Female | 6 years old | 3.5 lbs | lower energy | Chill dogs rule | Chill cats rule | Best with older kids | From Ontario | Fostered in Burlington
Chai has been in care for a month and is showing us some new depth to her personality. Being pampered, Chai reminds us of Mia Thermopolis in Princess Diaries when she gets all that attention and gets lost in the fame. Just like Mia, Chai rocks, rules & reigns.
Chai is expected to be about 6 years old. At just 3.5 lbs, she has a lower energy and loves being a companion. She also likes to be involved in home activities and will explore around the house, sniffing out crumbs or following her person around. As she opens up, she's also initiating play and having short bursts of zoomies. She likes to chase and occasionally finds a toy she likes to run after.
Chai currently lives with a large-sized senior dog. The two coexist, respecting each other’s space, though Chai enjoys the company of him at times when her human isn't close by. She has met two smaller dogs and seemed a bit insecure and bossy. She would go for sniffs but then be on defence when she got sniffed, getting a bit snappy. She could use more guidance with socializing and we think could live with another dog with guidance building a relationship. She’s never met a cat, but we think she'd do fine with a laid back dog-friendly one. She's kind of like a cat herself.
Chai has found her voice and will bark/howl at movement she sees on walks or pee breaks. She will also bark at new comers in her fosters home as well as growl or bark when people get too close to her. She likes her space initially and does best being ignored until comfy. She can get a bit snappy/defensive if pushed too quick with introductions. She may do well with older children who understand how fragile she is and need for slow intros. Chai also does do a bit of shaking, which can be linked to her small size, insecurities and sensitivity to cold.
Chai is left alone at times currently. She either has access to a small room or is crated. She might claw at the door or pace before settling. The more coddled she is, the more difficult it may become to leave her alone. A person home more often would be her preference. Consistency and familiarity keep her more chill, so note if you have a lot of people coming/going that you'll have to work at continuing her socialization.
Vetting: Chai will need to be spayed and have a dental, both costs will be covered by SOS post adoption if done at our partner vet in Mississauga. She also has luxating patellas (grade 4), with no recommendations for care at this time, it could be something to look up and consider future veterinary attention. Keeping her a healthy weight is important. She does also reverse sneeze which we are told is common for her breed.
An ideal home for Chai would be experienced or willing to learn how to set a small dog up for success and ideally for Chai be supportive with building her confidence, making her life comfy and continuing to work on skill development. Her home would have a flexible schedule being home more often then not, as well comfort managing a dog that has vocal tendencies, needs guidance meeting new beings, and finds joy and has time being a caring dog parent.
Chai is scheduled to attend our upcoming adoption event on Saturday March 29th at PetSmart Lakeshore (Port Credit) at the address: 507 Lakeshore Rd E Mississauga, ON L5G 1H9. The event runs 10AM-1PM, the timing of her appearance will be confirmed soon check back! This would be a great place to meet her and see her mannerisms in real-life before applying.
Chai is a special girl who will be an excellent companion for the right family. If you feel she’s the one for you, apply to adopt her now!
CHAI will be attending our next adoption event at Petsmart’s Mississauga Lakeshore location (507 Lakeshore Rd E.) on Saturday, March 29th from 10am - 1pm. Come meet her and her handler and see if she might be the right fit for you! Please note that we will not be processing adoption applications for her until after the event.
This dog is sponsored by PetSmart! This means their adoption process includes a visit to PetSmart’s Mississauga Lakeshore location to finalize the adoption. Adopters will receive an exclusive PetSmart adoption kit with $300 worth of coupons and special offers! Plus, adopting through PetSmart Charities helps support rewards and grants that benefit pets in need.
