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in by the adult children, but sadly, they were kept penned outside with little care or attention. Thankfully, a compassionate groomer who had been a friend of the owner stepped in. She took all three pups into her care until rescue could be arranged. Because of her actions, Nya has a chance at the love and life she deserves.
When Nya first arrived, she was understandably timid and unsure in her new foster home. It was clear she hadn't had much exposure to the outside world. She’s currently living with a foster mom and dad, and two other dogs and has done well as part of a pack.
Nya has excellent house manners and is very laid-back. She’s house-trained, not destructive, and has earned free roam privileges in her foster home. She has an adorable personality and a love for cozy comforts. Nya is a true blanket burrower and loves to snuggle, whether it’s under the covers or curled up with her humans or pup buddies.
We checked in with her foster mom, Christi, to hear how she’s settling in. Nya is adjusting more every day, growing in confidence, and starting to show her sweet, affectionate nature.
FOSTER MOM UPDATE - 6/8/25
Nya has been w us a week now. She has settled in quite well. She is the sweetest little girl. She has chosen me as her person, but she will also mix things up and choose Dan to cuddle up next to or sleep with through the night.
She is 100% engaged with us. Loves to be where we are and take advantage of a lap to cuddle in. Nya will accept and enjoys pets from my husband Dan and is warming up nicely to our 21 year old son. We have let her take her time in experiencing the three of us to earn her trust.
We are an active household- in that we have projects and house and yard work. I think we are more active than she was ever been accustomed to. She is a little cautious as we move about quickly or something accidentally makes a loud noise ( like pots or pans bang in the kitchen). She may make a quick retreat under the dining table to assess the situation if something catches her by surprise. She’s quickly realizes she is safe and rejoins us almost immediately. Which is 100% on par w all of our foster pups over the years.
She used to bark at my 20-something son when he would come up from the basement man cave. I think the sudden door opening scared her. But she’s fine now. She sleeps in the office under my desk while I work through the day. She loves to cuddle on the couch when we are catching up after the day or watching TV.
Drum roll … Nya is doing fabulously on walks, which was brand new to her! We walk two times a day with our two little dogs. Not long walks (because our dogs are little) but 20 mins of nice exercise and enrichment. Knowing she never has been on a lead in a walking situation, I got her a sturdy harness. Her first two days w us, I put her harness on and lead and offered to bring her out w our dogs. She followed our dogs down the drive way and made it two house before she decided she was a bit afraid. I didn’t push it. I brought her back home. But on day 3, she made it the whole 20 min walk. She was cautious, but she did it. It was really good for her.
Now at day 8, little miss Nya gladly goes for her walks. Enjoys all the enrichment. She is not reactive. We had an instance where a large rambunctious dog on the other side of the street was barking excitedly. It did worry her, so I just picked her up (so she felt safe) and waited for the other dog to be led off. She quickly reset and we were on our happy way.
I walk her with our 13 lb little scruffy Terrier Stella. Nya and Stella do very well together and share a consistent walking pace. I really have not worked in any training yet because I just want her to know the complete joy of walks. But, I will say she does NOT tug on walks.
Nya has been respectful of our senior scruffy L.G. who is a little 12 lb low rider. The dogs do well w each other. Our pups have taught her the joys of charging birds and squirrels at the bird feeder. When they run out there she does too. Very cute.
Our dogs don’t really play with each other but Nya isn’t interested in play. Aside from chasing birds and squirrels in a pack setting, she’s pretty laidback. She would do fine as a single dog or with a confident companion.
I don’t think she’s a good fit for smalll children, but kiddos who understand she needs time to trust and settle, would be ok.
Nya is resilient and is doing so well. Each day brings new joy for her. She is an amazing, small-sized, easy to manage companion.
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Nya’s journey from outdoor neglect to cuddlebug is a testament to how resilient and loving dogs can be when given a second chance. She’s looking for a calm, loving home where she can continue to blossom and be someone’s loyal companion.
Apply today!
BREED ESTIMATE: Chihuahua/Dachshund Mix
GENDER: Female
APPROXIMATE WEIGHT: 12 lbs
APPROXIMATE AGE: ~ 3 years old
COAT TYPE: Short coat
ADOPTION FEE: $425
OTHER INFO: utd on shots/spayed/microchipped
LOCATION: Fairfax, VA
FOR MORE INFO OR TO ADOPT: Please go to adopt.worthydog and complete the application.
You can also help save dogs like this one by becoming a foster, providing a rescue dog with a temporary home and giving them the love and care they need until they are permanently adopted. Every person who fosters is directly responsible for saving the life of a dog, because we can only save as many dogs as we have foster families available to welcome them into their homes. If you think you might be interested in becoming a foster and want to learn more, please go to foster.worthydog and fill out an application.
Worthy Dog Rescue is an all-volunteer, foster-based rescue that primarily adopts to families in the DC Metro area.