Chiquita Chihuahua Rescue

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Chiquita Chihuahua Rescue

Rescue♥Rehab♥Rehome♥Repeat
501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue of small breed do Find us on Petfinder!

Founded in December 2013, Chiquita Chihuahua Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue of small breed dogs from the high kill metropolitan Phoenix shelters. Specializing in Chihuahuas, I also save other small breeds, especially seniors and those with special needs. http://chiquitachihuahuarescue.petfinder.com

11/03/2026

Hope everyone had a safe and fun Halloween- I was a party pooper and stayed home due to the rain with my porch light off, so the dogs and I could have some peace and quiet!

Finally the updates on Maizie and Brother Bear’s vet visits from Friday:

Maizie lost a slight amount of weight and is currently 4.1 #. Since she had a very low dose of a sedative pill prior to the visit, she was able to tolerate a re**al exam and getting her ears cleaned a bit more. She still has the a**l gland abscess that has been reluctant to be cured in spite of 2 types of antibiotics, with treatment spanning a total of 3 weeks. So now Maizie is on Clindamycin, which can attack gram negative organisms in case this is the type of offending microbe. She had her third CBC sent and her platelets have improved; They are half of what they were originally, BUT STILL 600,000: About 4x normal. Dr. Jillson consulted with an internal medicine vet who said to definitely do this 3rd round of antibiotics and then repeat the labs in 2 weeks. We are hoping to get them at least near the normal range so that we could consider her spay and much needed dental surgery. She remains happy, spunky and is eating well.

Brother Bear’s exam was normal, as were all of his blood tests. He has a documented 1/2 pound weight loss. He could look thinner due to aging and losing some of his subcutaneous fat around his eyes and abdomen. He now weighs exactly 10 #. He didn’t need anything else because his vaccines are current. Brother had a dose of his oral sedative the night before and again the morning of his visit so he could tolerate being handled for transport to the vet (Getting picked up and then the horrifying 5 min clear ride to the DMV office) to get examined. This little man did fairly well during this visit, compared to his history of prior incidents

So good news all around. It actually amazes me that Maizie’s little body is working so hard to try and return to normal levels of her clotting factors. She’s definitely a resilient gal.

As always, please consider donating to help reduce the balance on the CCR account at Daisy Mountain Vet. It’s now hovering around $2300.
Options to donate are:
PAYPAL:
Become a monthly donor (Even a small amount from several people can help buy their food or help pay down the vet balance): you can start automated monthly donations via PayPal: [email protected]

Or make a one time donation to the PayPal account.

ZELLE: using phone number 480-299-4349

CHEWY.COM WISHLIST
Search: Chiquita Chihuahua Rescue

DIRECT DONATION TO THE RESCUE ACCOUNT VIA PHONE AT DAISY MOUNTAIN VET HOSPITAL.
Mon - Fri 7:30AM - 6PM : 623-551-8387

Thanks and stay tuned for additional updates.

10/28/2026

In Mexican culture, Día de los Mu***os (Day of the Dead) is a beautiful tradition celebrating the lives of loved ones who have passed.

According to a cherished tradition, our beloved pets are the first spirits to return, on October 27th.

It's a beautiful reminder that love doesn't end when a life does. Though our pets and loved ones may no longer be physically beside us, they are in our hearts forever.

Tonight, light a candle, set out their favorite treat, and remember the unconditional love, joy, and happiness their companionship brought into our lives.

They live on and watch over us from the Rainbow Bridge.

Here are some photos of CCR adoptees and “permanent fosters” who have made their journeys onward over the past couple of years. I am forever grateful to the families that adopted these precious souls and made them such an important part of their lives. May their families always remember the joy and love they shared.

10/26/2026

PET OWNERS: Please make some Halloween preparations to protect your pets!
Halloween is one of my least favorite holidays (Only second to July 4th) due to the stress it can cause for the dogs.
Please take some of these steps suggested by Chewy.com so you and your pet can have a successful, stress free Halloween, and possibly prevent some pets becoming lost as well!
If you are going to welcome trick or treaters (Sorry , this senior introvert does not!) please place a barrier gate several feet INSIDE your front door to prevent any escape artists from
attempting to join in or chase any trick or treaters down the block. Or another alternative is to keep your dog in another room with the door closed and TV on, and provide a relaxing chew toy for additional calming. If kids will be ringing your doorbell, you can consider putting on your dog’s Thundershirt as well. It works well for many situations; For example, a couple of the CCR rescue dogs who are incessant barkers when a “stranger” comes to visit, become calm and quiet when they wear theirs.

