The Chihuahua Chronicles: Smucker's Stories

Smuckers
While Smuckers may not be famous (yet), her image IS owned by her family and unauthorized use is strongly discouraged. Thank you.

The
Chihuahua Chronicles
(aka "Smucker's Stories")

Finding the Perfect Family

My Name is Smuckers. When you're through laughing at that, you may read the rest of my names, and some of my story. You will come to understand why "Smuckers" fits me perfectly. (waiting politely)

My official name is much more impressive than "Smuckers" -- it is:

HiJos Just Jam'n in Alaska

I was born on March 1, 2000, to the kennel of a very responsible and loving breeder named Joelle. Joelle raised me for about 18 months, trained me to be a lady, and started my obedience and agilty regimen. She has a lot of valuable experience to sharing with my family so they can care for me properly. There are many things prospective dog owners should find out concerning the breeders of their future canine family members. If the breeder isn't breeding and raising puppies with affection and patience, how likely is it those poor puppies will grow up to be loving and socially oriented dogs? You don't have to be half as smart as a Chihuahua to figure that one out.

I am a purebred Long-Haired Chihuahua, and wouldn't be at all surprised to learn that somewhere in my lineage actual royalty is involved. It shines forth in my beauty, charm and intelligence, after all. I have adopted the Dourte Family as my own, and am training them in obedience and agility. They think they're training me, but everyone knows these people had no discipline or decorum before I accepted them! They're quite a funny family! They thought they'd try to rename me something like "Alice" or "Lil' Bit" or even "Lilly", but they found out very quickly that I am sweet and wholesome with fresh, energetic vitality! I enjoy this family and just between us, I love them. Keep it a secret, we can't let them know or they might get uppity. Most humans think only cats know this secret. Chihuahuas know it too. (Chihuahuas know a whole lot more than cats!)

Before choosing a dog from a litter, buyers should spend some time with all of them, if possible, and meet the parents, so determine the health, genetic soundness and disposition of the dogs. They might also notice the surroundings where we are cared for, if they can tear their eyes off us long enough to see a clean, orderly environment geared for canine safety, comfort and happiness. My two littermates, Sibrina and our brother, Wyatt are incredibly beautiful and brilliant, just like me. Joelle made sure we were placed with families who will love and care for us like the precious angels we truly are. In fact, she made certain that the Dourte's wouldn't rather have Sibrina, or even Wyatt as their family members, even though it was plain from the start we were meant to be together. It is important to make sure humans adopting a dog know what they're doing, and Joelle made sure the Dourte's really wanted me. They were very happy to welcome a paper-trained, sociable little princess into their home. (Actually, they were overjoyed, but I pretended not to notice.) Still, I'm pleased that we took the time to make sure our love at first sight wasn't simply a superficial attraction. I met them several times before I decided Joelle could place me with them.

I met the Dourte's on September 30, 2001. They'd seen my ad in the Fairbanks Daily Newsminer, and thought they'd just call and see if they could "look"... Silly humans. I decided the minute I saw them, I'd win their hearts. My new girls, Annie and Emily came with their mother Deb to see us. They sat in the floor and played with us, and Joelle gave them some kibble to treat us with. Wyatt tried and tried to get Annie to want him the most, but I knew she was meant for me. He fell asleep in her lap (MALES! They'll try every trick in the book!) but it didn't work. Sibrina was her usual wonderful self, but I was the shining star, even outdoing adorable little Bailey, our housemate.

It would be a month before I went to the Dourte's home to live, because I was recovering from my "lady's operation" (Responsible owners spay or neuter their beloved pets) and my hair wasn't quite grown back out yet. (If dogs could blush, I would!) Joelle also wanted to make sure I gained weight to be up to five pounds before I left her care. The Dourte's came to visit us several times during the month, and kept up with my progress via e-mail with Joelle. In the meantime, Joelle trained me in some fun agility skills and showed me how to sleep in a people bed, at the same time people are in it! (You know, that has its advantages, try it sometime.)

Finally the day came, November 2, 2001, when I could go to my new home at the Dourte's and meet my house pal Ginger (more on her later!) The events leading up to my move took awhile, and we all had to be patient, but all the important steps were taken, by my breeder and my new family.

What kind of pet(s)s have you had previously? When? Are the pet(s) still with you?
If you have been grieving, are you sure you're ready for a new pet?
Are your plans for the dog? Do you want to show or compete in obedience, conformation, or agility?
Love as a housepet? Train as a hunter or watch dog?
How long will someone be home with the dog to help it adapt to your environment?
Are you prepared to be patient while your new dog adjusts? (occasional "accidents" and all?)
Where will the dog spend most of its time? Indoors? Outdoors? Access to both?
When you're not home, will the dog be tied up outside, loose in a fenced yard or the house, kept in a crate, or otherwise confined?
Do you have a fenced in yard? What kind of fence? How large of an area?
If not, is this something you will consider?
Are you prepared to agree to the terms of the contract including the spay/neuter clause on pet quality puppies?
What do you know about this breed of dog? Are you comfortable with its typical genetic temperament?
Have you considered the costs of feeding, training and medical care?
Do you hope your home is prepared for an additional family member?