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the chihuahua sanctuary
These are our sanctuary dogs. We have made a
commitment to them to care for and give them a quality lifestyle for their remaining
days. They reside with us in our homes receiving love, and medical attention when
appropriate.
They are considered 'sanctuary' dogs due to health, emotional and/or age issues. They
are dogs who could in fact be adopted by a committed, realistic and willing adopter. If
you think you may be one of those very special people who has room in their hearts for
one of these very special dogs please contact us either by telephone @480-844-2447
or by email at the link provided on our contact page.
If your situation is such that you cannot provide a home for one of these little dogs but
wish to assist in their care, any donation you could make would be most apppreciated
and utilized to its fullest in helping them. |
| BITSY
Bitsy is a 10 year old spayed female long hair Chihuahua. She came to us from the Yuma Humane Society just before Christmas. They asked for our help because she was a sick little girl.
First of all, she has a grade 1 heart murmur. Bitsy has also been diagnosed with IBD (Irritable Bowel). The treatment for this is a very special diet. She is on a very strict prescription diet that can’t be deviated from. At times she does need medication if her symptoms start to flare up. She has made significant progress since her arrival.
In addition, the vet suspects that she might have a slip disk in her neck. When her neck is bothering her, she has to go on medication for a little bit. We are hoping to raise enough money to get her an MRI. This is the best way to find out what is going on with her neck. Feel free to make a donation to help.
Bitsy loves to hang out with her foster mom! She likes to lay on her back (cradled like a baby) while her mom is reading at bedtime. She is a very affectionate, laid back little girl. Her goal in life is to have a lap to lay on.
Please email
Angie for information on how to adopt Bitsy. |
| AGATHA JANE
Aggie is about 16 years old and she is a chi/dachsund mix. She loves to go in the car and visit folks. She still likes to go for walks but, not far.
Agatha is nearly blind, deaf and has no teeth and is incontentant, she has stomach issues with colitis. She is on special canned food that we can only get thru a vet and she takes medication. Her food and medication is $30.00 a month.
She just loves to hang out and be held and loves baths. Agatha was found roaming the streets and was picked up by Animal Control nearly 1 1/2 years ago.
If you would like to sponsor Agatha Jane please contact her foster mom.
Please email
Sharon for information on how to adopt Agatha Jane. |
| BENTLEY & PIPER
We are brother & sister - Bentley & Piper - and we were born on 2/4/2009.
Our Mom just recently acquired us & was told we came from a backyard breeder or a possible in-breeding situation. We were the 2nd litter to come out with some type of 'issue' and ours is a bit difficult to watch.
You see, we were born with a neurological issue that affects how we walk, run & balance. Mainly, we can't do any of those things very well & we are prone to stumbling, tripping over our feet & just generally wobbling around - sort of a like a drunken person! When we do sit still & stop to stare at you, our heads may twitch & our muscles may jerk around a little bit... honestly, we're not just "showing off" (big GRIN)...we do have an ailment which will affect us the rest of our lives.
Brother Bentley has also recently developed a mild hernia that needs to be watched carefully. Due to his young age & brain issues, the Vet is hesitant to put him under anesthesia again - he & his sister are both fixed, however.
We would be most happy in a home as the only pets - we really can't even be trusted to run free in a living room without supervision & honestly, we feel the safest when in our x-pen, playpen or other area that's enclosed just for US. If you want any other info, please email our mommy & she can tell you whatever else you need. Toodles ....B & P
Please email
Anita for information on how to adopt Bentley & Piper. |
| BETSIE
"Oh don't you remember sweet Betsie from
Pike..."? Well, this isn't her, but this is a sweet little dog! Betsie came from a breeding
situation, where she spent her entire 11 years, before coming to stay in my home.
Betsie is on a weight loss diet and is taking heart medications, since she has a pretty
serious heart condition. Betsie seems to be more trusting of those she doesn't know
and is now asking to be picked up and loved by me. She is still a bit jumpy in the
process, but I think she will come around soon. Betsie is fairly easy to medicate...she
loves my trick of using "squirt cheese" to give medications. Not exactly the best thing
for a gal with weight and heart issues, but it only takes a mere dab to get those two
half-pills down!
