Taco

Hello! My name is Taco. I know… that’s a typical chihuahua name and I am certainly all chihuahua. If you know and love the breed, you could certainly love me! I am a 10-year-old boy who weighs 8 pounds. I am looking for a new home without small children, as they make me anxious.

I landed in the home I am now because I was abandoned by someone who neglected me. My current caregiver took pity on me and brought me home. It was not meant to be forever, but to give me a safe home and help me find a loving and true forever home.

Unlike many chihuahuas who have a “Napoleon Complex”, I am good with large dogs. I’ve lived with 2 large dogs. The only time I can get cranky with them is when they bug me while I am eating. I’d prefer a private spot to eat so I’m not bothered. I am quiet, polite, and social when meeting dogs of all sizes. If a dog barks at me before we meet, I admit I can be a little scared but I don’t react negatively. I have lived with four cats! If you have kitties who like to curl up with a small dog, I would enjoy that.

I mentioned earlier that small kids make me nervous. I live with a young child now and I’ve learned to trust the child because my caregiver has taught her how to behave with dogs. I have found with experience that that is not always the case with young kids. For this reason, I’d be happiest with a child free home but if you have kids aged 10 and older, that may be OK. I am in no way aggressive but if I’m forced to interact, I might growl. Did you know a growl is a dog’s way of letting others know they are not comfortable?  It is a dog’s way of saying “Please don’t do that, I don’t like it.”  Best that we do this, give a warning instead of just reacting, right?

When the humans get ready to leave the house, I receive a treat as positive reinforcement. My caregiver gives me these calming treats she buys at the store and they are yummy!  I am fine with the company of friendly dogs, cats, or both. Before my caregiver leaves the house I am taken for a short walk to go potty. With a potty break, I can manage a few hours before I need to get out again. I will have a potty accident in the house if I am expected to wait too long.

It’s great that I get to go on 3 walks a day! I sure hope I can find a home with someone who will keep doing that for me. I am not a speed walker. I enjoy slow walks that last between 15-30 minutes. My good behavior on leash makes me a pleasure to walk. Aside from my walks, I get my exercise by following my caregiver or other humans in the house from room to room. I am not a bother, I just like to keep them company and they seem to appreciate that.

I am not a barky little dog. I do bark at strangers to alert my caregivers, but once I understand my caregiver is safe from said stranger, I will stop. I communicate with my caregiver through grunts, chirps and eye contact. If my person is close by but I can’t reach them, I will bark.

You could call me resilient. I have adapted to my new life very well. I am smart and I have learned what is expected of me and how to behave very quickly. My caregiver will tell you that I attached to them quickly. Hey, I know when someone is good! Dogs do, you know. My hope is that I will find another good human, one who will keep and care for me forever.”

Taco is located in Seattle, WA. For contact information please email: referrals@olddoghaven.org

This is not an Old Dog Haven dog. Old Dog Haven has not assessed this dog for medical issues and will not be responsible for medical care after adoption. We urge prospective adopters to do their own evaluation.