Thursday, March 31, 2011

Introducing Missy: Small But Mighty

Missy is a ten month old Schipperke/Chihuahua mix that was an owner turn-in at a local shelter. The All Paws volunteer who pulled her took her home to foster and got her all ready to be adopted. But there was a problem. Missy may only weigh eight pounds, but in her mind, she's a Big Dog. And she didn't do well with the other small dog that was in her foster home. Because after all, as the Big Dog in the house, she was sure she would be in charge, and when the small dog didn't agree, there were issues. So it was suggested that perhaps she would be better off in a different foster home, where she could no longer beat up on tiny toy poodles. This is how I came to foster Missy.


It's pretty obvious around here that although Remi weighs over twenty times more than Missy, he is not in charge. Although to be fair, Missy is also not in charge. In our house, we have a hierarchial relationship that looks like this:

clipart representing all the pets and me with arrows pointed every which way
I think it's obvious from reading this chart that I am very good at wasting time that could be spent on more important things like fixing up the house. It's also obvious that I need to spend more time learning the definition of a hierarchial relationship.  But the point is that the size of the dog or cat does not matter in the least. Tigger is my newest foster cat, and he is in charge of Missy. Granted, Tigger is larger than Missy. But Missy is in charge of Remi, and she is definitely not larger than Remi.

Remi laying on the floor nose to nose with Missy who is standing up

Never mind that one swipe of his giant paw could flatten her.
Remi swiping at Missy with his giant paw

Missy is fast - she can run circles around Remi!
Remi laying on the floor and Missy running around him


One thing that both Missy and Remi have in common, is they both think that no matter their size, they are cuddly lap dogs. Whether you want to cuddle or not - if you sit on a couch in my house, you must be prepared for this:
Man on couch with Remi laying on couch next to him with his head on the man's lap and Missy curled up on the other side on the man's lap
My dad, wishing the dogs understood the concept of personal space.
Missy is turning out to be a perfect foster dog, and surprisingly, a great playmate for Noelle (when she visits) and Remi (when he manages to wake up from a nap).  She will probably be adopted quickly but I'm enjoying every minute I have with her.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your chart. It was Most Helpful explaining everything.

Brudder Ranger and Missy have a lot in common. He thinks he's a big dog and is in charge of everybuddy, too.

My paws are crossed that Missy finds her Most Perfect Home That Ever Was very, very soon!

Wiggles & Wags,
Mayzie

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

The CHART was most.... ummmmm
entertaining. hehehe

brooke said...

I was trying to read the chart and go confused, so instead I just admired your artwork. heheheeh
Missy sounds like a lot of fun! I like little dogs that aren't afraid of big dogs like Remi!

Cyndi and Stumpy said...

The chart was perfect! I'm sure it's everybit as confusing , in real life, as it is on the chart. Missy and Noelle are adorable, together!

JacksDad said...

Surely you have room for one more at your home!! :)

Cupcake said...

Well, well, well. Looks like you are turning into a small dog lover. Try to deny it! You can't. Yea, pretty soon you will be buying a dog stroller for your little fosters and pushing them around the mall. Don't worry, when it gets to that point, you don't even care what other people think. Even when they walk by and snicker at you. Yes, I have my big german shepherd but I also have Princess the chihuahua so I know of what I speak.

Unknown said...

LOL it took me 5 mins to figure out your chart. Missy sounds alot like Sophie, although lucky for us Sophie is only bossy at home.

Tucker The Crestie said...

Missy is absolutely adorable! I'm sure she'll find a wonderful home very soon.

Texas The Doxie said...

LOL! I love that chart! hah

Kari in Alaska said...

Your chart made us laugh :)

Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com

JulieB said...

She is so cute and tiny - loved the chart too! ;) When will we get to hear more about Tigger? He sounds like a character.