Tuesday, December 9, 2014

A Full Disclosure Blog: Three Reasons You DON'T Want To Adopt Eddie The Terrible.

How Does So Much Naughty Exist In Such A Small Dog? 

Things are about to get real....
We know, we know. He is adorable. All small and yellow and fluffy. A little bit tubby which makes him seem more softer somehow, like a dog you can trust with your secrets. Don't be fooled. Yes, he is a great listener. But inside that innocuous adorable blonde package exists tons - indeed, whole square miles - of naughty. 

It's true: Eddie the Terrible IS terrible. And we have three great reasons you shouldn't even think about adopting him. 

Those zombies don't stand a chance now...
1) Like to go for walks in dog infested areas? Enjoy the dog park? Keep walking....

While Eddie The Terrible has never actually attacked another dog, he's made it abundantly clear that he hasn't ruled out the possibility. He goes from zero to Cujo in .05 seconds when he sees another dog on leash. Well, sayeth you, lots of small dogs bark at other dogs on leash. True. But we know people expect a lot from dogs in this day and age and when it comes to leash theatrics, Eddie's at the top of his game. Also true: he's made some progress. But lest his adorable little blond-ness let you think this is going to be a plug-and-play dog, think again.

Granted, if there's no other dogs around he's wonderful to take for a stroll. He loves him some leash walks and yard time. But at the sight of another dog, all bets are off. It's Cujo time. 

We're pretty sure somewhere out there exists someone patient enough to work with him on this or someone who frankly doesn't give a bean if he likes to scream his head off for a few seconds at the neighbor's lab. But in the interest of full disclosure, we have to be honest. 

Content unsuitable for young users....

2) Want your kids to grow up with a full complement of fingers and toes? Not the dog for you.


Some dogs love kids. We have a bunch of child-lovin' dogs. Eddie the Terrible, however, is not one of them. Honestly he's a little whiffy with some adults, too. Not in an eat-them sort of way but in 'this makes me very nervous' sort of way.  Eddie's never actually bitten anyone but we're not saying it could never happen. 

In a home environment Eddie is lovely. He's housebroken, loyal, fun and friendly. He lives to play fetch. But socially? He stinks. We're in Silicon Valley - if we started throwing out the socially awkward no one would ever have another piece of new technology again. We know somewhere out this little guy has a match. 

Now that I have thumbs, let's get this party started...

3) Looking for a simple dog that will sleep in his crate? Not your guy.


So let's talk about the bed. Or the sofa. Or someplace that you generally like to hang out because that's where Eddie's going to want to bunk. Worried about dog hair on the furniture? Very valid worry if you adopt Eddie. While Eddie is crate trained, he has a weird thing about sleeping in the crate. And by weird thing we mean 'nope, not happening'. A bed in your room? Awesome. In the bed with you? Better. In a crate? Let him sing you the song of his people...

In fact if you're looking for a floor-sleeping, speed bump of a dog that minds his own business, strike Eddie clean off your list. Eddie demands interaction. Not all the time and not in that follow-you-around-and-bark sort of way that makes you want to stick your head in the oven, just in a 'whither though goest, I goest' way. Or however that goeth. You're in the living room? Cool, he wants to watch TV with you. Going outside? Did we mention that he loves fetch? Heck, if he didn't want to eat other dogs he'd be a shoo-in as an agility pooch as he's played on the equipment and is pretty fearless. 

You're in my world now, baby.
Let's face it: unless you're looking for a dog that's a little bit of work, Eddie The Terrible is not the dog for you. We know, we know. He's super loyal, easy in the house and a lot of fun but he's a little rough around the edges. Actually he's kind of a jerk. But he's a jerk we believe in. We're not expecting you to  want to meet him but if you must, we really can't deter you. 

If you love a challenge, are looking for the dog of a lifetime and think you can handle the thirteen pounds of terror that is Eddie, we won't stop you. You just go ahead and call 1.408.262.2133 ext 150. But don't say we didn't warn you. 

Ha! Fooled another hooman...








143 comments:

  1. Whoever writes your blog posts, I love you. Awesome job. If I didn't have three cats for Eddie to chew on, I'd adopt him in a heartbeat. And I'm not a dog person.

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    1. The best writing I have seen in decades.....this writer is GREAT

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    2. I am a dog person and I love you too!!

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    3. I have a little blond Chihuahua that could be Eddies brother...People see a little Chi and think Oh how how cute,which they are, AND Oh how sweet which they are not...lol...The only time you can get along with your Chi is when its just the two of you, If he happens to look out the window and see another dog its over for cuddle time...My little Ginger has the nick name of Little dog from hell ad demon dog..But she is loyal to a fault to me and I would die for her if need be....The Chihuahua is a bomb with a short fuse...Ginger Is anyway...lol

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    4. Anybody got Cesar Millan's number? :)

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    5. He is my dream dog. I'm far away, but if he's not adopted, I will find a way to get there and get them. Or buy him a plane ticket. whatever it takes., He has small dog issues big time, but not a problem. I'm disabled, but mobile. I need a dog that doesn't want to do 3 mile 'runs'. I'd be thrilled with him on my lap, and furniture was made to be used, not just admired from afar. I can be reached with a message on FB. Please don't let he be put down before you consider me. Janet Schmidt

