Foster pet program a lifesaver

And her deliverance arrived, improbably, when Animal Care Services picked her up.

Typically, such animals are euthanized after about three days. But as a beneficiary of the city's Guardian Angels program, Reina has weeks to find a permanent home while remaining under the agency's wing.

Her so-called angel is Karen Pipkin, one of among 30 participants who are socializing dogs in their own homes and readying them for adoption.

“I kind of look at it, in a way, as my ministry,” said Pipkin. “I feel like (animals) really don't have a voice, and it takes people to fix the situation.”

Officials are citing the foster care program as crucial to stopping the killing of healthy, adoptable animals by 2012.

“This is one of the fastest ways that we are going to be able to get to that goal,” said Athena Barr, the program's coordinator. “People taking a little extra time are going to make that happen.”

It's Pipkin's second time in the program, which began last summer. She successfully primed White Fang, another Chihuahua, for adoption last month.

Reina, a playful “deer” Chihuahua, has been a joy to tame, quirks and all. Pipkin said she uses a bottle of water to discourage excessive barking.

“If she keeps barking, then she gets a little stream of water,” she said.