Ophelia - 7 lbs! Chihuahua & Miniature Pinscher Mix Yorba Linda, CA

Please read entire bio before contacting rescue. Please contact Janet Cook of the Angel’s Heart Dog Rescue at: adopt@angelsheartdogrescue.com. The preferred method of contact is by way of e-mail. Make sure you check your spam folder for an e-mail reply from the rescue.

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Ophelia is a super cute, darling two-year-old, 7 lb. Chihuahua/Miniature Pinscher mix, possibly mixed with some Rat Terrier. She was rescued (as a stray) from the Devore Animal Shelter on the day that she was going to be euthanized (the shelter is an old protocol shelter where they just put dogs down after so many days). She has a beautiful shiny and healthy tri-colored coat. Ophelia began to accommodate to the rescue routine rather quickly. She loves to sit with me, nearby on a pet bed, while I am working at the computer. If I am lying in bed watching T.V., she jumps up on the bed with ease and snuggles and cuddles with me and settles. Sometimes, I pick her up to hug her and she lavishes my face with kisses. She is a pretty chill dog that can be playful and energetic too (if the pack is playing). She plays with other willing dog participants, which often involve chasing toys or playing tug of war (we have several videos showing her playing in the pack; if you would like to see her playstyle, we can forward upon request!). She is a fairly quiet dog that does not really bark much; but does occasionally whine because she is not a big fan of the crate.

Ophelia sleeps in a crate (near me in the bedroom) and is crated if I have to leave the house for a few hours. We do this with all rescued dogs to crate-train them and put structure and boundaries around their behavior. Ophelia does well if I have to leave the house, sometimes she whines a bit, but I come back several hours later and all is well. Though she sleeps in the crate at night, I can tell that she would prefer to be up in the big bed with me and my own little dogs. I have allowed this during the day and she sometimes burrows herself under the blankets; other times, she is curled up on top. Ophelia has had a few potty accidents in the house, but I always leave a door open, and she is basically doing quite well in this regard. She is a smart dog who can be taught to use the dog door as well. Possibly, she was not allowed in the house much with her former people, and she is just now figuring out house maneuvers, but again she is pretty smart and figures things out quickly.

One thing I like about Ophelia is that she has an independent side; she does not have to follow me everywhere, nor be near me at all times and she is not begging to be on my lap. She is often found on the porch by herself on one of the pet beds there, sunning herself. She gets along with all friendly dogs, big and small and does not seem intimidated by larger dogs as long as they are being nice to her. I have walked her with another small dog that walks well, and she does pretty well but being somewhat non-directional at times, and also pulling a bit so a small harness would probably work best. More practice would be needed in leash walking. She eats small bit kibble and loves a rawhide stick occasionally or as a night time snack in the crate at bedtime.

The best fit for Ophelia is a home with at least another dog to keep her company when folks are away from home, as well as people who are not collectively gone for extended hours on a daily basis. Depending on the circumstances she can be an only dog in the home. We have not tested her with kids or cats, but I tend to think that she would be fine with cats and older kids as long as they understand how to be gentle with tiny dogs. I think a small yard or patio at the very least would work best, since she has been known to go outside to potty in more frequent intervals (very small dogs have smaller bladders!) and also loves to go outside to catch some sun rays.

Ophelia is spayed, fully vaccinated (including rabies), front-lined, dewormed, and micro-chipped. If you are interested in Ophelia, please contact Angel’s Heart Dog Rescue at: adopt@angelsheartdogrescue.com. The phone number to the rescue is: 626-340-9316. There is no need to phone the rescue until you have first submitted an interest via e-mail. Please visit my website at: http://www.angelsheartdogrescue.com and go to the Adoption Tab to read about the adoption process and fees; thank you!