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Posted over 9 months ago
| Updated over 8 months ago
I found a new home! Plenty of my friends are looking for one too. Check out other pets at this shelter, or start a new search.
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My basic info
Breed
Shih Tzu
Color
Tan/Yellow/Fawn - with White
Age
4 years 8 months old, Young
Size
Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less (when grown)
Weight
11 lbs (current)
Sex
Male
Pet ID
–
My details
Good with dogs
Purebred
Shots current
Spayed / Neutered
My story
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Here's what the humans have to say about me:
In addition to the following profile for this dog, please first read the Adoption Information at http://www.shihtzurescuemn.org/adopt.html to understand the process, requirements and timeline for adoption. An adoption application can also be found in the Adoption Info section. If, after reading that information, you have any questions, please submit your question via e-mail and it will be answered. Please do not request a phone call. A personal phone call will only be made when an adoption application has been submitted and the foster parent wishes to consider the application. Thank you!
Billy is a remarkable little 4-year-old male Shih Tzu. Released from a puppy mill, he came into rescue on July 2nd, and he continues to learn and transform into a wonderful companion and friend. Starting out as a dirty, unkempt, shy, fearful, and unconfident little guy, he is now blossoming into a happy boy who has learned to go up stairs, walk on a leash, play with toys, chase around the house doing “the Shih Tzu 500”, curl up next to you in bed, enjoy treats, eat quality dog food, and welcomes tummy massages and lots of touches. He has even started giving kisses! For a puppy mill dog that has only lived in a small wire cage his entire life and never enjoyed the outdoors or companionship, this is awesome! Much of his fearful behaviors have been from lack of experience, exposure, a kind hand and confidence. As he learns he is safe outside a confining cage, and noises are “normal”, he lifts his head, his tail goes up, confidence rises, and the fear subsides. Billy is learning to be a happy dog. When his foster mom comes home, he gives little barks and runs to greet her for pets and hugs! He will now take treats out of her hand and loves his dehydrated chicken! A hilarious behavior for Billy is his new awareness of toys: he will pounce on them, back off, bark, and pounce again and again! Then to make the “final kill” he will grab an end and enthusiastically pull and chew it until he is exhausted! He is truly an easy boy to love and so very, very sweet.
Billy needs to continue his house training, but each day gets better and he has made a remarkable improvement from when he first arrived. His foster mom has set a consistent schedule for him - he always goes out for an early walk, a lunchtime walk, an after work walk, and a before bedtime walk. With this routine he is learning when and where to relieve himself. Understanding his routine and feeling safe and confident has made marked difference in this and all behaviors. His new family must also continue with this schedule to ensure his housetraining. Walking is essential to his training as well as establishing a bond with his new family.
Having another dog in the house that is small, calm and confident has also made a huge difference in Billy’s life now. For this reason, another similar dog in his forever home will be a requirement. This is the best way for him to learn and grow. As of now Billy is choosing to sleep right next to his foster brother and will also choose to nap in his foster brother’s doggie bed instead of the floor---that is a big step!
Although he does not need a fenced yard, please note that a dog that is fearful and unsure of his environment will bolt and run easily so ALWAYS attaching a leash BEFORE going outside is an absolute necessity.
Billy is a healthy 11 pound boy who would love to find his forever home as soon as the right family applies. Here are the requirements the foster home is looking for:
• A quiet, calm home that includes another small, confident dog.
• No children because it often means there will be more people coming in and out, more noise and activity, and it creates more confusion and fear for him.
• A home with owners who understand a puppy mill dog and the patience it takes to see him through this journey of learning. He needs consistency in routines and schedules so he can learn what is going to happen, what is expected of him, and how to react.
• A home with very few stairs. He has learned to go up, and he will go down the last 2-3 outside, but otherwise needs to be carried down. His new family must be capable of carrying him if there are have several stairs.
• A home within 45 miles of west Bloomington, MN.
• Must commit to attending the annual Shih Tzu Rescue Reunion held each year in September.
Billy is healthy, neutered, current on vaccinations, microchipped, and on heartworm and flea/tick preventative. His adoption fee is $370.00 plus $27.84 sales tax for total of $397.84.
To meet Billy, please complete an adoption application at the website listed in the first paragraph. Or you can also see him and the other dogs available for adoption from Shih Tzu Rescue of Minnesota by visiting with us from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon the first Saturday of every month at Chuck and Don’s at 6821 York Avenue South, Edina near Southdale.
