Chihuahua Overload

In what appears to be a California-only phenomenon, the shelters there are overflowing with chihuahuas. In fact, according to Megan Webb, director of Oakland animal services, "there are so many chihuahuas at shelters in the Oakland area, they have started shipping the dogs out of state."

To what do they owe this plethora of petite pooches? The media of course--in the form of such celebrities as Paris Hilton and Miley Cyrus who have been photographed toting these dogs, usually in designer totes.

It appears that fans have even imitated these celebrities' penchants for owning these tiny dogs and then abandoning them. And to think that imitation in the sincerest form of flattery. Try telling that to those dogs now making their homes in overflowing shelters.

I seem to remember a similar run on Chihuahuas a few years back when the Taco Bell commercials featured a talking version of the pooch. And with that came lots of warnings that, despite their size, Chihuahuas are not pushovers as pets. In fact, they are tiny dogs with a lot of energy and a lot of personality--read big dogs in small dogs clothing--that need everything that all dogs need: food, shelter, exercise, companionship and care.

In other words, this dog is not a fashion accessory. Their size makes them vulnerable to physical injury and in- and over-breeding can cause aggression.

Of course, the grass is always greener. While shelters in California may be overflowing with Chihuahua, the ones in New York would love them. "We never have enough supply for the huge consumer demand for small dogs," notes Gail Buchwald, senior vice-president overseeing the ASPCA adoption center in New York City.

Pet air anyone?