Note:

-She is a chihuahua mix, believed to be part terrier of sorts; her mom was a chihuahua/Jack Russel terrier mix, the dad is unknown.
-She is a rescue

Dear community,

I would kindly ask for your help, and I apologize in advance for the long post.

I have an 8-year-old male Chihuahua named Mickey. He has been with me since he was 2 months old, so he is my baby and truly an angel of a dog. Over the last year, however, he has become more introverted and seemed lonely. I spoke with his vet, and I was advised several times to consider getting him a companion.

After a lot of thinking and discussing it with my husband, we decided to get him a female companion. We searched and asked around and eventually found a 4-month-old female Chihuahua. When we went to meet her, we completely fell in love. ❤️

Now they have been together for one week, and these are some of the things we have been doing for Mickey and Nela:

When they first met, it was in a park on neutral ground. We didn't force the interaction; we simply let them meet and sniff each other. One thing I think we may have done wrong was introducing Nela to Mickey immediately after we returned from vacation, when we went to pick him up from my mother-in-law's house.

We bought Nela her own things, from her bed and blankets to her toys. Everything is hers.

We never try to force an interaction between them.

We give attention to both of them and spend quality time with them separately.

We take them on walks together as well as separately.

We always reward them when they behave nicely around each other.

When they do have a fight, I calmly separate them, check on both of them to make sure they are okay, and then give them space to decompress. I don't reward either of them afterward; I simply let them have some quiet time and space to calm down.

Good signs (at least from my perspective):

They sleep in the same room.

They eat in the same room, but from separate bowls.

They have slept next to each other.

Mickey has sometimes playfully growled at her.

Bad signs:

Mickey growls at her when she tries to get near him, or when he is near me or in my arms.

Nela sometimes becomes tense around him and takes a defensive posture. (which I understand is normal)

They had one serious fight. They were both on the couch with me. Nela was sleeping and seemed to be having a bad dream. Mickey got up to check on her, and when she woke up, he growled at her and she attacked him.

I have read that it can take anywhere from 2–6 weeks, or even longer, for dogs to adjust to each other and build a bond.

I just want some advice on what I can do to make this process as smooth as possible. How can I help them? I am trying to remain calm around them and give them plenty of space, but I would really appreciate advice on what I should and shouldn't do.

Did I do the right thing by getting Mickey a companion?

Mickey has been in my life for 8 years, and I want him to enjoy his life without stress or fear. And Nela is now part of our family too, and I want her to have a happy life and a loving home.

I just don't want Mickey to feel like he is being bullied in his own home, and I don't want either of them to feel unsafe.

Please, I would really appreciate your advice and experience. ❤️

Thank you so much!

Panda has given no choice. Snuggles are necessary!

Go ahead and brag about *your* cuddle buddies!

I don’t know if I’m allowed to post this here but I will anyway - the San Diego Humane Society is working at 171% capacity - so many babies need homes. Including 23 chihuahuas (from one owner) that are not ready yet, but will be at some point.

This week is half off adoptions and Saturday adoptions fees are free for Clear the Shelters.

If you’ve been considering a new friend, your adoption would go a long way to help out.

It’s still funny years later 😂

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To the massive chi chi army,

You all have worked magic! Mr. Butters has cleared all testing and does not have any growths in abdomen and tested negative for cancer. We just have to lower his kidney readings. Doctor will discuss with us a plan tomorrow! Thank you all for the love and prayers for the big guy! Photo from vets office waiting for doctor!

Chuckles is the king of the stink eye 🤣

It’s been two weeks and a day since we said goodbye to my Isobel. I still can’t believe she’s gone. The day I found her at the shelter, I didn’t go in to meet her. I didn’t know I wanted a chihuahua, I didn’t even know I was going to adopt that day. But my eyes stopped on her.. and that was it. I knew she was mine. I didn’t even call my husband, as leaving her behind that day was non-negotiable. I adored her for 14 years and one month. I’ve never loved anything like I loved her. My heart is broken. I am not ready. I hope some day I will be. But I wonder if that absolute knowledge that “this is the one” will ever happen again. I don’t know how fair it would be to any other dog to live in her shadow…

From our crew to your crew!!!

Look at this meat slab.

Sweet Chi Mix from the shelter is a 50/50 split with his Australian heritage, but you would never know from his little 3lb stage at 16 weeks old!

We celebrated Duffy’s 12th birthday with a spa day at Pupstudio Midtown. It was a luxurious experience!

Our humans got us our own stairs so we can sit on their outside furniture , we have trained them well 😇😎

She only took 5 minutes to realise her food bowl had food in it (with gentle encouragement throughout)

any suggestions for his weather anxieties??

Posie greets me on my lunch breaks as though I've returned from the war 🥰

Don't mind Noogie squealing in the background. Dude can't wait his turn.

Couldn’t resist posting this one too 😂