Chit Chat

Updated 4/21/11

“Can we talk?” says Chit Chat.

She wants to update you on her amazing progress!

First of all, the vets think that Miss Chit Chat is younger than we first thought. While a stylish short haircut can often make a lady look more youthful, in this case the severe “summer buzz cut” actually added years. The vets say we can “shave” nearly 3 years off Chit Chat’s official age—she’s likely only about 5 1/2.

Second, the skin issues are going away—the doc was initially concerned about mange, but that’s not it (whew). Instead, Chit Chat was just suffering from fleabite dermatitis that got out of control; shelter conditions and stress didn’t help, and soon she had a bad skin infection. Thank heavens for effective antibiotics and those soothing medicated shampoos, followed by cooling anti-itch powder… “Ahhh, I feel so much better now!” says Chit Chat.

We have learned that Chit Chat just loves children. She gets happy and bouncy and just can’t wait to say hi! She doesn’t jump up, though—and her ladylike behavior extends to:

* Taking treats: She takes them ever so gently and nibbles daintily.
* Dealing with cats: She simply ignores most of them, though “she is really scared of  my neighbor’s huge dominant female cat Isis, but then again, so am I!” says her foster mom.
* Riding in the car: She just lies down and may even take advantage of the opportunity to catch a few winks.
* Fetching: Prances elegantly with her prize!
* Outside behavior: Loves to come outside with you and trot around, but always comes back to check on you.

Chit Chat is a wonderful conversationalist who says it all with just an sympathetic tail wag, a twitch of her expressive ears, and an attentive look from those beautiful brown eyes. She loves to sit outside by the pool at night with her foster dad while he has his end-of-the-day wine and tells her about his work day. They listen to the waterfall and hang out. She has made friends with an elderly neighbor, too; she will sit beside her and let her pet her for hours.

If you are looking for an understanding and gentle friend to share your days, Chit Chat is the Golden for you!

Updated 4/7/11

Our volunteer figured her shelter visit to pretty blonde Chit Chat  would just be something to file in our “withdrawn dogs” file, because: “I am sure she will be reclaimed. She had a nice, new looking collar & she was sweet smelling. Her teeth looked like she had a cleaning not too long ago. She has been recently shaved and she looks like she had some skin issues—maybe that is why she was shaved. She is totally adorable and loving and sweet. I would be shocked if she was not reclaimed. I wanted to bring her home NOW. What a doll baby. She is on the shorter, smaller side.”

But no owner ever turned up—and worries about a possible parvo outbreak in Chit Chat’s shelter wing meant she was released a day early.

A check-up at the vet showed no heartworms, but Chit Chat did have a few ticks and fleas, ear mites, and yes, pretty bad dermatitis on her legs and feet. The vet is still trying to figure out the exact source of the infection, but meanwhile Chit Chat is on antibiotics and medicated shampoos to make her feel better.  “She knows DOWN, SIT, and COME. She jumps up into the van willingly and goes right into the kennel.  Sweet girl.  Pulls like a horse on the leash though! We will work on this.”

Just as soon as we get Chit Chat’s health issues resolved (and we are all hoping that won’t take long), the social Golden will be all ready to move into a new home.