours. I quit my job to care for my darling little guy - he couldn't be left alone - and when he started to fully paralyze again after 10 months - the pressure was building - I had to move very fast otherwise he would have been in agony when I picked him up. He had 70% of his legs until that moment. But had I not been home he would have died an agonizing death - he was also terrified as he knew what was happening - but also very hopeful that Mommy would be able to fix him again. In 1989 when my first Wonder Wiener had his first event, he started to paralyze but the pressure was not causing intense pain to the spinal cord nerves. Or the second time. The third time, we had to carry him by the corners of a blanket to the vet who had to sedate him to pick him up. So each case is different. My dogs never go peacefully to Rainbow Bridge. Good luck with this.

[Golden Girls]

lilrickymom I have personally spoke with the president and founder of this rescue and have been asked to post this reply:

"1st thing being that the reason why you were refused was because you have a 17 year old dog that is very grouchy and goes after every dog that goes into your house (this was your words left on her answering machine this morning)

2nd the chi is a toy breed weighing only 2.5 lbs and if this little guy got in between 2 dogs brawling he will not back off as his character is very dominant which is common with this breed

3rd the reason why there was no screening of you was because the president of this rescue already knows of you, your living and financial situation. Aren't you already fighting with the city and neighbors concerning animals?

Didn't you personally call this particular rescuer for help on all these matters as well

So this is the reason why this organization made this decision. And it was only with the best interest for this dog."

p.s. Me personally I have worked with this organization for many years and have never heard of a single dog being returned. Meaning she obviously has some kind of good sense when placing animals. I have total confidence she will find the perfect home for this little guy and this was not a personal matter.

[Lil'RickyMom]

I have always been a VERY RESPONSIBLE person, and even though I had always said I would not foster big dogs, I simply could not turn my back on them. I have never had an incident, the only time I turned to them for help is when I had two big dogs at once and I do live in a small appartment.

As for the whole City thing, now that it is being appealed and I have gone to court, I am not worried. This is going to go far, and all you rescues should consider yourselves lucky I didn't do what the City wants me to. Rat out all the foster homes who don't get tags for their dogs..... Did I do that to take the pressure off me? No... .I don't want to put anyone in this situation, as the dogs are the ones who will suffer. But believe me, I have researched the issue for the last 2 years (yeah, already 2 years since this started), and NO ONE can come and seize any animal. They will have to come with the cops and get me arrested before they will seize any animal. And I would let myself get arrested. My son would have the media involved in seconds..... So I either don't rescue big dogs anymore, or give up on having my dream dog. As a rescuer, that is an option that sucks big time.

I am a very responsible owner, I would never leave this little guy unattended in the presence of a dog that could harm him. Ever thought of the fact he could be adopted in a family of obese people who could sit on him? Or an older person who doesn't have time to catch him as he runs out the door and gets hit by a car? What type of family is the "perfect" family for this dog??

Anyway, this issue with this particular dog is closed, but I will someday get a little chi. I have dreamt of it for years, but never thought it would happen as they don't come through rescues too often, and would never even considering getting a dog any other way than through a rescue. So my options are: Don't rescue big or "mean" dogs anymore, let them all die if no one can take them (like certain rescues who only take small breeds!!!!) or breed rescues who discriminate because "the ears aren't cropped", or crap like that, OR
give up on the idea of having a little dog I can take everywhere and give a wonderful life to.

Thanks for all the support to the ones who see my point, it's nice to see some people are on my side. This whole thing is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard and it's going to remain with me for a long time. But I will get my little "Mouse". I've dreamt about this dog for years, and he will come my way. I am the most optimistic person I know, no matter what **** comes crumbling down on me, I always make it through with a positive attitude and a smile on my face. The ones of you who actually know me, will know this. I may be tiny, but I sure as hell am a strong willed person.

[Prin]

Minpins are tiny too, and my big Boo and Jemma are both terrified of the doggy next door. When they are on the balcony and he gets let out, they RUN inside.

A dominant little dog does take his place in the home really quickly. Yes, big dogs can be a danger to little dogs, but how will you know how your dog will react with a little terror unless you try (or if you have met some before).

And the yard thing? I totally disagree with a yard. Dogs don't want a yard, they want any space anywhere as long as YOU are in it. So many people with yards either leave them out alone or leave them out tied up alone. Dogs don't want that at all. I'd much rather adopt to somebody who lives near a park than someone with a yard. Without a yard you have to take an active interest in your dog's daily outings.

Our dogs are never outside without us-- we have a tiny apartment in the second floor. We have a balcony that they can watch squirrels from, but even then, they don't stay out for more than a minute or two when we're not there or the door is shut. We would probably NEVER be accepted for adopting a dog from a rescue in this apartment. We got Boo from the SPCA on a weekend (not so knowledgeable staff on weekends and they don't screen anyway). But Jemma we got from a lady who was moving. She wanted a person with no yard. She wanted her dog to have as much one on one time as possible.

I would be more worried, if I was a rescue, about people with a fenced in yard than without-- people just use yards as dog-sitters.

Anyway, I'm sorry you got turned down, but maybe there is a person who has to give up their doggy somewhere in your area that will find you.

[Golden Girls]

Where do you get it's because you rescue big dogs and dogs from the SPCA being the reason I didn't want to give U this little guy??????????

I'll repeat Sophie, you told me yourself that your guy is very grouchy with ALL dogs that come through your house - NO, you didn't say that?

