Cash (Sweet lil' grump!)

Have you always dreamed of sharing your life with a temperamental yet irresistibly adorable sentient potato? If so, you're in luck! Pal's Place is in the business of making dreams come true and would love to introduce you to Cash! Cash is a senior, curmudgeonly Chihuahua mix seeking new roommates with whom he can spend his golden years. He is estimated to be at least 10 years old and came to us a whopping 21 pounds on legs and a frame built to carry a weight of 11-14 pounds comfortably. His large, expressive eyes tell the story of a little pup who may not have had the easiest time of it the past couple of years. Cash was rescued from an overburdened animal control facility in Kentucky, and he was a pitiful, heartbreaking mess. Almost every single toenail was overgrown and curling back into his feet and paw pads, creating large painful sores. The sores, coupled with his obese frame and severely arthritic knees, made walking very difficult and painful for him. Any small amount of physical exertion made breathing difficult, and he was also suffering from hair loss on his back end and severe dental disease. In short, he was an uncomfortable, miserable little fella. Cash has been in the care of Pal's Place for several weeks now. He's already lost 6 pounds, had his hair loss treated (flea allergy), was neutered, and had his infected teeth thoroughly cleaned and scaled with several extractions. The newfound pep in his step and the little spark now seen in his eyes is evidence he's much more comfortable and feeling better physically. Emotionally, he's also showing promising signs and becoming more trusting of his foster human and less reactive. Cash was not the easiest dude to get along with when he first arrived. He was scared, distrustful, and defensive with his foster mom, and understandably so. He's a resilient, brave, and determined little old man, though, with the grit of a German Shepherd and the heart of a Great Dane, and every day, he gets a little more comfortable and trusting. We are so proud of the strides he's already made. Just a few short weeks after his rescue, he's managed to sneak in some kisses, affection, and engagement between his hunkering down and retreating to his safe space (his kennel) for long periods. He's also graced his foster mom with some smiles, play bows, tail wags, butt wiggles, and brief moments of silliness. He's still quite suspicious of his foster mom most of the day and is still learning to trust and feel safe. These minor signs are hugely encouraging, however, and we look forward to seeing more of Cash's true personality shine as he begins to feel more calm, comfortable, loved, and secure. We really can't blame the little dude for being wary of strangers and sometimes defensive and temperamental with humans he's not very familiar with. Our hearts break for the neglect he's been suffering, but we are committed to finding Cash the most wonderful, patient, and loving home.

Ideal Home

We seek understanding, patient, loving, dog-savvy guardians for Cash. Guardians who are prepared to give Cash all the time he needs to acclimate to a new environment, respect his boundaries and need for space sometimes, and understand that Cash's trust and affection must be earned, not assumed. Most importantly, we seek humans who are eager and committed to providing Cash the safe, comfortable, happy life he's always deserved but most likely never lived and to have him experience the feeling of unconditional love of guardians who have no expectations of him other than him now living his best life. A quiet, respectful adult home is needed; he's not a suitable housemate for children. While slow to trust people, Cash is fantastic with other dogs of all sizes and ages and is much more comfortable and relaxed in the company of his own species at this time. Because of this, we feel Cash should go to a home with at least one other dog to provide comfort, moral support, confidence, and behavior modeling as Cash enters this next phase of his life.

Ongoing Health

His knees are quite arthritic, but he's been started on joint supplements and continuation of his diet/weight loss plan, and light exercise will help him lead a more comfortable life in his senior years. He was recently neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. He's also had a senior blood panel completed, as well as dental cleaning and extractions.

Training & Support

Cash is quiet and well-behaved in the home. He loves his crate and is housebroken. We don't think Cash ever experienced stairs or had to navigate them in his previous life and needed to be carried up and down when he first came to us. He will now walk up stairs slowly and cautiously but is not yet comfortable going down on his own and needs to be carried. The emotional and mental healing Cash will have to do after his ordeal will be a much longer, challenging period than his physical healing.

Application Details:

• Cash's adoption fee is $275. This fee helps cover any necessary medical care to prepare him for adoption. Your donation also helps save other animals like Cash from euthanasia. Pal's Place is a volunteer organization funded entirely by donations and adoption fees. 100% of our fees and donations go directly to the care of our rescued dogs.
• Applications start by contacting us through Wags.
• All of our dogs are in foster homes and can be seen BY APPOINTMENT ONLY after receiving an approved application.
• We cannot place holds on our dogs. Please do not contact us until you are prepared to adopt.

Transporation

Cash is being fostered on Chicago's North Side and can be seen by appointment only after an application has been submitted.