"Vinnie"
STATUS: Available - Apply now!
Arrived in NZCR care: 24 September 2020.
DOB: Unknown DOB - estimated to be March or April 2020.
Sex: Male.
Breed: Mixed Breed - Chihuahua x Unknown.
De-Sexed: Yes.
Micro-chipped: Yes.
Registered with NZCAR: Yes.
Vaccinated: Yes.
DogsNZ (NZKC): No
Council Registered: Yes - Christchurch City Council (2020/2021 membership).
Cat Friendly: Cat trainable.
Child Friendly: 8 years and older only.
Human Sociable: Yes.
Dog Sociable: Yes.
* TBC = "To be confirmed"
Background:
We have limited information on Vinnie. He was found wandering in Wainoni, Christchurch with no microchip and no owner came forward to collect him. The lovely staff at the Christchurch City Council Animal Shelter have been caring for him and reached out to us to see whether we would be able to assist.
Personality:
Vinnie is simply lovely! He is a very chilled out (easy-going), cuddly, affectionate little dog.
Vinnie is great on the leash when being walked and enjoys getting out and walking. He is a bit unsure in the car, however. Vinnie is not naughty in the car but it is clear he is uncomfortable (ie. he freezes) we think this is due to his vision issues and that travelling may therefore be unsettling for him. Vinnie is best travelled in a crate in the car.
Vinnie has picked up toilet-training very well. His adopter will need to ensure this remains the case with regular trips outside (as he is still just a pup learning his way!) Vinnie is also crate trained, at present he sleeps in a crate, in his foster carers' bedroom. He would also love to sleep on/in the bed, if allowed!
Vinnie is social and great with other dogs of a similar energy level - he loves to play with other dogs or toys. Vinnie would be too much for an older dog and does sometimes get "told off" by older dogs for being too boisterous. We haven't cat or small animal tested Vinnie as yet.
Despite his terrible start to life, Vinnie is just a typical, happy go lucky little puppy most of the time. He is still learning how to be a "good boy" and follow house rules. He needs to be kept busy and have lots of toys around to prevent naughty behaviors (ie. chewing) but he is usually very good. Whomever had him prior put no effort into early puppy training but Vinnie is a very quick learner.
Vinnie is a very active little guy and will need an owner who is able to keep him busy. Vinnie is food motivated and we are working on the basic commands with him at present. Any Adopter should continue this. His injury has not affected his brain - he is clever and learns very fast.
Vinnie is generally great being introduced to new people. Sometimes his sight can make him unsure - he might be a little more quiet around strangers or in new places initially, but quickly warms up and makes himself comfortable.
* More information to be added at a later date - once we get to know Vinnie better.
Health:
Vinnie is a bigger boy! he is around 6kgs and built like a small Staffy or Jack Russell cross. For interests sake, we have conducted a DNA test but don't expect results until the end of the year. It will not change our commitment to Vinnie - we are simply curious as to his genetic make up!
Vinnie is a dog with some special needs. He is mentally very competent (clever in fact!) but has suffered an injury to his brain which affects his vision and at times, his balance. Unfortunately, we believe that someone has intentionally hurt little Vinnie as the scars on the head are not natural. Vinnie has intermittent balance and sight issues (ie. no depth perception.) and tends to "circle" if he's stressed. He takes a little while to learn new environments (ie. stairs etc) but has come a long way.
Vinnie received his preliminary check with our vet on 24/09/2020 and was vaccinated up to date. Our Vet's report in relation to the above issues is as follows:
1. Skull Fracture
There has clearly been a fracture at some point, likely from blunt force trauma to the front part of the skull. There is no movement of any bone fragments that I can feel with him conscious, but there has obviously been some displacement of bone fragments in the past.
2. Neurological issues
Obviously these stem from the skull fracture, but include a head tilt to the left, a slightly high stepping/stilted gait and a reduced menace response in his eyes. I suspect he may have some vision deficits but he can obviously see well enough to navigate around a room without any major difficulty.
3. Skin
Vinnie's skin is at present itchy and reactive. No fleas or flea dirt noted, and no specific redness, hair loss or lesions found. This may be allergy based, so we will need to monitor this once he has settled on a higher quality diet than he is likely used to.