Consider checking out our Chewy.com wishlist for Chiquita Chihuahua Rescue. It’s pretty small but includes the items which have the highest need.

Donate using PayPal: [email protected]
You can send a one time or set up a monthly donation.

Zelle donations will be deposited directly into the bank account: 480-299-4349

Daisy Mountain Vet Hospital: Specify the Chiquita Chihuahua Rescue Account:
623-551-8387. Mon- Fri : 7:30 AM - 6 PM

Thanks!
Maizie is due for another follow up visit with labs this week….
Pips has not had any additional seizures so far
And Miriam is still available for adoption!!

My daughter Sarah came and set up some Govee lights in the backyard (Or “Chihuahua playground” and “trail run” as some visitors call it). This has made a huge difference, especially now that it gets dark so early. More walking and playtime is always a good thing! Photos included!!

10/15/2026

For anyone wanting to send donations to CCR using PayPal, get access to the Amazon wishlist etc, click on the “linktree” under the organization info on the FB page. That will bring you to several options to donate. The only exception is the direct donations to the CCR account at Daisy Mountain Vet: Those need to be phoned in to: 623-551-9387.
Thanks!!!!!
Photos of the “golden hour” in Anthem on the north section of Daisy Mountain Drive last evening. Just because it’s not like growing up in the Bronx!!

10/14/2026

I FINALLY have a few moments to update everyone about Maizie…..
Her spay/dental surgeries were cancelled due to her abnormal platelet count: EXTREMELY elevated, ? Etiology. Her 3 infections are ongoing, but somehow she is the perfect tiny senior lady. How is she managing happiness, spunky, entertaining behavior, being perfectly housebroken and the have appetite of a tiny pony when her body is trying to fight her dental and ear infections, and that damn a**l gland abscess? (Which is STILL producing thick yellow and green discharge when I express them!!)
We did send the tick borne disease panel which was all negative. From what I read, I do not see the benefit of performing an abdominal ultrasound.
So today, she went in to get the injectable antibiotic that will continue to working to fight her infections for 2 weeks. Then, we will repeat the CBC which includes platelets and the white blood cell count (Whoch had increased to 30,000 on the 2nd test). If the platelets are improved at that point, easy peasy decision to do her spay and dental and get those ears cleaned out while she is asleep. If they are still elevated and way out of range, Dr Jillson and I will have to discuss if we would risk doing the surgery or not. Again, the risk of surgery with a high platelet count is that this makes her body at high risk of creating blood clots, which can happen even without doing surgery, but greatly increases during and immediately after surgery.
Either way, Maizie will remain with CCR; In the case where we have elect to not do the surgery, she will join the group of permanent residents here. (There are currently 5 others who are in this category).

Tonto is doing OK, not great. I have been continuing the Entyce every couple of days and he still is being an extremely fussy eater. His activity level is near his previous normal levels which has improved.

And because when it rains, it pours…. Pips, the teeny chi with hydrocephalus, had her first witnessed seizure Sunday evening. Thank goodness there has been no recurrence but she is being closely observed. She saw Dr. Jillson today too and had an exam. He most recent bloodwork was normal last January so we didn’t not repeat it today since she appears stable and the no fever and a good appetite. She has been a little quieter the past few days but I understand that our recent drastic fluctuations in barometric pressure can affect dogs with hydrocephalus. (And could possibly be the cause of the seizure she had). There’s also a 12-13 week old chiweenie puppy here temporarily and Pips does not like any change in her routine. She can have a bit of an attitude, or should we just say she is very “sensitive”? LOL. The puppy is flying to Tampa Saturday night the her new mom, Alicia, a previous CCR adopter, who still has our “Pablo Picasso”.

