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

Pita loves being outside and enjoys taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells around her. She gets along well with other dogs and seems to gain confidence from having a canine companion nearby. In her current foster home, she often seeks out one of the resident dogs for comfort, so we would like her adoptive home to have a confident canine companion who can help show her the ropes.

She 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.

Pita is making progress with potty training and will continue to benefit from patience, consistency, and a predictable routine while 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. Like many Chihuahuas, Pita can also be a little vocal, so a home with shared walls is not recommended.

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

Pita may need a little time to come out of her shell, but once she feels safe and comfortable, her sweet personality begins to shine. She is looking for a quiet, patient home with a confident canine friend where she can continue growing at her own pace.
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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.