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    6. P.S. please excuse previous spelling mistakes. I forgot to mention the Chihuahua who's 'fame' was passed down thru generations in my family. My grandfather, who was deceased before I was born, had a Chihuahua that he kept with him all the time, including at the small hotel/bar he owned and ran. He'd sit with the dog for hours, getting up to serve, then sitting back down. I can only assume when he got up, he took the dog with him. However, the dog would bark at any/everyone that came anywhere near my grandfather. One day, a customer that had too much to drink, came near my grandfather, claiming he wasn't scared of 'that dog.' Of course my grandfather challenged the statement, but gave appropriate warnings. The customer blew it off, and proceeded to lean over towards the dog's head, claiming he wasn't scared of a 'little mutt.' As the dog barked and growled as the man leaned in as if he was going to go 'face to face' with the dog. The dog bit the end of the man's nose off. True story, THE END!

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    7. I lost my little YorkiePoo, Cookita, (Little Cookie) yesterday. She would have been 16 on January 17th. If I had read this post at a later time, after my heart stopped aching and my tears slowed down, I would be on the plane heading to adopt Eddie The Terrible. There will always be room in my house and heart, someday, for another furry friend, even one with a "bad rep." Although, I have never had a bad or terrible pet before, only a few who had "issues" based on their previous experiences/owners. There are no bad dogs, just bad trainers. All they need is love..

      BTW, thanks so much for this humorous post, you truly ought to write for a living and get paid BIG money!

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    8. My dog Montgomery (Monty to his friends) was a grouch from the day he was born... my sons used to play "kiss the grouch"... trying to kiss him on the head before he could get them!! lol He was born on Christmas day and lived to just 2 weeks shy of his 15th birthday!! Loved him!!

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    9. To Janet Schmidt and anonymous: I received this message, they will help you!Customer CareDecember 11, 2014 at 12:11 PM
      Hi ellenolenska,

      We would move mountains for our little Eddie! Please call/email us and we'll talk about the options for sending him home with you: 408-262-2133 ext.150 or adoptions@hssv.org.

      Look forward to hearing from you!

      HSSV Customer Care Team

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    10. I'm so sorry! I didn't see this until tonight. I will be calling you tomorrow! Thanks.

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    11. I have a 10 lb chi who Hates people and other dogs. He is gonna be 9. In fact when I die I will put it in my will to have him cremated and ashes sprinkled on my grave.We live alone together for the past 5 years. He was a rescue and abused. Only loves me. No one would adopt him.

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  2. Sure you are not writing about my boys:) that I share my life with for 16 yrs. After all those horrific years of canceled parties and trips because no one, not a single boarding facility is able to handle them - I wouldn't change my decision to adopt this king of "ugly" mischievous but loving and loyal creatures.

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    2. I already have" Dori the Terrible Chihuahua" who terrorizes my other two dogs. He is adorable, but I have 4 other animals in the house otherwise I would love to adopt him.

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  3. Witty, beautifully written, incredible blog post that has me in tears of joy. Wish I could take him, but I already have 4.

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  4. Excellent Blog! Love reading your posts...you're awesome! Hey, If we can adopt Eddie The Terrible to a good home...I have a mini Australian Shepherd to donate! Kailani the Kalamity! Just teasin' (I think) LoL

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  5. Ah reverse psychology tactic, probably work. Good on ya. :)

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  6. I love these witty blog posts! Great job to whoever is writing them. They always bring a smile to my face. Even Eddie the Terrible couldn't deter that smile. :-)

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  7. Callie and her sister Rosita (the meanest, sweetest Chihuahua in Texas) send greetings to you and dear Frances.
    Sandra Simmons

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  8. We love your posts, especially when they're about feisty Chihuahuas, since we have one. We also have a mischievous little mix. These two make quite a pair!

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  9. Very creative - love it!

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  10. We have a Pomeranian with the same attitude and we love her to death. No walks, sure, and she snuggles in bed with us, and sometimes fights off our other dogs when she feels like it, but all in all she is a sweeet girl and we love her. Someone is going to love Eddie the Terrible.

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  11. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED! (no just kidding) Great ad!

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  12. I have the perfect mentor for Eddie. He is a big black lab / shepherd mix named Dusty. He was in foster care with a bunch of little dogs that had been mistreated and is very tolerant. He is pretty well known for making friends with dogs that don't get along with others.
    He gets invited to the little dog side of the dog park to make friends with dogs that have social issues. Let us know, we will be happy to introduce him to Eddie, if that would help.

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  13. Whoever writes your articles, you're amazing. And the pictures were awesome too. I hope Eddie finds his match and a forever home.

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  14. I adopted one just like Eddie in 2010. His Cujo moments were inspired by men and boys instead of dogs though. Now he does run agility and is GREAT at it! These guys are worth every minute you take to make them the absolute best they can be. I sure hope Eddie goes to a forever home with people committed to his well being. He is worth it.

