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Posted over 8 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
Black - with White
Age
5 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
Housetrained
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!
Calling all couch potatoes! Cooper is a 5 year old Shih Tzu who weighs about 11 pounds. There is nothing he loves more than to be by your side, laying his head on your lap for some soft pets! He is always close to his foster mom, so Cooper needs a family that will be close by most of the day. Cooper has another favorite part of his day and that is walks outside! We don’t know if he has enjoyed many walks in his previous life, but we do know that Cooper is a brisk walker and is doing well on a leash. He loves all the interesting smells along the way on his walks and thoroughly relishes every moment. Cooper navigates the many steps in his home with ease. His foster mom thinks he is a perfect companion for a lucky adopter out there!
Cooper came into rescue after his elderly owner passed away. Family members tried to care for him but realized he needed more care than they could give because they had other animals in the house. When he came into rescue, Cooper was severely matted and his grooming had been very neglected. A wonderful groomer had to basically shave him down, but as you can see in his photos, he still has some of his fluffy Shih Tzu tail! We can tell that Cooper will have a beautiful black and white coat when his hair grows out again.
Cooper sometimes grumbles when you go to pick him up. We don’t know the reason for that, but if you lay your hand on his back until he feels comfortable, you can pick him up easily. It’s possible that his elderly owner was unable to lift him and he is just not accustomed to being lifted/held. He is already becoming more relaxed when picked up. He just needs time and to know and trust the person who will hold him, and needs someone who is willing to continue his training and help him gain confidence.
Cooper is a special boy who wants a perfect home and family. In order to ensure his happiness and that of his adopters, here are the requirements for his new family:
• Cooper must go to an adults only home. He lived his entire life with an elderly person and is not comfortable with children, whether living in the home or visiting frequently.
• Cooper needs a family that is experienced with dogs and will continue to help him with training and socialization. This means time devoted to his training and learning other important doggy behaviors, such as leash walks outside, exposure to new, safe experiences, and lots of ear scratching and belly rubs.
• Since Cooper loves walking so much, his new family must be physically able to take him on daily brisk, long walks.
• Cooper could be in a home with another confident, small dog who will help him learn by being a role model and friend. It must be a dog that will be gentle with Cooper and allow him to gradually become accustomed to that other dog. At this point, Cooper pays absolutely no attention to his foster sister. He would also do very well as an only dog as long as he has opportunities to learn to socialize with other dogs on walks or other family activities. A family that works from home would be wonderful for Cooper, as would a retired person.
• Cooper is trained to go potty outside, although he may have a few accidents at first because of nervousness in a new environment. His new family needs to understand this and take him out every couple hours during the day. Cooper does sleep all night without having to go potty outside. He will definitely want to sleep in bed with his new family as he loves to cuddle!
• Cooper’s new family should live within 40 miles of the south metro area and commit to attending the Shih Tzu Rescue Reunion held each year in September.
We understand there are quite a few requirements for Cooper’s new family. But if you meet the requirements, you will have abundant joy with this sweet boy.
Cooper is current on vaccinations, microchipped and on heartworm medication. He will be neutered on August 17th and will be ready for his new home after a short recovery period. Applications are now being accepted for his adoption. His adoption fee is $320.00 plus $24.08 in sales tax for a total of $ 344.08.
To meet Cooper, 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.
