This Week's Pet: Tiny Terrier Mix With Huge Heart

Corky is a tiny girl with a very big heart.

This sweet Rat Terrier mix got her name because of her funny little corkscrew tail. She was adopted from Lincoln Park's PAWS Chicago Adoption Center in 2007, but tragically became homeless again in April when her guardian fell ill and no one was left to take care of her.

Corky recently spent some time in a foster home in order to give her a little vacation and allow PAWS staff to learn more about her personality. This 7-year-old pup is very low-maintenance and easy to care for. Because she has spent most of her life in a home setting, she is already house-trained. Corky never had an accident in her foster home, and is also crate-trained.

Watch the accompanying video to see Corky, in action.

She is well-behaved when given the run of the house, too. She is not destructive and was a perfect houseguest for her foster family. While she has an adventurous side and likes taking long walks or playing the occasional game of fetch, Corky does not need much exercise and is content to lounge around the house most of the time—especially if she has a blanket to burrow under.

According to her foster family, Corky was quiet most of the time and would be well-suited for an apartment or condo. Typical of her breed, this terrier is busy and alert, but also has a gentle, sensitive disposition.

She prefers to be sitting on or near you, and will greet you when you come home with plenty of kisses and tail wags. While Corky’s main interest is people, she is fine with cats and a lot of other dogs, particularly those close to her size. Corky would do best as the only pet, or with another independent animal who doesn’t mind letting her have the spotlight.

She is a lean 12 pounds and has a smooth, short coat. She doesn’t shed much and likes having a jacket to wear when it’s chilly. She loves treats, which makes training a breeze. Corky already knows “sit”, “stay”, and “shake”.

Because she can be a little possessive of her toys, Corky would prefer a home with just adults who have previous dog experience. She can be fearful of unfamiliar men at first, but warms up quickly with the help of some treats.

Corky has been diagnosed with a mildly collapsed trachea, which causes her to cough sometimes when she gets excited or nervous. By walking Corky with a harness and keeping her at a reasonable weight, her new family will be able to easily manage the condition. No treatment is necessary and she is expected to live a long, happy life.

Corky has a resilient spirit and has overcome the heart-breaking loss of her owner with such grace—she still has so much love to give.

Will you give her a chance?

If you're interested in Diamond, use this quick contact form, visit the PAWS Chicago Adoption Center at 1997 N. Clybourn, e-mail adoptions@pawschicago.org, or call 773-935-7297.

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