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  15. What a doll! I'm already 3 dogs deep. But sheesh, adorable. Good Luck Eddie, I know someone will most definitely give him his forever home and hopefully soon.

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  16. Best bio I have EVER read on a dog! Yourrrrrrrr HIRED!!!

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  17. good luck Eddie!! what an incredible post - thanks for working so hard to get this terrible guy adopted

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  18. I have an aging "Eddie". Life has been interesting. Once I saw him hit a german shepard just right in the rear hip, sent him rolling, then chased him out of the yard. Wouldn't trade him for the world. Glad he's only 5 lbs though. He'd be illegal if he were big with that attitude.

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    1. We have a 15 lbs chi/beagle mix that took down a full grown Pitt and chased him off lol

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  19. I'm sharing your post with every shelter, rescue I can think of. Not to get Eddie adopted, I live in a different part of the country and am very certain that thanks to your bio he will be adopted very soon, but because EVERY dog should have a creative bio like you wrote! You are super talented and are saving the lives of dogs who would otherwise not be adopted!

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    1. I so agree with this! Full disclosure is fair :-). And right on. Glossing over bad stuff doesn't help either party (dog or human), and only sets adoptions up for failure. I love this write up.....it is not something I'd ever see my local shelter do, but wish they would. Good luck, Eddie, you endearing little dork. Basket muzzles - not a bad idea

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  20. I know Eddie has a forever home out there somewhere...too bad he would want to (possibly) eat the kids and dogs that have already taken up residence in my abode. Great post, excellent writing.

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  21. You just described my Pomeranian. Too bad they'd plot each others deaths.

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  22. I have his sister Lucy. She is exactly like him. Shrieks her head off at anything. Hogs the bed, sofa, she'd even get on the toilet with you if you'd let her. She was bound for the pound when I rescued her, and I wouldn't trade her for anything.

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  23. My Eddie is part Corgi and Chihuahua. Yes he has small dog complex and will go all Cujo over a Rottweiler but he is lovable, loyal and my little 14 lbs. of love!

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    1. lol, "small dog complex", I like that! I take care of and walk a big American Bulldog/Pit mix, who is the mellowist dude I know, and I just love it when teeny little dogs go "all Cujo" on him, and he just ignores them, looking at me out of the corner of his eye like "what a nut job, can we move on",,, :)

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  24. ... and that's my kinda dog! one that marches to a beat of his own drum. If took him I be border line hoarder - but what marvelous boy.

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  25. Great post and well written. I have 4 chi's already and one of mine may give Eddie a run for his money. Wishing you the best finding Eddie a home.

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  26. THIS IS GREAT!! I am in love with Eddie!! I am in WI, however and I don't think CA shelters do out of state adoptions do they? Or maybe it depends on which one. I inquired about a dog once and was told they didn't do out of state, cause too hard to to home checks and check up on people...but I'm single with no children and other pets, not a felon :), , don't like dog parks anyway, and have a nice chihuahua home!!!

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    1. Hi ellenolenska,

      We would move mountains for our little Eddie! Please call/email us and we'll talk about the options for sending him home with you: 408-262-2133 ext.150 or adoptions@hssv.org.

      Look forward to hearing from you!

      HSSV Customer Care Team

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    2. To Customer Care: I just read that Eddy was adopted! That is great. I had a feeling that he might have a lot of offers, and if a local one came, might be easier on him (don't know how he likes road trips). or flying.... So good for him, And job well done!

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    3. He loves road trips and is very good. His name is Teddy now. After 6 months of being walk and persistent on his walking to go to the bathroom. He's starting to understand what he has to do. We love him unconditional! !!!

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  27. Creative, funny and true warning. Loved it.

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  28. Oh my god, the videos! Why didn't I click on the blue linkies before? Now it's 8am Saturday, I'm howling with laughter, and my neighbors hate me.

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    1. I have a little jak russel who is 14yrs old and does every thing your little fellow doesx she screams to go to bed she screams for cups of tea she screams to go out wen out she screams to get to other dogs so she can bite them I have to muzzle her just so she and other creatures ie birds nd that stay safe I also have a little bishion who is so gud no bother at all he is the only dog milly has ever taken to she cleans him like a babey very strange sometimes I wish she wud stop screaming for things I give into her quit a bit just so she stops the screaming arghhhhxxxx

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  29. How difficult/costly would it be to get Eddie to NW Lower Michigan? I would take him in a minute. Single, no other pets, love fetch, and want a bed-buddy.

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    1. Oh yeah...or children :)

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    2. Not Difficult at all. Find Rescue Organization where Eddie is and have them pull him and make arrangements with Kindred Hearts Transport to organize a transport for you. Look them up on the web or facbook.

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    3. Hey there - unfortunately we do need to meet our adopters in person - we can't do a rescue and transport type situation. However if you can make it to CA we would LOVE to hook you guys up! Thanks for caring and best wishes - Finn

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    4. Hi, just wanted to share this with you....they will work with you!!! I really want to help Eddie, and am in love and did mention interest, however since I wrote I have gotten new information related to a current medical issue, which might make adopting a new pet difficult right now === anyway, complicated, but I cannot commit to anything until I see how things go over the next couple of weeks... so I want to share this info with others here.. you may be able to help... there are so many comments now, I know it is hard to read them all... I want him so bad.. but do the right thing and if there is someone who can step up right away...... he deserves it!

