In October of 2021, HARTT, a humane animal trapping and rescue organization, received a call about a very untrusting, elusive stray chihuahua in heat that needed to be contained. The dog had taken root under a large, inaccessible garage on private property, to which the owners of had become concerned that the animal would end up pregnant and eventually giving birth there. Seeing the urgency of the situation, HARTT immediately took action to secure this terrified little dog, however, it would turn out to be no easy feat. Weeks would go by, multiple traps and tactics would be deployed, and at some point along the way it became very clear to their team that they were no longer trapping a singular dog.

She was pregnant, and the clock was ticking.

Our rescue had begun following this dog’s story and offered to take this chihuahua in if HARTT was able secure her… we said “if” but we really meant “when” because, if there’s one thing everybody knows about this trapping group, it’s that they don’t quit until the job is done. Do they get discouraged sometimes? Sure. But give up? NO. WAY.

And thank goodness for that because, after TWO MONTHS of undying determination, the efforts of this remarkable team of people had been SUCCESSFUL! The mother-to-be was finally contained and not a moment too soon. Only FOUR DAYS later, she gave birth to five healthy babies in the home of one of our most dedicated foster parents. AND just a few days after that, an overwhelming downpour of rain hit the city of Phoenix… we don’t even want to think about what might have happened if this family hadn’t been rescued in time.

Now (6.5+ weeks later), these babies are just about ready to go home to their forever families! Being the puppies they are, every one of these chiweenies should be considered “high energy” and not suitable for people looking for a “calm” dog to adopt. Additionally, potential adopters should be prepared to teach these puppies everything from A to Z, with an emphasis on potty training, kennel training, and basic social skills. Nestlé, Noodle, North, Nobu, and Nada can go home as soon as February 10th, but we are accepting early applications and holding early meet+greets for those parties seriously interested in adopting. Their mother, Nelly, will be up for adoption in March. Mom is 20 pounds and dad is unknown, so it's impossible to know at this time how big these pups will be as adults!

Please note: socializing dogs, especially young dogs, is critical to their development. Puppies need to have positive experiences with new people, places, sounds, dogs on a WEEKLY basis to ensure they do not grow into insecure, fearful or even aggressive adult dogs. Please consider this when adopting during this pandemic. Socialization is currently more difficult, but it isn't any less important, so please be sure you can fulfill this need in a new dog before committing to adopt.

If you are interested in adopting, please complete an adoption application. Because we are still understaffed due to COVID19, we will only be able to email those applicants that are approved to schedule a meet and greet. Thank you in advance for your understanding if you don't hear back from us regarding your application.