Vannah

Vannah is a 5-year-old, 22-pound Chihuahua mix with a big personality, a bigger heart, and a loyal streak a mile wide!

Quick Facts:

Name: Vannah
Breed: Chihuahua
Age: 5 years old
Weight: 22 lbs.
House-Trained: Yes
Crate-Trained: No, she doesn’t like being crated
Good with Dogs: Select dogs (she would do best as the only dog in a home but has been ok with more submissive playmates)
Good with Cats: Not tested (but open to a meet and greet)
Good with Kids: Not tested (likely ok with teenagers, but not younger children)
Energy Level: Medium
Fence Required: No
Dog's Location: Knightdale, NC

Medical Notes:
Vannah takes gabapentin daily for pain in her spine due to lumbar spondylosis (arthritis) from a previous back injury. Because of the pain she doesn’t always like to be picked up and may growl to let you know she is uncomfortable or in pain. She is also on Solliquin twice daily.

About Vannah's Breed:

Our best guess is that Vannah is a Chihuahua mixed breed. Chihuahuas are tiny, expressive companion dogs known for their big personalities, deep loyalty, and strong attachment to their favorite humans. They often bond closely with one or two people, enjoying warmth, cuddles, and staying tucked right by their person’s side. While they can be a bit timid or cautious with new people or environments, they flourish with gentle handling, patience, and consistent reassurance.

Their ideal home is one that offers calm routines, soft voices, and a slow, respectful pace. Chihuahuas thrive with families who understand small dog sensitivities, provide plenty of lap time, and keep them safe from rough play or large, overwhelming pets. They do especially well in quieter households, with adults or older children who know how to move gently around tiny dogs.

What to Love about Vannah:

If you've ever dreamed of having a best friend who wants to be involved in every moment of your day, Vannah is ready to apply for the position. From following you from room to room to supervising bathroom breaks, this sweet girl believes that life is simply better when spent together!

Vannah is the perfect combination of independent and devoted. She's not much of a lap dog, but she absolutely wants to be near her people. Whether she's curled up beside you on the couch, perched proudly on the back of it keeping watch, or snoozing in a dog bed near your desk while you work, she's happiest when she's close to her favorite humans. At bedtime, Vannah fully expects to continue her job as your loyal companion by sleeping in bed right next to you.
This food-loving girl is highly motivated by snacks and has an impressive nose for finding them. Garbage cans should be secure, counters should be kept clear, and unattended snacks should be considered fair game in Vannah's world! Fortunately, her love of treats also makes her easy to reward and engage with.

Vannah enjoys walks, loves being outside, and is wonderful on a leash. She would be thrilled to have a fenced yard where she could explore and relax outdoors, although it's not a requirement. She also loves car rides and will happily hop right in, especially if she gets to safely enjoy the breeze with her head out the window.

Vannah is fully potty trained and will even use a potty pad if necessary, though she'd much rather do her business outside. Just don't stand too close behind her because she proudly kicks up her back legs after potty breaks!

While she doesn't enjoy being crated or otherwise restricted, Vannah has excellent house manners and prefers simply staying close to her people. She does experience some separation anxiety, so she's looking for a home where someone is around most of the time. A retired person, work-from-home family, or home with a flexible schedule would be ideal.
She does bark when she’s lonely, so a home without shared walls is best.

Vannah gets along with other dogs as long as they are easygoing and allow her to take the lead. She especially enjoys playing with submissive dogs, but dogs th