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  30. Thanks for a hilarious and true description of what may be an excellent dog....for someone. Best of luck to your group, if the entire shop is run with this much lov and creativity, you guys will surely get tons of homes for these pups.

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  31. What a great story and how brutally honest of them. We own a Chihuahua and she is our little Diva. Not mean but has a mind of her own. Sheds?...OMG, we could stuff a small throw pillow! Burrows under the blankets, grabs a mouthful of dog food, brings it into the living room to eat. She has a name but you'd never know it. Comes to you when she's good and ready. We love her!

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  32. Wonderfully written post. We have two rescue dogs, who had some rough edges & now both are the most lovable of companions. Yes Bob (our Doxidor) does likes to redecorate the house with trash (while looking for treasures) & he has an eating disorder (he's on a carefully constructed diet.) No garbage allowed. Yes Pepper (our mini-schnauzer) is loud when she thinks danger is near or feels the need to report issues.. We give her time to tattle & listen to her complaints & then she is happy (& reasonably quiet) for hours. With love & assurance they are best friends & when we need to be gone they stay in the laundry room (with a doggie door to the outside where a fenced yard allows them to get some exercise.) Wishing Eddie the Terrible a wonderful forever home where his "weaknesses" can become his "strengths" & where he can metamorphous into Eddie the wonderful.

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  33. I would be happy to give the little fellow (imp) a good home. I just lost a little fellow a week ago after putting flea medicine (frontline plus) on him, so there is definitely a hollow place in my home and heart. If you can get him to Virginia, I would love to have him.

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    1. Find Rescue Organization where Eddie is and have them pull him and make arrangements with Kindred Hearts Transport to organize a transport for you. Look them up on the web or facbook.

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    2. I though they were describing my rescue dog( I rescued a Chihuahua/Jack Russell mix who was 2 yrs old a few years ago. All I saw was a cute picture of her and I fell in love. Her name is Tiny; we call her Tiny Terror. She is the female version of Eddie the Terrible but we love her and as naughty as she is she is the same amount of wonderful! I am going to call about Eddie to see if I can adopt him.

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  34. Paul, you are a hero to want this dog. I hope they can give it to you.

    Eric

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  35. I have Eddie's brother, Winnee(a rescue seven years ago named Winston Churchill). Winnee loves no one except himself and me, is very disagreeable(but then at 14, he has a right),. Five years ago, i was in the hospital and trusted a couple to take care of him. The male (won't even call him a man)who hated animals (found out later) kicked all of Winnee's teeth out which of course has made him more disagreeable. My daughter is constantly telling me to get rid of him, put him down...etc. If people leave him alone, he is fine besides i find more loyalty in him than most humans i know. He sleeps under the blankets with me and greets me when i come home. Winnee was an alarm against intruders at the door until his hearing went about a year ago. He was never a chewer or mess maker.
    He has learned over the years to accept my other rescues just don't expect him to socialize with them. I have another Chi who is totally opposite except in loyalty. She loves me but wants attention from anyone as long as it doesn't mean having to leave me. Then there are the two cats who have learned to stay away from Winnee on danger of being chased away. There is a truce between Winnee, the other Chi, and the alpha cat that goes in when it is time to go to bed. They each have their spot on the bed.
    Your story of Eddie is well written and presents him in the best light. If i were not at my quota, i would be very tempted to love him the rest of his life.

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  36. I will/ would take him in a minute - he matches the original "cujo" chi that I already have...........we have made it quite admirably and have even managed a pet cat in the household - of course with stern reprimands and we all sleep in the bed. If an angel could bring him to me he could live out his life here - and I have seen age help a tad.
    Cynthia

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  37. How come every time I see a dog they're always naked? Maybe Eddie's disposition would be better if he didn't have to go around all embarrassed and everything. Try to get him some trousers.

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  38. I'd take Eddie in a heartbeat if I didn't have the feline version living with me already. Samirah (AKA Cherub) is 13 years old, hates other cats and is not too fond of other humans either. I adopted her in February and it took her 6 months to decide that she was going to live with me. Before that she would try to run me out of the living room while I was watching tv. Eddie's a real sweetheart compared to my former psycho-kitty: at night I'd sleep with my bedroom door closed. Then one day Samirah just calmed down on her own, right after she overheard me telling the shelter I was going to bring her back. She talks, rubs up against me, slow blinks, and even allows me to clip her claws, something that the vet told me never to do.
    She'll never be a cuddle cat but she has her moments.

    I love whoever wrote this article! Hope Eddie gets his forever home soon.

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  39. my name is lisa McClure and I just had to put my little wienie dog to sleep
    he was 14 years old he was my baby! and I miss him so much my heart breaks
    just thinking about him. I would love to have little eddie? I live in Oregon is this
    possible to bring him here to me? please email me hose.jeff@yahoo.com
    I'm waiting to hear from you lot's of love to you!

