Woman Adopts Anxious Chihuahua No One Wanted | The Dodo

No one wanted to adopt this anxious Chihuahua — so this woman decided she'd be the one to win her over 🥹❤️

We talked to Lucia's mom about her many attempts to get Lucia to love her, and what finally worked!

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[AprilFlowers]

Just a little tip. When I was in school for veterinary medicine one of the first thing we were taught in behavioral therapy was when putting your hand out to an anxious animal ball your hand into a loose fist so that your fingers are hidden. Fingers extended is reminiscent of claws & may triggers fight or flight. ❤

[tinaa]

She looks just like my Sally. Sally did the same thing when I adopted her at the animal shelter. She had a record a mile long of people adopting her and returning her. She was shaky, scared, and not potty trained. Assuming she was abused too. I had to take her. It took about a year for her to come out of her shell. I think she realized she was finally in her forever home. She finally learned proper potty habits, and she started eating and sleeping really well. It’s been over 8 years now and she’s very smart, funny, and loving.

[krisniznik]

I love that your other dog helped teach her that you were a safe person. I had a rescue dog that was terrified of everything and what helped her come around was being befriended by one of my cats. He went back and forth between us and demonstrated how to accept pets, and just in general became her support system. It was lovely.

[jannwilkins]

The poor baby was definitely traumatized . Thanks to your kind heart she is getting the life she deserves. ❤

[michellewhelen]

An incredibly wise man once said, "Love is patient. Love is kind." And you know what? He was right 😊. Hope you and your precious family are blessed with many years of happiness. And thank you for giving Lucia a loving home.

[jpotter]

Have had Chihuahuas for 40+ years. Mostly rescues. Have to let them come to you. With time they will come around. Sometimes they get to know you while you're sleeping!

[amberstamp]

I don't know about anyone else but bawled when she finally started Wagging her tail. There is nothing more beautiful than a terrified dog finally coming out of their shell and realizing they are safe❤

[lillyrose]

That's what she needed! A taco and you..😂😂😂 Congratulations!!!❤

[cupcakesimulation]

I have a very personal experience like this. I adopted a chihuahua that was rescued from a puppy mill. She was super shakey and terrified all the time. For the longest time her safe space was under my bed until i made up a space in the other room where she could have more privacy. It wasnt until she was finally introduced to my 2 other dogs that she began to venture out more. She's still very skittish, we're coming up on a year of having her, but she can't stand to be in that room by herself anymore. She loves snuggling in the bed and burrowing herself under my blanket and pressing up about as close as she can get to me at night. It's definitely not a decision I regret and I'm happy she's been able to find comfort in our home.

[digthathole]

Good on you for taking the dog that nobody wanted. They come with issues but the reward when they open up is priceless.

[amapola]

She's so scared. But thank you for rescuing her ❤❤❤

[jenellbarnes]

Lucia is proof of the power of love ❤ poor little baby needed some love and patience, but I’m convinced that the doggie sombrero and tacos 🌮 were the tipping point ❤

[roccosophie]

I have an adopted male Chihuahua. He was 6 when I took him home from the shelter. He has a heart murmur and congestive heart disease. I've had him almost three years now and he's on medication. We walk twice a day and he's the focus and literally the light of my life.

[caroline]

There is no mystery answer to getting thru to these animals that are so shut down except TIME & PATIENCE. You were a rock star and I believe you did everything right.

[rachellehenson]

Beautiful Chihuahua. I’m so glad they were patient with her. A lot of times another dog will bring scared dogs out of their shell. So happy for this dog and family
💜💜

[welcometoSunnydale]

Takes a special person to accept a dog that has issues…to love them anyway and to never throw them away❤

[normas]

There's nothing as sweet as when a dog breaks thru its shell and opens up and trusts you unconditionally. Animals simply enrich one's life.

[Knucklebone]

Space, time, and a taco can do wonders together.

[meiravronen]

You are AMAZING! Not getting in her face, not giving up on her, just waiting patiently for her to adjust. Beautiful.

[annjohnson]

She needed a home exactly like yours! Thank you for saving her! ❤