They are a couple who work against animal cruelty to animals, loving chihuahuas of all shapes and sizes. Rita, a former bookkeeper, now retired. Mayer, a former liquor consultant now retired. Both are now working full time with the rescue of Chihuahua's in need...

Our experiences with Chihuahua's began in the early 1980's when we were asked to take in a tiny scrap of a dog whose mother was a Chihuahua and father, unknown. A jet black scrawny little dog with the most happy disposition, loving everyone who came near him - strangers, family and friends, without showing any signs of favoritism.

This tiny little dog, Sasha One, was destined to live for the very short time of eight months, three of which were with us. However, we believe he had completed his purpose in this life! He had convinced Rita and Mayer that the Chihuahua breed of dog was something very special, and our lives were never to be the same again!

Rita

Reading advertisements and phoning breeders was our next move. Finally a 200 klm trip to the country to a breeder who had little Chihuahua's all over the yard! One little bright eyed chappie crouched in the corner, vigilantly wary, wondering and watching these massive animals check out all his little brothers and sisters! He decided he better tell us off! "woof, grrr, woof" in a miniature bark and growl, up onto his feet and the whole two inches high majestic puppy strode towards us! The most beautiful little fellow, all golden and fluffy, with a white stripe from the crown of his head almost to the tip of his nose, and such a self righteous attitude!

The very first rescue...
The phone call came through. "I have found a little female Chihuahua running loose on the street. We would love to keep her as she is a real little darling, but I am pregnant and due any day now. We think it might not be wise to have a new baby and a new dog coming into the home at the same time."

Despite an empty fuel tank we did not hesitate - just hopped in the car and headed for Mornington. Here we met a really tiny Chihuahua, simply scared almost to death at the sight of strangers! We took this baby home and straight to the Vet to check she was healthy enough to be put with our own Chihuahuas. This little dog sat for a week on the doggy doona, would not play with the others, and only showed some joy when I came near her and picked her up. She would not eat, so followed a period of trying to work out what she would eat! Only chicken fillet - if you don't mind! She would only eat and drink while sitting on my lap, but was not terribly interested in anything else! After a week she was beginning to take the other dog's food which we cooked for the Chihuahuas with beef, vegetables and rise. She decided she would sleep in our bed! She had very obviously been treated as a close companion by someone. Her name was Honey.

There are many satisfactions and heartbreaks but we would not give it away. Chihuahua Rescue to the rescue!  All sorts of people phone to advise us of a 'lost' dog. Home owners who have had an unexpected 'visitor' turn up on their doorstep; elderly persons who have to go into a home; persons who have developed an allergy to their dogs; some council pounds give us a call if a lost dog is not claimed within the 8 days; even owners who cannot handle their dog or simply change their minds about having a Chihuahua. We get referrals from the Chihuahua Club etc as well.

We pick up the dog. We watch the dog for a few hours or days to assess the damage that has been done to the little one, and then we endeavour to treat the problem. We advertise for the owners etc. Each little dog is taken immediately to our Vet to be checked for things like heart problems, heart worms, kennel cough etc. Once we are assured there is nothing to worry about we bring the dog home and let it loose amongst the other dogs.

When we were assessed by the council to run the Chihuahua Rescue they told us we had to build little cages to keep the dogs separated. But no, we told them. This is to be a home situation for all little lost Chihuahuas. They are to be taught immediately to be sociable with the other dogs. Normally we take the new arrival into the back yard on a leash, for it's own protection and to assess the introduction. A few tail sniffs all round and 'hey presto' new dog is accepted, although still alert to any ill feeling from any one of the others! By the second day there are usually no problems.

Mayer

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