Askem

My story

Askem is a sensitive and soulful little guy who’s had his world turned upside down recently. At around 25 pounds, he’s on the smaller side — possibly a mix of Heeler and Chihuahua — and combines the sharp intelligence and need for purpose of a working dog with the emotional sensitivity and wariness that can come with tiny-dog genetics. The result? A dog who feels deeply, bonds strongly, and needs a bit of extra support navigating change. Askem was originally adopted from us as a puppy and spent the majority of his life with his first owner, who adored him. They gave him a loving, stable home for nearly two years and had nothing but wonderful things to say about him — affectionate, loyal, and a true companion. Unfortunately, a sudden change in their living situation meant they could no longer care for him. They tried to rehome Askem to a relative, but the match just wasn’t right, and after a short time in that second home, Askem found himself back with us — confused, overwhelmed, and unsure of what was happening. Understandably, he hasn’t adjusted well to the change. He’s a naturally nervous dog, and losing the only home he ever knew has shaken his sense of security. In the short-term home he passed through, Askem was reported to struggle with house training and was defensive with guests. These behaviors aren’t uncommon for dogs dealing with stress and uncertainty — especially those like Askem who are already prone to anxiety. It seems likely that he tried to cope the only way he knew how: by overcompensating with controlling behavior (classic Heeler) and reacting quickly when he felt vulnerable (classic Chihuahua). What Askem needs now is someone who can see past those stress responses and understand what they really mean — a dog who is insecure, not difficult. He would thrive with a confident, patient person who can offer him structure, predictability, and firm-but-kind boundaries. He’s the kind of dog who finds comfort in routine, and who will slowly let his guard down when he knows what to expect and who to trust. Beneath the nerves, Askem is incredibly affectionate. Sit down with him and speak softly, and you’ll see the longing in his eyes — he wants to be close, to crawl into your lap, to melt under your touch. He loves scritches and rubdowns and clearly desires connection. We're giving him the time and space he needs right now to rebuild his confidence, and he's already starting to show those sweet, loyal glimpses of the dog he once was. Askem isn’t a dog for everyone — he needs a calm home, likely without young children, and with someone who’s familiar with shy or reactive dogs. But for the right person, he’ll be a deeply rewarding companion. If you believe that trust is something worth earning, and you're ready to help a dog rediscover what it means to feel safe, Askem just might be waiting for you.

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