Re: Patty the Chihuahua

[Guest guest]

Dear Peggy:

Dont give up on Patty. We dont have a Chihuahua, but rather a Rat Terrier (Max). But dog psyche's are similar. Max had issues as well, very standoffish and scared of being touched on his little behind. He would growl and snap if touched there. It has taken two years of proving to him we will never hurt him and now he lets us rub his behind and even check his paws for stickers which he picks up on his walks. Checking his paws was something that would usually get a growl out of him. In time dogs learn to trust, but it takes time. We got him when he was two years old. He was found out wandering the streets for who knows how long and must have suffered quite a lot because he had a LOT of issues. The only issue we cant break yet is his food aggression but we havent given up hope yet. We have no small children around so we felt we could take a chance on him. He was only aggressive when our other two dogs would go around his food. He would let us touch his bowl. The hardest part of having him was for our other dogs who were very confused over his attitude. LOL. But he is worth the trouble as he cuddles me through the day and sleeps with us every night and I would do anything for that kind of love.

Carolyn