Warning! Popularity of Chihuahuas to soar

I've been sort of out of the loop lately when it comes to reading other blogs. Sleep deprivation and stress will do that to you. But as you can tell...that's changing and I'm back in the swing of things. I just read the latest post from our sister blog Southbay Pets. Like most of the free world, I can't get away from those billboards and trailers advertising the new Disney movie Beverly Hills Chihuahua. And I couldn't help but think about the fact that when this movie comes out, an unmentionable number of parents will give into their children's demands when they want that Chihuahua for Christmas (or whatever other holiday they celebrate). Remember the consequences animals shelters faced after the release of the 101 Dalmations films? The same could happen with Chihuahuas.

That's why animal advocates pickted the movie's premier last week. First and foremost, protesters brought up the issue of puppy mills and why you should not buy chihuahuas from pet stores. And second of all, families should think hard before getting a particular breed of dog (from a shelter or breed-rescue group I might add).

According to an L.A. Unleashed post, "101 Dalmatians" led to an uptick in Dalmatian ownership. And, according to Kim Sill of Last Chance for Animals, the Taco Bell commercials featuring a Chihuahua helped create a Chihuahua craze. But when people realize the dog may not be right for them or their family --Damaltians are difficult and Chihuahuas are not always great with children --"they get dumped," says Sill.

According to the L.A. Unleashed post several of the Chihuahuas in the film were rescue dogs found in shelters in Los Angeles and Mexico. The lead dog, known in the movie as Papi --the face of the movie on all the posters around town -- was rescued from the Moreno Valley Animal Shelter and lives with his trainer.

The one thing the movie does not address is the issue of spaying and neutering. And with L.A.'s new spay/neuter law going into effect Oct. 1, people who do decide to adopt a chihuahua (or any other breed portrayed in the movie) better know if the breed is right for them as well as the laws associated with getting a new pet.

I noticed that L.A. Unleashed posted some pictures of Chihuahuas that are available at local shelters. Unfortunately I'm unable to post a photo (it won't let me download the photo) but here's a link to a cute Chihuahua that's up for adoption at the West Valley Animal Shelter: Find KC's profile HERE! His ID# is A0979853. Come and get him if you want. I'm sure he'd love to be in a good home. And of course there are plenty of other Chihuahuas up for adoption there.