Chihuahuas Are Paltry in Size Only

There are a few important details not touched upon about owning Chihuahuas (“Yo Quiero Respect,” March 2).

Chihuahuas, contrary to the old wives’ tale, do not tremble because they are nervous. They easily get cold. They originate in South America where it’s hot.

Instead of nervous, they are fearless, which gets them in big trouble. They are Rottweilers in little suits. They will chase cars, big dogs and livestock.

Also, being the size of rabbits, they are subject to being taken by eagles, hawks and owls. If you live in a remote area, make sure you have a covered dog run.

But if you take care of them, you’ll never be without a Chihuahua again. They are highly intelligent, loyal and born clowns.

SHARON SALONY

Sun City

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Bettijane Levine’s terrific story about the pint-sized dogs brings back fond memories of my wife’s Aunt Mae and Uncle Harvey Clark and their Chihuahuas, pets they adored all their lives, each one named Zipper.

When Zipper III died, my wife and I accompanied Aunt Mae and Uncle Harvey to the dog’s final rites at a local pet cemetery. We said goodbye to Zipper III in a viewing room. He was stretched out on his side with a peaceful smile on his face, his front paws tucked under his head in a velvet lined coffin.

That was the day I became a pallbearer for a Chihuahua.

On July 27, 1972, The Times carried the story photographer Frank Q. Brown and I did looking for Chihuahuas in Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico.

We accompanied Alma Briceno as she carried her Chihuahua Don Pedro through the Plazas de la Constitucion. Alma was surrounded by a mob of people who wanted to know what kind of dog she was holding in her arms. The people of Chihuahua had never seen a Chihuahua before.

CHARLES HILLINGER

Rancho Palos Verdes

Hillinger was a staff writer at the Los Angeles Times for 45 years until he retired in 1992. His most recent book, “Hillinger’s California: Stories From All 58 Counties,” was published this year.