"Narla"

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Overview:

• Arrived in NZCR care: 25/10/2024
• Date of Birth: 12/02/2020 
• Gender: Female
• Breed: Chihuahua - Smooth Coat
• De-Sexed: Yes.
• Micro-chipped: Yes. 
• Registered with NZCAR: Yes.
• Vaccinated:  Yes.
• DogsNZ (NZKC): No
• Council Registered: Yes - Christchurch City Council.
• Cat Friendly: Unknown. Has not been tested.
• Child Friendly: 6 years and older.
• Human Sociable: Yes (but note comments - see below)
• Dog Sociable: Small dogs only (also note comments below)
• TBC = "To be confirmed" 

Background:

• Narla came into care with Joey and their three daughters, Gwen, Lucky and Poppy. Each dog is with a separate foster parent and we anticipate they will be adopted individually (at this stage).

• Narla's former owner described her as: “Narla is an extremely shy girl but absolutely loves being treated like a baby. She is very cheeky and loves to sleep on your shoulder. Depends on the dog she’s meeting but generally very social. We took Narla off a family member as she was scared of the bigger breed in the home.

• Each dog will spend time settling into foster care before seeing our vet for any necessary treatment. While in our care, we continue to update their profiles with details on their health, behavior needs, and quirks. Foster parents observe the dogs to assess behavior and training needs, which helps determine their adopter requirements. Profiles are updated regularly, so if you're interested in a dog, please check back for "available for adoption" status and apply only if you can meet their requirements.

Personality:

• Narla's foster mum says, “Narla is very, very sweet and will be your little shadow! There was  some nipping at the vet, when she was really scared and overwhelmed. When the vet was attempting (intr-nasal) vaccinations. This was the very first and only time that I've seen any such behaviour.” 

• Narla can be possessive of her human (she growls a little while on your lap but very obedient as she stops when she is told “no.”) This must be reinforced at her new home or could develop into a serious behavioural issue developing.

• Narla's foster parents think she would benefit from a doggy companion in the home. A small breed dog who is not possessive or dominant, low to medium energy (that will help her remain comfortable - if she needs to be left home alone for a short period of time) Narla has always had doggy-company around her. All 5 dogs have lived in a home with six children and a large breed dog. They've not been tested with cats or lived with any at their prior home. Narla is being fostered witth two other chihuahuas in the home.

• Narla doesn't seem to be interested in playing with other dogs or toys. Gaining attention from humans is more important for her. For this reason, she wouldnt suit a puppy or playful dog as a companion. She just needs doggy company not a playmate.

• Narla's foster mum feels that, after adjusting to her new home and family, Narla  would be fine to be brought to the workplace if it's not busy or noisy.

• Narla could do with some work on her confidence around new people and when socializing with other dogs. Her foster mum says, "Narla is very clever and responds to my training very well. She does react to other dogs on the walk, but I can get her attention back with some treats.

In terms of Narla’s behaviour her foster parents have noted the following that: 

• Narla was wary and hesitant to walk outside the house on a leash initially - but now she walks great on the lead and loves it!
• Narla doesn't like loud noises, she is very nervous with strangers approaching her and loud places or noises while enjoying walks (like cars passing by)  
• When strangers come to the home initially she is unsure of the visitors but warms up slowly and loves pats! 
• Narla can be timid and unsure initially, but she loves people, so if not overwhelmed and allowed to warm up in her own time, she will soon be your best friend! Narla loves cuddles and pats.
• Narla sleeps through the night in the crate without a problem.

• As with many rescue dogs, Poppy, Narla, Gwen and Lucky can display some possessiveness around food, toys, space, or people—especially if feeling uncertain or overstimulated. This is manageable with clear boundaries, ongoing training, and consistent structure. Any existing dogs in the home should be well-socialised and not reactive to resource guarding behaviours. We recommend supervised interactions, crated  mealtimes to prevent disputes or when high-value items are around (ie. treats) while she continues to build trust and security in her new environment. They have come along way in care with socialisation and training and we want to ensure they only continue to improve.

Health: 

• Narla had her vet check and assessment on 30/10/2024 where she was also vaccinated up to date. The vet has confirmed that her overall health - her eyes, heart and teeth are all great.

• Narla has grade 3 luxating patellas on both sides. But given she is still active and has no signs of pain, she doesn't require any surgery at present. It will be crucial to maintain her weight and keep and eye on these – physio would also be a great option to strengthen her legs overall.

• When she came into care, Narla had some itchy skin underneath her which is darker in colour. The vet anticipates this to be a food allergy from the previous diet and have began treating with Apoquel and a change in her diet – which seems to be working.

• Note: All dogs from NZCR are adopted only after being medically cleared by our vet, desexed, vaccinated, microchipped (registered with the NZ Companion Animal Register and local Council), and treated for fleas and worms.

Adopter Requirements: 

Note: Before applying to adopt, please ensure you meet the adopter requirements listed above. These guidelines are set with the dogs' needs in mind, based on input from foster carers. If you do not meet these requirements, your application will be declined as there are no exceptions. Please review the criteria carefully. Thank you! 

• While local Canterbury-based applications are preferable, Narla may be a candidate for an out-of-town adoption, provided their adopter meets all of the below requirements and can travel to Christchurch to meet Narla and her foster family his is non-negotiable—please do not inquire about exceptions. If you cannot meet this requirement, we suggest you will need to contact your local dog rescues instead as there will be plenty of local dogs needing homes there too!

• Narla needs an owner with plenty of weekday availability as she likes to be close to her person. Narla is not suitable for full-time (out-of-home) workers. Narla can be left alone for short periods if her owner works part-time. Narla is an ideal companion for someone who works from home or is retired due to her quiet nature.

• Narla’s adopter will need a secure home. This includes a fenced in area with NO holes or gaps for toileting. This includes rural properties. You must at least have a fenced in, safe backyard to ensure she/he cannot escape (especially earlier on in the trial).

• Any kids in the home must be over 6-7 years old and be doggy knowledgeable (so as not to overwhelm her). Narla has lived with children prior.

• Narla would be OK as a solo dog. But ideally with atleast one other small breed dog in the home. Please note: the match in personalities will be important. Narla needs a companion who isn’t possessive and very tolerant. While she coexists with other Chihuahuas, she shows little interaction and can be possessive of her owner’s lap and food. This behaviour is being addressed in foster care and will require ongoing commitment.

• Narla has not been cat-tested. However, we would consider a home with dog-savvy cats that are experienced with living alongside dogs. Please carefully assess whether your cat would adapt well to sharing their home with a dog.

• Narla requires an experienced dog owner who is confident managing her possessiveness and committed to ongoing training with this.  Narla needs ongoing socialization and training. You may wish to consider engaging a trainer to assist if desired.

Adoption Fee: $600.00 to be paid to the NZCR trust account no. 03-0823-0074502-000 

Note: Our adoption fees reflect the dog’s age, health, and care needs. They cover microchipping (NZCAR registration), vaccinations, de-sexing, current-year council registration, and any necessary treatments, including flea/worm treatments, medications, surgeries (e.g., dental), and food. Payment plans are not available, as adopters must show financial readiness for the expense that comes with pet ownership. Click below for more details on our adoption process.