You may recall that a short time ago, Prancer, our toy poodle, was mourned. He had lived a long life, 15 years, spanning the youth of my children and giving my wife and I comfort through much of our careers. 

Today, we brought home a new pup, a Heart of Texas SPCA puppy rescue. We’ve decided to name her “Chica,” a name my 23 year old son suggested. There was a lot of back-n-forth, as we tried to find a name that would match her and fit our family, too.

KSee some pics of Chica

On 8/25/22, Chica was 3 months old. We couldn’t take her home right away since SPCA expected her to be spayed on September 1, so here we are on September 2nd with this blog post. We are quite excited by her enthusiasm.

Update: 9/7/2022

Unfortunately, Chica’s enthusiasm proved to be too much for us. I knew puppies were a handful, but this terrier-chihuahua mix ended up being too much. She is adorable, learned to “sit” and walk on a leash (mostly), and she did potty train. But…she wanted to do other things that come naturally to terriers, and after a week of that, I came to the decision to take her back. It was tough because she and I had forged a close relationship, and those beautiful dark eyes will remain ever in my mind.

Looking for an adorable pet? Check Petfinder.com. Or, get the Petfinder app. I was amazed at all the wonderful pups and kittens available via Petfinder in my area. It’s THE place to go. Visiting the Animal Shelters daily and walking around, staring into the soulful eyes of the condemned? Not so good. 

That said, DO walk around your local shelter, drop some dollars, adopt a life, save a life.

 At this point, my wife and I have decided to live pet free. As much sweetness and light Chica brought into our lives, she brought a bit of mayhem and destruction that, through no fault of her own, helped us realize she wasn’t for us. My son put it best when he said, 

“I believe from what I’ve seen she is a cute little dog that will find love elsewhere. At least, it [going back] is happening quickly and it isn’t 2 years down the line as now you and mom were just some fun foster parents. I’m sure she will be snatched up by another family and forget all about this.” (Source: email)

I will definitely think positive thoughts and hope for best resolution for Chica’s future. As for me, I’m going to admit that I’m going to miss her a little….

Original Post:

Breed? Who Knows?

I’m not sure what breed she is, but as a rescue, no doubt she is a mix of several breeds. We suspect Chihuahua and Manchester Terrier, give her coloring, snout, ears, and silky coat. Her personality, as you might expect, is sweet and loving, and we can’t wait to get a daily foot washing with her warm tongue. She showered us with kisses and licks, not to mention happy bouncing only a rescue’s rescuer(s) can know.

Look, Chica rescues two humans!

As to her breed(s), we don’t know. I have considered getting a DNA test, but it would seem that money ($109 via Amazon for Embark DNA Test) would be best spent as a donation. 

Learn more about Embark | DNA Tests

One of the interesting things is the following:

“Since dogs are polygamous, females will mate with any available male dog while in heat. As a result, puppies from the same litter may actually have different fathers. 

On average, siblings who share the same parents are approximately 50% genetically related. But if more than one male fathers a litter, the half-siblings puppies are only ~25% genetically similar.

This can produce very different breed ancestry results—and dramatically different looking puppies—within a single litter.” (Source: Wisdom Panel)

So, while Chica’s littermate might have been part Papillon/Chihuahua, chances are, Chica is something else. 

My best guess without a DNA Test? Manchester Terrier/Chihuahua mix. At $250 for such sweetness that will endure 12-15 years, best not to look a gift pup in the mouth.

Cleaning and Safe Travel Tips

I’ve gotten some great puppy tips from colleagues. Although I considered investing in a deep cleaner vacuum, a colleague told me that I could instead use Resolve Pet Specialist. That’s a LOT less expensive. My colleague said it works VERY well.

Another tip that was kinda cool is the travel safety tool, like this one:

See Kurgo Wander Dog Hammock Style Seat Cover

I combined it with a small dog harness and a seat belt tether:

Kurgo Seat Belt Tether

The seat belt tether is cool because it plugs right into your regular seatbelt plug (Haha, I don’t know what it is called). I’m hoping this will keep the dog out of trouble and safe from sudden stops or brakes. My wife also suggested a cushion for the car, so this may have ended up as a purchase:

Vetasac Dog Bed

Now, all that’s been for the car. I haven’t shared how we’re keeping her happy at home.

Home Care

I can’t tell you how many nightmares (not really) I’ve had about her (Chica the new puppy) swallowing little rocks, pebbles (birds may be the only ones who can do this safely, right?) or worse, electric plug stoppers. So, it’s been a priority “puppy proofing” the house from stuff she can chew and eat. But I don’t know why I’m worried…most of her next two weeks will be spent under close supervision on a harness and leash, or in her crate. She’s coming home a day after being spayed, so that’s gotta slow her down a little, right?

Fortunately, because of Prancer, we have the crate situation covered. I have small, medium, and large crate, so these have been placed strategically around the house. We also have an elevated dog bed (see below) in the family room. Our only real investment in this area is dog food, dog treats.

One investment that was promptly shot down? It was a suggestion from a work colleague. That is, get and use a “spritz bottle” for when the puppy misbehaves. That way you don’t have to spank them or whatever.

I’ve made a solemn vow to NOT raise my voice, spank, or engage in any threatening behavior (unless it’s life or death). Instead, I’m going to use tips from Cesar Dunbar’s Puppy Training 101 book.

Keep your fingers crossed!

About Heart of Texas SPCA

You can find the website for The Heart of Texas SPCA online. A little about them:

Our organization was established as a no-kill shelter in May of 2000, devoted to helping the homeless and unwanted animals in this city find responsible, loving homes. Animal Friends, now Heart of Tx SPCA, is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit Texas corporation. 

We do not receive any city or county funding and survive solely on public donations and adoption fees. 

Heart of Tx SPCA is a  K-9 Rescue with the same mission, same goals and expanded resources. Our programs will allow us to help even more homeless pets in and around Bexar county.

You can visit their website online at http://www.heartoftexasspca.com/home

 What’s Up Next?

As to what’s up next for Chica, no doubt, a visit to the Kirby Family Vet office. I’m also wondering, should I invest in fi dog collar?

This is a $149 collar that has GPS tracking, escape detection, water resistant, and more. Check out this chart:

 Amazing, huh? Probably not.