Most of you all know I lost my beloved little chihuahua, Kilo, a while ago.
Normally, when someone loses a fur baby, I suggest they wait a while before getting another one. This is because many times, in the midst of our grief, we are looking for a replacement for the dog we lost.
Every dog is different, and one dog cannot replace another. They all have their own little personalities and quirks. It isn’t fair to the new dog to have to step into the shoes of the deceased dog. I wrote about this here: Grieving Over the Loss of a Pet.
Anyway, I have a confession to make. I didn’t wait even a full two weeks before getting another chihuahua. What can I say? I’m totally addicted to this breed.
How I Found Lucas
I decided a week after losing Kilo that I would keep my eyes open for a chihuahua needing a home, but wouldn’t go out of my way to search for one. A friend told me she saw a few listed on Craigslist that I should check them out, so I did. That’s how I found Lucas.
Lucas’s Story
Lucas is 2 but almost 3. He is 5 pounds and isn’t a full chihuahua. I was told he may have some Welsh terrier in him, but I don’t see it. What does he look like to you?
He actually is a wire-haired chi but has a summer cut right now. He has a very sweet temperament and isn’t aggressive at all, although he is shy around strangers. He’s just a little love bug. He loves attention and being held.
Lucas came from a rescue in Georgia from a hoarding situation. His daddy adopted him, and they lived in Atlanta until his daddy was transferred to Virginia. His adopted dad is staying temporarily with his mother, but will be moving to another area soon, and will not be allowed to have a pet where he is going. He couldn’t let Lucas stay with his mother because his mother has a Yorkie who is aggressive towards Lucas. So, as hard as it was for him to do, he had to find a new home for Lucas.
Lucas’s dad is a very nice young man named Jay, and I could tell he adored this little dog, and the feeling was mutual. It was heartbreaking to have to separate them. I worried that Lucas would have a hard time adjusting.
Jay said that Lucas was afraid of big dogs, and I have 2 big dogs. I knew my dogs would be fine with Lucas, and after the initial curiosity of checking him out, would probably just ignore him. But would Lucas be able to adjust to being around them? And how would he do in a completely different environment?
There is always an adjustment period whenever you bring in a new pet for both the pet and the other people and animals in the home, so I expected some problems and issues with this little guy.
I have to say, though, that Lucas has totally surprised me with how well he has adjusted. He gets along well with the big dogs, and they seem to genuinely like him. He goes right to sleep by me in my bed at night. He likes everyone in my family, including my two grandkids, and they love him too. And even though he has lots of energy being so young, when I’m working in my office, he can often be found sleeping in his little bed by my feet.
Speaking of energy, wow, this little guy has plenty of it. I’m so used to elderly dogs who sleep most of the time; it is very different having this little bundle of joy around. I do take him for a walk every evening and have some playtime with him in the backyard every day. But I think I’m going to have to break out my old indoor games to play with dogs article to find some things to do with him while inside. If you have an energetic dog, tell me what your favorite playtime thing to do with them is?
My precious Kilo will always have a piece of my heart. She’s the one who showed me just how wonderful this breed is. Lucas can never replace her, but he will have his own place in my heart. I’m already in love with this little boy!
Cathy Bendzunas
Pet Blogger
I’m so happy for you that you and Lucas found each other ❤️
Thank you Starr!
So happy for you Cathy! You are so lucky to have found each other. He is adorable and looks full chi to me. I have never seen a long haired chi cut so short, he looks very cute. When you take to groomers do you just ask for summer cut and the groomer knows what to do? I would like to get my Mac a haircut like that for summer as he is so hot and profusel shedding. Appreciate your advice. And congratulations!
I actually didn’t get him groomed Tina, his dad did. But when I was a groomer, most people would ask that their dog be groomed shorter for summer and we knew what to do. We usually used a number 4 or 5 blade which won’t leave their coat too short.
