Oh for the love of Chihuahuas

Willa and Webster were born without their front legs and have to scoot and hop to get around, but not for long.

Huntington Beach’s Barkingham Palace, a pet grooming shop, is holding a dog bathing fundraiser for the two Sunday. The shop is raising money for Mutts N Stuff Small Dog Rescue in Rancho Cucamonga, who rescued Willa and Webster.

“What’s one day out of our week to dedicate to the dogs?” said Judie Callen, Barkingham Palace’s owner.

Willa and Webster are 7-month-old Chihuahuas rescued from a Lancaster shelter by Mutts N Stuff in September. Both need wheelchair carts to help them get around without hopping or scooting on their chests, which puts strain on their backs and hind legs, Callen said.

The carts are $375 each, but Webster might need more help. The Chihuahua has nubs where his front legs should have been and uses them to get around, said Jenna Bell, a volunteer with Mutts N Stuff.

“I can tell he is in pain, and it’s really slowing him down and hurting him,” Bell said.

Webster is going to see a specialist to determine whether he needs to get his nubs removed, Bell said. The initial appointment alone will cost $200.

Once the dogs have their carts and Webster sees the specialist, they will be ready for adoption, but only together.

“It’s going to be hard to adopt these guys,” she said.

Bell said she wants them to stay together because Webster starts getting shaky when Willa is not around. Bell has been fostering the two and said it will be hard to see them go. Callen, too, said she would like to adopt them.

“It’s all I can do not to take those Chihuahuas home, to tell you the truth,” Callen said.

The two will need some extra attention, but there are no special requirements for whoever adopts them, Bell said. Willa is friendly and active and Webster is a big cream puff, she said.

Willa, Webster and Bell are coming down from Los Angeles for the fundraiser.

Barkingham Palace is hoping to bathe about 60 dogs to raise enough money for Willa and Webster. The shop is asking for a minimum donation of $20 per dog, but Callen said she hopes people will donate more.

“Dog people are good people,” she said.

The bath includes drying, nail trimming and a blueberry facial. The facial deep-cleans and helps remove stains, Callen said.

The fundraiser is also a kind of grand opening for the shop, which opened in October. Callen traded in her mobile dog grooming business Diva Dog for her fanciful shop with bubblegum-pink walls, a castle facade in the front and her two poodles, Obi and Cleo, lounging around.

“To be a groomer, you have to love [dogs],” Callen said.

All donations will go to Willa and Webster.

There will also be goodie bags and raffles for free grooming. The fundraiser begins at 8:30 a.m.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are also being taken. To make an appointment or to find out more information, call (714) 848-3644.

How To Help

Grab your dog and take him to Barkingham Palace for a bath.

Where: 6027 Warner Ave.

When: 8:30 a.m. Sunday

Cost: Minimum $20 donation

Interested in adopting? Call Mutts N Stuff Small Dog Rescue at (909) 910-1407.