Stella came to us as “Mocha” (Latte). Stella was our first venture into the world of little dogs. She was found wandering the streets of Hartford by a Wethersfield resident, taken to the local dog pound, and eventually ended up with the POA. The POA is a local non-profit dog and cat rescue facility with a no-kill policy.
Previous to Stella, our idea of small dog was our Cocker Spaniel, Sadie. Stella is one-third the size of Sadie, weighing in at just less than 9 pounds. She is predominantly Lhasa Apso and Chihuahua, with tinge of English Springer Spaniel in the mix. We determined this through DNA testing.
Stella certainly exhibits the personality traits of the Lhasa. In their native land they are called ‘apso seng kye’ (bark sentinel lion dog). She is all of that; the color, the dominant watch dog disposition, and the noise. She barks at most anything, even the gas fireplace starting up. She does have a softer side too. Stella is very playful and enjoys attention. She gets along well with our other dogs, but makes it known that she is boss.
Stella’s favorite is Sonny. She loves Sonny and treats him accordingly. Simon is the new boy on the block, and is still testing the waters with Stella. They play and get along well together, but Stella exerts her dominance over him occasionally. I think that eventually she will soften toward him.
Stella can sometimes be a little distant when it comes to affection, but she is a wonderful dog. She certainly makes life around here interesting. She is street-wise, and a true survivor under any circumstance.
