Wilbur

11 year old Wilbur is a 13 pound “Chiweenie” – a chihuahua/dachshund mix. Wilbur is a singer! He will sing along with his person, be it a happy or sad tune, Wilbur will match you. What a smart, fun dog! Wilbur is a sensitive soul who went through quite a bit of trauma in the first year of his life before he landed in the home he has now. Wilbur needs a home where he can be given space and time to learn to trust a new person again. Once that trust has been earned, he could be your velcro dog!

Wilbur has spent the past 10 years living with other dogs. He has had a best friend, a female chihuahua who is now much older and she no longer wants to be his friend. The other dogs in the home are not interested in being Wilbur’s friend. Ideally, Wilbur will find a home where there is another mellow but friendly small dog his age that wants to be buddies with him. He is fine with large dogs, but he prefers small dogs to befriend. While he has not lived with cats, Wilbur respects the space of cats he comes into contact with, preferring not to interact.

Given his sensitivity, Wilbur needs a home without children. Wilbur can be sensitive to noise and sudden movements. He does not appreciate being pushed or having affection forced upon him. He needs a quiet home with a single person or couple who are dog savvy. Wilbur deserves to be shown the patience, compassion, and understanding he needs to adapt and thrive in his new home.

Wilbur has not spent much time alone. He has always had the company of dogs and his humans, who work from home. Wilbur knows how to use a dog door. We caution the risk of allowing a small dog outside unattended, given the increase in wildlife even in urban areas. When there is no dog door available, Wilbur will let you know he needs to go outside to relieve himself.

Many years ago, Wilbur was attacked by a dog that caused damage to his spine. We are told there were no broken bones, and all he was left with from the attack was a wonky gait. It could be that this past injury causes some of his protective nature. As he ages, he could become achy from arthritis and old scar tissue. We would recommend a vet check him out and perhaps add joint supplements to help him move better and more comfortably. Dogs are incredibly stoic; they can manage to live with chronic discomfort far better than we humans ever could. Why not make sure we are doing all we can to help them feel their very best? While he is up to date on his vaccines, Wilbur’s adopter should be willing and able to take him in for a full exam with a senior blood panel and urinalysis. His owner provides him with a good diet that should be continued for his overall health.

In spite of that attack long ago, Wilbur is an active, athletic boy who loves going for walks. He is excellent on leash as he has had formal training. Wilbur likes to learn and is easy to teach. He can manage stairs without issue. Wilbur loves to burrow in his blankets, so much so that you must always check a blanket that is on the couch before sitting down so you don’t accidentally sit on him! He will go to an open crate just to hang out in as he likes a quiet place to go. Wilbur sleeps at night in his crate out of choice.

Wilbur would love a home where he can receive more attention. While he is a dearly loved dog, his owner believes someone may be able to offer him a better home. If you think you could be that home, Wilbur could become your new best friend.

Wilbur is located in Sequim, 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. 

Adoption Info