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    1. Hi Lisa, Eddie was adopted yesterday BUT we have other wonderful dogs available here at HSSV. Maybe make some time to take a trip out to CA and we can show you who is here. You can visit our website for more information at www.hssv.org.

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  40. Truly, this is an OUTSTANDING blog post; whoever wrote this is a genius. Kudos! What a breath of fresh air. We always adopt rescues, but I have to say that we have been bamboozled more than once by humane societies who, in the understandable interest of trying to find homes for creatures, are less than forthcoming—dare I even say less than honest?—about the true nature of their animals. This is exactly the sort of post that should be written about animals up for adoption—the good, the bad, and the ugly—and you are to be commended for it. I am going to share this with the humane societies in our area and ask that they similarly model their online animal information. This is GOLD!

    P.S. Good luck, Eddie! We had a malti-chi that sounded exactly like you, and we loved her to pieces. If we didn't live on the other side of the country, we'd come scoop you up in a minute and take you home!

    Happy Holidays, everyone!

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  41. I hope this little pooch finds a home. He is so incredibly cute and I bet he would be a great companion for the right person. Regardless of his negative quirks, and I applaud the full disclosure in a light hearted and humorous way, I bet he is a great dog.

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  42. I am so impressed by the lengths that you have gone to find Eddie his forever home.! Brilliant writing! He is a very special and lucky dog!

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  43. has someone adopted him yet??? its almost christmas, im sure someone needs a pet!

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  44. it's almost like reading the description of my pooch... (could it be they are distantly related? Bo comes from Belgium, was left tied to a post at a petting zoo in Holland and was adopted 10 years ago by me. If i had known this background bio from the beginning, i would have hesitated, but didn't and we have a wonderful companion for the past 10 years, that needs a lot of work but is more than worth the effort!
    Hope Eddie finds his home in the way mine did :-)

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  45. I have an Eddie - I call him Jack cause he's also part Jack Russel and I have a 14 year old bischon who is mellow as they come....thank goodness my Jack dosn't scream. He licks Winston (bischon) alot....mainly his ears, and his ears are clean. Gets all the dogs in the house barking when a car door closes three houses away. He has issues but I wouldn't part with him for the world. I hope Eddie gets a dog wisperer....

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  46. Fabulous blog! I hope Eddie finds a forever home soon!

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  47. I would take him in a heart beat. I love my little chi's & they can feel the want & love.
    My little Riley is 8 yrs. & sleeps with me all the time. I'm disabled & wheelchair bound.

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  48. This is an awesome post! I am up in Canada and I would even be wiling to help him out if possible. He might freeze his paws off but he would have a loving forever home for certain. I have years of dog training experience and they actually called me the 'dog girl' at a shelter I volunteered at...not exactly the best moniker to have bestowed upon you and in retrospect I hope it was because I was good with animals...but I digress!

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  49. not sure if this post should have been posted. The dog could get into the wrong hands and there's no telling what may happen. What's up with the staff at this humane society???? Don't know how to rehab the dog? Why are you there???

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    1. Hi There! Thanks for your concern and for bringing this up. We do have a screening process in place for adopters which is pretty thorough and we stay in touch with our adopters after they leave. As for the rehab, we have been doing extensive rehab work with Eddie but it's going to be an ongoing process. The video bits you see in his (awesome) movies were made during his (once-to-twice) daily training sessions. One of the behaviorists who comes in to work with him also worked with the Michael Vick dogs - we've got a crack team. But dogs do best in homes, not shelters. His adopter will have free behavioral assistance and some free training session. While the post was lighthearted, the work we've done with him - and the potential we believe he has - is very real. However for him to have a shot at all, we have to present it in such a way that people will want to read it. Which is what we set out to do. Best wishes and thanks for caring about the animals. - Finn

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    2. I have had the pleasure of fostering two chihuahuas, on different occasions, who were biters. My own chihuahua is so mild mannered, she actually served as my therapy assistant! We had a blast and both went to good homes!

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  50. I used to have a chihuahua with Jack Russell and mini pinscher mix in him acted like Eddie.. His named, Mr. T or Mr. Trouble. He was very loyal and one-person pet. He got along with my cats and was kitty littered trained. He passed away a year ago. Miss him so dearly.

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  51. Why not get Cesar Millan the Dog Whisperer to work with Eddie? Both Eddie and Cesar are in California and he's great at working with dogs like Eddie. It would make for a great TV show, the training, and would also be of benefit to Eddie. It's just a thought. Thanks.

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    1. Because they want the dog to get better, not worse, as Millan's outdates tactics would do.
      http://beyondcesarmillan.weebly.com/dogs-in-danger.html

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  52. I also vote to get Cesar to work with Eddie!! Great publicity for the shelter and his show! Come on guys!!!

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  53. If you are married to someone with a short fuse, walk on by. Let a more suitable human fall in love with Eddie. Unless everyone in the home is willing to do what needs to be done, Eddie will turn into a biter and end up being put down.

    Been there. Done that. Won't fall for another one of these charming fellows unless I get a divorce first.