YOU have come to me on many occasions with different problems and I've always helped you because I did not surrender this little guy to YOU - you've opened this thread and said things like:

"disgusted at attitudes fellow rescues who think they know it all crap and bad-mouthing different Quebec rescues lame excuses how my rescue works (or has in the past) would be surprised if he ends up in a forever home accused you of not being good enough political bull ***** in rescues"

The only one I see bashing is yourself!

If all you wanted was sympathy - then you got it from some. In the meantime - please keep my judgements out of open forums.

I don't feel it necessary to reveal my decisions - they were mine to make, point finale!

[Prin]

Were they YOUR decisions or the "president's" decisions?

I'm confused...

I have personally spoke with the president and founder of this rescue

I don't feel it necessary to reveal my decisions - they were mine to make, point finale!

First you say the president has a reason, then you say it was your decision.

[Golden Girls]

I'm confused...

Thread # 14: "I have been asked to post this reply from the president and founder of this rescue" ...

In other words - from her!

[BMDLuver]

Find it's always nice to hear from the actual person not someone speaking on someone else's behalf, if that's really the case.

Where do you get it's because you rescue big dogs and dogs from the SPCA being the reason I didn't want to give U this little guy??????????

[Golden Girls]

POSTING FOR RESCUER

BMD Luver check your personal e-mail (not the pet.ca one) and you will hear from the actual person as she's having problems with some aspects of her computer

Anyone who is still confused about this matter : -

The decision was made BY The Board of Directors and finalized by the President and Founder of this Organization!

[Lil'RickyMom]

I g uess now I know who Goldengirls is... Is it your "Board of Directors" or you... Why didn't you tell me right away when you called that it was not the right dog for me? You led me to believe I could have him, telling me how wonderful he was, I could take him everywhere. And the next day, your "BOD" doesn't want me to have this dog?

Yeah, Max is a grouch, he hates puppies and he reacts to any dog that bugs him, anything under 2 yrs.old I have to actually muzzle him, but I am no fool.. I have never had an incident, never had to take a dog to the vet for stitches or anything of the sort, I am very responsible and I would never let this dog get hurt. this dog would be with me probably 24/7.

What got me upset, is all the lies. If you didn't want me to have this dog, why make me believe it was someone else? And you're not calling me back, or leaving me messages but I can't call you back because it's too late. Why can't we speak like adults? Max is 17 yrs old, and that dog is my life, but I would never put anyone else at risk. I have been discriminated against for reasons that are not legitimate in my opinion, and I am not trying to get sympathy from anyone. I just wanted other peoples's views on the issue, and I got it. I see that I am not being unreasonable and many people feel I would be a very good home for this little guy.

I will re-consider fostering big dogs, but it sucks for their sake. I either give up on the idea if I want to get one through a rescue that thinks like you, or I find one somewhere else. You really feel this is fair?


You may have personal issues with me that I'm not aware of, then why did you even call me about this dog?

Anyway, I guess you are not even willing to reconsider and address your concerns, have Max meet this little fellow, do a normal procedure the way you should for any dog you place, you just want to shut me out. If you also approve families in the same way, it says a lot for your screening procedures and finding the right home for a dog.

Hope he does find a good home, that's all I care about at this point.

[Lucky Rescue]

I know nothing about this issue with the Chi, where it is and so on.

Sophie no one is bashing you. I certainly never would, and have a lot of admiration for what you do on your own to help animals!! Thank you for doing it. I know a lot of animals are alive now because of you!

However, you did say that when you had Xena, your old dog attacked her 4 times and you were unable to prevent this from happening. Just one attack or bite on a Chi could very well be fatal, but I know you know that. I know you realize how fast a bite can happen, no matter how vigilent we are.

It might be best to wait til your old dog is gone, then get your little Chi.

[Lil'RickyMom]

But you see, I also know my dog. Xena was a pup, Max does not like pups. Any dog over 2, he just growls at. What concerns me at times is the dogs I bring in may not like his growling and react to him. But Max would never attack a little dog who didn't bug him. Puppies like to be a pain in the butt, go after their tails, jump on them, want to play, and Max is 17. When he growls and says "lay off", pups don't get it, and then he gets mad.

Believe me, I know my dog enough as well as the situations that have occurred and could possibly occur to know that this is not a risk. My best friend is the head pet-therapist at the Douglas, and he cannot believe I was turned down. He has known me for over 30 years, knows Max (as he's the one who got me Max to begin with), sees my devotion to making it work no matter what dog I bring in, and has told me for years I need a tiny chihuahua. At this point, he will help me get one. He knows darn well that nothing would ever happen to this dog by carelessness. The problem with everyone else, is none of you actually know me and what I'm all about.

So to each his/her opinion, I know that I could have given this little guy a wonderful home and I am determined to do it. With rescues' help or without.

It just sucks that all this has left such a sour taste in my mouth. I will keep rescuing for the sake of the dogs, but I will not be a part of the "rescue" world as much as I have been. I've always been a loner, and I thought for the good of the dogs, it was better to "network", but it hasn't been working out for me. I don't need anything negative associated with rescuing, and all I've seen lately is negative attitudes.

Keep up the good work, and if you want to associate yourself with me anyway, I will be more than happy, but if you don't over this whole issue and the diversified opinions, that's fine. The dogs are all I truly care about, and I know I can give a little guy a truly wonderful home. My vet is amazed at how well Max is taken care of and how long he will probably live. If they had bothered to even check with my vet, they would get nothing but wonderful references. Size is a stupid reason, the stupidest reason I've heard in my life.

[Lucky Rescue]

You know Max better than anyone, that's quite true! Did you look at the dog I posted at Animatch?