The California Chihuahua 

California's Chihuahua population has grown exponentially over the past few years, and as a result, California's shelters are overflowing with the tiny affectionate dogs.  The Central Valley, in particular, is forced to euthanize thousands every year simply because there are not enough homes for them all.  

Through a combined effort among shelters and rescue groups in Fresno and Madera counties, the Central Valley has been able to establish working relationships with other groups across the continent to help save these little lives.  For instance, every few months the Edmonton Humane Society flies 80 little dogs, mostly Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mixes that were, at one point, destined for euthanasia, to their facility and within mere weeks all are adopted an on to their new lives.  This is fantastic for those that make it on the plane.  Unfortunately, there are still thousands who are not so lucky.

It is difficult for us to fathom a life without Chihuahuas, or a place where Chihuahuas are in high demand.  Here, we see them running the streets, dumped in fields (the Central Valley is a rural agricultural community), abandoned and left at shelters by the hundreds.  There are old, young, black, tan, applehead, deer, long-haired, short-haired, and every possible combination in between.  We see Chihuahuas from all walks of life.  There are those whose family could no longer afford to care for them, or had to move without them.  But we also see Chihuahuas that have been used as bait or to practice home ear-cropping jobs, Chihuahuas that have been kicked, beaten, battered and broken, or used as puppy producing machines, only to be dumped when they are no longer productive.  And despite it all, these hearty little dogs latch on to their caretakers and snuggle, love and kiss those who would pay them any attention.

If you are considering adding a Chihuahua to your home and would like to save a California Chihuahua, Animal Compassion Team (ACT) can help!  Not only do we almost always have several Chihuahuas available, we also work with other local rescue groups and local shelters in a joint effort to save dogs.  We have experience flying and transporting dogs all over the country and to Canada.  Just send us an email or give us a call and we will help you find the next love of your life.    You can make a new friend and save the life of a homeless shelter/rescue dog.