(photo only resembles the dog written about in this article)
My husband, Ed, and I live approximately one and half blocks away from a home where several Chihuahuas reside (We don’t live in Reading). Their backyard is completely surrounded by a wooden fence. Last year as we were driving on the street where the dogs live, we witnessed a quick dart of one of the diminutive dogs running across the street directly in front of us. Of course, we did what any animal-loving couple would do, we proceeded to return him to his home. At the time, I didn’t know this minute dog was known for always finding a way to exit his yard and wander away and into another neighborhood-ours! Seeing this pint-sized dog in action only led me to go by my gut instincts- he will either be killed by an automobile or someone will steal him.
Sadly, this incident hasn’t been an isolated occurrence. This dog is constantly seen running-at-large. The tiny dog comes into our backyard quite often. While I really don’t mind this, there are factors that clearly need to be addressed and have to be taken seriously.
Last week, my dog, Jazz was outside at night literally doing “his business” when Ed, who was outside with him but had his back turned for a moment, heard growling and snarling noises. The white-colored chihuahua was growling at Jazz during his private moment. Jazz growled in response and rightly so.
Jazz was in his backyard as he always is. We always watch him so he doesn’t roam into others’ yards. Jazz loves others dogs because of his upbringing in a hoarder’s home. He has always loved being a follower of other dogs as he did with our Shadow. Jazz leaned on Shadow to be his big brother. To hear Jazz growling at another dog in this manner was totally out of characer for him. Ed yelled and the pocket-sized dog fled into a neighbor’s yard.
I checked Jazz for any bite wounds but luckily none were found. All I could think was that we’ve been through so much with Jazz in the last year between the loss of his best buddy, his cancer diagnosis, surgery and radiation for it, his misdiagnosis of epilepsy or brain tumor (with two months to live) and the diagnosis of a bad case of lyme disease which led to a seizure. I simply wanted a break from any health issues with my best bud. Jazz’s rabies vaccine is also current.
Here’s the dilemma. It isn’t the teensy’s dog’s fault that he escapes his yard and roams into other neighborhoods. Despite his fenced-in backyard, there is a modest-sized area in which a chunk of wood is missing from the enclosure where our tiny friend is able to flee. A relative of my husband’s lives near the home of the escape artist and says this dog is only looking for someone to love him. In fact, whenever the little guy sees our relative, he jumps in his lap seeking comfort and attention. He seeks out contentment from others on a constant basis.
Allegedly, someone living in the home had beaten the dog and was eventually told to leave and did.
So what is the right thing to do for this dog? Do we report what is happening? If so, what happens next? My fear is that his owner/guardian may not care and sign him over to one of the local shelters. Owners have signed papers to surrender a pet after it had already been taken to the shelter because it was lost. You’d think that would be astonishing to hear when a dog had escaped from home and ended up in a shelter. It isn’t. Nothing astounds me anymore when it comes to reasons for surrendering a pet. Other dogs have also been left behind when boarded or groomed. Yes, people actually are capable of such appalling actions.
If he’s taken to the Humane Society, his chances may not be good to be accepted by them since they can literally pick and choose what animals to accept for surrendering. If he isn’t chosen, the Humane Society will tell you to take the animal to the Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Berks County.
The Animal Rescue League already takes in a high number of Chihuahuas mainly because of the contract they have with the city of Reading. This breed and the Pit Bull are quite popular among city residents but also favorites to be dumped at the ARL. My fear is because of the sheer number of this breed found at the shelter, he won’t be able to find a home and will end up losing his life. Is that a given? No. The reality is the chances aren’t good but not impossible for this dog to find a home. I just don’t want him to lose his life because his owner/guardian isn’t responsible. It isn’t his fault and I don’t want him to pay the ultimate price for the irresponsbility of his owner/guardian.
I also am aware that the owner may not even consider the possibility of surrendering the tiny fellow. Everything I stated above is contingent on the fact if the owner did sign papers to give ownership of this escape artist to one of the shelters. I’m merely looking at possible scenarios.
Talking to the owner/guardian results in no change. So what do we do? He doesn’t hurt anyone. Yes, he growled and possibly snapped at Jazz but all is forgiven. I want to save lives not take away a life.
Anyone have any ideas what Ed and I can do to help this dog or is the best thing to leave the dog as is? I’m afraid he is going to be killed by a car. He is so small. What can we do?
This is a real quandary and I am seeking real answers. If you have any ideas, please feel free to let me know in the comment section or if you prefer to send me a private message, you can do so by emailing me at tevangelistaepp@yahoo.com.
I would greatly appreciate any feedback!