In honor of Strut Your Mutt, our biggest fundraiser of the year, Nellie is the special dog we interviewed for this month’s blog. Nellie is one of many special pets we have rescued requiring fairly extensive medical care, recovery time and an extra bit of TLC. With this support, our rescue dogs can become healthy and happy — and get a second chance along with a loving forever family. Strut Your Mutt will be virtual again this year, but you can learn about it and donate here. We are grateful for your help. It allows us to continue saving and changing the lives of pets like Nellie!
Nellie, how did SVPP find you?
Let me just start by saying, thank goodness for SVPP! Life isn’t easy for small Min-Pin-Chihuahua alone and on the streets. Everything can seem so big and scary! Luckily for me, an Animal Control Officer from Tri-City Shelter in Fremont found me and carried me to safety. They couldn’t provide all of the care I needed in short order, so SVPP came to my rescue!
I had lots of small issues – and one big one – that needed attention. My skin was rough and flakey, probably from bad (or no!) nutrition. Street scraps and garbage didn’t make my fur shine! I also had an abductive leg that wouldn’t work, even under anesthesia.
After a proper diet, surgery to remove my bad leg, and some fantastic recovery time with the best ever foster family, I am now the happiest pup around and ready to find my forever family!
What makes you special, different, adorable?
I’m a blended dog of brave (I had to be a bit brave to survive), sweet, soft and affectionate. I love to be carried around. I’ll put my paws over your shoulder and wrap my legs around your hand. Do you think being fully house trained makes me adorable? I do!
What are your favorite activities?
I’m the best ever (and I’m serious!) work-from-home companion dog. I’m easy going and (if I can say so myself!) really good company. I can hang out on your lap, cuddle in a dog bed with the perfect blanket, and lay out for long stretches in the warm sun. I have my energetic moments – I’ve been known to love a walk or a hike! I love to communicate! That was almost my major in school! I will talk with you when I need out, when you’re getting ready to feed me or when we are about to go for a walk. I’m also a great co-pilot in the car! I like to look out the window from my own seat and take in the sun and scenery. Road trip!
Do you have any special challenges?
Having three legs isn’t a challenge for me – but a house with stairs would be daunting. My only other challenge is finding the perfect blanket for the perfect cuddle!
Describe your perfect forever family/home for us!
A single-story house – and especially one with lots of sunny spots -- would be bark-worthy! I love a calmer setting...small kids can scare me a bit, but adults suit me perfectly. I can get along with other dogs – but I’ll need a careful, slow introduction that will let me know I’m safe with them. I love family and I’m definitely ready for long-term love!
Karen Zamel is an SVPP communications volunteer and helped Nellie tell her story.