Are you looking for a sweet companion, who is just begging you to earn her trust?
Betsie is just waiting to lose a bit more weight and receive vaccinations and a
microchip. Hopefully, with the weight loss and the medication, her heart will keep her
going for quite awhile longer. Betsie will be adoptable to the most understanding
home, where she will be spoiled and receive the best care her remaining years.
Please email
Lisa for information on how to adopt Betsie. |
| HERSHEY
Hello My name is Hershey, I am a red
Miniature Pincher. I was going down to doggie heaven when my foster mom put the
breaks on me being euthanized. I had rescues pass me up because I was sickly
looking and a little older than most. However, this WONDERFUL organization here
took me in with open arms and the kicker is I am not a Chihuahua !!!!
I have a story and most likely a heartbreaking one but since I cannot talk, I cannot tell
it. But my body condition pretty much says it all. It appears I was bred again & again
& again, and possibly kept crated most of my life.
I have the typical signs of a breeder. My front foot had been snapped once and never
taken care of so it healed very crooked and the main pad underneath that same foot
have been torn off as well as the dew claw. Boy I am pretty sure that hurt. I had a
pretty saggy belly and still do a little.
I am a deaf girl but I get along just fine with out any special gadgets. My foster mom
& dad can tell you they LOVE & ADORE me, and they appreciate what I have to offer
and found out despite my past I am so very loving & grateful for this TRUE second
chance at life.
My home would have no children and maybe one other pet. I am a perfect companion
dog and would probably make an excellent therapy dog as well because of my
extremely sweet demeanor.
Please email
Stacey for information on how to adopt Hershey.
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| J.B.
 J.B. had been adopted by an older gentleman from
the Humane Society in Yuma. He came home from Church one Sunday to find J.B. on
the floor paralyzed from the mid back down. He could not care for him and his vet's
prognosis was not real positive. We took J.B., had some xrays done and he had a
broken back. One day the foster family noticed his rear legs move, then he tried to
stand. Well, now he walks and runs somewhat awkwardly. With the paralysis he lost
bowel and bladder control. While that is greatly improved it is unknown if he will ever
be totally trained. This does not have to be a big issue though as he could wear a belly
band.
Please email
paula for information on how to adopt J.B.
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| LAYLA
My name is Layla and my foster Mom says that I am
extremely special. I have a birth defect that has affected both of my back legs. This
does not stop me and my foster Mom will tell you that when I run towards you it looks
like I am a bulldozer! I am very shy at first but once I get to know you and my
surroundings I am a love machine. I am around 6 years old but I look like a puppy. I
also weigh 3.4 pounds and it is important that I not gain any more weight due to my
disability. I unfortunately would like to be the only dog so that I don't have to share
your lap with any other doggy.
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| LILLY AND TILLY JO (TJ)
Hello All!
We are Lilly (cream colored) and Tilly Jo or TJ. We are 2 senior gals who were rescued by our Foster Mom (FM) on a cold December day in Pinal County. We came from a home of 5 dogs - us and 3 boys - and it's highly likely that we were used as breeding stock for years. At one time we were probably loved & spoiled but as our breeding days came to an end, we got stuck being "outside only" dogs. I don't know about you, but it's tough being 7 pounds & living outdoors full time. Luckily our new FM came along when she did or we may not have survived another winter! We are just thankful to have our own bed & clean surroundings...
From the FM Anita - Lilly's age is approximated at 10 but I certainly feel she could be 12 or even 13+. She has a slightly larger frame but still weighs in at less than 7 pounds. Lilly moves very slowly on cooler or rainy days & really benefits from the doggy version of Ibuprofen from the Vet (vetprofen). She was covered in fleas/ticks when I picked her up and we are treating her for an ongoing skin condition which may have been due to poor nutrition or general neglect. She has NO desire to go outdoors anymore & is fully trained on her potty pad - she has never missed nor messed anywhere else in the house. She is spayed, had all her shots and lost most all her teeth during a dental exam. The Vet indicated her teeth were so rotten, they literally fell out of her mouth.