So, asking again for vet donations or items from our CCR list on Amazon or Chewy.com.
These lists have been updated with the highest priority items.

Donations can be phoned into Daisy Mtn Vet:
Mon - Fri 7:30 am - 6 pm:
623-551-8387.

Now enjoy this video showing the spunky and adorable personality of Miss Maizie!!

10/05/2026

Good Afternoon!
Here’s the update promised on Miss Mazie:
She is doing well, eating like a champ and is a happy little gal. The antibiotics are definitely beginning to resolve her a**l gland abscess.
Her spay and dental surgeries are confirmed for this Thursday, 10/8 at Daisy Mtn Vet. She’ll also have all her vaccines and get microchipped, and get her infected ears extensively cleansed while under anesthesia.

Tonto is doing fairly well; However, his appetite is not consistent. I have needed to give him a dose of the appetite stimulant Entyce here and there. On occasion, he is still being finicky about the “presentation” of his food. Sometimes it’s ok on his dish, other times on his blanket. It’s trial and error at mealtime. Other than the feeding issue, he feel pretty good, and is up and about to go potty in the yard or wee pads, and performing his, “ Barking dance “, when he finds it necessary. LOL

Please consider donating in one of 4 ways:
* Amazon wish list
* Chewy wish list
* Donate via Zelle (480-299-4349 or
[email protected]).
* Call Daisy Mountain Vet and make a donation
towards the account balance. Please be
sure to advise the funds are for CCR dogs.
They are open Mon-Fri 7:30 AM- 6PM.

Now that I have 3 seniors who primarily eat the Merrick small plates pate, they need many more cans of the chicken pate. I will have options on both the Chiquita Chihuahua Rescue page on Chewy.com and on the Amazon wishlist. Amazon has the 12 pack at the regular price; However, the Amazon price for the 24 pack just spiked up and is ridiculous !!!! The far better option is to send a Petsmart gift card, listed on the CCR Amazon list (CCR has VIPP status and gets lots of reward points at Petsmart), or log into Chewy.com to order from the CCR wishlist.

Thanks for viewing our post and stay tuned for an update when Mazie returns from her surgeries on Thursday evening!

And remember, Miriam is ready for her forever home! Spread the word!! Send an email to: [email protected] if interested in meeting MiMi.

10/04/2026

Announcing the arrival of Miss Mazie, a senior gal from Yuma who hitched a ride on the rescue van to CCR on Thursday. This super sweet chi weighs a mere 4 pounds, has short legs and has a severely receded /soft lower jaw. Much to my relief, she’s’ an eager eater and even performs a little pre- dinner dance.

She met the gang, had some lunch and then a much needed bath, during which I found a severe ear infection and a stinky behind.

She had a planned visit with Dr. Jillson at Daisy Mountain Vet the same day she arrived.
Miss Mazie has 3 active infections:
Very severe dental decay in her remaining teeth.
An a**l abscess.
And severe bilateral ear infections that had so much thick, black exudate in her inner ca**ls that neither myself nor Dr. Jillson could adequately clean them.
She was placed on twice daily Clavamox to start treating the infections.
Yesterday her blood work came back normal with the exception of very elevated platelets which makes no sense. Doc asked the lab to review the slide again and let her know if this is actually true.

So the plan is spay and dental surgery on Thursday 10/8, in addition to getting everything else taken care of while she is anesthetized:
1. She had no vaccines at all at the shelter so she will need the full complement of these including rabies.
2. Her ear ca**ls will be thoroughly cleaned and retreated.
3. Mazie will be microchipped.

I will make another post on Monday with multiple photos and videos I already took of Mazie. She’s so adorable I find myself whipping out my phone every 5 minutes. LOL

On the day she arrived at the CCR house, she ate every mouthful of her lunch, then asked to come sit up with everyone else on the couch. This tiny lady is a survivor and a treasure!

When I post the additional photos Monday, I will include the contact information for donations to be sent directly to the Chiquita Chihuahua Rescue account at Daisy Mountain Vet. They are closed over the weekend.

And Heeeeerrrrrree’s MAZIE!!

