Paco

PACO<br/>3-year-old Chihuahua/Pit Bull Terrier Mix Approx. 50 lbs<br/><br/>Paco is one of those dogs who needs a minute.<br/><br/>New people, new places, new situations—he likes to hang back and figure things out before deciding everything is okay. And considering how Paco arrived at the shelter, we can't really blame him.<br/><br/>Paco lost the only home he had ever known and came in with his mother, Cali. Those first few days were hard. He stayed tucked behind her, overwhelmed by the noise, unfamiliar people, and sudden change in his world. When he was frightened or felt cornered, he made it very clear he wasn't ready.<br/><br/>So we stopped asking.<br/><br/>We sat on the floor. We moved slowly. We tossed treats. We let him watch Cali interact with us, and most importantly, we gave Paco the time to make his own decisions.<br/><br/>And eventually, curiosity started winning.<br/><br/>A cautious sniff became taking treats. Taking treats became coming closer. Coming closer became asking for attention. And somewhere along the way, the scared little guy hiding behind his mom turned into the Paco we know now.<br/><br/>He plays hard in the yard, melts for belly rubs, leans into the people he trusts and has one heck of a happy smile when he's comfortable. That shy side hasn't disappeared—Paco may always need a little extra time with unfamiliar people and situations—but give him the chance to settle in and there is a wonderfully sweet, goofy dog waiting underneath.<br/><br/>Paco previously lived with small children and appears housebroken, keeping his kennel nice and tidy. Leash walking is still a work in progress, so for now he is much more comfortable enjoying yard time while he continues building confidence.<br/><br/>Paco also tested positive for Lyme disease, Ehrlichia and Anaplasmosis and has completed treatment for these tick-borne diseases.<br/><br/>While not required, we would truly love to see Paco remain with his mother Cali if at all possible. She is very clearly his comfort and confidence in unfamiliar situations.<br/><br/>We are still learning more about how Paco feels about other dogs. Interest has been shown, but proper introductions would be important. His history with cats is unknown.<br/><br/>Paco is neutered, microchipped, current on vaccines, dewormed, monthly preventatives, and 4DX tested.<br/><br/>Apply to adopt here:<br/>https://orangecountyva.gov/159/Pet-Adoption-Foster-Care-Information

PACO
3-year-old Chihuahua/Pit Bull Terrier Mix Approx. 50 lbs

Paco is one of those dogs who needs a minute.

New people, new places, new situations—he likes to hang back and figure things out before deciding everything is okay. And considering how Paco arrived at the shelter, we can't really blame him.

Paco lost the only home he had ever known and came in with his mother, Cali. Those first few days were hard. He stayed tucked behind her, overwhelmed by the noise, unfamiliar people, and sudden change in his world. When he was frightened or felt cornered, he made it very clear he wasn't ready.

So we stopped asking.

We sat on the floor. We moved slowly. We tossed treats. We let him watch Cali interact with us, and most importantly, we gave Paco the time to make his own decisions.

And eventually, curiosity started winning.

A cautious sniff became taking treats. Taking treats became coming closer. Coming closer became asking for attention. And somewhere along the

PACO
3-year-old Chihuahua/Pit Bull Terrier Mix Approx. 50 lbs

Paco is one of those dogs who needs a minute.

New people, new places, new situations—he likes to hang back and figure things out before deciding everything is okay. And considering how Paco arrived at the shelter, we can't really blame him.

Paco lost the only home he had ever known and came in with his mother, Cali. Those first few days were hard. He stayed tucked behind her, overwhelmed by the noise, unfamiliar people, and sudden change in his world. When he was frightened or felt cornered, he made it very clear he wasn't ready.

So we stopped asking.

We sat on the floor. We moved slowly. We tossed treats. We let him watch Cali interact with us, and most importantly, we gave Paco the time to make his own decisions.

And eventually, curiosity started winning.

A cautious sniff became taking treats. Taking treats became coming closer. Coming closer became asking for attention. And somewhere along the way, the scared little guy hiding behind his mom turned into the Paco we know now.

He plays hard in the yard, melts for belly rubs, leans into the people he trusts and has one heck of a happy smile when he's comfortable. That shy side hasn't disappeared—Paco may always need a little extra time with unfamiliar people and situations—but give him the chance to settle in and there is a wonder