Category: Awareness

Hi! It’s me Houston. I got my name when I was rescued from Houston, Texas during Hurricane Harvey by Yorkie911 Rescue, Inc almost 2 years ago. I was so adorable that I was adopted quickly. Sadly, over the last couple years in what I thought was my forever home, I began behaving badly and my family didn’t want me anymore.

Paws Give Me Purpose tells me that my story touched their hearts so deeply, that they could not say no to helping me; they did not want to see me end up in a shelter. Honestly, I hear those are scary places and I don’t think I would have had a chance at life if I ended up there.

I am 2 years old and think I am a Chihuahua Lab Mix. I weigh about 25 pounds, am completely housebroken, and know all my basic commands. I love belly rubs and really enjoy a good massage. I do suffer from some fear based anxiety because it seems I never learned to really trust you humans. I am people selective, but can easily be won over, and enjoy cuddling up to the people I feel comfortable with.

I love walks, but am a bit reactive to people and their dogs I may see along the way. I also try to chase all the squirrels and bunnies in the neighborhood, but whoever walks me knows how to redirect me in these situations.

I also love the Edible Nylabone Sweet Potato bones and love all the homemade meals and treats they make here at Paws Give Me Purpose. I am a bit picky with which meals I am in the mood for, I’m thinking it would be nice to have a menu to order from.

The staff and volunteers here at Paws Give Me Purpose consider me a sensitive dog. They do not feel that anyone should have labeled me “aggressive” at all. Maybe it was because I lived with children in my former home, and didn’t really seem to like them; I acted out badly toward them. I’m thinking they never really understood me and I was just afraid of them. 

I am a young little boy who just needs some guidance, and I really do not require Sanctuary. I have been told that I will make a wonderful companion in the right home, and I agree, so I am searching for a best friend, for the real love of my life. But I think I need a quiet adult only home, with not a lot of people traffic going in and out. I prefer a calm environment that doesn’t have a lot of company and just want to be around my people and have them devote their time to me. I could possibly live with one other doggie sibling my own size at the most; big dogs frighten me and too many dogs overwhelm me.

For those of you who have been following my story, you know that I have been through so much trauma and change in my young life that I really just want a home with a mommy and daddy that will understand me, love me and cherish me forever. I am really very sweet and affectionate once I get to know you, and love climbing into a lap and getting spoiled.

I’m really glad that Paws Give Me Purpose was able to take me in, and get me the medical and behavioral care I needed in order to help me on the way to becoming better at just being a dog. I just need to learn that no one or any thing wants to hurt me, then I trust. It’s frightening to think what would have happened to me if Paws Give Me Purpose didn’t open their doors to help me. 

I am hoping and praying that I don’t have to wait here too long before a special Valentine will open their heart and home to me. I guarantee you will fall in love when you meet me!

Since Paws Give Me Purpose is a Sanctuary, and normally do not handle adoptions, applications to adopt me will be processed by Yorkie911 Rescue.

To fill out an application to make me yours, please head over to:

https://www.yorkie911rescue.com/forms/form?formid=1626

If you are interested in sponsoring me or any of the other Sanctuary residents living here you can do so at the following link:

https://www.pawsgivemepurpose.com/our-sanctuary-residents-1/

COULD I PLEASE BE YOUR FUZZY VALENTINE? 

On Thursday, Houston was seen by both our Veterinarian and Behaviorist, and he did extremely well. After just spending a few minutes with them he warmed up and was climbing right into everyone’s lap for attention.

As we suspected, Houston does have a couple medical issues going on. He has a very serious inner ear infection, which was affecting his hearing in one ear, and it was likely very painful. Thankfully it was treated immediately!

His blood test results revealed that his liver values are also not too good, in fact, the Veterinarian said for a dog this young she’s very surprised. This damage is most likely due to all the different “cocktails” of medications he has been prescribed over the years to curtail his bad behaviors. He was simply too young to be medicated so much. We are going to be weaning him off some of the medication, monitor carefully and recheck blood work again in March.

Both the Veterinarian and Behaviorist concur with us that Houston’s issues are all fear based; this beautiful soul never learned to trust. Trust is an essential component of the human canine relationship.

Dogs that do not trust their owner are unlikely to obey commands, foster a bond, or truly become a member of the family; in addition to this, dogs that show lack of trust may seem unfriendly or untrainable, which unfortunately, can result in the dog being surrendered or abandon in order find another home.

Reactivity, aggression and anxiety are symptoms of fear, which is important to understand before trying to change any behavior. Many times, people focus on changing the cringing, wincing or even charging behavior instead of the cause, which is fear. Some dogs are just much more fearful than others.

Houston does not require Sanctuary, he is a highly adoptable dog, and his behaviors are very manageable. We are recommending a quiet adult only home with a couple something like a 55 and older couple or those with children who are in college and have the time to devote to him. Savvy dog experienced individuals who will be patient and give him the time he needs to decompress, learn to trust, and adjust to his new environment without overwhelming him. Houston warms up quickly and really just wants to be a lap dog and receive all your love and attention possible.

Houston is about 2 years old, believed to be a Chihuahua Lab Mix, and weighs about 25 pounds. He is completely housebroken, crate trained and knows his basic commands plus. He loves belly rubs, enjoys a good massage, and climbing into a lap to cuddle up to his people.

As for other dogs, we recommend either he be the only dog in a home, or a home with one other laid back dog around Houston’s size at most – he gets too overwhelmed otherwise. 

We’ve seen shy dogs with mild fears become more confident in a few short weeks, and have also seen dogs take up to two years before they actually felt comfortable. Whatever amount of time it takes, the time and investment in Houston will be worth it!

Since we are a Sanctuary, and normally do not handle adoptions, applications for Houston will be processed by Yorkie911 Rescue.

To fill out an application for Houston, please head over to: https://www.yorkie911rescue.com/forms/form?formid=1626

If you are not in the position to adopt please share Houston so we can find him a forever home!