Dog adoption saves lives, but for some dogs, finding the right home is a long and heartbreaking journey. A small but resilient rescue Chihuahua named Captain spent years being passed between homes, never quite fitting in. He was adopted and returned repeatedly, leaving him anxious, distrustful, and fearful.
But sometimes, fate has a way of bringing the right people together. For Captain, that person was Matt Mustico, a shelter volunteer who never gave up on him.
Captain’s story is a testament to the challenges many rescue Chihuahuas face in finding their forever homes.
A Shelter Volunteer Meets an Unlikely Friend
After losing his beloved dog, Matt wanted to give back to animals in need. He started volunteering at his local animal shelter, helping dogs find homes while figuring out when he’d be ready to adopt again. He met many wonderful dogs, but one in particular—Captain—stood out.
Captain arrived at the shelter a few months after Matt began volunteering. At first, their interactions were minimal—Matt was busy, and Captain was often out of the shelter, bouncing between temporary homes. But when Captain was returned yet again, a shelter friend suggested that Matt work with him.
Captain wasn’t like the other dogs. Due to his tendency to bite out of fear, only approved handlers could work with him. His small frame housed big anxieties, and the shelter environment only made things worse. While others saw Captain’s behavior as a red flag, Matt saw an opportunity to earn his trust.
“I went into his kennel and sat down,” Matt recalled. “He just stared at me. I tossed him a couple of treats, and then he came over, sniffed me, and hopped on my lap. We’ve been friends ever since.”
A Chihuahua with a Troubled Past
Captain’s journey was far from easy. Despite his small size, his anxiety made him unpredictable. The little dog had already experienced multiple failed adoptions before Matt met him.
Matt worked tirelessly with Captain to build trust and improve his behavior. The Chihuahua slowly started to open up, and Matt celebrated when Captain was adopted once again. But his excitement was short-lived.
The first home returned Captain after he bit the husband. The second home seemed like a perfect fit—Matt even kept in touch with the adopter to make sure Captain was thriving. Everything was going well until tragedy struck. The adopter developed serious health issues requiring long-term care and could no longer look after Captain.
Desperate to keep the dog from returning to the shelter—especially since the closest one to him was high-kill—the adopter reached out to Matt. He asked if he could temporarily care for Captain until a permanent solution could be found.
Without hesitation, Matt agreed.
From Temporary Guest to Permanent Family Member
At the time, Matt still didn’t have any dogs of his own. Captain settled into his home comfortably, treating it like a long-term foster situation. He had a stable environment, no looming threat of being abandoned again, and a friend he already trusted.
Captain stayed with Matt for about two months before his former owner made a difficult decision—his health wasn’t improving, and he didn’t know if he’d ever be able to care for Captain again. He asked Matt to consider adopting him permanently.
It wasn’t a decision Matt took lightly. He and the former adopter discussed it over the course of a week, making sure it was the best option for Captain. Ultimately, Matt decided that Captain had already found his forever home.
But the biggest surprise came when Matt went to register Captain’s microchip.
The tiny dog had belonged to seven different people in the span of six years. He had been passed around like an afterthought, never truly belonging anywhere.
As the eighth and final owner, Matt made a promise: Captain was home for good.
Helping a Fearful Dog Adjust to His Forever Home
Matt knew adopting Captain wouldn’t be easy, but his love for the little Chihuahua fueled his determination. He was prepared for the challenges ahead and refused to let fear dictate Captain’s future.
Thanks to his time at the shelter, Matt had already learned Captain’s warning signs. He knew what triggered his fear-biting and how to redirect him before things escalated.
To ensure Captain had the best chance at success, Matt signed him up for obedience training. He informed the trainer about Captain’s history and behavioral struggles. Together, they worked on desensitization techniques, positive reinforcement, and ways to help Captain feel safe.
Captain made slow but steady progress. Matt’s patience paid off as he introduced Captain to more members of his family. Taking things at Captain’s pace, they ensured each new interaction was a positive one.
Although Captain still gets nervous at times, Matt and his wife know how to read his body language. They take introductions slowly and allow Captain to set the tone, giving him the confidence to interact safely.
Even with some lingering anxieties, Captain has blossomed in his new home.
Captain’s Unique Personality Begins to Shine
Once Captain settled into his forever home, his quirky personality started to emerge.
He loves howling along to piano music—whether it’s played live or coming from the TV. The moment he hears the notes, he tilts his head back and sings along in his own Chihuahua way.
Another adorable quirk? His love for toys. Captain doesn’t just pick a toy—he pulls out every single one from his toy bin until he finds the exact one he wants. Once he finds it, he prances off proudly, leaving a trail of scattered toys in his wake.
“He’s just a quirky little guy that has filled the gap that we were missing in our house,” Matt said.
Captain is now spoiled in the best way possible. He has two overflowing toy bins, his own personalized storage box with his name and photo on it, and an Instagram account where his family shares his adventures.
The 8th Time’s a Charm
Captain’s story proves that second-chance pets can make the best companions.
“Our entire family loves him,” Matt said. “He has two kennels to sleep in, but he usually sleeps on the bed. He has free range of the house. He even moved with us from California to Arizona. He’s here to stay.”
For a dog who spent most of his life being passed from one home to the next, Captain has finally found the love and security he always needed.
Dogs that get returned to shelters aren’t broken. They just need someone willing to understand them—to see past their fears and into their hearts.
Captain finally found that person in Matt.
Thinking About Adopting a Rescue Chihuahua? Here’s What to Know
If Captain’s story has inspired you, you may be considering adopting a Chihuahua of your own. These tiny dogs have big personalities, and while they can be wonderful companions, they also come with unique challenges.
Chihuahuas are highly intelligent and fiercely loyal, but they can also be nervous, especially if they’ve had a difficult past. Many Chihuahuas in shelters have been surrendered due to behavioral issues, which are often a result of fear and lack of training.
Here are a few things to consider before adopting a Chihuahua:
- Patience is key. Many rescue Chihuahuas take time to warm up to new owners.
- Training is essential. Small dogs can develop bad habits if not properly socialized.
- They bond deeply. Chihuahuas often attach strongly to one person.
- Size doesn’t mean low energy. They may be small, but many Chihuahuas love to run, play, and explore.
- They live long lives. A well-cared-for Chihuahua can live 15+ years, so be ready for a long-term commitment.
If you’re looking to adopt, consider checking out Petfinder to find Chihuahuas and other small rescue dogs in need of loving homes.
With patience, love, and understanding, a rescue Chihuahua—just like Captain—can become the best companion you’ve ever had.
