Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs,
Good with cats,
Needs special attention,
Spayed or Neutered,
Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Callie. This adorable puppy has already had a few homes. She was originally given away with her mom and siblings to a Good Samaritan who tried to help them find loving homes. Unfortunately, Callie was given to a family unequipped to care for her. They grew frustrated with her and didn't understand her unusual behaviors or take her to the vet for further diagnosis. Callie was subdued for a puppy and showed some neurological signs like circling, which is consistent with a condition called hydrocephalus. Thankfully, they surrendered her and we got her the medical care she needed. A dog with hydrocephalus has an excess of cerebrospinal fluid that has leaked inside their skull, which causes brain swelling and is often called “water on the brain.” The severity of the condition varies from dog to dog. Common symptoms include having a rounded or dome-shaped skull, walking in circles or having stability issues, difficulty learning, and seizures. Some dogs are asymptomatic. Dogs with mild or moderate cases can live a normal healthy, happy life by taking medication, and some even do well without treatment. Callie has been seen by a neurologist twice and was started on medications to address the swelling and thwart potential seizures, and she’s responding well. Callie is being fostered by Debbie and her teen son, living with two other dogs. She loves being part of a pack and gains confidence from the other pups. Callie was born with limited vision but it’s the only way she’s ever known. She has learned her foster home environment and is very comfortable once she’s familiar. She knows where the stairs are and stays away. She stays on the main level near her foster mom during the day and sleeps next to her bed at night. Once she’s confident in her surroundings, her playful personality emerges and she acts like a normal silly pup. Callie is crate-trained, and potty training is still a work in progress and may take a little longer. She can hold it overnight and does not have accidents in her crate. She uses potty pads as a backup inside but typically goes in the yard when she’s out. She enjoys hanging out in the backyard with Debbie and her best buddy, Lily, a large cattle dog she likes to follow around and snuggle with. She’s getting more comfortable on leash and enjoys short walks once she knows the terrain. Understandably she is sometimes hesitant in unfamiliar environments. Debbie shared this update: “Callie can be quite an emotional support dog in some ways. She loves snuggling and will nap and cuddle with me on the couch. Sometimes when she's on the go she's more interested in being active and exploring...which is a good thing. She's good with humans as long as nothing is sudden. Slow introductions and no loud noises keep her calm. A quieter household would make her feel more secure than an active one for sure. She loves food and peanut butter is her favorite treat. She'll bark when it's time to eat and will not let me forget. But she doesn't bark much other than that. She is most playful after she eats in the morning and evening. She likes toys, but mainly ones she can chew on because she can't see them to chase. She will jump and play with Lilly (while Lilly just lets her). It's the cutest when she trots around because I love seeing her confident. She’s been doing really well on her medication and the amount of time she walks in circles has been a LOT less lately. She really is a good dog, and while finding the right adopter might take longer, they will be rewarded with an enjoyable, fun, sweet, vulnerable little bundle of curiosity and love. She needs a little extra care, but not much.” While Callie’s underlying hydrocephalus is unlikely to resolve, if she continues to respond well to her medication, she could do very well. She’s still very young and we are hopeful. We are looking for an attentive, quiet home for this Callie. Another established dog in the home would be ideal and a fenced yard with easy access is preferred. Apply today to learn more! BREED ESTIMATE: Chihuahua Mix GENDER: Female APPROXIMATE WEIGHT: 14 lbs APPROXIMATE AGE: ~ 7 month old COAT TYPE: Long - requires regular grooming ADOPTION FEE: $425 OTHER INFO: utd on shots/spayed/microchipped LOCATION: Vienna, VA FOR MORE INFO OR TO ADOPT: Please go to https://adopt.worthydog.org and complete the application. You can also help save dogs like this one by becoming a foster, providing a rescue dog with a temporary home and giving them the love and care they need until they are permanently adopted. Every person who fosters is directly responsible for saving the life of a dog, because we can only save as many dogs as we have foster families available to welcome them into their homes. If you think you might be interested in becoming a foster and want to learn more, please go to https://foster.worthydog.org and fill out an application. Worthy Dog Rescue is an all-volunteer, foster-based rescue that primarily adopts to families in the DC Metro area. April 25, 2024, 10:05 am
