We’ve been asking ourselves the question, “Is Chewy an Affenpinscher puppy?” You’ll see plenty of photographic evidence that he might be, while I tell you the story of how we came to have this adorable dog. Settle in.
Y’all who have been here any length of time know that Hunny has been longing for a lap dog for at least a year. We’ve discussed a variety of breeds while looking at rescue photos for all of them. I’ll find what I think is the perfect lap dog, send Hunny the photo, and he says no. Or just hmm … I don’t know.
This little guy lived in Killeen, Texas, well south of Dallas. A good friend of mine moved down last fall and has been trying on puppies for her kids. They wound up with this little guy, Obi.
My friend saw a photo I’d posted of Scout, another friend’s Affen, and was surprised that I was looking. Why, as a matter of fact, they’d tried out a puppy that looked almost just like that and it hadn’t worked out for her family.
Turns out this puppy, our Chewy, was too snuggly and laid back. Her three children needed a hyper puppy who would play with them. So she sent Chewy back to the foster mom after the weekend.
Did I want to drive seven hours to adopt the puppy? And visit with a lonely friend who’d been uprooted and needed company? I sent the dog’s photo to Hunny on Friday and he texted back, “Yes! Go pick it up.” Well. Alrighty then. That was my first real yes.
I filled out the adoption app online, my friend called Hands 4 Paws in Killeen and vouched for me, I was accepted before bedtime. Armed with Jones treats and an overnight bag, I left Saturday morning and drove south. It was a match made in Heaven. And I got to catch up with a friend and her adorable spawn.
Chewy’s story – he was found last October, wandering the streets of Killeen. The foster parents he was with have large dogs. He had been with them this entire time, for months. They were very surprised no one had adopted him. I think he was just meant to be ours. It was a teary goodbye, as you can imagine. They loved him very much, and the feeling was mutual.
I fell in love with all of them – the foster parents and the rescue owner. Wonderful people with big hearts and a great philosophy about rescue. Hands 4 Paws works closely with the foster parents and the new parents, making sure the fit is right, so dogs aren’t abandoned twice. Chewy came to us fully vetted and neutered.
So yes, we have a new dog. Yes, he’s a puppy, but is beautifully housebroken and trained. His parents did an amazing job raising him. Yes, he seems to be a full bred Affenpinscher puppy. And yes, this was very sudden seeming, but no, we’ve been looking for more than a year. We know that a puppy usually adds to the life of older dogs (Flash and Patches will be 12 in a few weeks), and that older dogs help train puppies more quickly. This is a beautiful win.
And what treats does wee Chewy like? (He’s only nine pounds, so he’s wee) He loves the Jones K9 Bacon Rolls. And he’s fallen head over heels in love with the Jones Knuckle Bone. My big dogs don’t care for big bones, but this little guy found one hidden away and is obsessed with it.
Thank you for sitting through my story. I’m sure there are gaps. And a huge thank you to Hands 4 Paws and Chewy’s foster parents! Feel free to donate to their cause if you feel led. I’ll see y’all tomorrow!
Until I write again …
Flea
