Quick Facts:
- Breed: Chihuahua / Dachshund mix
- Gender: Male, neutered
- Age: 10-12 year old
- Size: 12 pounds
- Good with…
- Dogs? Yes
- Cats? Unknown
- Kids? 12+ ok
Hello! My name is Finn, and I am a spirited, affectionate, and spunky guy who loves a good cuddle and a blanket.
History and Why I Need a New Awesome Home
I was adopted from the Schuyler County Humane Society in Fall of 2016. I was surrendered there by my previous owner who wasn’t able to financially support me. My new dad adopted me and I moved in with his girlfriend and her mini-poodle and things were really great, we all got along beautifully. After a couple of years, things changed, and then it was just me and my dad, and I really loved that too! We were best pals, and I was totally fine being the only dog in the house.
Then a few years ago, my dad got married and his new wife (who is very nice!) and her two dogs (also very nice!) moved in with us, and for reasons that none of us understand, this change has been tough. I get along just fine with the two new dogs, we don’t play together, but we are friendly and companionable with one another. But I’ve not been very happy being around my new mom, even though she’s a dog-loving, good person. It’s possible that after having had dad’s attention all to myself for the years that it was just me and him, it is just real hard to go back to sharing it.
So, it hasn’t been awesome for some time, but recently mom and dad had a baby and I find having a baby in the house very stressful and upsetting. There is much more chaos and noise, and I (understandably) get way less attention than I ever have. I understand that a baby needs a lot of care, but I’m stressed and unhappy, and jumpy and sad. I don’t understand that babies cannot be jumped on, so I am having to spend a lot more time in my crate so that the baby can stay safe, and usually things get worse when a baby becomes a toddler and can start walking, chasing, and grabbing. I’m already super stressed and unhappy…I shudder to think of how stressed out I will be then.
Personality
I may be 10+ years old, but you wouldn’t know it but for the distinguished silver markings on my face and paws. I can run circles around most dogs no matter what age they are! I have a lot of playful energy and love a good game of tug. But alongside my energy and love for activity, I am also happy to take long naps, and I love being cuddled up with you while you watch TV! I appreciate outings and walks and playtime, but I also love to be mellow and chill at home.
I love people very much! And while I like to be included in things, and I love attention and affection, I am also an independent guy and I enjoy spending time on my own in my crate which is my safe and happy place. Please be sure to have a blanket in there (and one on the couch!) because Dachshunds love to burrow in blankets and that is super true for me!
So, if I’m being honest, I must admit that I am a bit of a rascal in some ways! I am a bit of a thief! I will sneak away with your food if it is left where I can get to it, I might grab your lip balm and hide it in my crate, and pretty much anything is fair game if left in a small waste basket. I appreciate you having a sense of humor about such things, but most important is that you understand that I need to be in a pretty “puppy-proofed” home for my own safety. Stealing chocolate, plastic bags from the trash, or your bottle of medication, just for a few examples, could be deadly for me. I can’t live in a home where folks leave stuff on tables or nightstands or on the floor.
On the positive side, I’m VERY food motivated which makes me a quick study for things you want me to learn, and I am smart! To say “this older dog CAN learn new tricks” is an understatement! I love learning via positive reinforcement! I know how to sit, sit pretty, shake, lay down, and in a feat of self-control, I will wait for you to invite me to start eating my food – even if my drool and quivering enthusiasm betrays me. My nightly greenie (or any dental chew) is one of the top highlights of my life.
Cohabitation
I get along well with adults and older kids, and I am not shy with strangers at all, in fact I really enjoy meeting new people.
I have never had a best-friend dog, but I share space with my dog siblings peacefully and sometimes may even snuggle with them to share warmth.
I haven’t met many cats, but I would likely learn to respect and live with them.
Favorite Activities
- Playing with squeaky soft toys
- Playing tug of war
- Going on walks
- Cuddling on the couch- Making the perfect nest with my blanket
- Sunbathing in the window
- Getting treats of any kind
Medical
I am lucky to be in fantastic health and shape for my age! I have had some issues with itchy skin in the past that my parents tried to solve with the vet. We have had mixed results. It kind of comes and goes, and the vet is still figuring out the best way to treat a flare-up. If you wanted to get me into Cornell for allergy testing, that might be awesome. Anyway, I scratch and groom more than I need to, but part of that might also be my anxiety at present, so hopefully that will calm down a bit once I am in a new home.
My Ideal Home and Summary
I’m a really good little guy who just wants and needs a simple, chill life. I’m pretty low maintenance (other than keeping your home puppy-proofed), and I provide a very high entertainment value – my dad says I have loads of personality and keep him laughing night and day! I like routine and would love a home where things are pretty steady and where big changes aren’t happening regularly. I clearly need a home where there will be no babies or young kids, and if babies or young kids come to visit, you’ll want to watch and monitor me closely, and if I’m seeming stressed, put me in a safe space with a wonderful food stuffed Kong!
I have such a lot of love and laughter to share, please apply for me if I sound like the right kind of pup for you!
I’d make an excellent companion for child-free couples, or single people – or possibly a family with respectful older children. I would make a great apartment dog if that is your thing. I have got a lot of love to give. Will you be my new person?
If you are interested in adopting me, please fill out an online adoption application and live close to Ithaca, Syracuse, Binghamton, Rochester, or Elmira. We do home visits on every applicant, and can’t do home visits where we don’t have local volunteers.
