[nancy32163]

In January I will be shopping for a 4-5 pound 8 week old male Chihuahua. It took me 9 months to find our dog Buddy 15 years ago so it's not too early to start looking. My goal is to find one whose temperment is gentle so I can use him for pet therapy at nursing homes and hospitals. Thanks for any information. Nancy

[BamaGirl]

Nancy, PLEASE consider trying to get this puppy from a shelter or rescue group. There are so many breeders raising puppies in horrible conditions and will continue this as long as people support them by purchasing these puppies. I'm sure there will be lots of puppies available from the breeders around Christmas as this is the biggest retail season for the them as lots of people make the mistake of giving puppies as Christmas gifts. From what I read recently, in Orange county alone, 800 dogs a month are euthanized. Something is so wrong with so many dogs being euthanized. Please understand I am not trying to "get in your business" or tell you what to do. I just feel so strongly about this. It sounds like you had a wonderful little Chihuahua just as I did but they may not be the best breed for being friendly with a lot of strangers.
BamaGirl

[GeoGeo]

Well said, Bama Girl. Plus if you get a pet from a shelter or a rescue you don't have to go through all the trouble of raising a puppy. Many dogs are already housebroken, crate-trained, etc. I know of a few people (and I am sure there are many more) who have got their pet from a shelter and turned the pet into a therapy dog. They all take their pets to nursing homes. A very rewarding situation for both the nursing home residents, the pet owner, and the rescued pet.