Pig News

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter has suddenly become Chihuahua Central! Case in point. Meet Brave, a tiny male 7-pound chocolate and tan chihuahua who was surrendered  along with eight very similar friends and siblings! And - full disclosure - he isn't actually very brave... Brave's previous home was a backyard studio apartment, where his person took in a couple little dogs from friends, and despite really great intentions, very quickly ended up with a population explosion, some noise complaints, and a growing feeling of overwhelm. Although well-loved, and cared for in a tidy home environment, Brave and his friends are quite inexperienced - they knew one larger dog and a couple of people and did not get regular off-property walks. We gave them courageous, aspirational names that we hope they'll grow into with the help of loving, patient adopters ready to meet them where they are and gently introduce them to the larger world.

Somewhat barky and suspicious at first, all the dogs are handle-able and enjoy handling and touch with a little time and once in a calmer environment. They will definitely benefit from NOT being part of such a large pack - while they DO seek comfort in one another, we believe they will all appreciate getting more personal time and attention in a new home, and they'll feel freer to make their OWN decisions - not be so co-dependent and influenced by whoever in the pack happens to be most emotional at any given moment! A home with a resident dog with high dog-sociability and more experience and confidence might be a very good fit to socialize them more quickly.

Although Brave and his friends have not lived with cats, a cat or two in the home might be fine with a slow, thoughtful introduction, and the same could also be said about kids - but every dog, cat and child is an individual, so it's impossible to generalize or really predict! Kids who are gentle and observant with animals might be a lovely fit. If you're wanting to Adopt Your Valentine and you'd like a small companion you can help introduce to the bigger world, head on into the shelter this week to meet Brave and his little pack! And we also have quite a few larger, more confident dogs available!

To learn more about Brave, his littermates, or to find out more about the Animal Balance low-cost spay/neuter clinic, planned for February 20 through 22, listen to Pet-O-Rama at 11am Thursdays here on the pig or visit the shelter, located at 1001 Rodriguez St. in Santa Cruz and open from 11am to 6pm every day

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