April's Chihuahuas

So You're Thinking About Adopting a Chihuahua

Please, take the time to educate yourself about this wonderful companion dog. Whether you are looking for a family companion or a show dog, we think you should start by reading what the CCA Board and CCA Members have to say about the Chihuahua by researching information available at:

Chihuahua Club of America, Inc.

Be sure to read the CCA's Official Statements about:

We also recommend you read breed specific books, magazines, websites and meet some of the people devoted to this breed.

Prepare yourself as the Chihuahua can live for up to 20 [twenty] years.

Please, educate yourself before you proceed with an adoption of any pet. We love the Chihuahua dearly but the breed might not be for everyone. If, however, your best match is the Chihuahua, take time to find a responsible breeder so your adoption doesn't end in heartbreak.

We hope you'll select the best possible pet match for you and your family.

How to Prepare for Your New Puppy

(Humorous but true)

Pour apple juice on the carpet in several places and walk around barefoot in the dark.
Wear a sock to work that has had the toes shredded by a blender.
Immediately upon waking, stand outside in the dark and in the rain for at least 20 minutes saying, "Be a good puppy, go potty now - hurry up - come on, lets go."
Cover all your best suits with dog hair. Dark suits must use white hair, and light suits must use dark hair. Also float some hair in your first cup of coffee in the morning.
Play "catch" with a wet tennis ball.
Run out in the snow in your bare feet and underwear to close the gate.
Tip over a basket of clean laundry; scatter clothing all over the floor.
Leave your underwear on the living room floor, because that's where the dog will drag it anyway. (Especially when you have company)
Jump out of your chair shortly before the end of your favorite TV program and run to the door shouting, "NO! Do That Outside." Miss the end of the program.
Put chocolate pudding on the carpet in the morning. Don't try to clean it up until you return from work that evening.
Gouge the leg of the dinning room table several times with a screwdriver - it's going to get chewed on anyway.

If this sounds a bit overwhelming, especially if you work full-time, you may want to consider adopting an adult dog.

Of course, there is something a puppy can do, at least initially, better than an adult dog: Take a warm, cuddly blanket out of the dryer and wrap yourself in it immediately. This is the feeling you get when a puppy falls asleep on your lap. Be sure to return to reality and read the “How to Prepare for a New Puppy” list again.

Please, make sure everyone in your household is ready for the commitment before you adopt a puppy.

Have You Considered an Adult Dog

	Top Ten Reasons to Adopt an Older Dog
1. Usually Housetrained	Older dogs are housetrained. You won't have to go through the difficult stage(s) of teaching a puppy house manners and mopping/cleaning up after accidents.
2. Won't Chew Inappropriate Items	Older dogs are not teething puppies, and won't chew your shoes and furniture while growing up.
3. Focus to Learn	Older dogs can focus well because they've mellowed. Therefore, they learn quickly.
4. Know What "NO" Means	Older dogs have learned what "no" means. If they hadn't learned it, they wouldn't have gotten to be "older" dogs.
5. Settle in With the "Pack"	Older dogs settle in easily, because they've learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of a pack.
6. Good at Giving Love	Older dogs are good at giving love, once they get into their new, loving home. They are grateful for the second chance they've been given.
7. WYSIWYG	What You See Is What You Get: Unlike puppies, older dogs have grown into their shape and personality. Puppies can grow up to be quite different from what they seemed at first.
8. Instant Companions	Older dogs are instant companions -- ready for hiking, car trips, and other things you like to do.
9. Time for Yourself	Older dogs leave you time for yourself, because they don't make the kinds of demands on your time and attention that puppies and young dogs do.
10. A Good Night's Sleep	Older dogs let you get a good night's sleep because they're accustomed to human schedules and don't generally need nighttime feedings, comforting, or bathroom breaks.

Abandoned pets end up in shelters and rescue organizations every day.

Maybe one is the perfect match for your family, www.petfinder.com.

Dog's 10 Commendments

My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
Give me time to understand what you want of me.
Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice when speaking to me.
Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to.
Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
Please take care of me when I grow old. You, too, will grow old.
On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so, always!

-Author Unknown

"Nothing compares with the wet nose kisses of a wiggly tail pup." -Author Unknown