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My basic info
Breed
Chihuahua/Pug
Color
Tan/Yellow/Fawn
Age
3 years 7 months old, Young
Size
Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less (when grown)
Weight
11 lbs (current)
Sex
Female
Pet ID
–
My details
Good with dogs
Good with cats
Shots current
Spayed / Neutered
Housetrained
My story
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Here's what the humans have to say about me:
Affectionate and snuggly, Lucy is easy to love and pleasant to be around. She's the ideal companion for a quiet person who wants a loving little lap-warmer.
HISTORY
Lucy's mama was pregnant when she was dumped on a country road near Prosser, Eastern Washington. She was taken in by a concerned person who then kept her in a quasi-hoarding situation, along with numerous other dogs dumped in the area, because she couldn't find homes for all of them. Born in about October 2020, Lucy spent the first three years of her life in an outdoor pen with several other small dogs. She was released to HART in the summer of 2023 and has since been in foster care, learning to live comfortably as an indoor dog and family member.
As happens often in rescue, we can't be sure of her breed mix. The Chihuahua is pretty obvious, but Pug is our best guess based on her fairly deep chest and slight underbite. However, chances are a variety of different breeds went into making this one-of-a-kind cutie!
SOCIALIZATION
Lucy bonds very closely with her human mama. However, she takes a while to warm up to strangers, and is initially shy and timid with new people. She tends to be standoffish and occasionally barky with men, although she'll eventually accept men she sees regularly. However, Lucy has a clear preference for women, and will make new female friends with just a little patience and a few treats.
She hasn't had much exposure to children while in our care, but we'd expect her to respond well to a gentle, calm older child. She's probably not the best fit for a family with very young children, as she'd likely find loud or clumsy behavior scary and would hide.
She's relaxed with polite, friendly dogs, and with a gentle canine companion she'd probably learn to play. She's tried to play with the senior dog in her foster home, but doesn't push into their space. However her primary focus is her two-legs family. She may guard her food from other dogs (although she'll willingly give it up to humans).
Lucy shares her foster home with several cats and caged birds, and is separated from various poultry by a backyard fence. She isn't greatly interested in the birds but she likes the cats, and - without being pushy - clearly wants to be friends.
GENERAL TEMPERAMENT & BEHAVIOR
She's a bit of a couch potato. Her idea of the best way to spend her time is on your lap or nearby, under a blankie if it's remotely chilly. If your lap isn't available she'll be contented just lying nearby, keeping you company.
She'll accompany you on a casual walk around the neighborhood, but she won't fuss if you'd rather spend the time just kicking back at home. She was a chunky girl when she came to us, and after spending years doing nothing in a small run she wasn't very fit. She's improved some in foster care, and we'd like to see her in a home where she gets some exercise, but right now she's probably not the first pick for serious hiker or jogger.
Lucy enjoys car rides and is a good, calm traveler. Being in new places doesn't faze her, as long as she's with someone she knows and trusts.
She's not entirely sure what toys are for, but she does love a good chew!
TRAINING
Lucy's house manners are excellent. She is reliably house-trained, although she may pee if she's scared. She is comfortable in a crate, although she doesn't need to be crated, and she likes her bed. She has no disruptive behaviors, and she adapted well to the routines of her foster home. She's quiet and calm, and although she alerts when people coame to the door she rarely barks.
She hasn't had much actual training, but she's a naturally good girl who wants to please. Her recall can be slow if she's busy with something, but she'll come when called. She walks well on a leash and sits on command. She's probably not a candidate for advanced training, but she'd be quite capable of handling a basic obedience class, and would enjoy learning how to please you.
HEALTH STATUS
Lucy has been fully vaccinated, spayed, microchipped and treated for internal and external parasites. She appears to be in good health, although she's still a little overweight at around 11 lbs.
Based on vet records provided by her original rescuer we've designated October 14, 2020 as her birthday.
ADOPTION INFORMATION
Lucy is in foster care in a private home, and will be available to meet you after your adoption application has been approved. Please email HearthfireART@gmail.com to request an adoption application form.
For more pictures of Lucy, please see her Facebook album at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.605236165090810&type=3
