Thank you for visiting my CRT fundraising page! I have been donating to CRT for quite some time now. They are a very respectable organization; one of the few that I know of who will continue to operate even when the funds simply are not there. I bow to them. Through the years, I have been witness to some extremely sad stories with regards to the dear little dogs who are lucky enough to be rescued by them. CRT could do so much more for these damaged and abandoned babies if they had the funding, so I'd like to appeal to you to help me help them to reach even farther with their incredible work.

Chihuahuas can fall prey to a host of diseases that don't typically plague larger dogs, and these conditions can shock new owners quite suddenly, causing them to surrender their new pet without even researching the condition. There is, for example, something called reverse coughing/sneezing, which is caused by the chihuahua's trachea being so thin, it sometimes collapses temporarily if they become excited or play too hard. It is a frightening sound--the dog will honk and look as though they are gasping for air, which they indeed are.  It can be dealt with fairly easily by stopping all play immediately and comforting the dog, blowing air very gently on the dog's face, or distracting the dog by any means possible without causing further excitement. It doesn't usually require surgery or any further care, just knowledge of what to do. Your vet can explain this condition in detail so you know how best to head it off at the pass, so to speak.

Chi's get cold so easily, especially their feet. For heaven's sake, let your little one cuddle with you and keep him/her supplied with plenty of cozy blankets. And while were on the topic of a chi's 'stuff', please make sure that any and all toys are completely safe--no snaps, strings, buttons, or anything else that can get caught in their tiny throats. Make sure snacks are cut up VERY small. Soft is best, but hard is okay if its small enough to safely chew.

When you bathe your chi, make sure to get her warm immediately after the bath. These dogs are so small that their body temperature can drop quickly and they can go into hypothermia very fast. I use a hairdryer on the LOW setting, held back a foot or two, to dry my Bayleigh. I comb her at intervals, and make sure that there is no water in her ears. I use only shampoos that are safe and organic.

Also, chihuahuas tend to be quick on their feet and easily frightened, and they can escape fences or other unsecured areas when spooked. If pursued by a human or animal, they can easily slip into small areas, or get into traffic and get hit by a car. I have found that when a chihuahua gets loose, the best thing to do is stand still and gently tempt him/her back with 'cookie' or any other word that might get them to come for food. They love food, just like any pet would, but my Bayleigh tends to be willing to do almost anything for a 'cookie', meaning, a rice chex cereal or a tiny raw carrot!

Lastly, I keep hearing reports of small dogs being grabbed by coyotes or hawks. Do I need to get into this, really? Don't put your chi out  in the yard alone no matter where you live, but especially if you live in a rural area. Love your baby enough to protect her and keep your commitment to her safety, 'til death do you part.

My point here is, before you go out and purchase one of these adorable dogs becauase they are so baby-cute, research the breed. Understand  the responsibility you are taking on, and make a commitment to be there for your new 'child', 24-7. Too many folks surrender their chihuahuas, not due to the dog being the problem, but the dog parent becoming frustrated at the amount of attention and love that is required, along with the fact that this breed can be stubborn and needs boundaries in order to feel calm and secure in their surroundings. Don't put a chihuahua out in the cold on a tether(a chihuahua can freeze to death in 15 minutes in 32F or below temps!!). Don't forget to watch where you step, and by all means, don't allow a small child to treat your chi as if he/she is a toy to play with.

Love, love is all they need. If, like myself, you are not able to be a foster to one of these adorable babydogs, please consider donating to CRT so that they can do the work that they are so dedicated to doing even when the funds fall far short.

Thank you so much! This website is dedicated to all of the chihuahuas out there who are not as lucky as my little Bayleigh. I wish I could take them all in and end the cruelty and pain they suffer every day.

Blessings To You For Helping,

Autumn xxxxx

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Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!