Adopt: Sugar the Cuddly Chihuahua

By Alyssa Schor

Sugar has one purpose in life: “to love her human.”

“She can't fight off any burglars, or pull you from a burning house, or call for help if you fall down a well,” said Nico Pandi, who’s been fostering the Chihuahua since February, “but she will give you her full and unconditional love beyond any other dog.”

She’s happiest when sleeping on someone’s lap while a person reads a book or uses the computer. If someone goes outside, rides in a car or naps on the couch, Sugar wants to join.

“If you get up and leave the room, she will follow close behind to ensure a moment doesn't go by that she's not with you,” Nico said.

Sugar was first rescued from Smyth County, Va. in November 2014. Nico was originally supposed to foster another dog, but that dog got sick shortly before the transport. He was happy to foster Sugar instead.

Nico’s had other foster dogs. He describes his experience with Sugar as “fantastamazing.”

“There isn't a word in the English language that fully encapsulates the experience of fostering Sugar,” he said.

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In December, Sugar was adopted. But it didn’t work out with the children in the family, so she was returned a couple months later.

“She doesn't like a lot of action, so hyper or overly-playful dogs or small children will disturb her,” Nico said.

Sugar enjoys peanut butter, walks, belly scratches and being cute. Nico said he likes how she stands up on her hind legs when she wants to be picked up, and how she rolls onto her back when she wants a tummy rub.

What really stands out about Sugar, Nico said, is how she sticks her “silly” tongue out the side of her mouth.

“People who meet her for the first time can't help but laugh when they see it,” Nico said. “Even though I've had her for months and see it on a daily basis, I still smile when I look at her while she is sleeping and see the tongue sticking out.” 

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In addition to taking Sugar to numerous CDR adoption events, Nico also tries to bring her outdoors, or to anywhere he goes that might be pet-friendly.

“I put her little pink 'adopt me' bandana on and bring a small stack of CDR business cards to hand out to people who mentioned how cute she is - and there inevitably are a bunch of those,” he said.

Nico also reaches out to his friends and colleagues, hoping he will hear of someone interested in adopting a dog.

“Even if they don't want Sugar specifically, I am happy to introduce CDR to them with the hope that another dog can be rescued,” he said.

Alexis Segal was a temporary foster for Sugar during the second week of June 2015. She said once Sugar got to know her, the dog became very relaxed and behaved well in her presence.

“She is shy at first and loves her person,” Alexis said, “but once you're it, she is the ultimate companion - and her little fun and spunky personality comes out.”

For more information on how to adopt Sugar, including how to apply for adoption, visit http://www.citydogsrescuedc.org/adopt.html. 

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