Hello, loves! My name is Mishka. I‘m a 2-year-old desi dog from India, pleased as punch to be making my American debut, and past-ready to leave my hard-knock, early life behind. I was given my name when I was just a wee pup, by the volunteers who fed my family on the street. They had heard that Mishka means “little mouse” in Slavic languages, and my caretakers thought I was the mousiest-looking pup of the bunch.
Well “the mousiest” proved to be a survivor, many times over. Three of my siblings died from presumed poisoning, and another perished from injuries. My own mother, who had gone blind after giving birth to litter after litter, died too. While I was still a puppy, I became very ill with tick fever and got pregnant on top of that! My human friends stepped in to save me, and I recovered “like a boss” once treated. Due to the growing hostility of my human neighbors towards dogs, my rescuers moved me into foster care. My beautiful puppies–Junebug, Loki, and Hans Solo–were all adopted in India, but it’s almost impossible to find a home for an adult female desi dog here. People just don’t know what they’re missing.
I’m really nothing like a mouse. Although I can be calm and sweet, I still have the spunk of a filly, the sprint of a deer, and I’ve matured into a distinctly non-mousy, dark beauty. When asked to describe me in three terms, I think my rescuers chose well: very affectionate, docile, and smart. I’m happiest when being showered with undivided attention, and love trading tail-wags and kisses for belly-rubs. I greet my friends with an exuberant dance, and I’m always ready to play. My cuddles are a sure-fire cure for the blues, and I will do anything I can to please you.
I’m conveniently sized at 33 pounds, not too big, not too small, and my full-speed run is breathtaking to watch. My vaccinations are up-to-date, I’m crate trained, and making good progress on housetraining and walking on-leash. I enjoy meeting and interacting with adults and childen of all ages. With dogs, I take my time before deciding they’re worthy of my trust, and cats remain a mystery to me. Like many desi dogs on the street, I have a habit of chasing cars, but since my rescue, I’ve been a very eager and well-behaved passenger. I’m hoping for a future full of road trips!
Update: I just learned that Mishka in Russian is a name for teddy bears, and that as a Hindu name from Sanskit, Mishka means “gift of love.” I guess my name suits me perfectly, after all! So allow me to give notice: your “gift of love” is ready and waiting for a spot in your heart and home!
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Desi (day-see) dogs live on the city and village streets of India, with an estimated 400,000 in the capital Delhi, alone. Also called Indian Native Dogs or Pariah Dogs, these dogs have changed little over thousands of years. Desi dogs are highly intelligent, alert, good-looking, athletic, and full of character. Many urban Desi dogs have recent European breed ancestry too, along with sighthound sleekness and speed.
If you are interested in adopting MISHKA, please contact Dawn Trimmel at info@istreetdog.com. You can also find our adoption application here. Your application must be approved before scheduling a meet and greet.