Boogie Shoes, the cutest Teacup Chihuahua, always looks like he’s dancing, hence the name, but he’s actually shaking uncontrollably from a condition called cerebellar hypoplasia.
The dog was turned into the shelter at 8 weeks old. The woman who dropped him off claimed to have found him in the WalMart parking lot in 110 degree heat in Palm Springs, California. While that may be true, the region is also known for back yard breeders.
The shelter that the dog was dropped off at was Palm Spring Animal Shelter. Fortunately, it was a no-kill facility that works hard to rehabilitate and re-home every special needs dog.
At first, it seemed this cute 8 week old pup was dancing, but the reality was much worse. He was shaking – his motor skills and coordination were uncontrolled. It was clear to the doctors there that he had an unknown neurological condition. For now, he was on foster watch. Alicia became his foster and eventually his adopter.
Alicia took the dog to the neurologist who confirmed their fears. He had cerebellar hypoplasia, a neurological condition in which the cerebellum, part of the brain that controls motor functions, did not fully develop in-utero. This condition could have been caused by genetics, a virus or malnutrition. The condition reveals itself at about six weeks of age and is permanent. While Boogie is otherwise a healthy pup, he will always have physical limitations. He can’t walk on a leash, play catch or climb stairs.
Even with these limitations, Alicia loves him just as he is.
Please share this your family and friends as it is one that no one should miss!
