Pixie - Chihuahua Dog for Adoption in Kalamazoo, Michigan

Breed: Chihuahua
Age: 5 years
Gender: Female
Size: Small
Energy Level: Low
Adoption Fee: $295

Am I good with:
Cats: Yes
Dogs: Yes (Meet and greet required)
Children: No

About me: Pixie came to the shelter, fearful of her new surroundings and
untrusting of people. She has improved immensely since first arriving
with the help of bits of cooked chicken. She is learning to trust some of
the staff and volunteers. She is still wary of reaching hands and being
touched by unfamiliar people.

She enjoys playing with her sister who arrived with her. They chase
each other around the outside yard and in their kennel. Pixie enjoys her
sister’s company, but would prefer less rough playing. Pixie shows
interest in other kenneled calm dogs and had lived with about a dozen
small dogs before coming to the shelter.

Pixie is treat-motivated and once outside can track down discarded
food with determination. She is affectionate with those she trusts and
enjoys quiet time for curling up on a lap for petting and brushing.
She has learned but not fully mastered “stay” and “come” and just
recently started walking on a leash and harness to explore the building
and nearby grounds.

Adopters familiar with working with fearful chihuahuas and no young
children are recommended. Pixie has a history of chasing the ankles of
uninvited strangers that come into her space. In her past, being chased
and grabbed by strangers has led to fear-biting.

She will need time, kindness, and patience to learn trust in her new
home. A fenced yard would be a must until she trusts enough to allow a
harness and leash. Pixie will need more house training in her new
home and once accustomed to her home, more gradual socialization to
reduce her fearfulness of strangers. Visit our official website to apply for them, or come visit our shelter!

This dog has been at ARP since: 5/5/26

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The Animal Rescue Project (www.animalrescueproject.org) is committed to providing the best possible veterinary care for the pets it rescues, and it is looking for adopters who will be similarly committed.

Adoptions are NOT first come, first served! We seek to choose the best fit for both the approved adopter and the pet.

Please understand that these animals are still new to us, and their needs and requirements can change at any time as we learn more about them. We will try our best to get their information updated online as soon as possible.

All dogs and puppies are given a general check-up when they enter our program. They receive medication to remove any intestinal parasites (worms), fleas, and ticks they may have. Dogs greater than six months of age are checked for heartworm. If heartworm positive, The Animal Rescue Project treats the disease. Dogs and puppies receive all age-appropriate vaccinations for distemper, and dogs greater than four months of age are also vaccinated for rabies in compliance with State of Michigan laws. All dogs are also microchipped.

Most dogs and older puppies are spayed or neutered before adoption. In the case of puppies not old enough to be safely sterilized, a $50 deposit is required at the time of adoption and is refunded to the adopter upon proof of sterilization.

The Animal Rescue Project requires every adopter to establish an active relationship with a veterinarian no later than 10 days after adoption. Adopters will receive a plan for routine veterinary care at the time of adoption and are expected to work with their veterinarian to complete the plan.

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.