A call from an independent rescuer alerted us to the plight of a group of chihuahuas kept by an elderly man. While the man loved the dogs, he wasn’t giving them the level of care they needed. None of them had been altered, and all were covered in fleas. With our Hope Animal Sanctuary full of other abandoned animals, we needed a plan that would allow us to help the ones whose situations were the most urgent.

Our Operations Manager at the sanctuary, Sharon Stone, decided that she and our Justice For Animals Senior Campaigner, Doll Stanley,  would foster them and advised the caller that we would meet her the following day. 

We drove for an hour and a half to get these dogs. They were typical Chihuahuas —  a little shy and nervous at first, but very quick to come around. Included in the group were a female with 3 newborn puppies, another female who was nearly ready to give birth, and an intact male.

We drove straight to our veterinarian, Dr. Hill, for heartworm tests and flea prevention. All three were heartworm negative, a happy bonus. 

Doll’s foster dog, now named Meridian, is a great mama and the sweetest girl you could ever meet.  She is so calm and loves everyone and all other animals. Sharon’s fosters include the male, now named Philly.  He was nervous for a few days, but soon showed his true colors and is a very sweet, playful little dog. He has been neutered. The pregnant female, Tinkerbelle, had six babies one week after coming to us.  She is such a good mama and such a sweet girl! 

Once all the puppies are weaned, both girls will be spayed so they will never have puppies again. They will be able to enjoy their life with the perfect family. They will all be with us until the puppies are weaned and ready to travel.  At that time, they will go to the Northeast, where guardians are waiting for them.

Because of the kind donations of In Defense of Animals supporters, we were able to help these precious souls have the lives they deserve. Thank you.