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    1. Eddie was adopted a wonderful retired couple that are fully prepared to be his minions for life!

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  54. He doesn't need Cesar Milan that is his "personality" and who would want to change that. He just needs the right person- not every dog is a Model Canine Good Citizen and that is OKAY. Just like every person is not a "Miss Manners Graduate".

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  55. All dogs deserve a chance. My husband and I rescued a Beagle Mix 2 years ago that wasn't allowed to go to the public and had a doggy wrap sheet for biting people. He was very abused and just needed someone who was willing to work with him. After 2 years he has turned out to be a good little dog. Once in awhile he bites but I think that is due to his past but we love our Peanut. I hope Eddie finds the right home and person who would be willing to give a little dog a chance.

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  56. I love Eddie he's so cute. I had a chihuahua for 18 years exactly like Eddie. He just needs lots of love and kisses.

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  57. This is a dog who should respond extremely well to clicker training. You know you're training the dog but he thinks he's training you - a win/win for Eddie and his new human. If I weren't 3000 miles away I'd be sorely tempted. These are the smart dogs who learn quickly. No choking, no yelling, just building a strong bond and letting him enjoy learning. Great post. I wish everyone would share the dog (or cat)'s personality. It certainly makes them more adoptable. Good job!

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  58. I have one that looks just like him, and we adopted him from a family that was afraid to even pick him up because he would bite them. He is our favorite too. It's taken time but he has not bit any person in probably about a year, but he still tries to terrorize my male german shepherd who is such a good boy he tolerates the chihuahua. I always have to get on him about not trying to attack the german shepherd, because he gets carried away in the moment. The truth is the german shepherd could easily hurt him, but hasn't. I think we could work wonders with Eddie, but we are in WI which is too far away to just go and pick him up, but if by chance he can hitch a ride this way we will gladly add him to our family.

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  59. Unless you can convince The Dog Whisperer in LA to retrain Eddie, you may want to consider making him a farm dog. He will have lots of space and low stress.

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  60. I have an Eddie at my house, same looks and temperament. His name is Freddy. They could be brothers.

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  61. Hilarious! If there is an award for best writing of this sort, this person should win. Creative, funny, very effective!

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  62. My poxer has the same attitude, to a t! Except he actually pees on kids instead of nipping. But he's my little gremlin and I wouldn't have him any other way.

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  63. He's not 'terrible' nor a 'jerk', but thanks to Yahoo running this story, you have tons of morons who will never know the real reason this dog is so 'terrible'. In fact, you were the jerks for ever writing this story. You should have just kept this dog and not given a future moronic couple a reason to have him euthanized when he bites someone in their family. Way to go, Silicon Valley shelter.

    He was no doubt inbred by one of the many pet mills out there who sold the brain damaged little dog to a moronic couple who bought it from a pet store, and then guess WHAT?

    They couldn't handle the poor inbred little messed up creature and dumped it in your shelter. And now, with this story, you'll never find it a good home and in the not too distant future, this poor creature will bite someone and will have to be euthanized.

    Keep it up, America. Keep allowing those puppy mills to inbreed those dogs and handing them off to the pet stores where morons will buy them and possibly not even spay/neuter them. Keep it up, and the number of dogs euthanized in this country will keep going up and up and up and up.

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    1. I'm sorry, I'd rather have honesty than pretending things don't happen and cover it up. I think he has a far better shot at finding a home where he is able to be himself with this kind of honesty. Plus this kind of wit and humor brings people to look at him. What do you know about marketing? Obviously nothing....

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    2. Hey Anonymous #1,

      Thank you for your comments and your honesty. We share your frustration about puppy mills, uninformed pet ownership, et al. It's a scary world out there for animals but we're trying to make it better.

      As we stated in the blog, Eddie's never actually bitten or hurt anyone and we felt it was a safe situation for both him and the public. Plus we do screen adopters and work with them for the life of the dog. Eddie went home with free in home sessions with a trainer (someone who worked with the Vick dogs, actually) .

      Eddie, despite his jerkiness, doesn't deserve to be warehoused in a shelter - even a shelter as awesome as ours - for the rest of his life nor do we feel that doing so would in anyway work against the puppymill industry.It just would have made him miserable and taken up a space that we could use to save numerous other pets. As he's never hurt anyone, he doesn't not deserve to be euthanized for what he might do. Which leads us to adoption. We wanted to make sure adopters knew about his issues but do it in such a way that it would make people want to read it. That was our goal here.

      Thanks for caring about the animals and best wishes.

      Finn, Social Media Manager

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    3. Hey Mr. Anonymous #1....Holy cow talk about pent up anger issues. Why are you calling this writer a jerk? as if that's gonna solve anything. Why are you saying this Eddie will never find a home? Because I believe he will, I know from reading the comments there are at least 2 people in Wisconsin who would take this dog in, and I am one of them. You are obviously clueless on how to train a dog, and the time needed to successfully train a dog with a issue like this. This issue doesn't mean he was inbreed, or brain damaged, it could simply mean he was abused as my chihuahua was. The people I got the chihuahua from got him from another person that was trying to make him into a tough dog. There are people who would throw a little dog like this in the dog fighting ring. It could also mean the last person who owned him never corrected him when he first started the bad behavior, so the dog felt it was ok to act like that. The bottom line is it's usually the past owners that fail, and not the dog, but there are plenty of intelligent people that can manage to retrain this dog, and make him into a new dog. But hey if you have failed to previously train a dog, it's always easier to blame the dog than yourself isn't it?

