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Posted over 5 years ago
| Updated over 5 years ago
I found a new home! Plenty of my friends are looking for one too. Check out other pets at this shelter, or start a new search.
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My basic info
Breed
Dachshund/Chihuahua
Color
Black - with Tan, Yellow or Fawn
Age
7 years 10 months old, Young
Size
Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less (when grown)
Weight
15 lbs (current)
Sex
Male
Pet ID
–
My details
Good with kids
Good with dogs
Shots current
Spayed / Neutered
Housetrained
My story
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Here's what the humans have to say about me:
Description of pet
Sonny is the cutest, sturdiest little potato I have ever met! He's a shy, timid guy; from his point of view the world’s a big ocean and he’s in a very small boat. But once he learns to trust you he’s the most devoted snuggler. Once he's in your lap he never wants to leave.
TEMPERAMENT & BEHAVIOR
This little sweetheart is looking for someone who is calm, patient and gentle, who will give him plenty of time to adjust to a new home, and who won't let strangers pet him (as they'll want to, because he is SO cute!) We're confident that, given time and patience, he will bond with his special people and come out of his shell. Because of his timidity we believe he'll be happiest in a home without young or rowdy children.
He is very shy, takes his time about getting to know new people (and only one new friend at a time, please!) and is intimidated by new experiences and places. When he's uncomfortable he will hide under furniture or in the back of his crate. He doesn’t bark, growl, or nip; he just makes himself small and withdraws.
Sonny will do best in a home with a canine companion to act as his mentor and protector. At present he shares his foster foster home with two other Chi mixes and a Schipperke, and he’s content to let them go forth while he observes from the sidelines. Once they’ve signaled the “all clear,” he’s quick to go and see what’s there to see.
Sonny is quiet and hasn't displayed any destructive behaviors. He is crate trained and will not soil in his crate. However, he does still have "accidents" in the house. This could be because he's still too fearful to indicate when he needs to go outside to potty.
HEALTH
When we evaluated Sonny he showed most of the signs of poor quality nutrition, including dry coat and heavy tartar. His condition has improved steadily since he entered foster care. His teeth are now clean, and his coat is soft.
Sonny has been sterilized, fully vaccinated, microchipped, and treated for internal and external parasites. All his available healthcare records will be provided at the time of adoption.
HISTORY
Sonny is one of 27 dogs and puppies HART removed from a hoarding situation in late May. Some of the dogs had been picked up as strays or adopted from various sources, but most were born on the property. They lived together in a fenced yard. None was sterilized and the females bred without restriction from their first heat. Most of the puppies were sold by another family member. Puppies received their first two puppy shots and were kept indoors until weaning. The dogs ate poor quality kibble (Alpo or Old Roy) and table scraps, but they had plenty of it and were all in reasonable condition.
When we evaluated these dogs, most of them were poorly socialized and anxious, but none had been abused. We placed them in foster homes, and within just a few weeks they have all proved to be affectionate, loving little dogs with the potential to be wonderful companions. It's important to note that none of them has ever been alone, and they would probably be happiest sharing a home with another friendly dog, or as their human's close companion.
ADOPTION
Sonny’s adoption fee is $185. For more pictures and updates about him, see his album on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pg/HearthfireAnimalRescueTeam/photos/?tab=album&album_id=593912444322017
Please note that HART does not have a facility. Our dogs live in foster homes, and are not available to meet potential adopters until after their adoption application has been approved.
If you are interested in adopting Sonny, please email HearthfireART@gmail.com and request an adoption application. Our application process includes an online background check, vet interview, landlord/property manager interview (if in rental property), and interviews with personal references, other adults living on the property, and the applicant. Depending on various factors we may require a home check. This process usually takes about one week to complete.
Most of our dogs are located in the Tri-Cities, Washington area, and if necessary we will transport them anywhere within the Pacific Northwest, at the adopter's expense. We do not ship our dogs via a third party; they are handed directly from a trusted HART representative to the adopter.
Characteristics
Shy, Quiet, Snuggly
