Anita is a foster parent from a local shelter in Florida who provides specialized care to newborn and disabled dogs. When she learned that a premature Chihuahua named Stuart needed her help, she immediately agreed to adopt him. Unfortunately, Stuart’s mother rejected him because he was smaller than the other puppies.
He was too weak to cling to his mother, so an experienced adoptive mother who cared for him 24 hours a day was his only chance of survival. The moment Anita held Stuart in her arms, she realized how small and fragile he was. His head was about the size of his thumb.
Providing the best care for Stuart
Anita was determined to help this little pup survive. She used a laundry basket to set up her incubator environment. At night, her alarm went off every two hours, and she got up to feed Stuart through a tube.
After he gained weight, Anita began feeding him using a syringe. Stuart gradually became stronger and was able to climb onto the towel inside the incubator.
Anita was relieved to see Stuart’s progress. He proved to be a tough little guy who was full of energy and spunk.
“I mean, a few days before, he didn’t even have the strength to crawl to Mom. He was just very curious and ready to go on whatever adventures life holds for him,” Anita said.
Anita took great care of him. She snuggled with him and showered him with love.
Stuart Makes Great Progress
Since Stuart was still delayed in development, Anita bought him many sensory-type toys. She hoped that they would help him improve his coordination.
The musical mouse became his favorite toy. At first, he didn’t know how to play with the toy, and he would just lie next to it in his doggy bed.
Gradually, he started teething and carrying the musical mouse in his mouth.
Anita loved Stuart’s personality. He was determined and he kept trying harder every time. After a while, he was able to shake the toy and toss it around.
“It was a great way to measure his progress because he grew in size and coordination. We saw that he also has a little feisty side,” said Anita.
Finding His Place Under The Sun
When she saw that the pup was strong and that he could maneuver on his own, she knew that it was time to find him a forever home.
Anita knew that parting with the pup would be hard. Stuart often licked her face, giving her cute little kisses. He brought so much joy and happiness to her home.
Before she took Stuart to meet his new mom, Anita reminded the sweet pup that his new mom, Bridget, would enjoy his kisses, too.
Stuart was excited to meet his forever mom. As soon as she took him in her arms and cuddled him, Stuart melted with love, and Anita was convinced that they would love each other very much.
“Goodbyes are hard, but I think she connected with him in a really deep way. It’s bittersweet, but I had no doubt that she would help him continue to develop into a well-rounded little guy.”
Stuart started a new life with his mom who loved him immensely. The pawdorable Chihuahua enjoys showering her with sweet kisses.
The cute Chihuahua feels happier than ever in his forever home. Anita often posts about his everyday activities on his Instagram account. Stuart loves playing and snuggling with his toys. The musical mouse is still his favorite one, and he loves rumbling with it.