We think Vinnie's head injury has caused damage to his vision and balance but it has NOT affected his intelligence. Vinnie has learnt his name in only a couple of days and also knows "come". Obviously, we cannot tell what the future holds for Vinnie (as we cannot for any of our dogs). We do not know if he will develop any further complications. We have investigated his injury and no further tests / treatments will assist the damage that has been done. At present, he is a happy, otherwise healthy dog.
On 01/10/2020 Vinnie was be de-sexed, received skull x-rays and had a couple of retained baby teeth removed at the same time. The x-rays show that there is still a hole in the left side of his skull (approx. 1cm round). Unfortunately, there is nothing we will be able to do to improve the visual appearance or effects this injury has had on Vinnie’s vision. The good news is – it has not affected his intelligence, he does have a couple of issues with sight (and at times) balance, but is otherwise healthy. He doesn’t require any further treatment for his head wound.
Vinnie was already micro-chipped by the Council and his details added to the NZCAR database. Vinnie has been flea and wormed while in Trust care (we do so every 3 months).
Vinnie is around 5.9kg. He is said to be Chihuahua cross but we have no information as to his exact breed - he is gorgeous nonetheless!
Help us to Help Vinnie!
Vinnie will need a lot of medical assistance going forward. If you could help Vinnie by donating to his cause, small or large, it all helps and we are SO grateful for each one!
Donations can be made via:
The New Zealand Chihuahua Rescue Westpac Trust Account:
03-0823-0074502-000
Ref: "Vinnie"
By credit or debit card to our GiveALittle:
https://givealittle.co.nz/org/nz-chihuahua-rescue-trust
Appeal to the Public for Information:
We ask that if you know Vinnie, or have ANY details of what happened to him PLEASE COME FORWARD. Feel free to email us on contact@nzchihuahuarescue.co.nz and we will ensure your identity is kept private. This is disgusting, this is animal abuse and a re portable offense. We need your help to ensure that no other little dog ever suffers the same fate as Vinnie, or worse.
Adopter Requirements:
- Canterbury-based adopters only, please do not apply from other parts of New Zealand. At present, applications are only open to local adopters so we may assist with his integration.
- Any adopter must have a fully fenced property with fences that are of a decent height, with no holes or gaps.
- Adopter must be part time worker, active but retired, or permanently working (part time hours) from home. No full time workers or those out of the house often. Vinnie is a young dog who needs a lot of time, and energy put into him. He is not suitable for a full time worker, or to be taken to a busy work environment.
- Vinnie would do well with another younger dog. He has a lot of energy and is very dog sociable and loves to play with other dogs. Not suitable as a companion for an older dog (he would just annoy them).
- Adopter with lots of understanding and patience. He would benefit from more training, learning commands etc.
- Vinnie is an energetic dog and will require an Adopter willing to walk him each day and to play with him!
- Vinnie would be a great family dog, but for children over say 8years who have doggy-knowledge.
- We have received inquiries from prospective adopters asking about his long term health. Any Adopter considering Vinnie (or any of our dogs) need to be able to commit to Vinnie regardless of what his future may hold. As noted above, Vinnie's head injury has caused damage to his vision and balance but it has NOT affected his intelligence. Obviously, we cannot tell what the future holds for Vinnie (as we cannot for any of our dogs). We do not know if he will develop any further complications throughout his life (the same as with any of our dogs, hence why we recommend insurance!). However, we have investigated his injury as far as is necessary and no further tests / treatments will assist the damage that has been done. At present, he is a happy, otherwise healthy, normal little dog.
NOTE: Before applying for our dogs, please do read the above adopter requirements and ensure that you meet these. We are very clear about the homes we are seeking. We set the adopter requirements after consultation with the foster carers and consideration of the dogs, needs, welfare and personality. They are strict requirements - no exceptions. Please do not submit an application if you do not meet the above, we will simply respond to confirm the application is declined. Unfortunately, at times this has been the case and we have had to disappoint prospective adopters. This is why we are clear about our requirements prior and note them above.
Adoption Fee:
$400.00
NOTE ON 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: desexing 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, orthopedic 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.