Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Not good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Good with cats,
Needs experienced adopter,
Story
Location: Olds, AB //
Age: Approx 2 years //
Sex: Spayed female //
Energy level: Medium //
Dogs: Yes, confident dogs //
Cats: Yes, dog savvy cats //
Kids: No //
🐾 Meet Penny – Tiny, Sensitive, and Deeply Devoted 🌶️
Penny isn’t your typical dog — and she’s not trying to be. She’s a one-of-a-kind, deeply sensitive little soul who is looking for something very specific: not just a home, but her person.
This tiny chihuahua has a big personality, strong opinions, and an even bigger capacity for love — but that love is earned, not given freely. Penny is what we lovingly call a “relationship dog.” She doesn’t belong to everyone… but to the right person, she will be everything. 💕
🐾 Her Personality:
Penny is a one-person dog through and through. She forms a deep bond with her chosen human and devotes herself completely — often ignoring everyone else. She has shown a clear preference for men and would likely thrive in a home with a male primary caregiver. 🐾
With her person, Penny is:
• Affectionate and snuggly (on her terms)
• Playful and engaging
• Eager to please
• Incredibly loyal
🐾She loves cozy spaces, curling up beside you, and playing little games with her human. She may even invite play with small, confident dogs who understand her communication style.
🐾 Understanding Penny
Penny is not aggressive — she is sensitive and handling-aware. She communicates clearly using body language, and she thrives when people listen.
She needs:
• Choice and control in her interactions
• Predictability in her environment
• People who respect her boundaries
🐾When she feels safe, her defensive behaviours fade — because underneath it all is a dog who simply wants to feel secure.
🐾 Boundaries = Trust
Penny does not enjoy being picked up, restrained, or handled unexpectedly. She is especially sensitive when resting or in her safe spaces.
Her ideal person understands that:
• Trust is built by letting her come to you
• Affection happens on her timeline
• Respecting her “no” is what earns her “yes”.
🐾Once that trust is there, her bond is incredibly deep and rewarding.
🐾 Her Needs & Routine:
Penny thrives in a calm, low-pressure home with a predictable routine.
She is:
• Pee pad trained and very reliable
• Quiet and settled when left alone
• Comfortable free roaming in the home.
🐾She enjoys enrichment like lick mats, snuffle mats, and food puzzles, which help her relax and feel secure.
While she’s still building confidence with harness and leash work, she currently prefers indoor play and gentle interaction over busy outdoor environments.
🐾 Medical Note:
Penny has urinary crystals and will need to remain on a prescribed diet, along with consistent access to fresh water. This is easy to manage but important for her comfort and wellbeing.
🐾 Her Ideal Home:
Penny is looking for a home that is:
• Adult-only
• Calm and quiet
• Experienced with small, sensitive dogs
• Respectful of a consent-based relationship
🐾She may do well with a small, confident dog — or she may thrive best as the center of someone’s world.
🐾 The Right Match:
Penny isn’t for everyone — and that’s okay. She doesn’t want to be everyone’s dog.
But for the person who understands her…
The one who gives her space, earns her trust, and lets her choose them. 🐾
Penny will become a fiercely loyal, deeply loving companion who bonds in a way that is incredibly special and rare. 💘
She’s not just looking for a home.
She’s looking for her person.
🐾 Interested in meeting Penny?
Please apply here:
https://www.ruffstartanimalrescue.com/dog-application-form
