My name is FREDDIE!

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!

Meet Freddie, a “cute as a button” Shih Tzu with beautiful cream and gold fur. Freddie weighs 8 pounds and is 1 year old. His birthdate is July 20, 2022. Even though Freddie has been in his foster home only two weeks, he has already shown his foster mom the things he enjoys most in life. Freddie is most happy when you are home with him and he loves to be near you at all times. He will cuddle next to you in bed at night and occasionally serenade you with some soft snoring! Freddie was not familiar with a harness and leash when he came into rescue, but is now really enjoying short walks outside with his foster mom and her Shih Tzu. Freddie loves to stop and watch the people and squirrels in the neighborhood. In Freddie’s opinion, squirrels should be chased, so his foster mom needs to keep a tight hold on his leash. Freddie is doing very well with his potty training. His foster mom takes him outside every couple hours and he now knows “potty outside”. Especially when it is accompanied with a little treat!

Freddie has a very sweet, playful personality. He is a bit shy at first, but as soon as he knows you, all is well and he is a happy boy. Freddie will bond quickly with his new family, so it won’t take long for him to love you! Freddie is used to living with females and is a little leery of men. If he goes to a home that includes a man, he will need time to adapt and learn to trust. Freddie loves children, so would do well in a home with children age 10 or older, or respectful grand children who visit.

Freddie loves his toys and enjoys playing fetch with his person. He is adorable when he “hops” after them! Freddie will need to continue to learn basic dog obedience and gain confidence in his new home. He loves to please though, and is a smart pup who is able to learn quickly!

Freddie does have some separation anxiety. His foster mom is helping him with this issue and he is making progress. His new family will need to continue to work with him to help him overcome this anxiety. Freddie CANNOT be kenneled or confined to small spaces as that is very stressful for him and contributes to his anxiety. He is not destructive, but barks when his family leaves and he is very excited and a bit anxious when they return! Freddie currently wears a doggy diaper while his foster mom is gone as he sometimes has some anxiety urination when left alone. Freddie would be happy in a home with or without another small, calm and confident dog.

Freddie is a very special boy who wants a perfect home and family. In order to ensure that, here are the requirements that his foster mom is looking for in his new family:

• Because Freddie is only a one year old dog, and Shih Tzus often live 15 plus years, he will only be placed with an age appropriate family who can fully care for him for his entire life. No applications from senior citizens will be considered. A family that works from home would be ideal for Freddie. His new family must be home much of the day.
• Freddie needs a family that is experienced with dogs and will continue to help him with training and socialization. This means devoting time to his training and learning other important doggy behaviors, such as leash walks outside, exposure to new, safe experiences, and lot of ear scratching and belly rubs.
• Freddie can be in a home with another confident, small dog who will help him learn by being a role model and friend. However, he would also do well as an only dog as long as he has opportunities to learn to socialize with other dogs on walks or other family activities.
• Freddie is not yet fully housetrained. His new family needs to understand this and must take him outside every couple hours during the day. Freddie does sleep all night though, without the need to go potty outside. He will definitely want to sleep in bed with his new family.
• Because of Freddie’s separation anxiety which can create some barking, he should not be adopted to an apartment/condo living situation.
• Freddie’s new family should live within 40 miles of the south metro area.

Freddie is neutered, current on vaccinations, microchipped and on heartworm/flea and tick medication. His adoption fee is $420.00 plus $35.81 in sales tax for a total of $455.81. His foster mom would like his new family to commit to attending our Rescue Reunion held each year in September.

To meet Freddie, 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.