09/30/2026

Good Evening CCR family!
Wow! So far behind on posting about Mister Tonto’s follow up vet appt from about 10 days ago:

Lab work run during our visit showed:
1. Pancreatitis resolved!
2. Bladder tap to check urine still showed
cocci type bacteria under the microscope.
Another course of treatment with a
different antibiotic was started.
3. Kidney blood results improving.
4. Stool culture was negative.

His weight is completely unchanged since this episode of illness began. (However, remember that he has lost just over a pound since last year).

So pretty good news considering Tonto is 14 years old. Dr. Jillson and I decided that whatever he wants to eat, that’s OK. (When I was working as a hospice nurse I had a declining patient ask for a Coca-Cola with her lunch, and the family said, “Oh no! That’s not good for you!” I said, “Listen: She can have a Coke at every meal if she wants and even ice cream more than once a day. It’s OK! “. So sort of the same philosophy as the Tonto: We are not getting too crazy with special diets etc. If he wants boiled chicken, then that’s what he gets. If he decides to eat his Merrick canned Lil Plates chicken pate, fine. If he wants to eat the crumbled up Stella and Chewy’s freeze dried turkey or chicken- OK. Or the FreshPet chicken- you got it! As you can seen, Coca-Cola is not on the canine menu here at CCR, but he can eat whatever good stuff he wants. It’s a bit of a challenge and some meals are time consuming because I am unable to predict which available item he feels like eating, and sometimes I have to offer 2-3 different things until I hit a winner. On occasion, he eats from his “special” small round plate, other times won’t touch plated food, but instead decides that he wants me to make teeny balls of his food and “serve” it on his blanket, a few bites at a time. When you are a 14 year old, 4 pound, very shy CCR chihuahua who isn’t feeling so great, it’s apparent that the dog gets to manipulate his long time caregiver (ME!) to acquiesce to his mealtime quirks. OY VEH!!

Overall, great news as far as I am concerned. Some days I can tell he feels more energetic than others because he will come over by me and do his little barking dance on his hind legs.
Thank goodness the other 5 CCR permanent fosters are doing well.

AND MIRIAM has not been adopted yet! She is about 11 years old, healthy and about 5 pounds. She is spayed, vaccinated, microchipped and had her one last tooth removed. She is completely housebroken and has an unusual cat-like personality. She even sounds like a cat when she wants her breakfast or dinner. Miriam is super easy to have around, as being like a feline-brand of chihuahua, she enjoys her personal space and does her own thing. She has no issues at all with any of the various dog personalities here. Her adoption fee is $250.
Please contact me at [email protected] if you are interested in giving “MiMi” a forever family, or spread the word if you know anyone looking for an easy peasy senior chi to join their family. I will post her photo below.

As always, please consider making a donation to the CCR account at Daisy Mountain Vet. Gomer Pyle, (I will post his photo below too), who was adopted from CCR about 7-8 years ago, has a very generous Mom who paid off the previous large DMV balance the vet practice had allowed us to carry over from 2025. The current balance is solely for the costs incurred due to Tonto’s recent pancreatitis and UTI and is just about $1000. Dr. Jillson and I were very judicious with the testing that was done (and declined) to be able to appropriately care for Tonto but still avoid any necessary expenses.
The office of Daisy Mountain Veterinary Hospital is open Mon- Fri, 7:30 AM- 6 PM:
623-551-8387.

09/18/2026

At Daisy Mountain Vet with Tonto for his follow up appt. Appetite has been very spotty. No vomiting. A few poopies have been extremely stinky and like a flat, soft pancake. So a sample came with us to be tested. He is getting a follow up urinalysis via a bladder tap, blood work to follow up his previously abnormal renal values and we will send his stool sample if they don’t check under the microscope here first. Then Dr. Jillson and I will discuss options and next steps to figure out how we may manage the erratic appetite, poopie issue, and possibly unresolved pancreatitis. Of course, everyone here is loving on him since he lets the techs hold kiss and hug him.
Stay tuned for the plan.
Donations needed for the acct account here PLEASE! You can call Daisy Mtn Vet @: 623-551-8387 Mon- Fri 7:30 am - 6 pm.

Address

Phoenix, AZ

Website

https://linktr.ee/chiquitachihuahuarescue

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