Pam

Female (Altered) — Date of Birth: 01/17/2002 (24 years old (Senior))

Chihuahua / Rat Terrier Mix

Hi! My name is Pam and I am a Chihuahua rat terrier mix. I am a petite little girl, weighing only 7 pounds; my foster mom says I'm all legs. We are not too sure where I came from prior to being rescued from she shelter, but based on my lack of socialization, I probably came from a where I received little to no attention. I have come a long way in my time here with AFH, but I still need to work a lot on my socialization. I am crate trained and house trained. I am extremely good with cats and good with other dogs, though it does take me time to get use to the bigger ones. I don't seem to know quite how to play yet; but was told that I liked to cuddle up next to calm dogs my size. I appear to enjoy going on walks and enjoy all the different smells that are outside. Snack time is also my favorite time, where my foster mom gives me a nice little treat. I am very calm and mellow little girl and don't bark much. I still learn to trust, but underneath my shy exterior, my foster mom is sure there is a sweet dog wanting to be loved. I am still very fearful of strangers, men in particular, but my foster mom is taking me on regular walks to get me familiar with strangers walking and cars driving by. I enjoy going for walks, but sometimes I get scared and my foster mom pushes me to continue and I am learning that I can trust her to protect me. Most important for me right now is to de-sensitize with the many different sounds and sights and learn that people are not all that bad. Right now I act more like a solitary cat, but that is because I am still very unsure with things. I am going to need a patient family to continue my socialization. I would do best in a pretty quiet household--empty nesters would be ideal but I will be okay with a family with children old enough to understand my sensitive nature. My foster mom is sure that underneath my shyness is a gentle sweet dog desperate to come out. I just need love and patience.