Size
(when grown) -
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
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: Mom (2 yrs at intake) and 3 puppies (6 wks at intake) surrendered by a local CO family because they are moving and could not take the dogs with them.
From the foster: Don’t let the dainty exterior fool you—Mama Chikis may look like a gentle, low-profile lap warmer, but beneath that fluffy white coat lies the soul of a hardcore, relentless fetch addict. Chikis does not do "couch floof." Chikis does cardio.
She will insist on a 24/7 ball-tossing schedule. If you dare to decline or pause for a breath, no problem—she will simply invent her own game by bouncing her tennis ball off whatever surface is closest. In fact, the only time she has joined us on the couch was to use foster dad’s chest as a backboard while he was trying to scroll his phone. As soon as the ball dropped? Right back to business.
Chikis is more athletic than we ever expected - parkouring off the couch, and easily hopping over gates or low fencing in order to be closer to you. She has a good at recall once settled in her space, but care should be taken to ensure she has a secure outdoor environment to endlessly chase that ball!
Chikis came to us with her three young pups after her former family lost their housing. All we knew initially was that she loved playing fetch with their son—and the gentle kiss mark on her head when she arrived proved she was deeply loved. Transitioning to a busy foster home with three large dogs and two human kids was a lot, but Chikis took it in remarkable stride. Once we realized that English is her second language, that her name was Chikis, and that our house contained a seemingly bottomless inventory of squeaky tennis balls, her stress melted away. Out came the big tail wags and her signature goofy smile, though often hidden by that ball in her mouth.
She’s still transitioning out of hyper-vigilant parent mode. She will alarm bark if something unexpected enters her space, but as she realizes she no longer has to guard her pups 24/7, she's learning to relax. Chikis has also been learning about being in a crate and will protest for a bit, but then eventually settle down for the night. Aside from an initial accident and the occasional nervous tinkle, she's been pretty good about going outdoors to relieve herself, especially when taken out frequently. When it comes to other dogs, Chikis lives by a strict "co-exist, do not engage" policy. If you are looking for a dog to entertain your current dog, Chikis is not your girl. She prefers human companions and sphere-shaped objects. She can live with another dog as long as they are neutral, respect her personal space, and let her do her thing.
Because her love for tennis balls borders on a full-time career, she needs a human who will step in and call time-outs. Left to her own devices, she forgets that rest exists. She just needs a thoughtful owner to help her set healthy boundaries so she can focus on her real dream: being a cherished family member again.
www.coloradopuppy.org/how-to-adopt