Tilly Jo (TJ) is Lilly's big sister (so to speak) and watches over Lilly like a hawk! These 2 are definitely inseparable & if adopted, must stay together. Tilly's age is estimated to be 9 or older and she is the more mobile of the two. Unlike her "sister", TJ likes to go outside. She likes to sunbathe when it's warmer & will either use her potty pad or wait to be let out. Tilly is a lovely reddish-brown with a white chest & she weighs approx. 7 pounds. She is also spayed, had all her shots and kept most all her teeth during her dental.
These two mature gals have definitely bonded to one another over the years & if only they could speak, I'm sure the stories they could tell would be endless. Please, if you have any other questions, email me & I'd be happy to provide assistance.
Please email
Anita for information on how to adopt Lilly and TJ. |
| LUCKEE
Hello! My name is Luckee Chawala. (my 2 legged
foster sister can't say Chihuahua right ) I am a cute little girl, probably about 7 years
old, and I weigh 5.5 lbs. I have had a hard life! I was born with a facial deformity, and
needed to have my left eye removed. I also have luxating patella in my knees! I had
surgery on one of them, and the doctor said I do not need to have surgery on the
other. I went and saw an eye specialist because my foster mommy was afraid that my
vision in my eye is bad. Well, my eye is perfect! but, we got some sad news...I had to
see a neurologist to check for problems with my brain! We got some REALLY bad news.
The doctor says I have a tumor in my brain and it's causing problems with my eye and
the reason I get scared so easily. The diagnosis isn't too good, so I became a sanctuary
dog. I am getting lots of attention and treats in my foster home and I am still a happy
girl! (Wink)
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| MARTA
My foster mom named me Marta, but I am a little confused. She keeps calling me "chunk-a-bunch"! I guess she kinda likes me, since she gave me a nickname already! I am an older, obese chihuahua mix. My foster mom was told I am ten years old, but she thinks I am younger. I have a VERY dense, plushy coat. Wherever I go, my new person will have to keep on top of the brushing! Even with all of the extra weight I am carrying, I can get around fine and even hop up onto a cushy chair for a nap. I don't really have much to do with the other dogs, but if they pick on me, I will protect myself. A lot of my bravado is just that, I have very few teeth left! My foster mom feeds me dry "lite" food with some warm water on it. I can eat that just fine. I need to lose a lot of this weight and also need to get spayed. After that, I won't be a "chunk-a-bunch", but I am hoping to be your bestest friend! Are you looking for me?
Please email
The Klicks for information on how to adopt Marta. |
| PEDRO
 Pedro is a great little boy who came to us from
animal control. He is about 5 yrs old, strong willed and very loving. Gives lots of
kisses and snuggles. Pedro loves to run and have fun. We have had Pedro for several
months because shortly after rescuing him he had a seizure. The vet said to watch him
and it was about 4 months before he had another one. At that time he went through
several tests and it was determined he has epilepsy. At this writing he has has a 3rd
seizure. He is not on medication because our vet does not want to do that unless the
seizures are more frequent than ever 3 months. There is no guarantee as to what his
future holds.
Please email
barb for more information on Pedro.
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| PEE WEE
Hi there,
My name is PeeWee. I was found wandering the streets by a nice police officer. He took me to a local animal hospital who took me to AHS. My left front leg was broken at some time and never fixed. Now its kind of crooked so I walk kind of funny. My foster Mom says we have to watch my foot to see if gets sores then I might need my leg removed. I show my foster Mom everyday how fast I can move with my funny leg so I'm OK for now. The doctor also says I have something called a heart murmur which is grade 3. So I have to take it easy and not get too excited but I do play with my four legged brothers and sisters for awhile then I take a nap. My foster Mom says I'm a big boy since I'm around 9 or 10 years old and I weigh 3lbs now. I tried to tell her that. I have been neutered and have had my rabies shot. I also had to have my teeth worked on, they were pretty bad. I don't think I was ever house trained because I mark everything but I'm working on it.
