Two "firsts" for Kozanna
 

My little rescue Chihuahua, Kozanna, is doing fine. Last evening, I was sitting in the floor with her in the kitchen and she came to me and climbed up on my lap and let me cuddle her. First time! I've been wrapping her in a blanket two or three times a day and holding her on my lap, petting her and talking to her. She likes that and will snuggle down with her nose under the blanket and take a nap. Then this morning, when I opened her crate to give her breakfast, she came to me and stood there to be petted rather than running away. Another first! I have high hopes for this sweet little girl that she will relax and learn to just be a happy puppy. I'm proud of her!

That's wonderful! :D Keep it up, you're doing something right! ;) :thumbup:

That must be so rewarding to have her start responding.

sounds like she is at home, and loving it! Thanks to you!

AWWW I LOVE wonderful updates!! Best to you all in the future!! :)

awwwesome!! So happy she is letting go and trustin!!

Congratulations!!! I am so happy for you and for Kozanna! What a giant step for her and great feeling for you. :thumbup: Isn't it amazing what patience can do for a little one like that who is so mistrustful and scared? I have found that it takes some longer to recognize kindness and love but I believe Kozanna sees it! Thanks so much for the update! :)

Wow that's great news! You are doing so well with her and I really enjoy hearing the updates!

Oh! I'm so happy for the two of you. It'll just get better!:animal-pa

That's wonderful news! I love her name, btw. :-)

Kozanna
 

It's great to have little Kozanna respond to me. She's curled up on my lap now as I'm typing. I'm beginning to introduce her to more new things as the days go by, holding her on my lap while at the computer rather than sitting in the floor or on the couch, letting her run around more, showing her how to be a puppy. She has a fleece mat in the kitchen to lay down on when she's running around in there, and she puts all of her toys on the mat. She's learning that toys are fun and will chase a tossed toy. My Bichon, Lacy, can open her crate and let her out, so I'm having to be sure both latches are closed on her crate door. That will work until Lacy figures out that there's a latch at the top of the door, too. Lacy wants to interact with the puppy. Lacy is spayed, but she's a natural mother and takes rearing a puppy very seriously. Lacy chastised Kozanna for barking while Kozanna was out running around and Kozanna went into her crate. Kozanna likes her crate and it's a safe place for her. Lacy guarded the open door to the crate until I spoke to her and she let Kozanna come back out and play. Lacy uses a low growl and Kozanna responds. It's cute to watch and I imagine Lacy is using the exact sounds a mama would use with her puppy. Lacy is gentle and kind, but she won't put up with what she thinks is too much! Lacy inspects every inch of Kozanna and Kozanna accepts Lacy's attention and isn't afraid of her. I hope Lacy will teach Kozanna good doggie manners.

Chihuahuas
 

I'm so glad Kozanna is coming around! I have quite a love for Chihuahuas, and have heard many good success stories about rehabilitation. They are one of the few dogs that were not specifically 'bred for' anything. Just human companionship...I think that's part of the reason why they are such loving sweethearts. Over the years, I've been owned by several. Even though I am, and probably always will be, a multiple dog household, I've never had a Chi more bonded to another dog than me. They all prefer 'the Momma' over any four-legged friend.:)

Joy

Amazing
 

We look at those little ones and think there's not much going on in that little brain but they are truly amazing creatures and reward us in ways we could not begin imagine. Those tiny bodies hold enormous hearts.
How rewarding.
All the best!

Hi! I've been watching for updates on little Kozanna, and was happy to find this! It sounds like you are just what that little girl needed.:) :) :)

I have a simple (duh, why didn't I think of that) solution to the crate escape problem....I'm looking for a picture.... and will post as soon as I find one.:)

crate escape
 

I'll be interested in seeing what your solution to the crate escape is. The crate door has two latches, one at the top and one at the bottom, and Lacy only opens the bottom latch, so far. I have a big "wire clip" used to hold papers together that I can use to keep the door closed. Also could just put the door of the crate toward the wall. Lacy learned to open a crate door years ago when I had another Chihuahua puppy. She's been doing it for many years. She can open it in seconds!