Still waters run deep.  Good things come in small packages.  These old-fashioned, over-used statements still hold the truth – that is why they have survived for hundreds of years and are still common today.  This is Crystal – and she shows how real both of these clichés can be.

Crystal is a 5 year old chihuahua-dachshund mix (she is a Chiweenie!) who came to us as a stray from Texas.  Crystal is very quiet, very calm – but take a good look at her ragged ears.  This girl has seen a few scuffles in her time and carries the scars!  Whatever dangers she had encountered in her previous life, she has faced them down and survived.  One look into her dark, soulful eyes tells her entire story.

One of those dangers was heartworm.  Crystal tested positive for heartworm & has completed the painful treatments associated with its cure.  You would never know it from her peaceful and demure nature, but this girl has the strength of a warrior inside her!   After going through all of this, she has come to Western New York in search of a forever home.

Crystal’s coat is powdered-sugar-white with cinnamon accents on both her front and back legs.  She also has a big cinnamon raindrop at the base of her tail.  She loves to cuddle with her person and does great with the other dogs in her foster home.  But she also loves her alone time.  Sometimes Crystal sleeps in the big bed with everyone at night…sometimes she sleeps alone in the doggie bed on the floor.  You may find her half-burrowed in the blankets on the couch with her all foster sisters in a big chihuahua pile…or she may be sitting on the back on the couch, watching out the window & standing guard by herself. 

She has a fenced in yard at her foster mom’s house to potty outside, but she also does fabulous walking on a leash & harness.  She is learning potty pads since her foster mom works, but seems to prefer to go outdoors.  Please be patient if there are accidents as she learns a new routine.  She truly wants to please her people and learns very quickly.

She rides well in the car, ever observant and keeping track of where she is.  She doesn’t miss much.  Crystal rarely barks – so when she does speak, you know it is important!  There is no constant yipping with her.  She will make her point and then it is over. 

Crystal doesn’t want to hike.  She doesn’t want to play fetch.  She doesn’t want to run crazy zoomies across the lawn or chase her sisters through the house.  She is mildly interested in her squeaky toys and chew bones.  Her true passion seems to be sitting with her person.  Obviously, she feels safe and protected – but she is also doing the protecting.  Ever vigilant, she gives as well as she gets.  She is right there for the Netflix binge or the tedious online meeting for work.  If whatever you are doing involves sitting or lying down – Crystal is your girl! 

Crystal has not been tested with cats or small children.  Older children who are respectful of her space and her need for “alone time” should do fine with her.

Does this make her sound stuffy & boring?  That is not the case!  Crystal does show excitement - sometimes she even stands up on her hind legs and does a little dance - when her people come home from work and also when it is time to eat.  Which makes perfect sense and shows her priorities are in order:  What can possibly be more exciting than seeing the one you love & having dinner?  Even Winnie the Pooh has a “happy dance” he does when it is time to eat!

Crystal will require monthly heartworm preventative for the rest of her life.  The American Animal Hospital Association places the average cost of preventative for dogs at $5-15 per month, depending upon the choice of medicine.  The heartworm treatment Crystal recently endured cannot be repeated for her again.  If she were to be bit by another mosquito carrying the heartworm parasite, there is no additional treatment available and she would die.  Heartworm prevention is a non-negotiable requirement for the family that chooses to adopt Crystal.   Please note: heartworm can only be transmitted via mosquito bites.  It is perfectly safe for other dogs in the home to have a previously HW+ animal present. 

There is much joy in this little girl, even though she has been through so much in such a short time.  It is bubbling just under the surface and once you have broken through, you can never have enough of it!  You will find yourself looking to her again and again to perk up your mood and show you love without any strings attached.  She is the perfect combination of softness and strength.  

Crystal is spayed, up to date with vaccines, microchipped, flea/worm treated.  Her adoption fee is $350