Paulina

My story

Meet Paulina! This adorably spicy chihuahua mix came to the shelter on May 7th, along with her buddy Rosalina, after the pair were found as strays. While Rosalina quickly found a fur-ever home, her nervous little sis Paulina is still waiting. Paulina is estimated to be around 6 years old. While not much is known about her past, we know that Paulina is social with other small and medium dogs, and may enjoy sharing her home with a canine companion! Because Paulina has shown some fear and reactivity in the shelter, she would do best if placed with an experienced rescue partner who can help her decompress and learn to trust again. Paulina is fiercely loyal to those she loves, which sometimes leads her to be overly protective of them and she will need slow introductions to new people in order to ensure she feels safe and comfortable. Paulina is available to approved Love Local rescue partners who can give her the second chance she needs! VIDEOS Paulina explores outside: https://youtube.com/shorts/UpkwYzEJwMM?feature=share Paulina getting pets: https://youtube.com/shorts/zBstyWe_x6c?feature=share Paulina and Peanut Brittle dog meet: https://youtube.com/shorts/MGwyS8Yn97Y?feature=share Paulina guarding her handler: https://youtube.com/shorts/6GfOX7PtxCg?feature=share BEHAVIORAL INFORMATION Per staff 5/7: "Nervous and a little growly." Per finder 5/7: "Friendly." Staff noted on 5/7 during her medical exam: "Allowed check-in, but required a towel and a lot of restraint to keep from moving. But when vaccines where administered she didnt react at all, surprisingly. She's a little feisty girly!" Per staff 5/8: "Attempted to take out Rosalina for a meet with potential adopter but Paulina would not let me get close to Rosalina to leash her. Paulina was barking growling baring teeth at me and when I was close to looping leash over Rosalina, Paulina lunged at me. She is very protective of Rosalina and it makes it difficult to handle either dog with both of them in the same kennel." Per staff 5/13: "Behavior Evaluation 5/13. Known History - found stray with another small dog. Kennel Presentation - In kennel, Paulina barked at me upon approach. When I opened the kennel door and attempted to leash her, she sniffed my hand and then tried to push out of kennel. She again barked and growled, retreating from front of kennel. She then reared up on hind legs to try to shy away from leash several times. Was able to leash her and walk her outside with no issues. Upon return to kennel, she reentered on her own and allowed me to lift the leash off of her without issue. Leash Manners - Paulina walked nicely on her leash with minimal pulling, which was easily managed. Handling - Initially, Paulina was aloof and spent time sniffing outside. Was not interested in approaching me, did not solicit any attention. After approximately 10-15 minutes with her, Paulina began to approach me, give tail wags, and then allowed me to handle her fully with no issues. She even sat in my lap briefly. However, once she began soliciting attention from me, she also displayed protective/guarding behaviors when others would approach her. I had brought her over to another staff member's office, and when they reached out their hand in our direction, Paulina bared teeth and then agressed forward at them, rearing up on her hind legs and giving an air snap. She could have easily made contact with the person if she wanted to, but appeared to be giving them a warning as she did not make contact with them. We tested this behavior several times and got a video of her baring teeth when someone would reach towards me. Very protective of 'her person.' Play/Toys - Did not attempt (was raining outside so spent most of our eval time inside in an office). Color Level & Any Recommendations - Experienced blue due to guarding handler and some moderate difficulty removing from kennel. Does well once she knows someone but needs ample time to warm up prior to handling, is initially very aloof/avoidant. Go slow." MEDICAL INFORMATION Paulina's 5/7 medical intake exam noted her teeth showed heavy tartar and discoloration. Her eyes, ears, and nose were noted to be normal and clear. She appears to be an intact female. She was BAR during the exam.

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