Laema

Laema | Female | Chihuahua x | 10 years old approx

**SPECIAL NEEDS, LOCAL ADOPTION ONLY**

Dog friendly: yes but quiet, mature dogs only
Cat friendly: unknown but most likely yes - the cat needs to be dog friendly
Kid friendly: yes but older respectful children only
House Trained: yes but orientation assistance to access the yard may be required
Crate trained: yes but not required
Energy level: low to medium
Size: small (<5kg)
Required home environment: low set, no stairs, easy access to yard is essential

We are excited to introduce you to Laema. The meaning of her name is "The Lucky One", but we feel that we are lucky ones to have the opportunity to foster this delightful little old lady.

Laema is deaf and blind, but you wouldn't know it. She has developed her own personal "white cane" - the tips of her ears. When strutting around, she bows her head slightly so that her ears point forward, and the moment they make contact with any obstacle, she deflects and navigates away. It takes her no time at all for her to "map" her house and yard, so after that, she mostly only needs those ears when she decides to have fun exploring.

Laema is fiercely independent and is happiest wandering around the yard or sleeping on the patio. She has trained her carer to not bring her inside too early in the evening. Laema quickly mapped out her carer's yard so she has no trouble navigating from the patio to the yard and back again. Every afternoon she makes her way to the "pooch Al Fresco dining room" at the other end of the yard to enjoy a long nap whilst waiting for dinner to be served.

Laema requires ongoing medication for arthritis to her spine - this will be an ongoing cost of about $5 dollars per week at this stage. In the short time she has been with us, her hind legs have strengthened considerably. She has short wee legs, and her strength and mobility are driven by her strong front legs.

Laema has a huge appetite for such a tiny munchkin. She eats everything put in front of her! Ideally, due to her size and age, she should be fed twice daily - foods such as sardines would be very beneficial to her as well.

Laema is house trained and can go all night without an accident. If she cannot access the yard, she will simply stand to alert you that she would like to be let outside. Laema has full access to the house and yard during the day, and currently sleep inside overnight.

Laema is a gentle, delightful, independent old soul, but she is no lap dog. In saying that though, she adores being cuddled on the floor, the couch and on her carer's bed. She adores being caressed and being brushed.

Laema is well adjusted to her disabilities and does not have the need for her humans to be at home a lot. She especially loves the company of her 35kg foster brother who is always close by. This little dear deserves the best of homes to live out her twilight years.

Laema is $200 to adopt and comes microchipped, C5 vaccinated, heartworm tested (negative) and given flea/tick/worm prevention.
Because of Laema's disabilities and age, in consultation with our Vet, we have chosen not to have her desexed.

If you would like to meet Laema, please email adopt@nqar.org.au