Age: 11 Years
Weight: 10 lbs

Location: RI
  
This dog has been spayed/neutered, is up to date on shots, on heartworm preventative and is microchipped.

Don't be fooled by my name. They call me El Jefe, but I'm really the sweetest, most friendly and lovable softie. I'm easy going and outgoing - I LOVE to meet new people and explore new situations - I make friends EVERYWHERE I go - no one can resist my charms! I'm smart, affectionate, even-tempered and gentle, and don't let my age or my knees fool you - I've got more spunk than most puppies, but I'm also tempered with good manners and an off switch. I look like a Chihuahua - I have a very handsome face, beautiful clear eyes, and a cute little applehead. While I'm no puppy at about 11 human years, I'm one goofy little guy who adores everyone and loves to play with other dogs. I get along great with other small dogs and with cats. I am always up for an adventure and belly rubs, as well as lap cuddles. Big, energetic dogs put me on edge - but can you blame me? I'm tiny! I don't have anything against kids either, but older ones would probably be a better match so that my small frame is respected. After all I'm only about 10 pounds and I have weak knees. I have luxating patellas, but these don't slow me down in the least. I also have a moderate heart murmur, but show no clinical signs so it's nothing to be too concerned about. I'm on a daily medicine for this, but it's not expensive, maybe five bucks a month. Don't worry - these things don't slow me down one bit! However, I would do best in a home with few stairs since I don't really seem to know my own limits, but I am trainable. My current foster home has a steep set of wooden stairs leading to the main living area. When I get back from walks I wait at the bottom of the stairs for my foster dad to pick me up and carry me up them. He says I have such an awesome personality. I will whimper when I want to be picked up and sit on his lap - I'm being spoiled and I don't mind it a bit!

 

I sound pretty awesome, right? So you are likely asking "Why am I looking for a new forever home?" My previous Mom of many, many years took great care of me - she socialized me well and kept me up to date on shots and vet visits, but she recently developed some serious health issues herself and just couldn't take care of me anymore. I won't lie - I miss her, but I've adapted to all the changes really well and am an easy, go-with-the-flow kind of guy. I am house trained, crate trained, and leash trained. I will happily chill out in my crate during the day, or alternate between quite sunny and shady spots outside in my yard - I LOVE to lounge! But I also REALLY like going for walks and exploring - I am very interested in seeing new things and getting out and about - and exercise is really good for my knees. Walks are what keep me happy and motivated. I'm good in the car, too, so we should plan to explore a lot together.

 

I'd love to take an obedience class with you - I'm definitely not too old to learn new tricks and it would keep my mind young. A training class would also give us some bonding time and sounds like fun to me. I don't necessarily need any training, however, as I am pretty awesome as-is. I don't necessarily need a fenced yard - or even a yard - as long as we take some daily walks, but I do like lounging outside in a fenced area. And I'll let you in on one little secret...I LOVE to sleep with my stuffed animals. Don't let that get out, though - it'll spoil my image! I'm really quite perfect, aren't I?

 

Fill out an application for me today and maybe we can cruise the neighborhood together.

 

Medical Note: I have a Grade III heart murmur that is detected upon vet exam, but I have never had any other symptoms  - it's nothing too serious and certainly doesn't slow me down any!    I take one inexpensive heart medication daily to reduce the strain on my heart, and I take my pills like a champ. I also have Grade 3 luxating patellas in my hind knees. This is a degenerative condition that I have had for a while - while my gait isn't pretty to watch, I am not in regular discomfort, and I don't let my knees slow me down one bit. No surgery is recommended, staying trim and active is essential, as is a daily glucosamine chondroitin supplement. I would likely find some relief regularly taking an anti-inflammatory medication like Carprofen - this is not too expensive either. If you would like more information on either of these conditions, please email my people. Please see here for more information on patellar luxation: https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/patellar-luxations

 

Medical Note: On 6/3, I tested positive for exposure to anaplasma while in SOS foster care. This does not mean that I have anaplasmosis. I have been asymptomatic while in SOS care and am being preventatively treated with a 30-day course of doxycycline. Please see here for more information on anaplasmosis: http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/anaplasmosis-in-dogs/6962. Please discuss any concerns with your veterinarian. 

Adoption Fee: $170

To apply for this dog, fill out an adoption application on our website:  www.sosarl.org/aa/

**Additional info you should know -  For most of our dogs, we are only guessing at predominant breed or breed mix.  We get to know each of our dogs as an individual and do our best to describe and place them based on personality not breed label.   Some dogs may not yet be in New England, nor ready for immediate adoption.  There may be additional vetting, quarantine, waiting periods and/or fees depending upon your state of residence. If you have questions or concerns on any of this, you can discuss this with your Adoption Counselor.