Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Needs special attention,
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Adoption Fee: $475
When available, all animals are fixed in accordance with Colorado law, up to date on vaccines (may need boosters), and microchipped!
What we know: Litter of 6 transferred from Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley in NM. Found on the side of road when finder was on his way to work, he drove the road looking for mom but could not find her and brought the puppies to the shelter to receive proper care.
***I have been diagnosed with Megaesophagus. Megaesophagus is a common condition that decreases mobility in the muscles of the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth and stomach. This decreased muscle function leads to esophageal dilation, or enlargement. This seems to be a defect from birth and no surgery is needed and there is no actual treatment that can fix this condition. This is a life long condition, that will require proper management during feeding time to prevent recurrent pneumonia and regurgitation like using a Bailey chair, upright feeding, as well as a daily prescription (Sildenafil) to help decrease lower esophageal sphincter pressure to facilitate passage of food into the stomach; dosing would need to be adjusted with growth and weight gain. Overall puppies seem to be happy and active.***
From the foster: It has been an absolute joy to foster Cheeto for almost two months, and we can honestly say she is just the sweetest pup.
Cheeto loves to be with her person. If you sit down, she’ll happily ask to climb into your lap, lick your face, and eventually settle in with her head resting on your chest. She is incredibly affectionate and has all the makings of a truly wonderful companion.
She’s also growing some impressively long legs and is very curious about everything happening up high — on the counter, in a chair, on the couch… apparently the best things in life require a better view! We’ve been working on her “counter surfing,” and she’s making great progress. She definitely has some natural agility!
Cheeto is playful, silly, and LOVES her toys — especially anything she can chew, pull apart, and proudly de-fluff. Because of her medical condition, traditional long-lasting chews like bully sticks and yak chews aren't a good fit for her, as they can trigger reflux and regurgitation. Thankfully, Cheeto couldn't care less as long as she has a basket full of toys to chew, destroy, and investigate. Give this girl a stuffed toy and she is perfectly happy!
Cheeto has also been hard at work on potty training and has made huge progress with going outside. We use tiny crumbs of liver treats as rewards, which have worked well for her, and she is very eager to please. Keeping up a consistent routine — especially taking her outside after naps and meals — will help her continue to succeed. She also has possibly the cutest, deepest puppy pee squat we’ve ever seen.
Feeding & Medical Care
After lots of trial and error, we have found a feeding routine that is working wonderfully for Cheeto. Traditional kibble irritates her esophagus and causes much more frequent regurgitation, but she has done incredibly well on The Honest Kitchen dehydrated puppy food. We simply add warm water, and the difference has been amazing. Her regurgitation has significantly decreased, she has gained great weight, her coat is incredibly soft, and — most importantly to Cheeto — she LOVES mealtime.
Cheeto does need to eat upright and remain upright for approximately 2–5 minutes afterward to help her food make its way down. She also takes medication twice a day — just half a pill with each meal. We place it right on top of her food, and she eats it without a second thought.
Right now, we hold her upright in our laps with her bowl elevated and slightly angled. But Cheeto is getting a very special upgrade: her own Bailey chair! We’ll be helping her learn to use it before adoption, and her chair will go with her to her forever home so her new family already has an important part of her routine ready to go.
And truly, once you learn Cheeto’s routine, the medical care is only one small part of who she is.
She is the puppy who wants to curl up against your chest. The puppy who happily destroys her toys. The curious girl stretching those long legs to see what you’re doing. The sweet, smart pup who wants to make you happy and be wherever you are.
We have grown incredibly attached to Cheeto and have absolutely showered her with love. Watching her gain weight, feel better, grow stronger, and blossom into the happy, playful puppy she was meant to be has been incredibly rewarding.
Cheeto will need a family committed to continuing her special feeding routine and daily medication, but what she gives in return is immeasurable. She is not defined by her medical condition. She is a smart, affectionate, goofy, playful little girl who is so deserving of a family who will look at her and simply see their dog.
We know that family is out there, and whoever gets to call Cheeto theirs is going to be very, very loved.
www.coloradopuppy.org/how-to-adopt
