Paperclip

Hi I’m clippy welcome to Microsoft word! No don’t worry it’s not THAT clippy meet Paperclip the 8 month old chi cross. This little sweetie came to Maggie’s after turning up as an unchipped stray and no owner to claim him. He’s fast to make friends whether human or dog, big or small. The secret to winning his tiny heart is rubs along the side of his neck, between the eyes and chest (which he will happily sit like a meerkat to present) or really just existing in his proximity.

Like his namesake Paperclip does have a tendency to want to be up in your business at all times but with clear boundaries we think he can improve on his Velcro ways and become a bit more independent (within limits of course he is a chi after all). In foster he has started crate training for bedtime (but would love to sleep with you) and separation from humans.

Toilet training may be a newer concept to him but he is following positive reinforcement direction well in foster and having had the snip marking instincts are going to plummet over the next 4-6 weeks. Paperclip adores soft toys with squeaky insides, he’ll be delighted for hours with a game of fetch using them. Although very dog social while he’s building his trust and bond with you he may bark at strange dogs on leash but will disengage with light redirection.

His favourite place in the world is under your arm with his little head in your lap, extra bonus points if he can also use another’s dogs butt at a cushion.

MY IDEAL HOME: Paperclip arrived knowing a few trick commands, fairly good recall, confident in socialising and walking well on leash so we know he’s an engaged learner. If his home is keen on trick training Paperclip is keen to impress and if there’s doggie company in the home all the better. At first he will need someone who’s around more often then not and able to ease him into alone time before going returning to office hours and most likely will always prefer to not miss his humans 5 days a week. This might be a slower process as he does attach to people quite fast and he’s smart so you need to stand firm but fair on the ground rules from day one. If apartment homes are considering Paperclip be aware that an indoor toilet will be an adjustment for him having become used to free indoor outdoor access in foster via a doggie door but we have no doubt he would learn about that.

MY ENERGY LEVEL: Paperclip is energetic when asked, he loves to explore and play but ultimately he’s invested in whatever you’re doing if it’s a hike or a couch potato day he’ll be with you. His home must be willing to go on daily walks to ensure he keeps physically and mentally stimulated. He is a young gun and has got quite a toned little bod so can be quite active with you if that’s what you like. He loves to play with soft toys and will clown around until he tempts you into games of fetch and play with them. We would class his stamina in line with a terrier or dachshund so a little above your run of the mill Chihuahua.

MY SUITABILITY TO CHILDREN: Paperclip hasn’t met a human he doesn’t like yet, as he is a small guy though so best with kids over 5 to minimise tripping hazards on unsteady feet. Being of solid build we have no worries about him living with kids, he is sturdy, doesn’t show any resource guarding habits and allows handling in all areas of his body plus more people equals more opportunity for cuddles.

MY SUITABILITY TO CATS AND DOGS: Although not essential Paperclip would love a dog companion or two and doesn’t mind if they’re bigger than him, during foster he’s spent time cohabiting with dogs his own size as well as medium breeds. We don’t recommend that he live with large and up breeds though because if any disagreements do occur he definitely would not come out the winner. He is untested with cats in the home but with a safe and managed introduction he could be a good candidate. If you have a feline friend in your home be sure to outline your management/introduction plan in your application.