Hi Cathy, My chi, Kai, Wasn’t really getting the hang of toilet-training so my mum started keeping him outside and in the pen (with my other 2 big dogs) so there was no more problems with potty, my mum was getting really annoyed because we was shedding everywhere (he’s a longhair) and pooping all over the house so she thought putting him outside was the best thing to do. Im not sure that was a good idea, What do you think?
You are right. It isn’t a good idea. Chihuahuas are indoor dogs and do not do well outside.
House training takes time and consistency. You might want to get a doggy playpen for him with a puppy pad on it when you can’t be watching him.
We do have an article on house training if you want to check it out: https://ilovemychi.com/housetraining-your-chihuahua/
so happy for you! And Lucas! May he have a long life and bring you much joy! (and vice versa!) BLESSINGS AND JOY
Thank you Janice!
Cathy, I think Kilo would be happy that you’re helping out another poor pup. Grief is necessary and has to be worked through, but grief can also be selfish. I’m glad you decided to rescue another. Of course you’ll never forget Kilo–neither will we!
Now, I’d say Lucas is a Chihuahua/Min Pin. Just a thought. Welcome, Lucas!!
Thank you Mary. Yes, he does look like he has some min-pin in him. More than the welsh terrier for sure.
He is beautiful, congratulations!
Thank you Theresa! I agree, he is beautiful!
So Happy for you Cathy. He’s CUTE ! I love the shape of his face.
Thanks Erich! I love his face shape too.
I’m so happy you have another baby to love Kilo would be happy
It sounds like you both came together at the right time. So glad you found each other ?
Thank you Christina! I’m glad we found each other too. He’s the perfect fit for my little family.
Thank you Shirley. I hope she would be happy, but knowing Kilo, she would be terribly jealous.
It’s a perfect match that Kilo probably had something to do with. Enjoy your special new life together. Bless all three of you!
Thank you Cynthia!
I am so sorry to hear about Kilo, she was your darling! Now Lucas needs you, and there you are. It’s a beautiful thing too.
Thank you Margot! Yes Kilo was my darling and always will be.
Cathy I’m so happy for you and Lucas, he’s your new pride and joy.
Thanks Sandra!
Congrats on finding new love with another chi. I know it’s hard to let go one but kilo will always be in your heart. I thank God I have buddy to help me heal after losing MOJO. God bless you both and may you have many new memories to share.
thank you Deborah!
Oh, Lucas is so beautiful, what a sweet little Chi………..Congratulations on finding the perfect fur ever baby! I think his hair looks like there could be some terrier in him. I am so happy for both of you!
Thanks Dixie!
So very happy for you both…Lucas is not
filling Kilos puppy shoes he’s helping you get through a grieving period. Look at it this way Lucas and you needed each other….much happiness with your fur baby.
I agree Andrea, We do need each other!
??? I am so happy for you and Lucas!! I agree that people should wait a while to bring a new pet in after the loss of one but sometimes life has other ideas. Good luck with your new fur baby and let us know how he is doing. ???
Thanks Donna, I will keep yall updated. I’m sure Lucas will be the focus of a lot of posts.
Hi Cathy, so sorry about Kilo and she will always own your heart! However it took me six years to realize the ache in my heart needed mending when we lost our beautiful 15 year old kitty Tippy! I took one look at our sweet baby chihuahuaBella and knew she was mine when I looked into her beautiful brown doe eyes! If you had not been ready and needing the love of a new fur baby you never would have found Lucas! We both know he will never replace kilo but his sweet nature and love will help you heal! Loving thoughts always, Judy
Good insights Judy. Thanks!
AWWWWW SO CUTE. Glad u found him. SORRY ABOUT kilo.
Hi Cathy, I am ssoo happy for u that u and Lucas have found each other. It must hav ment to be that u 2 r together. He is beautiful and I am sure u will love him as much as Kilo. But in a different way just for him. Xx
Thanks Wendy!
Awwww good for you Cathy! Lucas is adorable!!! Chis are a wonderful breed and once you’ve had one, you can’t live without one!!! Enjoy him!!!
I totally agree Diane.