Success Stories

Dexter's Story

"We had one Chihuahua named Maggie and were looking for another one for several reasons. A playmate/friend for Maggie, one that would be well bonded with David (Maggie loved us both but David wanted that special bond with a small dog) and to give a dog in need their "forever" home.

So the search began: websites, Humane Society, private individuals and on and on. We finally stumbled on a website that listed dogs from many organizations looking for homes. As we looked through the pages of dogs there he was, Dexter, a male black and tan Chihuahua! The excitement began to grow at the thoughts of having Dexter a part of our family.

I immediately sent off an email expressing our interest in Dexter to what was then, "Animal First Foundation" (now AARF). Within 24 hours I received an email stating Dexter was in a foster home and my interest in him would be sent on to them and questions answered. We were contacted by the foster mom and given all the information regarding Dexter that she knew. Dexter was brought back from the North Bend area, frightened and afraid but how handsome he was even then. Dexter's foster family was amazing and we think of them often and thank them so much for having a part in bringing Dexter into our lives!

A day was chosen for Dexter to make a visit to our home and meet Maggie and Sydney (our beagle mix). Dexter's foster family brought their dog along for a play day and time in a more rural setting. Dexter was shy and definitely more attached to his foster mom than dad. The visit lasted a good part of the day with Dexter never really taking to us and staying close to his foster mom. There were times when he would run and want to be friends with Maggie but he was so hesitant. Dexter's foster mom and dad stated they had never seen him more relaxed as he was that day at our house.

The day ended with mixed feelings on our part. I have to say it was David that felt Dexter would make a good addition to our family. I was concerned about his shyness and hesitation with Maggie. Let me tell you, we talked and talked and talked. I reminded David that Dexter would not let him near him and this was supposed to be, "his dog!" David just kept telling me Dexter needed us as much as we needed him. Ok, Ok, I gave in and the adoption procedure began.

Dexter needed to be neutered and it was felt he should return to his foster mom for after care and to stay over the 4th of July since no one knew how he would react to fireworks. July 7th, the day Dexter came home to us, was an exciting day. Heather, from AARF (AFF), drove up with small crate in the back seat and there he was. Dexter wanted no part of any of us and so it was decided I would put his crate on the couch, door off and let him get use to us at his own pace (thinking it would only be an hour or two). Was I ever wrong, by the time David got home from work, Dexter had not moved. We decided to take the top of he crate off and expose him more to us and his new environment. This did not make any difference as Dexter hid more under the blanket I had put in his crate. It had been 8 hours and Dexter had not been out of his crate and refused to eat or drink. Maggie sat next to the opening of the crate the entire day as if she knew the fears Dexter was having and trying to help in her own way. David decided to bravely pick Dexter up and together we would put on his harness and take him out for a walk. Dexter was not so keen on this idea but tolerated it. It was at this time I decided to leave his harness on for easy access and less stress for Dexter.

Dexter seemed to know he had been here before and ever so slightly relaxed when he was out side, Maggie by his side. The thought of having Dexter in a crate for the night stressed me far too much, so it was decided to have him sleep in the bed with Maggie and us. Let me tell you, it was from that time on that Dexter became mine, not intentionally but mine. He was afraid of David's every move and his hands. Dexter bonded with me and I was the chosen one in his mind. David has worked hard to show Dexter he would not hurt him. David's patience, time and love have made leaps and bounds in his relationship with Dexter. I lovingly refer to Dexter as my "bigga fatta baby boy" (said in an Italian accent). I have no clue why (sigh).

Dexter has come a long way from that frightened handsome Chihuahua to a well adjusted handsome member of our family and Mom's protector. Wherever I am, Dexter is there. He never leaves my side very often. Dexter and Maggie are best friends. He has learned to play with us (OK, more me) and with toys. I never planned on loving Dexter to the extent that I do but I am so glad David knew something that day that I didn't.

Since then, we have gotten two more Chihuahuas. Stretch-Chi (pronounced Stretchy) because of his long legs and Holly. Stretch-Chi is David's and he loves to work outside alongside David and is his "Co-pilot"! Holly was one that no one wanted as she had large parts of scarring on her left side that has no hair. What a loss to those who looked at her and were so single-minded, they could not see past the scarring. All of our Chi's are loving members of the family and I could not fathom being without any of them. They are all individuals, their own personalities and special in their own way.

I think the moral to all this is:

Sometimes you never know what YOU might be missing when you don't look beyond the superficial characteristics. Just like people, you have no clue to the trauma behind the lives. It's amazing what love, trust and building a relationship with an animal can reap in the end!! Dexter is a perfect example. My own fears of not having the "perfect" dog in the beginning would have lost me one of the greatest joys in my life!!

A big THANK YOU to all the members of AARF and the foster families!! I always recommend AARF to anyone looking for an animal."

Tori-Proud Mamma of Dexter