A Bloomington-Normal dog rescue would like you to consider the little guys, and is getting some extra funds to help make that happen.
Founder and director of Deeby’s Senior Chihuahua Rescue Tobi Griffin said she originally preferred larger dogs, owning two golden retrievers and a Doberman.
But then came Muad’Dib, a small but mighty Chihuahua. His name came from the novel Dune, by Frank Herbert. Muad’Dib is a word in a science fiction language that means “little mouse.”
The rescue called him Deeby for short.
“Just an old little decrepit Chihuahua and I just fell in love with that type of dog,” Griffin said.
The rescue was officially founded in Deeby’s memory in 2021. Griffin said 188 dogs have been adopted from them in 2025, and over a thousand have found homes since its founding.
In September, Deeby’s Senior Chihuahua Rescue received a $5,000 incubator grant from the Grey Muzzle Organization, a national nonprofit that supports older dogs.
Those funds will help cover veterinary and dental expenses for their rescues.
She believes Chihuahuas are often misunderstood and said they end up languishing in shelters like other maligned dog breeds.
“Chihuahuas are the number two dog that end up in shelters behind pit bulls," she said.
Their sometimes-feisty preference for one person can be interpreted as mean or aggressive. Griffin said if the dogs aren’t properly socialized, that aggressive behavior can get worse.
“They say they’re barky, or attack dogs, but that’s not true,” Griffin said. “For the most part, we get pretty friendly dogs.”
The rescue has branched out to other small breeds, like a black toy poodle named Sid or a fluffy white Pomeranian named Meringue. They also take younger dogs. Sid is only two years old, and Meringue is about three.
Some of the dogs brought into the rescue come from hoarding situations and need to learn how to be around people. Griffin said they do get “spicy” dogs that need extra care and rehabilitation. Sometimes those dogs come from animal control or shelters where they may feel threatened by larger breeds.
“Little dogs only have their teeth to protect themselves,” Griffin said.
Speaking of teeth, sometimes aggressive behavior is the result of a pup in pain. Griffin said small breed dogs often need dental work as they get older, since dogs are not subject to the same hygiene regiment as humans.
Some of the fosters and adoptable dogs have special medical needs as well. The Grey Muzzle Organization grant will help cover some veterinary costs. Griffin said the nonprofit also accepts monetary donations.
Each dog lives in a foster home, which allows the rescue to better learn their personality and what home they would thrive in. Meringue, for instance, would be best suited to a home without young children. Sid gets along with other dogs but can be possessive of his toys.
Dogs available for adoption are listed on the non-profit’s website. Griffin said those interested in fostering can sign up through the same adoption form.
