Elik

My story

Elik (nicknamed Fennec the Fox by his foster family) is an active, young man. This is no quiet lap dog or arm candy; he prefers to use his own four paws and is not a big fan of being picked up. “It’s fine but can you please just put me down?” He’s good hanging with whoever will hang out with him but playing is required if you want a snuggle. Elik loves to shake things as he plays; he shakes all the toys, shoes, laundry….!! He is going to need a nice size toy budget but will make up for it in low grooming expenses. He shares toys and space well. He needs his daily zoomies! In his foster home he does zoomies in the back yard 5-8 times daily. Leash walks are great and allow him to use that super nose but it doesn’t make up for a lack of opportunities to run around at full speed. He is still working on the leash but will cruise given the opportunity. “I don’t mind the leash or the walking, it’s the picking up I’m not found of and humans definitely use that leash to pick me up.” His new owner needs to make a point of not abusing the leash to force him to do things he doesn’t like and instead work on him feeling better about those things. Elik definitely has a lot to say. He talks during play and is the best doorbell his foster family has ever had. A true chihuahua doorbell! If you live in an apartment you need to make sure they won’t resent the three bark chihuahua doorbell. He is quick to announce a guest’s arrival but gives new humans a good 2 feet until he approves. He is definitely not giving ‘pick me’ vibes and applicants have to remember that he will need a little time to be comfortable with them. As comfortable as Elik is in his foster home, he still has a history of lack of exposure to new things and things outside the home. In public places he attaches himself to his foster mom/dad; it’s a big world out there. With visitors or strangers it is: Alarm! Alarm! Alarm! Treats!? With new dogs it is: Alarm! Play? Alarm? Play! Elik loves to boss around the big kids in his foster family. He has no exposure to toddlers and young kids, but we don’t foresee a problem. With other dogs in the home, it’s “let’s play, let’s play”. Familiar dogs outside the home are greeted slow and low. Cats: “Can I smell your butt?” With other animals his philosophy is: “If they run, I will chase.” He does well in a crate (in fact loves his crate) and due to his young age, his foster parents would not advise leaving him out unless your home is well puppy proofed. Elik is fairly housetrained; if you take him out regularly, he will always go potty outside. He is still working on letting his humans know he needs to go so in those cases where they are oblivious, he might leave a surprise by the backdoor. “If I had a door of my own I would, however, be a rock star!” He has only just started learning new skills, but he is food motivated and smart. Elik is nervous in the car but ok once they arrive. He is 1 1/2 year old at most. He is a Chihuahua mix and his foster mom thinks some of his traits may come from a Pug - loyalty, perfect little spoon cuddle, and curled tail – and maybe some terrier - the playful adventurous nose and the way he plays with toys. If you're interested in Elik, please fill out a pre-adoption application on https://linktr.ee/northernstardogrescue You can see his Facebook bio and more photos here and you don't need an account to do so: https://www.facebook.com/share/52Cy57iGbkexEUUd/

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