YHS essay contest finds great home for Chiclet

Chiclet and adoptive parents, Brandon and Chris Hill.

On Feb. 19, YHS announced an essay contest to find the perfect home for Chiclet, a 9 month-old female Weimaraner - a rare breed in our community. 

Why conduct an essay contest to find a home for a dog? Weimaraners are not for everybody. They require a special breed of owner and we wanted to make sure Chiclet found a forever home free of any further abuse or neglect.

When YHS rescued Chiclet she was suffering life-threatening injuries caused by her collar deeply embedded in her neck. Her captor had neglected to replace Chiclet's puppy collar as she grew, causing an agonizing garrote-like constriction that resulted in a gaping wound that could have become fatally septic had she not escaped when she did. This type of neglect is a class 6 felony in Arizona. An investigation failed to turn up the person responsible for this crime. If you have any information that could lead to the person responsible for Chiclet's condition, please contact me at 928-445-2666, ext. 21. 

It's a miracle Chiclet suffered no serious psychological trauma from her ordeal, although she does wince if you suddenly raise your arm. Overall, however, she demonstrates only the playful behavior of a typical Weimaraner, and her constant desire now is to be with someone who understands her breed and whom she can safely love in return. Who is that person?

Before we tell you about her adoptive family, let us explain why we are being so careful in finding a perfect home for Chiclet. Weimaraners, mentioned, are not for everyone. They were originally bred for royalty and are athletic hunting dogs requiring extensive exercise; they remain rambunctious into old age and may be inappropriate with smaller children due to their tendency to knock them down while playing. They have a strong, instinctive prey drive causing them to chase and frequently kill small animals that enter their territory. They tend to be stubborn and are not suited for life in a kennel because of their strong desire to be with their human at all times. They need firm, loving training from someone who knows and understands the breed. 

Six compelling essays were submitted, making the choice very difficult. A panel of five YHS managers reviewed and evaluated the essays to determine the most qualified applicant for this wonderful animal. A personal interview was also performed. 

In the end, the selected adopter's knowledgeable essay, many letters of reference, established history and commitment with the Weimaraner breed, and ability to provide a safe, joyful environment all contributed to making the final selection.

Chiclet's adopters have rescued three Weimaraners over the years and have the endorsement of the President of the Arizona Weimaraner Rescue in Phoenix. One of their three rescued Weimaraners had sustained the same neck injury Chiclet endured, and was severely burned as well. That Weimaraner, named Sky, died recently due to kidney failure after 11 years of love. The adopters live and work on a 120-acre property where Chiclet will spend her days, and their new home is pet-friendly with a large fenced yard bordering a series of hiking trails. 

Join us in congratulating Brandon and Chris Hill for being selected as Chiclet's adopters. You can meet Chiclet and her wonderful new family at the YHS Walk for the Animals on April 26 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Visit www.yavapaihumane.org/walk to register today.