*This animal is a part of our “Seniors for Seniors” program where we offer senior adopters an opportunity to adopt an eligible pet at a discounted fee.*

Bonnie is a sweet, shy Chihuahua with a gentle heart who is slowly discovering that the world isn’t quite as scary as she once thought. Since arriving in her foster home, Bonnie has been gaining confidence at her own pace and revealing more of her adorable personality each day.

Bonnie is a cautious girl who is perfectly content to hang back and observe her surroundings before deciding it’s safe to join in. She gets along well with other dogs and seems to find reassurance from having a confident canine companion nearby. In her current foster home, she has especially gravitated toward one of the resident dogs for comfort, so we would like her adoptive home to have another confident dog who can help her feel secure as she adjusts.

Bonnie is crate trained and was accustomed to sleeping in her crate at night with her previous owner. In her foster home, she has gained enough confidence to happily free-roam at night.

Bonnie is making progress with potty training and will continue to benefit from patience, consistency, and a predictable routine as she settles into her forever home. She is still learning how to walk comfortably on leash, so her adopter should be prepared to work with her on leash skills and take extra precautions to keep her safe while she builds confidence outdoors.

Because Bonnie is naturally shy, she does best with gentle handling, patience, and calm interactions. Sudden movements can make her nervous, and she needs a family who understands that building trust takes time. She would not be a good fit for a busy or active home with small children.

Bonnie may take a little time to come out of her shell, but once she feels safe and comfortable, you’ll get to see the sweet, lovable girl underneath that initial shyness. She is looking for a quiet, patient home with a confident canine companion where she can continue to blossom.
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Adopting a senior dog is like getting a vintage car – it comes with character, a few extra quirks, and might need a bit more maintenance. Expect occasional tune ups at the vet for oil changes (aka meds), and embrace the fact that those ‘normal lumps and bumps’ are just part of the well-earned charm package! Ruff Start will share all known health information with adopters and recommendations to keep your Senior dog in top shape.