Blueberry

Blueberry story...She was rescued by an individual that knew she was being harmed. They had intentions to keep her but then had to move so they surrendered to a gentleman that helps take in dogs and transfers them to another rescue or adopts them. She was transferred to our rescue from that gentleman. The story the gentleman was told by the individual that pulled her out of hell relayed the following information and what happened to her. She was severely abused original owner, about 1 - 1.5 years ago. She was slammed between a car door and the car because the owner was upset she wasn't jumping into the vehicle. She never received medical attention during that time. Since coming to us she observed to have notable signs that she sustained significant injuries from her abuse. She shows weakness in her rear end as she isn't able to hold her tail up any higher than straight with her spine and last 2"-3" of the tail just hangs without any control or ability to move. Also, her hind legs will sometimes give out on her or she trips on herself. She can stand and walk around on all 4 legs fine, beside occasional stumble, but if she were to stand up on just her rear 2 legs she can not hold herself up and will fall. Blueberry does not seem to be in pain and per a general vet exam, it is believed she may have had an ignored fracture to her pelvis that healed "crookedly" and sustained nerve damage to the spine. She does have some subluxation in both knee, per vet exam, we haven't noticed issues other than if she been very busy with physical activities and running around. Blueberry does require being lifted up or down or provided stairs or ramp for her to get up higher, like a couch or bed. Blueberry, doesn't seem to mind other CALM dogs and cats. She is initially reserved with strangers and takes a while to warm up to folks but once she does she is very loyal and loving. She does dribble sometimes, so when playing around the house she will wear diaper in the house or travelling, otherwise we are taking her to go outside, about every 2-3 hrs during the day. She can't squat like a regular dog does but it doesn't prevent her from eliminating, at this time. However, due to her issues keeping track of her bowel movements maybe good idea to prevent her from getting constipated. Her teeth have some tarter but we have been giving her dental chews and hard kibble to eat to help reduce that and prevent cavities and teeth rottening & gum disease. Vet recommends getting her in as soon as possible. Our vet is booked with her in September if she is still with us at that time. Due to her limited mobility, we are restricting adoptions to homes with children under 12 years unless it is the occasional grandkids or niece/nephew that may visit, we are ok with, just 24/7 of busy youngsters that may not be mindful and respectful of her limitations we don't think she will thrive. Also, want to make clear she is not mean to children just scared of being hurt just as she is with busy settings with lots of movement around her she will retreat in her crate or hide in a corner because she can't run and scoot out of the way fast enough. As like other Chihuahuas, she will choose her favorite human and follow around everywhere. She does need mild exercise to keep her trim, as extra weight will make her issues harder to cope with. Going for a walk around the block every other day or daily is sufficient. She loves food and she has to be monitored for weight management purposes. If you would like more information, please call or text the foster mom at (218)640-1930.