Meet Lexie: The Terrier Chihuahua Mix

There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face. ~Ben Williams

Question is: Was it Lexie who was rescued? Or was it me?

Greetings to you from Lexie, the Terrier Chihuahua mix-breed dog. She came to our family after, we adopted her from the Michigan Humane Society. She was six months old when we got her. Her sisters and brothers had all been adopted as pups, but Lexie was quite shy and needed some fostering to help socialize her. Her foster mom was sad to see this sweet pup go, but Lexie has flourished in our home.

Lexie is a different dog than the one I brought home 2 years ago. Yes, it's been 2 1/2 years since I first invited Lexie to join me in my life.

She is no longer shy, and she loves children! She'll bark when someone comes to the door, but will come to me and relax when I call to her. I call her my door bell. She knows my friends and family and for the most part is excited to see them come visit. When we visit others, it is a highlight of her day.

She loves to walk. That is her favorite thing. Better than treats!

Other than her shedding, she is the perfect dog. I have a iRobot to vacuum every day, so the dog hair problem keeps under control.

Note: Unless otherwise noted, photos in this lens are my own. The image shown here is an electronic drawing of her as she posed for me on the couch. I drew this with Sketchbook Express. This is a new, free, program I acquired for my pc so I could draw electronically. I love it!

This is a very good shot of Lexie. She had a great time going on vacation with me.

Inspired by my favorite dog

Lexie's Walk 

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Lexie, my dog, likes to walk.

We go for one every day.

So I must not stop to talk,

We must proceed on our way.

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Other puppies we may meet.

We are ever so anxious.

We sniff not each others feet.

It's other parts that yank us.

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Little kids think she is sweet,

Because of her tiny size.

They wonder if they can meet,

I ask myself, is it wise?

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She is very insecure,

Though she is getting better.

Of temperament unsure

When strangers reach to pet her.

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Our daily walks keep her sane.

Without them she goes crazy.

And she will drive me insane

If I stay home and be lazy.

Small dogs often have sensitive throats. Lexie's Vet thinks it is a good idea to use a harness instead of attaching the leash to a collar around her neck.

Where will your next dog come from?

Are you a proponent of rescuing dogs from possible death? Adopting a used dog can be very rewarding.

Are you in favor of Breeders? Pet stores? Those puppies look so cute in the store window. The breeders give insight into what the puppy will look like when he is grown. You may be able to meet both the parents.

Which would you choose? Please share your reasons and any comments you may have regarding this choice.

You may end up helping someone else with their decision.

Where will you get your next dog?

Rescue dog adjusts to a new environment

First I want to say that Lexie is a wonderful dog! We had a few challenges when we first brought her home though. One concern I had was about how she acted around children. My granddaughter was 4 years old when I brought Lexie home. When Lexie was around her, Lexie was terrified. Even more terrified than she was of strangers. I kept a close eye on them and taught Gwen how to be gentle with her. Eventually Lexie was able to tolerate Gwen, but I was still cautious. Well, Gwen's mom, my daughter, gave birth to a baby boy. To help my daughter out, Lexie and I took Gwen with us to my cottage for a week. By the time we got back, Gwen and Lexie were best of friends! Gwen was able to carry Lexie around and Lexie no longer minded. Now Lexie gets very excited and happy any time Gwen and her brother come to visit. I cannot take credit for Lexie's change in attitude towards children. I give that credit all to my granddaughter!

The dog I owned before Lexie fell overboard when we were out boating. Luckily he was a strong swimmer and we were able to get him back in the boat. I learned my lesson after that and make sure I have my pets jacketed up.

It took a while for Lexie to adjust to her new home. We had some issues. I dug into the Dog Whisperer books and found that he knows his dogs!

I walk her daily. It is good for both of us!

On walks and at home, I assert myself as the Alpha female.

It works!

I looked on line at the Humane Society's website for a small dog. When the local Petsmart pet supply store held their adoption event, I was pleasantly surprised to find the cute little Lexie still available.

When selecting food for my dog I look for the meat to be the main ingredient. I wanted a food that was readily available in my local market as well as good for my Lexie.

I chose Purina One Chicken and Rice.

Newman's Own Organics Adult Dog Food Formula is another good brand, but I am not able to buy it in the market near my summer cottage.

Little dogs will sometimes have digestive problems, just like us people do.

I buy Lexie these belly bones to aid her digestion.

She likes them because they are a great tasting treat!

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