Description:
Armando is one unique looking guy! He is either a long-haired Chihuahua with little hair or he is a hairless Chinese Crested with extra hair! Actually, this poor little guy has had a tough time. We were called by MaryBeth, the administrator of Seminole County Animal Control, asking if we could take him in. She knew he had little to no chance of being adopted in time there and that we wouldn't euthanize him. Well, golly, how can you say no to Armando? There he was, just seven pounds, ten years old, limited vision, heartworm positive, with a skin condition. I mean, really, the perfect pet! Actually, I am sincere in that. I get all of my plants off the "distressed" cart and all my pets from rescues. There is something especially rewarding in bringing back hope, love and life to something that everyone else has given up on. And Armando is worthy of that effort. He is very sweet, very tender, very loving. He needs someone who will dote on him in his last years. Although heartworm positive, he cannot be given standard treatment because of his size and age but giving him heartworm prevention like Heartguard should eventually kill off the worms in a gentle manner. Really, if you have a tender spot for precious souls, you will fall in love with this little angel. Since he is ten years old, we have qualified Armando for our Seniors for Seniors program. If he is adopted by a senior citizen, his adoption fee will be dropped to just $50.

2/27 Foster Update:
Day #4: "There is something especially rewarding in bringing back hope, love and life to something that everyone else has given up on." And boy oh boy are those words ever so TRUE. I'm having the privilege of fostering this little gem........ Where do I begin to tell you about him. He enjoys his bath and does well with me combing and blow drying him. His skin condition is improving daily. It has been written that Armando has limited vision but this hasn't been apparent to me. He loves his crate and snuggling amongst his blankets. Also enjoys being held...................He is so sweet. More updates to follow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Foster Update 03/11;
(Day # 16) His fur is growing in where there once was none. Does well with my two other small dogs. Armando is a very quiet dog...............not yappy at all. Did I mention, he LOVES to sunbath !!!!!

Foster Update 4/12:
(Day # 48)......Continues to be the perfect house guest!!!!!!

According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, the Chihuahua is the oldest breed on the American continent and the smallest breed in the world. Native to Mexico, nonetheless it seems to have been introduced by the Chinese. It was only brought to Europe at the end of the nineteenth century. The Chihuahua is named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua where he was brought to the rest of the world by travelers. This breed is believed to have been sacred to the Pre-Columbian Indian nations. The Chihuahua is a popular, economical companion dog. Courageous, extremely lively, proud and enterprising, it gives and demands affection. Bold and saucy, it moves swiftly to avoid being stepped on. Chihuahua's are strong-willed, intensely loyal and become very attached to their owners, even to the point of jealousy. They like to lick their owner's faces. It is undeniably suspicious of people except for its owner. When strangers are present, it follows its owner's every move, keeping as close as possible. This breed may snap at teasing children, after all it is too tiny to get away. The Chihuahua must resort to his sharp teeth in self defense. It is not recommended for children. He can be noisy and may require patience to housebreak. Many owners simply paper train this breed. The Chihuahua hates the cold and may shiver, although this may be due to high metabolism as much as temperature or anxiety. It will tolerate and even appreciate a warm sweater on cooler days. They are good little dogs for apartment life. Although it is tempting to carry these dainty creatures about, they will keep fitter if taken for walks. A body harness is safer than a collar.