Chico - Staying With Owner

Name: Chico

Age: Estimated 12 years

Sex: Male (altered)

Breed: Terrier / Chihuahua mix

Location: Fresno, CA area

Vet Info: Chico is confirmed neutered and is next due for his rabies vaccine on 4/9/15.  He is a vaccine reactor and has not been given other vaccines.  Chico has not had a recent heartworm test.  Chico weighs 17 pounds.                      

Owner Info: Chico is an adorable and very sweet little fellow who was saved from the shelter.  Unfortunately, he is not doing well in his home because his owner is gone a lot.  She believes he gets scared.  His owner says that he manages when she's there because he responds to her finger snaps and voice, but when she's not, he's urinating on the furniture and she assumes "he can't get off the couch".  She says that he loves the couch even more than his bed!  She will be getting him diapers and speaking with a vet, but she very much appreciates any help she can get.  She does not want to take him back to the shelter. Chico is an indoor dog with run of the house, he is usually housebroken and leash trained.  He's a smart fellow and knows several commands, including wait, easy, sit, and shake.  Chico is good with both men and women, and he's fine with other dogs unless they get aggressive with him.  He does chase cats, but will stop if he's told, "no!"  Children might be too rough for him.  Chico is not possessive with toys, treats, or food, and has never shown any aggression unless a dog is aggressive towards him. His owner writes that Chico's eyes have an "opaque clear look" and "his back legs don't work well", and she adds, "He's such a sweet dog.  It breaks my heart to give him up.  Please help."

Update 8/27: The vet thinks he sees some, but I don't know.  I've put my fingers close to his eyes and he doesn't blink or move away.  But what do I know.  He's such a sweetie.  I know he'd love a home where they could interact with him more.  I'm just gone too much.  Before he was extremely active and we played ball daily or play tug of war with a stuffed animal.  Now he just lays there.