Pablo

My story

Pablo has had quite the journey. He originally came to us several years ago and spent about two years waiting for adoption. Eventually, he found a wonderful home, but after four years, his adopter became very ill, and Pablo had to come back to us.Pablo is a sweet little boy, but he’s not what most people consider a typical dog. We suspect he was born and raised in someone’s backyard until he was rescued. The most challenging part for potential adopters is that Pablo doesn’t like to be touched. He loves being near his dog friends and his person, but he prefers not to be handled. He has never tried to bite—he simply backs away and runs off. Most people looking for a small 5-pound Chihuahua want a dog they can snuggle with, but that’s not Pablo. He’s happiest just being around people and playing with other dogs.Pablo is potty trained using a combination of potty pads and going outside. However, he does have a habit of marking, which can be an issue for some. While he typically has an empty bladder, marking still occurs. Using a belly band isn’t an option since he doesn’t like being touched. He’s very good about following me outside and coming back in, and while he enjoys being around me, he doesn’t like being picked up or cuddled.At my house, he stays in a gated area in the great room. I work from home and spend most of my day in that space, whether at my desk, in the kitchen, or in the living room. My home is all tile, making any marking easy to clean up, and I don’t have carpets or rugs due to years of fostering.Pablo goes into his kennel to eat but isn’t comfortable staying in it beyond mealtime. He used to be kennel trained, but his previous adopter allowed him to sleep in an open kennel, so he no longer likes being confined overnight.Pablo faces several challenges when it comes to finding the right home. He needs a family that can accept his unique personality, respect his boundaries, and understand that his happiness comes from being near people, not from physical affection. His new family should also be patient with his occasional marking. Pablo is who he is, and with the right family, he can thrive.

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Pablo, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.