PeeWee is such a little sweetie and loves to sit on my lap while watching TV. If you could possibly take care of an older little boy with health issues, please contact Rhonda for more information.
Please email
Rhonda for information on how to adopt Pee Wee. |
| ROSEBUD
 Rosebud is a 9 year old Chihuahua want to be.
She is what you could call a Hairpin—Chinese Crested Hairless & Red Miniature Pincher
mix. She has the skin of the Hairless with a little red Mohawk on the top of her head
and the tip of her tail. She has a few little red hairs on her feet and down her back.
She is also a foot warmer at night & will cuddle up under the covers to keep you warm.
She must be a student of the dog whisperer as she likes to be held while you whisper
sweet nothings in her ear. Don’t tell her this, but I think because her beauty is more
than skin deep she needs a little reassurance that she is indeed a beauty. She has
some of the attributes of a Min Pin by being protective of her home and she barks to
let you know there is an intruder around. Whether it be a person, dog, cat, mouse,
grasshopper or worm it doesn’t matter she will let you know! She has some separation
anxiety & is vocal when you go out the door. |
| ROXANN
 Here is Roxann (formerly known as Roxi), all
done with her heartworm treatment and ready for adoption........to the right family
that is. Our little Roxann is probably a Chihuahua/Doxie mix, is around 5 years old
and is very sweet. She gets along well with the other dogs and seems to enjoy their
company. We are working on her potty training and she is progressing nicely. She
is kennel trained for overnight and has no problem with it - in fact it seems to make
her feel secure.
Roxann has had a rough past. She was found in a home in Texas with 7 other dogs
who were trying to care for themselves. Their owner had died and was not
discovered for several days. So this little Texas girl was transported to and
transplanted in Arizona. She tested positive for heartworm and has undergone the
prescribed treatment. Because this disease caused heart damage she is on the
medication Enalapril, and will likely need to remain so for the rest of her life.
Roxann is very non trusting and fearful of people. When she first came to us she
could not even be touched-she would run if anyone came near. She is learning to
trust a little. In spite of her fear, she will slowly creep over to me and let me pet her
- and she will give tiny licks to my hand. It is obvious that she wants to trust, and
be loved. Bringing out the happy & secure girl that she could be will take a very
special person - one who is kind, loving, patient and willing/able to spend a good
deal of time with her. She will need a relatively quiet home where there are no
young children.
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| ROXANNE
Roxey Doxey, as she is known in her foster home, came to us from a home where the woman was dead for at least three days before being found. Roxey and 5 other dogs were running wild in the home. Roxey had a bad cough and tests showed she was positive for heartworm. She went through the treatments which left her with a cough that was managed with a small amount of daily prednisone.
Recently Rox began coughing again but it sounded a little different. The vet said she has congestive heart failure. She is now on 4 different meds daily and seems to do quite well. She can live a few more years with good care. If a realistic family can along for her we would consider adoption but otherwise she will spend the rest of her days in her current foster home where she is much loved.
A contribution to help cover the cost of her meds would be wonderful.
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| SELENA
 Hi, My name is Selena. I'm called a sanctuary chi
because I have a few issues. I'm not really incontenent, although sometimes I have to
wear a diaper because I can't quite make the doogie door. You see, I have really bad
arthritis in my back legs which tends to slow me down. I was an owner turn in. They
worked alot and I was left alone about 14 hrs. a day. My foster mom and dad are home
most of the day so I get alot of attention & care. My foster dad is my very best friend.
He's really funny and plays with me alot. I like to sit on his lap every night and watch
T.V. I'd rather be the only dog in the house because like my dad, I really like peace and
quiet. But I have a bunch of sisters that just won't slow down for us "oldies". So we just
go off by ourselves for a bit to relax.
Please email
Jeanne for information on how to adopt Selena.
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| SKITTLES
 I am a 7 year old female who was found running the streets and half starved and 70% hair loss. I was picked up by animal control and when no one would adopt me they called AZCR to see if they had room for me in a foster home.
Well, AZCR came and rescued me and took me to a foster home. They took me the vet and I had test and shots and more testing done.
