Melissa

Melissa - 10 years & 16lbs, Chiweenie, Spayed <br/><br/>Her Foster says: Melissa is proof that age is just a number! At 10 years old, this adorable Chiweenie still has plenty of pep in her step and so much love to give. She's the perfect mix of laid-back companion and curious explorer. At home, she's happiest curled up in her cozy bed, but the moment it's time to head outside, she's ready to sniff every blade of grass, flower, and interesting scent she can find. Melissa is incredibly sweet, gentle, and easy to have around. She's as quiet as can be, gets along well with new people and other dogs, and has a calming presence that makes everyone fall in love with her. She's the kind of dog who makes your home feel a little more peaceful just by being there. While Melissa isn't much of a couch potato (literally!) and hasn't decided that laps or beds are her thing yet, we think that's just her independent spirit shining through. She's happy to hang out nearby and is always appreciative of a good scratch or a gentle pet. And if you happen to have a treat? She just might show off a cute little "sit" to earn it. Everyone who meets Melissa walks away smiling. She has an irresistible charm, an adorable face, and a quiet confidence that's impossible not to love. If you're looking for a low-key best friend with just the right amount of spunk, Melissa is your girl. We absolutely adore her, and we know her future family will too.<br/><br/>Our Team Says: "This pup was rescued from a hoarding situation in PR - involving about 40 dogs. Due to this these pups are on the shyer side and need patient people who will give them time to get used to normal life. They are very sweet dogs: just need more time and patience. Melissa was rescued in really rough shape but she's doing so well now and ready to find her home - the volunteers in PR voted her a favorite."<br/><br/>This senior angel is eligible to join our foster-to-adopt program. Please email fostertoadopt@socialteesnyc.org with the animal's name in the subject line if you are interested! Want to straight up adopt? Submit an adoption application at socialteesnyc.org<br/><br/>Level of dog ownership experience needed:<br/>FLEXIBLE – We predict this dog will be low on the challenge scale with regard to exercise and mental stimulation requirements, but seniors tend to need a lot of help and understanding when it comes to lifestyle and veterinary issues. Seniors usually need quiet, calm environments and routines and do not do well with a lot of bustle, change, and rambunctious movement (kids and young playful dogs, for instance). This dog's adopter will need to be prepared for senior health challenges, which means frequent vet visits and very expensive veterinary bills. (An annual senior blood panel alone costs around $500 in NYC.) Senior care can also take an emotional toll on their humans. Adopting a mature pup is a wonderful thing to do, but it can also be difficult. <br/><br/>Energy level:<br/>LOWER – Pretty chill indoors and won't demand endless amounts of stimulation and exercise but still needs a few walks a day (10-30 min each) for potty breaks and to stretch their legs<br/><br/>Tolerance to the city:<br/>Adjusting to the city – Spooked easily by loud noises and bustling areas but walks pretty well in quiet areas and probably just needs more time to adjust (may be a puppy or a brand new rescue). Would prefer a home in a calmer part of the city or the suburbs. Melissa is scared of loud noises and will shy away (no barking) but she is getting better. She also has been struggling a bit with climbing up and down stairs - might need to adjust more.<br/><br/>Potty training: On the way and learning! May be using wee pads (is a puppy or a brand new rescue). Melissa needs to pee about 3 to 4 times a day. Seems to be prone to accidents in the middle of the night but we are helping her adjust to a schedule.<br/><br/>Social with cats? <br/>Yes – Seems to get along with cats etc., either tries to play with them or is mostly uninterested<br/><br/>Social with Other dogs?<br/>Sort of- Coexists fine with other dogs<br/><br/>Comfortable with children? (ALWAYS requires adult supervision)<br/>Maybe for age 12 and up – Is either big and energetic (okay with kids big enough not to get knocked down) or a little skittish (could be comfortable with older children that can be extra gentle)<br/><br/>Separation Anxiety:<br/>Past this stage – Completely fine being left home alone. Doesn't cry or exhibit destructive behavior when you leave the apartment or house.<br/><br/>Mouthy behavior: Past this stage– Little to no interest in chewing on stuff or putting things in their mouth that aren't food. Doesn't try to chew on hands, feet, etc. during playtime<br/><br/>Leash Manners:<br/>Getting the hang of it – Probably hasn't been on a leash much in their life but figuring it out. Might be a mild puller but responds to correction.<br/><br/>Cuddle Bug Level:<br/>Lower – Independent, mostly keeps to themself (may be a new rescue or shy, this could change)<br/><br/>Crate Training: <br/>Not at all – Don't even have one, I've puppy proofed and we free range.<br/><br/>Medical status:<br/>Healthy for their age as far as we know. Up to date on their DHPP, Bordetella, and Rabies vaccines; heartworm tested if coming from Tennessee or Puerto Rico; spayed/neutered; microchipped; treated with dewormer upon intake. Adopters will need to be ready for senior care – at a minimum, that will be annual checkups including senior bloodwork and a dental post adoption (most senior rescues need one).<br/><br/>How did this dog end up with Social Tees?<br/>Most of our dogs come via partner groups who help us save them from shelters where they are at risk of euthanasia in Tennessee, Los Angeles, and Puerto Rico. There are very few spay/neuter resources there and many more animals in those areas than there are people to adopt them. Rescue groups like ours bring them to the northeast where the desire for pets like these allows us to save their lives. <br/><br/>PLEASE NOTE: We cannot guarantee any breed mix, exact age, or full grown size (if the dog is under a year old). We do our best with very educated guesses.<br/><br/>This animal is not at the Social Tees office, all are in foster homes.<br/><br/>LEARN MORE ABOUT US: socialteesnyc.org and Instagram @socialteesnyc

