Welcome to the Wednesday Dogs of Dogster! Every Wednesday, we share a story from one of our Dogsters. This week is about Amanda and her sweet Chihuahua, Subi.

It was 2015 when we welcomed our cat, Blue, into our home to join forces with our doting 5-year-old chihuahua Beau. It was then that we thought our little furry family was complete. Beau and Blue—one boy and one girl. They were the perfect pair to balance out my fiance and me. It was giving symmetry and balance.

Subi was an unexpected addition to our clan and presented herself as the puzzle piece we didn’t know was missing until she was right in front of our eyes. More specifically, my eyes. She wasn’t exactly available for adoption when I realized she was more than just a fur-buddy. Our home was softer and calmer in her presence and watching her slowly emerge from her shell was magical. A deep bond was developing, and I felt I had to act on it.

First Impressions

My first encounter with Subi was through a pet-sitting gig. A few years ago, my home transformed into an animal oasis during the weekends. Friday evening through Sunday afternoon I often watched my friend’s pets while they worked, went on holidays, or spent the evening out. Even our casual visitors were encouraged to bring their pets each time they stopped in. Although I only catered to cats and dogs, back then I probably would have taken any animal in. I was a crazy pet lady. Briefly considered sugar gliders, but that’s a story for another time. My home was truly the Wild West, but instead of cattlemen with firearms, it was four-legged scoundrels with collars.

Subi wasn’t as social as the other pets and trust from her wasn’t easily earned. Despite still being quite young, her life journey was turbulent and stability was inconsistent. Subi endured a few home changes, survived an aggressive dog attack, and was wary of humans since she had yet to find one willing to fully invest in her. Behind her timid demeanor was this little eager beaver with happy feet when given extra attention. The warmest of souls with a big heart. I had to know that puppy, and there was only one way to get my foot in the door.

Money (A.K.A Food) Talks

A shared love for chicken and veggies (or anything really) is the catalyst that brought us together. A bite for me, a bite for her. All it took was a little back and forth and bam. I became the snack gal, and she knew who to stick by. I am not endorsing feeding your dog table scraps by any means. However, Subi was very food motivated, and it gave me the in I needed to become a trusted pal. So, I stand by what I did. Don’t judge.

As our time together was fleeting one fateful Sunday afternoon, it was then that I decided to ask if she could stay. Not another day or night but forever. I knew it would only be a matter of time before she was back at my place for another bout of sitting and figured what she needed in this moment was someone to fight for her.

Three Is Company

So, there we were: a new and improved family of five. Beau and Subi became the best of friends. We often referred to them as my shadow gang. It was a never-ending game of follow-the-leader, me at the front of the pack, even if I was making a quick trip to the bathroom or swapping my spot at the kitchen table for the couch. Beau was the best big brother to Subi. He showed her the ropes and taught her how to be confident and comfortable in her fur. Showed the importance of barking at everything and how fun it was to be a dog.

Subi and Blue had trouble forming a concrete bond in the beginning, but now that Beau has passed, they find comfort in each other’s presence. Not besties. Not enemies. They’ve evolved into a different type of shadow gang. Subi and Blue seem to be tethered to me throughout the day, sleeping at my desk or waiting at the door for backyard adventures.

Life’s A Journey

Subi is one of the kindest Chihuahuas I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and I’m so happy to call her a part of our family. The progress she’s made with other animals and humans is inspiring. She’s still a bit skittish and will probably always be driven by food, but she’s content, and I love that for her.

Are you a proud owner of a rescue? If so, we’d love to hear your adoption story!