Choco

Meet Choco — 11 Pounds of Sweetness, Snuggles & “Please Approach at My Speed.” <br/><br/>Choco is a 1-year-old Chihuahua mix weighing about 11 pounds, and he has learned that the world can be a pretty overwhelming place. He’s not the guy who will immediately run up to a stranger for a belly rub. Instead, Choco prefers to check you out from a safe distance, gather some data, and decide when you’ve earned the privilege of his friendship. <br/><br/>Once he trusts you, though? Game over. This little guy is an absolute love. He has chosen his foster mom as his safe place and is rarely more than a couple of feet away from her. He follows her everywhere, sleeps with her, snuggles against her all night, gives kisses, and eventually becomes a playful, happy little guy. In other words, once you're officially Choco-approved, you've got yourself a BFF and a very adorable personal shadow. <br/><br/>Choco needs someone who understands that trust is earned, not rushed. He can be scared around new people, particularly men, and takes longer to warm up to them. He needs people who will let him come to them rather than reaching for him. Slow, gentle introductions are important. He also does best with dogs his own size. It took him about a week of short, gradual introductions before he felt comfortable joining his foster dog pack—and once he did, he settled in beautifully.<br/><br/>Choco is also easily startled by loud or unexpected noises and movements: barking dogs, garbage trucks, fireworks, wind, sudden movements, raised voices, loud sighs – BUT, over a little time, he gets used to those particular noises and does much better. Especially when reassured he is safe. This is a dog who would like his world served with a side of peace and quiet, please. Because of this, he’d likely do best in a home without small children or dogs much larger than himself (around 20–25 pounds or more). A quieter, more peaceful environment would be ideal, as busy city life or apartment living might be a bit too overwhelming for him.<br/><br/>He tends to dart, so a well fenced-in yard is a must, plus he LOVES to run around. He can bark and cry when left alone, so he’ll need a home where someone can give him time to build confidence and learn that being alone is okay. <br/>Choco is house trained. He’s a good eater and comes when called—once he manages to detach himself from his favorite human, which is sometimes apparently a difficult assignment. <br/><br/>Choco isn't looking for just any home. He's looking for his safe place. His adopter will need to be patient, gentle, and willing to let him set the pace. But if you can give him the time and kindness he needs, you’ll get to watch this nervous little guy transform into the sweetest, snuggliest, most playful companion. He may take a little while to give you his heart—but once he does, he gives you the whole thing.<br/><br/>Here’s what would make his dream home complete:<br/>• A human who loves company! Choco would be happiest with someone home most of the time. He loves having his people around and being part of the action.<br/>• A little patience goes a long way. Choco may need at least a month to settle into his new home and show you all the wonderful things that make him special. A family willing to let him adjust at his own pace will be rewarded with a very fun companion!<br/>• An adults-only household. Choco would feel most comfortable in a home without children, where he can enjoy a calmer, more predictable environment.<br/>• A playful pup around his size. This is where Choco really shines! He LOVES to chase and be chased, play fetch, and engage in a good game of tug-of-war. He tends to prefer the ladies but gets along with his current male dog buddy, too. A canine friend who shares his enthusiasm for play would be a huge bonus!<br/>• A securely fenced yard for outdoor adventures. Choco is quick on his feet and always ready to investigate something interesting! A fenced yard will give him a safe place to explore and play. His family will also need to be mindful of open doors because this little guy can make a speedy getaway before you know it!<br/>• A family willing to think outside the crate. Choco may do better with alternative ways to relax safely when his humans are away, so a family open to finding what works best for him is ideal.<br/>• A co-pilot for adventures! Choco enjoys car rides and would love to tag along on outings. He’s an enthusiastic little passenger, though, so a secure car tether is essential to keep him safely buckled in when something exciting catches his eye.<br/>• A professional snuggle partner. Choco takes bedtime cuddles very seriously! He loves to spoon with his humans and would be thrilled to share the bed. If you prefer separate sleeping spaces, he can gradually learn to enjoy his own cozy bed nearby. A canine sibling close by might also be an option, since he enjoys snuggling with his dog friends during the day.<br/><br/>Choco’s perfect match is someone who appreciates a playful, affectionate pup with a big personality and a few special requirements. Give him time to settle in, a buddy to play with, a safe place to explore, and plenty of opportunities to snuggle, and you’ll have one happy little Choco on your hands! <br/><br/>If you are interested in finding out more about Choco, please fill out an adoption application by copying and pasting the following link into your browser:<br/><br/>https://www.shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/BRO/Dog<br/><br/>Choco is being fostered in Worcester, MA.<br/><br/>The adoption fee is $500.<br/><br/>Like Broken Tail Rescue on Facebook!.<br/><br/>Follow Broken Tail Rescue on Instagram!<br/><br/>Visual breed identification in dogs is unreliable, so for most of the dogs, we are only guessing at the predominant breed or breed mix. We get to know each dog as an individual and will do our best to describe each of our dogs based on personality, not by breed label.<br/><br/>We expect that all adopted dogs will enroll in a formal dog training class with their new owners. Obedience and training classes are an excellent way to learn more about your newly adopted dog, gain handling and training experience, and improve your relationship with your pet.

Meet Choco — 11 Pounds of Sweetness, Snuggles & “Please Approach at My Speed.”

Choco is a 1-year-old Chihuahua mix weighing about 11 pounds, and he has learned that the world can be a pretty overwhelming place. He’s not the guy who will immediately run up to a stranger for a belly rub. Instead, Choco prefers to check you out from a safe distance, gather some data, and decide when you’ve earned the privilege of his friendship.

Once he trusts you, though? Game over. This little guy is an absolute love. He has chosen his foster mom as his safe place and is rarely more than a couple of feet away from her. He follows her everywhere, sleeps with her, snuggles against her all night, gives kisses, and eventually becomes a playful, happy little guy. In other words, once you're officially Choco-approved, you've got yourself a BFF and a very adorable personal shadow.

Choco needs someone who understands that trust is earned, not rushed. He can be scared around new people, particularly men, and takes longer

Meet Choco — 11 Pounds of Sweetness, Snuggles & “Please Approach at My Speed.”

Choco is a 1-year-old Chihuahua mix weighing about 11 pounds, and he has learned that the world can be a pretty overwhelming place. He’s not the guy who will immediately run up to a stranger for a belly rub. Instead, Choco prefers to check you out from a safe distance, gather some data, and decide when you’ve earned the privilege of his friendship.

Once he trusts you, though? Game over. This little guy is an absolute love. He has chosen his foster mom as his safe place and is rarely more than a couple of feet away from her. He follows her everywhere, sleeps with her, snuggles against her all night, gives kisses, and eventually becomes a playful, happy little guy. In other words, once you're officially Choco-approved, you've got yourself a BFF and a very adorable personal shadow.

Choco needs someone who understands that trust is earned, not rushed. He can be scared around new people, particularly men, and takes longer to warm up to them. He needs people who will let him come to them rather than reaching for him. Slow, gentle introductions are important. He also does best with dogs his own size. It took him about a week of short, gradual introductions before he felt comfortable joining his foster dog pack—and once he did, he settled in beautifully.

Choco is also easily startled by loud or unexpected noi