missm Posted December 10, 2009 Share Posted December 10, 2009 Maybe my little niece can have that CHIWOWOW (that's how she says it) for Christmas..LOS ANGELES – California has more Chihuahuas than it can handle, and it has Hollywood to blame.There are so many Chihuahuas at shelters in Oakland, they have started shipping the dogs out of state, said Megan Webb, director of Oakland Animal Services. They have sent about 100 to Washington, Oregon and Arizona, she said, "and as soon as they get them, they are ready for new ones."Chihuahuas make up 30 percent or more of the dog populations at many California shelters. And experts say pop culture is to blame, with fans immitating Chihuahua-toting celebrities like Paris Hilton and Miley Cyrus, then abandoning the dogs.The problem appears to be specific to California — shelters elsewhere would love to share the wealth, said Gail Buchwald, senior vice president overseeing the ASPCA adoption center in New York City."We never have enough supply for the huge consumer demand for small dogs," she said.One of Webb's biggest problems is a lack of money to fly the dogs to other states. Buchwald said she would be happy to help."Nothing is outside the realm of possibility here. We have a supply-demand isssue," she said.Chihuahuas are the most popular breed of dog in Los Angeles, so it makes sense it is the most abandoned breed, said Madeline Bernstein, president of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles. In Oakland, some days, they get 10 of the 5-pound dogs a day, Webb said.The problem is so bad that shelters all over California that were built for big dogs had to remodel to accommodate the little guys.Among the reasons for the glut is the breed's popularity in movies like "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" and as celebrity pets, said Dave Frangipane, senior coordinator for Chihuahua Rescue of Beverly Hills. A cute puppy can grow up to have adult health problems or become protective and aggressive.There are less glamorous reasons, too, like the high vet bills Chihuahuas can bring. And the biggest spikes in California Chihuahua populations are probably due to puppy mills and backyard breeders, Buchwald and Frangipane said.Chihuahas are cute, but vulnerable, Frangipane said. "People think nothing of kicking a small, yappy dog. And they can be abused by people of all sizes. A toddler can snap a Chihuahua's leg in a second," he said.___ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockynrobyn1977 Posted December 10, 2009 Share Posted December 10, 2009 We don't see many Chihuahuas at the M.S.P.C.A. in Methuen,Mass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missm Posted December 10, 2009 Author Share Posted December 10, 2009 Robin I am so glad you shared that! Now I know where to send our Chihuahua surplus! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockynrobyn1977 Posted December 10, 2009 Share Posted December 10, 2009 They get snatched up pretty quick when they are available! I think they are cute! I like beagles. My cousin has a Chihuahua named Mikey. Love him to death he is so cute! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelley Posted December 10, 2009 Share Posted December 10, 2009 we don't need them here in Florida...my neighbors on both sides of me have the little "ankle biters", as does the guy down the street, and the guy next to him. I'll stick to my Black lab anyday..all those little dogs do is make alot of noise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Early Wynn Posted December 10, 2009 Share Posted December 10, 2009 I aways thought the Chihuahua was a type of rodent. Looks more like a rat than a dog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reid C. Posted December 11, 2009 Share Posted December 11, 2009 That is the advantage that my fifty-five pound Belgian Malinois has over your typical Chihuahua. If he gets kicked, he is more than happy to return the favor and bite back! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canadianchick Posted December 11, 2009 Share Posted December 11, 2009 While my Rocco, who is a Min Pin often gets mistaken for a Chihuahua, is the cutest little guy ever..I would take another dog in a heartbeat or two...if my building supervisor would let me...then again..Rocco already has to bundle up for the minus 15 we have here..I don't think a sunbaked chihuahua could take these temps.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy-Ann Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 I have a Chihuahua mix...got her from a shelter in Feb. I love her! She's one of the best doggies in the world! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missm Posted December 13, 2009 Author Share Posted December 13, 2009 Miss Wendy, what did you name your little doggie? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy-Ann Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 Oh you shouldn't have asked. Now I'll have to do a "Wendy" explanation.Her name is Žemyna. phonetically:z---pleasure, visione---bet, bed y---bit, lidHer "pound" name was Queenie...so I picked out the name Žemyna, which is the goddess of the earth in Lithuanian mythology. It seemed to fit her.One of my friends had named their daughter that years ago. I always liked the name.Žemyna was an abused animal...and now she is spoiled as all pets should be! I can't love her enough. She is sooooo happy now. I just snapped this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missm Posted December 13, 2009 Author Share Posted December 13, 2009 Wendy, Zemyna is absolutely darling!! I know she has a great home with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonecimar Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 We have a Boxer named Timmy... like a Chihuahua, Boxer's kind of have those faces "only a mother can love"!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 I just sneezed...and I think I pronounced your dog's name correctly Cute dog! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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