Tuesday, January 30, 2024

πŸ• Where does the Chihuahua come from?

"My mission is to rescue. My dream is that one day I won't have to."
- Author Unknown

 
Happy Tuesday! Here's the scoop: 
Did You Know...?
Joke: What do you get when you cross a sheepdog with a jelly?

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)
Jack Russell Becomes Mother to Six Kittens
Teasel is a two-year-old Jack Russell, and she was faced with a big challenge when her owner took in six kittens from a neighbor after their mother abandoned them. Initially, the owner didn't want to let the dog near the tiny kittens, but Teasel kept sniffing and then licking them. Eventually, she was snuggling up to the babies.

Mothering came naturally for Teasel. She even started lactating and feeding the kittens along with the supplemental formula. She has spent three weeks cleaning, cuddling, and nursing these kittens like they were her own. The kittens will soon be heading to loving homes, but it's been wonderful that they've been cared for so well!
Image courtesy of Good News Network
The Origins of the Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are still among the oldest dog breeds and are wildly popular. But where do they come from? There is some debate, but most believe they originated in Mexico with the Mayans and Aztecs. Other theories include possible origins in Egypt, Malta, or even China. 

There is an extinct dog breed called the Techichi. It was slightly larger than the Chihuahua, and they were mute. The Toltecs bred these dogs in the 9th century to help guide their owners to the afterlife when they passed away. When the Aztecs conquered the Toltecs, they believed these dogs had mystical powers. Aztecs are credited with developing a smaller, lighter, spunkier breed known now as the Chihuahua. 

Modern-day Chihuahuas were discovered in South and Central America in the mid-1800s. Its name is from the region of Chihuahua, Mexico. Mexican merchants sold these pups to American tourists to keep as pets. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1904 with two varieties: long and smooth coats. Now, there are different breeds mixed with Chihuahuas, such as a Chiweenie. 

We love these tiny, spirited little pups, and it's incredible how long their history goes back!
Image courtesy of Better Pet
The World's Wealthiest Chihuahua
Gail Posner, an American heiress and socialite, gained notoriety not just for her wealth but also for her deep affection for her Chihuahua named Conchita. Born in 1943, Posner was the daughter of the late Victor Posner, a corporate raider and real estate magnate. Conchita, her cherished Chihuahua, became a symbol of the heiress's extravagant lifestyle.

Posner's love for Conchita knew no bounds. She showered the petite pooch with opulent gifts, including a $15,000 Cartier necklace and a $3 million trust fund, making headlines for her unapologetic pampering of her four-legged companion. Conchita even had a full-time staff attending to her every need, living a life of luxury that most dogs could only dream of.

However, Posner's eccentric devotion to Conchita stirred controversy, particularly within her family. Following Gail Posner's death in 2010, legal battles ensued over her vast estate and the provisions made for Conchita. The heiress's unconventional generosity towards her Chihuahua sparked debates about the ethical treatment of pets and the extent to which they should be considered in matters of inheritance.

Gail Posner's legacy, in part, lies in the extravagant life she provided for Conchita, a Chihuahua who became a symbol of excess and unconventional pet care in the world of the rich and famous.

The Easiest Way To Boost Your Wealth
Feeling lazy but still want to earn some extra cash?

We've done our research and found some unusual (but legit) ways that people can stack their bank accounts without having to leave their house. Some will help you save. Others will help you pad your wallet right away.

If your bank account could use a boost but you don't want to start a second job, then these could be right for you.
Thanks to Finance Buzz for sponsoring The Daily Dig.
Give Your Pup a Hideaway
Many dogs, especially the little breeds we've been sharing with you today, love hiding away and snuggling up in a warm cave. You can make them their own hideaway with this DIY dog tent. Stuff it full of fuzzy blankets and give them a space where they can find some warmth during these frigid winter months.

Dog Tent Tutorial
You'll need: Two yards of tent fabric, one yard of pillow fabric, thin pillow or batting, four ¾" dowel rods that are 32" long, fabric scissors, measuring tape, thread, pins, a sewing machine, and jute string.
  1. Cut four tent panels with five inches at the top, 25 inches tall, and 21 inches wide at the bottom.
  2. Take one panel and fold it in half. Pin two inches from the edge of the fabric.  Trace out an opening. Make it as big as you'd like, but don't go past the pin.
  3. Cut a strip of fabric to hem the opening. You can also hem along the bottom and top of the panel. 
  4. Stitch together the tent panels. If you use fabric that needs to line up, make sure to check the panels before sewing them together.
  5. Place the rods along the seams and pin. Make sure the seam is centered on the outside of the dowel rod. Remove the rod and stitch along the pinned line. 
  6. Slip the rods into the slots and use the jute string to tie them together at the top. Wrap around multiple times to secure.
  7. Optional - Sew a pillow for the tent. You can use the same fabric or something different.
Image courtesy of Wood Shop Diaries
Small But Mighty Therapy Pups
Chihuahuas, often celebrated for their diminutive size and spirited personalities, have found a meaningful role beyond being adorable companions – they are making a positive impact as therapy dogs. These small canines, known for their affectionate nature, are increasingly being recognized for their ability to provide emotional support and comfort to individuals in various therapeutic settings.

The compact size of Chihuahuas makes them well-suited for therapy work, allowing them to easily navigate different environments and interact closely with people of all ages. Their gentle demeanor and natural intuition make them particularly effective in offering emotional support to those dealing with stress, anxiety, or loneliness.

Therapy Chihuahuas visit hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and rehabilitation centers, bringing joy and comfort to patients, students, and residents. The non-judgmental and loving nature of these tiny dogs creates a sense of connection, promoting emotional well-being and reducing feelings of isolation.

Chihuahuas, with their portable and adaptable nature, break down barriers and facilitate communication, creating a positive impact on mental health. As therapy dogs, these pint-sized companions prove that sometimes, the smallest gestures can make the biggest difference in brightening someone's day and contributing to overall emotional healing.
Taking The Next Step With Therapy
The beginning of a new year invigorates people to make positive changes in their lives, but many of us end up feeling frustrated because we can't stick to those changes for more than a few weeks. That's because most resolutions don't stick.

A minor setback can make us feel like we've "failed" at achieving our resolution and cause us to abandon it. We also try to take on too many resolutions at once. And there's often little social support that comes along with our efforts – we feel like we have to achieve our goals by ourselves.

This year, skip the resolutions and do something that can bring about real change in your life – therapy. Whether you want to make specific improvements to your mental health, understand yourself on a deeper level, or adjust some of your habits, therapy can be a way to bring about change
Thanks to BetterHelp for sponsoring The Daily Dig.
A Little Treat:
  • ✅ Did You Know: A "collie-wobble!"
  • 🐢 DOTD: Give your pup the spotlight by submitting them for the dog of the day! This month's theme is dogs in the winter. This could be anything from your pup playing in the snow, to your pup cozily curled up inside. Reply to this email with the best pics of your pooch, a short description, and their name to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.
  • 🐱 Cat of the Day, Bilbo: Meet Bilbo, also known as Mr. Cat, a two-year-old feline bundle of mischief with a...
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