Melissa - 10 years & 16lbs, Chiweenie, Spayed

Her Foster says: Melissa is proof that age is just a number! At 10 years old, this adorable Chiweenie still has plenty of pep in her step and so much love to give. She's the perfect mix of laid-back companion and curious explorer. At home, she's happiest curled up in her cozy bed, but the moment it's time to head outside, she's ready to sniff every blade of grass, flower, and interesting scent she can find. Melissa is incredibly sweet, gentle, and easy to have around. She's as quiet as can be, gets along well with new people and other dogs, and has a calming presence that makes everyone fall in love with her. She's the kind of dog who makes your home feel a little more peaceful just by being there. While Melissa isn't much of a couch potato (literally!) and hasn't decided that laps or beds are her thing yet, we think that's just her independent spirit shining through. She's happy to hang out nearby and is always appreciative of a good scratch or a gentle pet. And if you

Melissa - 10 years & 16lbs, Chiweenie, Spayed

Her Foster says: Melissa is proof that age is just a number! At 10 years old, this adorable Chiweenie still has plenty of pep in her step and so much love to give. She's the perfect mix of laid-back companion and curious explorer. At home, she's happiest curled up in her cozy bed, but the moment it's time to head outside, she's ready to sniff every blade of grass, flower, and interesting scent she can find. Melissa is incredibly sweet, gentle, and easy to have around. She's as quiet as can be, gets along well with new people and other dogs, and has a calming presence that makes everyone fall in love with her. She's the kind of dog who makes your home feel a little more peaceful just by being there. While Melissa isn't much of a couch potato (literally!) and hasn't decided that laps or beds are her thing yet, we think that's just her independent spirit shining through. She's happy to hang out nearby and is always appreciative of a good scratch or a gentle pet. And if you happen to have a treat? She just might show off a cute little "sit" to earn it. Everyone who meets Melissa walks away smiling. She has an irresistible charm, an adorable face, and a quiet confidence that's impossible not to love. If you're looking for a low-key best friend with just the right amount of spunk, Melissa is your girl. We absolutely adore her, and we know her future family will too.Show moreShow more