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    4. Just to clear the air here - Eddie was adopted by a lovely couple that can't wait to shower him with love and attention!

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    5. Yay for Eddie, Now that Eddie is a celebrity it would be nice to see him in his new home. There is nothing cuter than a zesty little lover Chihuahua. Best of luck Eddie, and I hope we can see you again on youtube. That grumpy cat is making money hand over fist working appearances, and on youtube.

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  64. If I didn't live so far away (Maine), I'd want this dog. My daughter has a Brussels Griffon Terrier with a similar personality and we love her dearly. Wow! I can only imagine what their first meeting would be like.

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  65. Eddie is so perfect, I should get rid of this kid who loves her fingers and toes and adopt Eddie the Terrible.

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    1. If you want your child to keep their toes and fingers, we have dogs available that are on a strictly child free diet. www.hssv.org

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  66. This is the best! Thanks for the honesty. I hope someone can help him find a forever home that he can be the master at. ;)

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    1. Eddie warmed the hearts of his new minions. They were at our doors before we opened yesterday because they knew they had to have him!

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  67. This is great. Eddie reminds me of my 14 year old Jack Russell, Clint-if they both weren't so terrible, they would probably get along fantastic. Clint hates all types of mail carriers and can hear a UPS truck coming down the road a mile away. He throws an absolute fit if he is not fed around the clock and regularly breaks the boundaries of his invisible fence. He chews electrical cords when he gets angry and hates the dog we rescued last year. Goes right for the neck whenever they are in the same room. We occassionally keep our rescue dog (a lab who is now scared to death of the JRT) in a kennel and Clint will go right up to the fence (again breaking his collar boundaries) and pee right towards him. He has peed in other dog's water bowls at his grandma's house. No kids and only a few adults are allowed the privelege of petting him. He will go in a crate and will bark at you the whole way when you're walking there, becauase you're going way too slow. We take him camping and he won't sit on the ground but on a bean bag outside, or preferrably to him inside the camper. But, we love him anyway and I hope Eddie finds a home that loves him the way we love ours! Eddie just has his unique quirks that all dogs have. You have to appreciate the honesty from this Humane Society. I am an extreme animal lover and have adopted many wonderful animals from my local shelter. Notice that I didn't say we returned our rescue dog just because of Clint the Terrible. That can't be the case with every dog family, but We have made our house work with both of them.

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  68. WOW. This is terrific. Honesty instead of guilt will insure Eddie finds a forever home that loves him for who he and who he is not.
    Good Job.

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    1. Eddie is a cutie and sure that someone out there will adopt him.

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    2. Eddie warmed the hearts of his new minions. They were at our doors before we opened yesterday because they knew they had to have him!

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  69. Whoever adopts Eddie certainly can't say they didn't know what they were getting into. This article was one of the most clever and inventive online posts I've seen in a long time. When I adopted my cat Samirah from the shelter they implied she had a somewhat cantankerous personality. I could tell because I visited her three times before I adopted her. She seemed sad and withdrawn. The shelter did tell me that my girl was 'furious' when she first came to them. That was an understatement. The vet told me they had to trank her through the air holes of the cat carrier and they still put on the protective gear afterwards just in case. Knowing all that still wouldn't have stopped me from adopting her. During my last visit the counselor freaked out because Samirah tapped me with her paw, claws in. I adopted her that weekend.

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  70. All Chihuahuas have 'attitude', and are very possesive of their owner. And they all like to sleep nice and warm in the bed with you. In fact, I don't know a dog who prefers a crate to sleep in. All dogs either want to be in their humans' bed or next to it, on the floor, in a padded bed of their own. So, this is cute and clever writing, but I don't see the problem. Eddie is just being a "Chi". God Bless him. I hope he gets a home for Christmas. Signed, ~ a "Chi Mom" in South Carolina.

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    1. Eddie was adopted yesterday and will for sure enjoy Christmas with his new minions!

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  71. Our 12lb DoberWeiler "Brownie" is the spit of Eddie, except for the color.
    I hope the little fella finds a good home.
    Great writing.
    "Chi" parents - South Mississippi

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    1. Eddie warmed the hearts of his new minions. They were at our doors before we opened yesterday because they knew they had to have him!

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  72. Well done on marketing this adorable little monster! The whole thing had me cracking up as well as contemplating giving up my cat and driving to California to meet him :) Hope he finds the perfect home soon!

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    1. Eddie warmed the hearts of his new minions. They were at our doors before we opened yesterday because they knew they had to have him!

