Popping in to show off the new member of my family.
Ozzy, The Prince of F*ckin’ Barkness.
I just call him Oz, Ozzy, Ozzer…
Got from a local shelter on Friday. Found abandoned in the desert, all too common here. There was hundreds of dogs there, all going mental, which wasn’t gonna fly for me and I knew wouldn’t fly with Chief. Then I look up, and see this little guy just sitting proper in the corner staring at me with his wee underbite.
Looked at the tag, they had named him “Frito Puff”…I knew I had to get him out of there, even if just to give him some dignity with a decent name. Frito Puff…christ.
He’s estimated to be about a year and a half, definitely mostly a chihuahua but I suspect some shih tzu in there too.
The first few days were hard. I’ve trained dogs my whole life and I’m pretty damn good with them. However, I have never had a dog that has likely only known abuse, neglect, and ultimately abandonment. I was so exhausted by yesterday morning. It was a big adjustment for all of us.
Then like magic we turned a corner. He’s really picking up on things…rules, boundaries, etc. He was (and still is) absolutely glued to me, but getting a little bit more bold in doing in his own thing. I’m glad he seems to be learning he doesn’t have to be afraid any more. We still have work to do there when it comes to other people (doesn’t get aggressive, just tries to get away and usually hides behind my legs and peeks out), but he’s just the sweetest little guy. Only wants to cuddle. I love hearing his tail beat on the floor when I approach him. Loves to press his nose against mine and hold it there. It’s so obvious he’s never had love and I’m so glad I get to give it to him.
Today I realized that I really couldn’t imagine going back to being without him.
My biggest worry was Chief, who has been an only dog for a long time and can be kinda grouchy with dogs he doesn’t know…especially when they start taking his things, lol. Few scuffles in the first day or so - but all noise, no actual violence. Chief just establishing boundaries. Last night Oz slept in the bed with us for the first time, no problems. He and Chief even played together for the first time today, running up and down the hallway, on and off the bed, top speeds.
This is a family of three now.
Love you, Ozzer.
Thanks for sharing.
I’m so overjoyed you decided to give him a home 
Sending cuddles and belly rubs!
