“Starr”

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Arrived in NZCR care: 4th March 2023

DOB: 02/12/2016 (6 years old)

Sex: Male

Breed: Long Coat Chihuahua x Unknown

De-Sexed: Yes.

Micro-chipped: Yes. 

Registered with NZCAR: Yes.

Vaccinated: Yes.

DogsNZ (NZKC): No 

Council Registered: Yes - Christchurch City Council.

Cat Friendly: Yes - Ignores cats.

Child Friendly: 8 years and older. 

Human Sociable:  See below. 

Dog Sociable: Yes - See below. 

* TBC = "To be confirmed" 

Background: 

Starr's former elderly owners experienced behavioral issues so he was brought into our care to determine the cause. They believe his behavior changed around the time of/after a minor car accident. However, after assessing him alongside a vet and trainer, while he has been in care, it seems that his grumpiness appears to be behavioral and related to being handled too much and not given firm boundaries from a young age, there may also be a cognitive element. 

Starr is currently in a training placement with Steve Kenmare of Tevra Dog Training and Steve's Rottweiler Cash - If looking for a trainer please see: http://www.tevradogtraining.co.nz

Personality:

Starr is a quirky little dog who has undergone quite a journey with our Rescue.

Starr enjoys sunbathing, being by his owners side and playing with his beloved Lambie toy. Recently, since coming into Rescue care, Starr has discovered the thrill of venturing out of the house more and enjoying his short walks. Previously, Starr had limited exposure to the outside world as he lived with two elderly owners. Consequently, it's been crucial to gradually introduce him to new experiences and he is enjoying this!

Starr appreciates being in the presence of people but prefers all affection on his own terms. Starr often initiates back scratches by brushing himself against your feet. But Starr is independent, and anxious about excessive handling, particularly at home,  or in the car. He did resist certain handling routines (such as brushing or putting on a harness) but wears a "house lead" around home for this purpose and has been an Angel when handled by our Groomers.

Starr needs some time to adjust to new routines, with patience and gentle but firm guidance invested in earning his trust. 

While he was not extensively socialized with other dogs previously, Starr has been fine with other dogs. He has met a few Chihuahuas and now lives in a foster home with a Rottweiler. He can be a slow warmer but now even plays tug-of-war with his foster brother! We think Starr would flourish in the company of a similar energy level companion, preferably a calm and older small-medium breed dog. But a young or boisterous dog is not a match for him energy-wise.

We believe Starr would be compatible with dog-confident cats, as so far Starr has showed no interest in them.

Starr needs an owner willing to take on a "true rescue" dog, and who understands dogs and has obedience or dog training knowledge. He will need a firm owner who can establish clear boundaries and training. With rules and guidance, Starr has the potential to blossom into a devoted and content companion.

Starr has also embraced crate training and comfortably sleeps in his crate at night. He can be prone to a tantrum in the morning however (as he guards the crate) and same in the car if he travels crated. Starr behaves remarkably well outside the home. He thrives on the stimulation and distractions of the outside world, welcoming interactions with new people without any issues.

Starr's breeder claims he is a pedigree Chihuahua, but he seems to be a small crossbreed with a long coat that requires regular maintenance by an experienced groomer. He had a grooming session on 30/03/2023 with our groomer, who reported that he behaved well. Starr is groomed about four times per year, and any potential adopter should consider this.

Health:

• Starr's prior medical history shows minor changes related to IVDD,(the most common spinal disease in dogs). Conservative management is recommended for minor cases like Starr.

• Starr also has medial patella luxation (MPL), common in small breeds.  Please read more about this under our "breed info" tab. Starr has benefited from weight loss so much that he is not considered a surgical candidate.

• After a bout of pancreatitis in early August 2023 and a couple of IBD-related flares, Starr underwent a ultrasound of his abdomen and echo-cardiogram on 16/8/2023. The echo confirmed Starr has mitral valve issue with his heart (differs to a murmur). Starr has since been stable and happy after a change in diet paired with his Gabapentin (est 60 caps for $35.30), and a pre-biotic, Fortiflora (Purina) for his gut health ($30.00 per month. 

