Kiwi Before he found his new, forever home!

Kiwi was impounded at a local animal control shelter because his owners were in trouble with the law. Little did he know, he was about to be in trouble too. He had spent his whole life with the same owners, yet now his life was turned upside down. Cold, shivering, and scared - he sat on a concrete floor in a place that smelled of death and pee; a place where many dogs eat their last meal.

His smell was the only thing intact after 15 years - his sight and hearing long since gone. A compassionate animal control officer immediately put out a plea for Kiwi, knowing his time was limited at the shelter. Once the plea went out, a local Chihuahua lover and rescuer, Leigh Ann Dickey, knew what she had to do. She called the local animal control and agreed to adopt Kiwi.

Not knowing if Kiwi could be placed in to a new home, Ms. Dickey resigned herself to making her home his retirement home. He was not the cutest dog she had ever seen. But, his personality - what a gem! He was spunky. Fiesty. He swaggered when he walked. His bark - raspy, like a cigarette smoker. He was one cool Chihuahua.

That wasn't all. His hairless tail always wagged high. He sported a cute snaggle toothed smile. And his nose, what a nose. After years with no sight or hearing, his smell was all he could rely on. And instinct. He quickly learned how to go in and out the doggie door. He knew where the food and water bowls were. And where to find his bed.

Kiwi improved greatly over the next few months, and Ms. Dickey pondered the thought of adopting him to a new home. Perhaps a pure test of the human race - she listed him for adoption. Besides, despite his looks, there was no reason why he could not be adopted to a new home.

Surprisingly, within days a wonderful lady stepped forward who had a place in her heart for this less than perfect dog. Showing her understanding and compassion for senior pets, she soon adopted Kiwi - the 15 year old, deaf, blind, hairless, toothless wonder dog!

This story is a nice example of how senior pets can enrich our lives. Kilo (fka Kiwi) is now 17 years old and looking and feeling better than ever! Below are pictures from his first trip to the beach with his new mommy! She wrote "THANKS GOD" in the sand for bringing Kilo into her life. We think that says it all!