Downcast Chi-Weenie

Dear Dog Lady,

One week ago, I adopted a young dog (Chi-weenie - mixed Chihuahua and
Dachshund). They said he’s somewhere between one and three years old.
Apparently, he was rescued from a bad home where he was neglected and
possibly abused. He had been at the shelter for at least six or seven months when we adopted him.

He is overly submissive and scared. He will be lovable if we call him over or physically put him in a lap to be petted. But, he will not play at all. We bought a few toys, which he ignores completely. He will only lie on the couch. He will not even eat treats. Plus, he's the only dog I've ever known that seems to like it better in his kennel (with the door open) instead of on the floor playing. He is perfectly healthy, so that's not the problem.

I wanted a dog to lift my spirits and to show me love and affection, but instead he's very depressing and disheartening to be around. We are able to return him and get a refund within 30 days, but the last thing I want to do is not keep a pet because it's not perfect. I just don't know what to do for him. Can you help?

Cindy, Chicago, IL

Cindy, be mindful of the honorable adage – patience is a virtue. Your little Chi-weenie has suffered a traumatic childhood. Give him time to know you, trust you and love you. We humans expect too much too fast from our dogs, especially our rescued dogs.

By the way, you never mentioned the name of your dog in your letter. Giving him a moniker will begin the bonding process as he takes comfort from hearing his name and learns the cadence of your voice.

Your joy in your Chi-weenie will grow as you see him taking baby steps to come out of his shell -- and his kennel. Please give him a chance. Getting soul food from a dog is not as simple as going through the drive-thru at McDonald’s.

Posted by Dog Lady at January 6, 2006 01:04 PM