Calls about Chihuahua inundate Chesterfield shelter

At least 50 people have called the Richmond Animal League about Roo, the 5-month-old Chihuahua whose photo was on yesterday's front page of the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

"We had an incredible response," said Susan Kelly, director of development. "He's the most popular dog in Richmond right now."

About 20 people filled out applications to adopt him, but Roo isn't eligible for adoption yet, Kelly said.

When he showed up at the Chesterfield County shelter in a carrier one Sunday, the staff found a microchip registered to an American Eskimo breed rescue group in California, said kennel manager Pam Bridgmon.

"We can only assume that there were extenuating circumstances," Bridgmon said.

If the owner can be located, he will have two weeks to claim the dog before Roo becomes available. The Richmond Animal League has been in contact with the rescue group in Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, "Roo is doing really great in his foster home," Kelly said. "He's really sweet. He's a really good-natured dog."

Like other shelters in the region, the Richmond Animal League has an overabundance of animals abandoned or given up by their owners because of financial problems.

Kelly said she's pleased that she also has heard from "a lot of people who just want to come by and see our animals."
Contact Katherine Calos at (804) 649-6433 or .