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Originally Posted by jamiesaari  She is just as beautiful as she can be. Thanks for sharing her story and photograph.
How did you end up with Kozanna? The reason I ask is that I have the time, love and patience to take in another baby (in addition to my Yorkie/Chihuahua mix). |
I belong to a discussion group about Bichons, since I have two Bichons. I joined YorkieTalk because my granddaughter has a Yorkie and I wanted to learn about them. Someone in the Bichon group usually hears about puppy mills being closed or dogs that need homes. I heard about the puppy mill where Kozanna was through that group and send an e-mail inquiring about the Chihuahuas. I have had two Chihuahuas in the past and love them. The lady sent me a picture of Kozanna and I it really tugged at my heart. Those big sad eyes and knowing how she spent the first nine months of her life really got to me. I had to fill out an application to adopt her. She isn't a foster dog. I went to pick Kozanna up the next day. I would love to rescue Bichons, but have some arthritis in my hands and wrists and keeping up with grooming them, even between trips to a professional groomer, is getting to be more than I can handle. But Chihuahuas don't need professional grooming and I can manage Kozanna just fine. I am retired and at home, so can give her all the attention she needs. My Bichons are very calm and kind and accept other animals well, so they will be a lot of help in getting her used to being a house dog. I know Kozanna may never be house broken or be like a puppy raised with people since she came from a puppy mill and I am prepared to deal with that. I have high hopes that she will get over being afraid and maybe even learn to use a newspaper to potty like my Bichons. She is showing signs of settling in and isn't so afraid. It's just going to take some time.
If you're interested in getting into rescue work, I'm sure there are many organizations that would love to have your help. If you want to rescue Yorkies, I'm sure someone here on YorkieTalk could put you in touch with an organization. You might do a search on the internet and make some inquiries where you live, maybe ask at the local animal shelter. The animal shelter here where I live has my name and phone number in case they get a Bichon at the shelter. Even if I couldn't take the dog, I know other people to get in touch with. There is a big network out there of rescue groups and they all need foster homes. It is very rewarding work, but can be heartbreaking, too. Sadly, we can't save them all, and that is a hard reality. Rescue work will give you a lot of joy, and a lot of sadness, too.
There are a lot of things I can't do, but I could save one little Chihuahua from a terrible life, so I did that. And I will give her the best life I can.