Junior - Chihuahua Dog for Adoption in Bellingham, Washington

Hi, my name is Junior! I'm a RED pawprint, which means I need an experienced home that meets some specific criteria. Here is what would work best for me in my new home:

-Personality: Sensitive, shy/reserved at first, but incredibly affectionate and snuggly once he knows you! Energetic, silly, a total lovebug
-Can Live with Kids: No thanks -- Junior is quite the Nervous Nellie and would be very overwhelmed in a house with young kids. Could *potentially* live with very calm, respectful, dog-savvy teenagers who can read/respect canine body language and give him space when he needs it-- at adoption counselor's discretion!
-Can Live with Cats: Unknown history, will need slow, supervised introduction.
-Can Live with Dogs: Yes, Junior lived successfully with multiple dogs in his previous home and should be fine doing so again! Everyone will need to meet at the shelter first to ensure they're a good match.
-Can do Apartment Living: Could be doable depending on the apartment type although a standalone home would be much preferred. All the things common to apartment buildings (stairways, elevators, tight hallways, lots of neighbors) are nothing Junior has ever experienced before and would likely be extremely stressful for him.
-Potty Trained: Working on it! Junior lived mainly as an outdoor dog in his previous home and may need a little extra help getting the hang of indoor potty routines.
-Bite History: No
-Positive Reward Based Obedience Classes Required: No
-Energy Level: Medium
-Needs Medical Procedure Before Going Home: Nope, good to go!

Junior is a sweet, sensitive soul looking for an Emotional Support Human to call his own. This shy guy came to us from a less than ideal living situation-- he (and multiple other dogs) lived mainly outdoors and were more or less left to their own devices with minimal socialization/handling. Understandably, he was incredibly nervous and shutdown on arrival, but thankfully has made TONS of progress (and new friends!) since then. He now actively seeks out attention from his people and will rocketship launch himself off the floor just for a chance to snuggle up in your lap (his very most favorite place in the world!) Since Junior has very little experience with indoor life, he may need a longer adjustment period to feel safe and secure in his new home. A calm, low-traffic environment with adopters who will allow him plenty of time to adjust at his own pace will be key in this sensitive guy's success. While he still can be a little standoffish with new people, it really doesn't take much before he realizes he's safe-- with a couple of pats on your lap and an embarrassing amount of baby talk, Junior will be giving you tail wags and kisses in no time.

The Chihuahua is a small breed famous for its confidence, loyalty, and big personality, despite its tiny size. Originating from Mexico, these dogs are known for their large, expressive eyes and alert, curious nature. Chihuahuas make excellent companions, forming strong bonds with their owners and displaying a protective nature. They come in a variety of coat colors and patterns, with both long and short coats, making them a diverse and adorable addition to any family.

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