Two years ago, we had to put down our beloved border collie due to age-related ailments. I know that every dog owner feels this way, but we truly felt he was the best dog in the whole world. Everyone who knew him agreed. Sweet, gentle, playful, obedient, smart. We'd had him since he was a pup and he grew up with my kids so when we had to say good-bye to him, it was like letting go of the last vestige of their happy childhood.
A year later, we adopted a chihuahua from the shelter. My daughter and I visit the shelter often just to play with the dogs. We never thought we'd ever adopt a chi but there were SO SO many abandoned. Most, we were told, are sent into the streets after giving birth to the litters that can be sold. One, in particular, beckoned to us and we found ourselves with a chi in the family. Sweet and wonderful, she does not yip yap as chis are known to do. But because we learned chis like company and ours is quite social with other little dogs, I wanted to get her a sibling.
We waited another year to allow ours to bond with us first. My husband resisted the idea of another chi anyway. But...
We just brought home another chi from the shelter last Sunday! My husband was instantly taken with him. Tiny, loving and funny, he is a great new family member. Surprisingly, neither yip yap or bark much at all. They wrestle and tussle like brother and sister.
I just had to share. They both sleep in bed with me, cuddled up close, and I love having my little chis around me. Never in a million years would have considered chihuahuas but they are precious to me. We thought we were border collie people but perhaps at this stage of our lives, these little ones suit our age and lifestyle better.
I'd like a third but my husband says no way. haha. Let's see what next year brings. They are so tiny, they barely make one border collie in size, eating habits, exercise needs, etc.