• Starr can be selective with his food and has an intense chicken allergy. He cannot be fed anything with chicken or traces of chicken, plus he needs a low-fat diet to prevent pancreatitis. At present Starr is fed raw food, a rabbit and hare mix sourced from KURI or Canterbury Pet Foods. 

• Starr will be flea and worm treated every 3 months while in trust care, to be continued by the Adopter. Starr is de-sexed, vaccinated up to date, micro-chipped (with the chip registered with the NZ Companion Animal Register and the local Council) as all of our dogs are.

Help us to Help Starr!

We are very grateful for any donations towards Starr's expenses (ie. vet consults, medications, testing, dog training sessions, food, flea/worming, council registration and any other disposables) New Zealand Chihuahua Rescue is a New Zealand Registered Charity run completely by volunteers. Nobody is paid to participate in our Rescue and 100% of the profits go back into the dogs in our care and community dogs needing assistance. We receive no public funding or grants. Our entire income to assist these dogs is derived from kind donations, sponsorship and fundraising projects. We are always short of money and it impacts how many dogs we can assist as each dog that comes into care needs some form of medical and/or behavioral assistance!

If you could help by donating to  Starr's s cause, all donations, small or large, help us to help him! Please also contact us for a receipt and you can receive 33.33% of your donation back from the IRD.

Donations can be made via: 

The New Zealand Chihuahua Rescue Westpac Trust Account:

03-0823-0074502-000 

Ref: "STARR"

By credit or debit card to our GiveALittle: 

https://givealittle.co.nz/org/nz-chihuahua-rescue-trust

Adopter Requirements:  

PLEASE NOTE: Before applying for our dogs, please do read the above adopter requirements carefully and honestly consider your circumstances to ensure that you do meet these. We are very clear about the homes we are seeking for each particular dog. We set the adopter requirements after consultation with the foster carers and consideration of the dogs, needs, welfare and personality.  

Interested in Starr? Please read Starr's profile in detail and especially his adopter requirements. If you think that you may be a match for Starr, please submit an Adoption Application and let us know why! 

• Starr will need a local (Canterbury) home who have the financial resources and experience in dog training and behavior to take on such a behaviorally and medically complex dog.

• Starr needs a firm owner - someone with dog knowledge and a background in obedience or agility. He requires a firm, calm, pack leader able to work on his training and confidence. Definitely not suitable as a "first time" dog; and (honestly) not suitable for a softie as he needs someone able to implement boundaries.

• Starr needs someone who can spend sufficient time with him. Starr's owners were retired, so he's used to some daytime companionship. Starr needs someone who  works very part-time, is able to take him to a quiet workplace, someone retired but active, or who works from home (permanently). 

• Must have a fully fenced area for toileting, with no holes or gaps he could escape from.  For those living in rural properties: a small fenced in yard would be sufficient, we don't expect that the whole property needs to be entirely fenced (If not sure whether you would quality, please email us!)

• Any kids in the home must be over 8 years old and be doggy knowledgeable

• As noted above, Starr will have regular grooming and medication costs to consider. Some approximate costs being noted under "health".

• Starr would benefit from being in a home with another dog (similar age and energy) fine with small or large breeds.

• Cat tested and ignored them - He is OK for a home with cats that have lived with dogs and are confident around them.
   

Adoption Fee: $350.00 to be paid to the NZCR trust account no. 03-0823-0074502-000

PLEASE NOTE - RE: THE ADOPTION FEES AND TRIALS: Our adoption fees are determined by taking into account age of the dog, overall health and funds expended to date on that particular dog. The trust uses these adoption fee funds on: de-sexing surgery, micro-chip and NZCAR registration, vaccines, Council registration, flea and worm treatments, plus any other essentials dogs require such as specialist medications or food, blood-testing, orthopaedic surgeries etc. and any other dog disposables required for dogs in care. Please note: sorry we do not accept payment plans, as we need to be sure adopters are able to financially support dogs prior to adoption - sorry, no exceptions. Please note: the deposit needs to be made to the trust account prior to the changeover date of the dog going on trial. We do not accept cash payments on the date. The full100% of all adoption fees go towards  the dogs in the care of the Trust.