They have found out that I have a in-operable brain tumor which effects my right side of my body. I twitch my ear and face on the right side and I walk to the right and go in circles sometimes until I get my bearings and then I go straight again.
I will be living out my life up by Sedona, AZ on 5 acres. My foster parents take very good care of me.
Please email
sharon for more information on Skittles. |
| SWEET PEA (I am special!) 
I am about 8 years old and I get along with other dogs but would like a home of my own. I am 95% blind and I do see shadows. I do see better during the day. My foster mom leaves night lights on for me so I can get around and see some shadows in the house.
I love to be held and I travel well in the car and I like to go for walks. You have to be careful since I have had a neck injury. I will have to take some medicine from time to time.
I like to sleep in bed under the covers. I am very good in the house just need some assistance with the doors I try to use the doggie door but I have a hard time with the flap and my seeing it. I love to sun myself when I can. I don't play with toys but I sure like doggie chewie treats. I like to get dressed up too!
For more information please contact my foster mom.
Please email
Sharon for information on how to adopt Sweet Pea. |
| THEIA
Hello All!
My name is Theia. You may think that's an odd name for a dog but I was named after Theia, the Greek Goddess of Sight. The reason it's so fitting for me is because I have no sight - I am totally blind with no eyes.
Please do not feel bad for me though. My sight loss is not from any harm or ill-will from anyone. My FM (foster Mom) was told by the Vet that I was born with a misformed (mis-shaped) skull. It's not a hinderance to me but it did cause my eye sockets to form irregularly which in turn, caused my eyes not to form to full size.
I thought I was ok because I was getting around & not running into too much stuff at my FM's house - it's possible I saw shadows or blurry shapes. I went back in for my spaying & dental work and on closer inspection, the Vet saw infections starting & decided that both my eyes had to come out...bummer. It took about a week after my surgery for me to get the layout of my FM's house again but once I did - LOOKOUT!!
I get around very well now & unless someone told you, you probably wouldn't know I could not see.
I rely soley on my sniffer & my hearing and if anything is "off", I will let you know.
Msg from FM Anita - Since Theia relies heavily on scent and sound, if someone new comes to visit your house, Theia will go into a bit of attack mode. This should not be normal behavior & we are working on her socialization with strangers. Because she has no sight, new situations or new people tend to become her enemy. She will bite without warning & much caution needs to be given so she can warm up to her suroundings or the new person. She was previously in a home with children & was very nervous & snapped on several occasions as well. If interested in adopting her, it would be best she go to a home without other pets, small children or too many adults as all these situations can put her on overload. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.
Please email
Anita for information on how to adopt Theia. |
| TINY AND JOSE
 Tiny and Jose have been together since they were
quite young. They "worked" for a breeder and produced pups for sale. When they got
too old to be "productive" they came to us. They do not have to be together. Jose is
sanctuary because he is 13 yrs old. His health appears good. He loves to be loved and
gets along nicely with others. Tiny is 10 yrs old and has had a hard adjustment being
in a family with other dogs. She likes to be the boss. Tiny is a little high strung and
sometimes over reacts. While Jose will accept affectionate from everyone in the foster
home, Tiny only wants mom. She will snap at anyone who comes near when she is on
mom's lap. Neither dog appears to have any health issues.
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| TRINKET
Trinket is a 13 year old female who weighs 5.15
lbs. She is a white shorthair Chihuahua with “Blue” markings. She has no apparent
health issues & is a treasure, ugh I mean Trinket. She sleeps in her bed in the
bedroom at night sometimes, but will occasionally sleep in her person’s bed. She
would do best in a household as an only dog, as she is subject to being picked on by
other dogs. She will need more socialization with people and someone who is patient
with her until she feels safe. She is well worth it! She has learned how to use a doggie
door & she is doing well on potty training. Trinket walks on a leash a little now and is
a dog who will love to be held & snuggled with. She is starting to give out some very
gentle kisses. She would do well with a senior citizen for a companion. She has many
more years to give to a forever home. Do you have a forever home that has more years
to give her?
Please email
Jeanne for information on how to adopt Trinket. |
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