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  73. He sounds like my Pom/Chihuahua who is 13. I took her to a dog obedience class when she was one. We were kicked out Sue to her aggressiveness. I was told by the Trainer to put her down. We decided instead to learn her personality and adjust accordingly. We do not walk her in public but instead play in our yard. She loves to play with her ball and is very athletic, even at her age now. We have learned never to get in her face but allow her to come for hugs when she needs them. It's been a lot of work with her over the years but I believe once you commit to a pet it's you're responsibility to continue the care.

    Best of luck to Ed. All dogs need understanding and love!

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  74. Brilliant writing! Thoroughly enjoyed it. Congrats to Eddie's new owners.

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  75. I found one of my dogs living in a hotel parking lot in Nashville while at a convention. He was abused, beaten and very thin. After trying to find him a home there, no luck, I threw away my plane ticket, rented a car, and drove him back to CA. It took 2 years before he would turn his back on me (he had major trust issues because the man that brought him to the hotel abused him then abandoned him). He was just like Eddie. Walking on a leash, he jumped at everyone that came near to us (an act to protect me). I took him to Sunset Cliffs beach (a leash free beach for dogs in San Diego). He never bit anyone and became very social, happy and knew he was loved. He lived with me for 11 years before he caught a bird which gave him pneumonia. I would do it again to see a beaten, sad, depressed dog come to life. <3

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  76. "Let him sing you the song of his people..."
    Hilarious!
    Hope Eddie finds his forever home!!

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  77. Chihuahuas are little pieces of evil. Seriously, when they die heaven doesn't want them and hell is afraid they'll take over.

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  78. great writing...had a big dog adopted as an adult from a shelter..his view of all canines small enough to fit under his belly was that they were to be 'eaten for lunch"....he would have been quite a match for Eddie on the sidewalk, I bet. glad Eddie has found a new home...hopefully his forever one!

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  79. well I have 2 of them that I just like Eddie.nobody else can stand him f*** me because they want to fight everybody else but me and the sleeping they keep me very protective and there can't be any more animals around because they've got to just go and bark and growl and try to just get through the fence to get to them and my husband can't even give me a kiss goodnight because they attack them but they're my pride and joy I've had friends to know for 10 years and I rescued him from being put to sleep.and I rescued reality now going on four and a half years I just got another one I rescued from Michigan the Saint Bernard but of course my maltese Flintstones rules I'm all he's the daddy he's always attacking the same Bernard and I have to get on his butt about it but of course it does no good.he rules the house he sleeps with me he sits with me he eats with me he follows me he is my shadow to sleep so tight against me I can't even move but he's adorable and he's mine and I love them I love them all I just wish I could take little Eddie he sounds like he would fit right into our house and he would have a mom and dad that would just love him and three brothers that will adore him.I wouldn't even mind giving it a try see what happens maybe we should just get together and check it out

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  80. well I was saying until we lost all of my comments.he would fit right in our home and he have a mom and dad that loves him to death .and three brothers that would just love him more than anything.like I said I have a Winston that's just like an Eddie.Hannah's her house or our house is a barking house they bark from the neighbors they bark from people walking up the street they first get the dogs when they came outside to the gates they bark when I have people at the house so the people join us this day long but that's okay cuz I don't care about people anyway.these dogs is their home and we're family that's all we need she ever want to try it and he out with us we could give it a try and see what happens he might really love it here

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  81. Other than the not wanting to sleep in a crate thing, he sounds like a pretty typical chihuahua! (Also a lot like my minpin who tried to kill my neighbor's pit bull the other night and the pit bull couldn't think of anything to do about it, so she stood on my minpin.)

    I would adopt Eddie in a second if I could!

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  82. Excellent writing skills! Im not very fond of little dog types but even though he's terrible you made him appealing in a weird sort of way. : ) Great job!

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  83. This is such an epic blog post. I own a jack russell rat terrier who sounds like Eddie's twin.

    Good luck to Eddie! I would take him but I am in Florida and already have the one terror.

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  84. Can Eddie come to Virginia? He's the perfect dog for me! We want him! harris1946@hotmail.com

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  85. This is absolutely HILARIOUS. I loved volunteering at HSSV with the little ones that were 'challenging', but I never thought this approach would work to get them adopted. Hysterical...go Eddie! And go HSSV! I'm sharing this with everyone.

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  86. I hope Eddie is enjoying his new home, if not, I will fly to CA and bring him home with me to Colorado where I have a perfect companion for him! Great profile writing, keep up the great work!!

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  87. Thanks for all your awesome comments,
    we adopted Eddie!!
    His name is Teddy now, he loves his walks
    sleeps on our bed with me and hubby.
    I will have a web soon to let you in on a surprise. .
    he has special unique ways..
    Debbie

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  88. I think I want him .... interesting ...

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  89. Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that i have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. cubicles in ft lauderdale

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  90. Just saw this posted online. Debbie, did you start a page for Teddy? Would love to know how he's doing!

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  91. Ha ha ha ha, I love this post! I have had many "a little rough around the edges" "Eddie"s in my life, and despite can attest to all the point you made in this post.

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  92. I have a little chihuahua mix that LOOKS exactly like Terrible Eddy but is the opposite in nature. Sweet, easy disposition and his name is Butter. I think of him as pure liquid gold!

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  93. it is my will that Eddie would be in life.

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