By MICHELLE A. MONROE / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

MISSION VIEJO – The Mission Viejo Animal Services hosted a Puppy Party on Saturday to introduce several adoptable puppies to the community.

The center has had different promotional events but wanted to throw a party to reach a broader audience because “we know that Chihuahua isn’t the puppy for everyone,” Sharon Codi, president of the Dedicated Animal Welfare Group, said. Codi helped run the event.

DAWG will help people to adopt a puppy at a reduced cost until Sunday. Adoption fees are normally $180, but during the promotion the cost will be $115. This includes the $50 spay or neuter deposit, which is refunded once the pup has been spayed or neutered. All puppies are be vaccinated and microchipped.

Freda, a Chihuahua, who was already pregnant when found, gave birth nine weeks ago in her foster mom’s bed. Her puppies – Simon, Charlie and Scarlett – are up for adoption.

They are Chihuahua mixes, but their father is unknown so they can only guess at the second breed.

“My best guess is Dachshund because they have these tiny little legs, but they’re already bigger than their momma,” Codi said.

The puppies live with foster families so they can adjust to a family environment and socialize.

Nicole and Justin Stanfield, Las Flores residents, were some of the more interested parties.

“We already have one dog and we’re looking at maybe getting another and we like small dogs,” Nicole Stanfield said.

The children who stopped by and held the puppies delicately, often receiving multiple kisses. Some, like 5-year-old Rachel Case, pleaded with their parents to let them take them home immediately.

There was only one adoption application at the end of the day, so the shelter will continue to show them to interested people.

“We have 18 Chihuahuas, four of which are puppies,” Codi said. “So we’ll have another just all Chihuahua event soon.”