ADOPTED

FRANKLIN

Our dapper little dude, Franklin, is a pistol! This tiny, four pound, five year old Chihuahua was recently dumped by his owners for reasons that clearly indicate human cluelessness. It has been our experience that the Toy Breeds are some of the most misunderstood and mishandled dogs that come our way. Indeed, it takes the pinnacle of human genius to screw up a four pound dog.

Franklin came to us from a high kill animal control facility, in which owner surrendered dogs face the needle 48 hours after intake, unless they attract the attention of a rescue group. Franklin's bum luck in catching the obligatory kennel cough put him on our radar, so we invited the little guy to the country.

The first thing we noticed about Franklin was that he seemed to never have heard the word NO. Discipline was a foreign notion to him, and we were astounded at how quickly he caught on, once the concept was applied consistently. We learned that Franklin had been a birthday gift to his owner, from one of her well meaning friends. It is likely that Franklin's owner was ill prepared for raising a puppy, and missed Franklin's social development cues. Her negligence allowed him to run the show: no doubt Franklin was carried in his own swell purse, dressed in snappy couture.

Small dogs are in dire need of discipline and obedience if they are to live peacefully in a human household. In foster care, Franklin has evolved beautifully, has greatly benefited from the diverse dog pack surrounding him, and has happily acquiesced to his status as low dog on the totem pole.

Franklin has navigated the canine politics in his foster home with ease, and bonded with his new Chihuahua and Min Pin housemates. He's not so crazy about the Malamute, Hawkeye, but he could easily join a multi-small-dog or feline household, with proper introduction.