I went to The Animal Foundation last week with Lois where I volunteer and was in the area they call The Nursery and saw a teeny, tiny little fuzz ball, and when inquiring was told she is a ten week old, long haired Chihuahua that had been one of several confiscated in an "abuse case." Can you imagine that???

Anyway she was afraid of everyone and screamed when touched or held. The vet gave her a clean bill of health but said she needed socializing and to know she is not going to be hurt again. Went back the next day and stayed there for three hours. I sang softly to her, put my hand near her so she could smell me and finally she allowed me to stroke her softly but still was shivering. To make a long story short, I'm adopting her but don't know for sure when they will release her to me. They are so careful where they place an animal especially one having been abused in her infancy. She is adorable and as soon as I can have her for sure, I will ask someone (yes Angelika, it will be you) to post her pictures for everyone to see. I haven't chosen a name yet but am leaning towards SASSY but it depends on how she acts when I use that name...Thats what I want for her is to feel so secure with me and her new home she is sassy about it...

I feel just like an expectant mother!!!!!

Wow, Chatty, congratulations! I can't wait to see pictures. Are they going to let you spend time with her until she comes home? I sure hope so. It will help her acclimate to being loved instead of hurt. I admire you for getting a puppy. I'm not sure I want to go through the housebreaking again. The last 3 dogs we've adopted were older so were already house trained.

Thanks Yonuh and the only reason I saw her in the first place is because I work there as a volunteer and one of my friends there took me to show her to me. She knew I was possibly wanting another dog. They all knew Rosee and Reeta real well. Ususlly no one but the veternary staff see the dogs in The Nursery until they are put on the website for Dogs Up for Adoption. I got lucky!!! I can go in and see her once a day if I want to. I am just hoping she is released soon. I left a shirt of mine there so she can cuddle with it and learn my scent.
The vet I spoke to today said hers was the only kennel smelling like Estee Lauders Beautiful...

House breaking a new puppy for me is a cinch. I have all tile flooring throughout the home and right near the patio door I put down those nice 5 layer piddle pads, and for small dogs especially they work like magic, no smell, little fuss or bother. When I can, I do take them outside but it's not necessary with these amazing pads, plus they are safer for a little one until they've had all their vaccinations... I love puppy breath!

Leaving the shirt was a great idea! I got Spud because he wasn't up for adoption yet, too. He was in the Special Care Unit because of kennel cough. So working or volunteering at animal shelters does have its perks! And puppy breath is the best! Except maybe for baby breath.

She will be evaluated this week and could possible be released to me if all seems fine. I am so excited, trying not to be but its difficult. I think I need her as bad as she needs someone to love her and show her not all people are abusers... I can't even imagine how anyone could abuse a tiny pup, still not sure what was done but it had to be serious for the Animal Foundation to confiscate all the dogs they owned.

Chatty I am sooooooo happy to read your GREAT news!!!! Puppies are the best medicine in the world..no matter what ails us..:)

My puppy Bailey is now 17 weeks old..he is the love of my life..I can't believe at this point that I almost didn't adopt him..he gives me so much love..he awakens me every morning with little licks to my eyes and nose...it is the best feeling ever!!!

I am so excited for you Charleen...my heart is singing this morning just knowing how happy you are going to be...Congratulations my good freind!!!!

Fingers crossed for you Chatty. There isn't a greater reward, except maybe my grandbeauties. I know you'll let us know. Can't wait to hear!

Thanks guys and yes you'll be the first people I come to with the hopefully good news...as usual.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO...how nice..how wonderful for you, Chatty!

So many hugs!

Email that photo whenever you can Chatty! Can't wait to see the little heartbreaker! I'm, soooooooooo happy for you!