Tiny pets need loving homes

By Marty Metzger
North Forty News

A re-coined phrase, "When Dogs Fly," applies to a diminutive canine – the Chihuahua. While breed standard size 6- to 10-inches tall and maximum weight 6 pounds doesn't hint at traits to float, soar or glide above terra firma, publicity-prompted popularity produced a Chihuahua airlift.

Recent movies "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" and "Legally Blonde" featured the little dogs. Photos of Paris Hilton tenderly toting hers around added to the "Oooh, gotta get one!" frenzy. Thousands of trendy Californians acquired them.

In short order, the short creatures went from fad to forsaken. Economic woes caused still more castoffs, ultimately swelling the ranks of already overcrowded shelters.

During 2009, Los Angeles facilities took in 4,700 Chihuahuas, 1,000 more than the previous 12 months. At 2009's end, they were accepting about 340 per month. California shelters' dog populations are 30 percent or more Chihuahua.

Meanwhile back East, a small dog shortage prompted the Humane Society for Greater Nashua in New Hampshire to take action. To balance supply and demand, 68 Chihuahuas bid farewell to their California-dreaming homeland that had become a living nightmare. They were flown to new homes in New Hampshire.

More escaped the crisis via a Virgin America flight from San Francisco to New York City, where adopters lined up to welcome them with open arms, toys and knitwear to warm short-haired bodies and paws.

In Colorado, Chihuahuas began arriving in late December 2009 in Broomfield thanks to dermatologist Dr. Leslie Capin. Capin's own Chihuahua, Dr. Papidies, had won a million-dollar "cutest dog" contest and she had donated the proceeds to the Dumb Friends League and MaxFund. This money bankrolled three Pet Airways flights to volunteers who would work to re-home the dogs.

Historically, Chihuahua origins possibly trace back to fifth century central and southern Mexico and to South America. Another theory attributes breed beginnings to China, from where Spanish traders exported dogs that were crossed in America to the Techichi.

Yet one more guess leads to Italy's Sistine Chapel. Here, a 1482 Sondro Botticelli painting depicts a Chihuahua-like dog. Proponents claim that 10 years later such dogs accompanied Columbus to the Americas. Some say that Techichis and Chinese Cresteds were crossed. Techichis were companions to and sometimes worshipped, sacrificed or eaten by ancient Toltecs and Aztecs.

Regardless of its ancestry, the modern day Chihuahua was registered in 1904 by the AKC; in 1923 the Chihuahua Club of America was organized.

Chihuahuas' behavior is generally animated, endearing and intelligent. They're described as being emotionally needy, not an independent breed. This over-devotion to the owner can result in serious jealousy issues. They exhibit a preference for fellow Chihuahua companions over other breeds.

Noted for being yappy (with long-haired Chihuahuas touted as more mellow), incessant barking can be successfully resolved. Causes for the mouthy trait run the gamut: territorial issues, play, bossiness, isolation, boredom, stress. Owners sometimes inadvertently reward misbehavior by commanding a barking dog to get in the house where mommy's lap and some treats await.

Once the cause of yapping is confirmed, proper training can curtail the problem. Professional help might be needed in chronic cases.

Chihuahuas bred by apathetic or unscrupulous breeders especially display faux pas generally attributed to the entire breed: biting, hard to housebreak, neuroses. Some dogs are picky eaters and most, because of fragility and a defensive nature, are inappropriate for small children.

Traits on the plus side: alert; loyal affection givers; good watchdog; great companion for the elderly or handicapped.

Tanja Pliler, a Fort Collins foster caregiver for Animal House, has two Chihuahua crosses of her own. Fleur is a 9-year-old Chihuahua/Pug found as a stray on the streets of Pueblo. Ginny, about 7 years old, carries Chihuahua/Dachshund bloodlines and came to Colorado as a Hurricane Katrina refugee.

It was only natural that when Animal House needed a temporary home for a Chihuahua, Pliler opened her door to Nascar, a little black and tan. The dog's appearance suggests that he might be part miniature Pinscher.

Nascar came with baggage. The 4- to 6-year-old neutered male has separation anxiety, a problem common to the breed. He's terrified of men, aggressive and sometimes bites. For that error in judgment, he had been surrendered to the Longmont Humane Society.

But Nascar is bright and energetic, loves being brushed, meshes well with other small dogs, and adores cats. Pliler is working to stem his aggressive behavior. Visitors to her home get dog treats to offer so Nascar will associate company with reward rather than threat. Pliler admits she's smitten by adorable Nascar and considering adopting him.

Animal House has still more Chihuahuas. Anyone interested in them is encouraged to view photos and descriptions at www.petfinder.com or call the Animal House rescue at 970-224-3647.

For folks who have lots of time to spend with a little dog, unlimited affection to give, and a penchant for patient training, the Chihuahua can be a wonderful and devoted companion.