Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Apple Strudel
Teddybear (Shih Tzu / Bichon mix)
Male
Location: Decatur, IL
Apple Strudel is a sweet, gentle boy with a joyful personality and a proud little strut to match. He absolutely loves children and thrives when he has playmates, whether that’s kids who enjoy interacting with an active puppy or a young, playful dog. He is social, affectionate, and happiest when he’s engaged with his people and included in daily life. One of his favorite pastimes is carrying around small balls, especially wool cat balls, which he proudly parades with his tail up and head held high like he’s won a prize.
Strudel bonds quickly and deeply with his family. He is attentive, emotionally connected, and has a habit of gazing into your eyes with complete admiration. He does best in a home where he is not left alone for long periods and where he can be part of the family’s routine and activities. He truly wants to belong and flourishes when that need is met.
Born and raised in rescue, Apple Strudel was raised with Puppy Culture, an evidence-based puppy development program focused on building confident, resilient dogs through structured socialization, problem-solving, handling exercises, and early emotional development. Puppy Culture helps puppies learn how to cope with new experiences, recover from stress, and build positive associations with the world around them. Because of this strong foundation, we highly encourage adopters to continue his education to support the progress he has already made. The recommended program is “With Open Arms and a Level Head,” available at puppyculture.com, and is an excellent investment in his long-term confidence and stability.
Strudel was raised on a balanced raw diet designed to support healthy growth and a strong gut biome. He does best on raw, and attempts to transition him to other diets have resulted in constipation and an upset stomach. While a raw diet is not required, it is strongly recommended for him. Raw diets can offer benefits such as improved digestion, firmer stools, healthier skin and coat, reduced inflammation, and overall gut health, especially for dogs who show sensitivity to processed foods. If raw is not continued, the best alternative is a high-quality dog food without fillers such as grain, corn, or legumes, chosen with careful attention to ingredients and nutritional balance.
Regular grooming will be required throughout his life, including professional grooming approximately every 6 weeks with consistent brushing in between. Daily eye maintenance is also required; his adopter must be comfortable gently cleaning and wiping his eyes to help manage tear staining.
Apple Strudel has been seen by the veterinarian and is perfectly healthy with no concerns. He is fully weaned, microchipped, and has received all age-appropriate puppy vaccines. Rabies will be completed when he is old enough. He is not neutered due to age; a neuter contract is required, and Leia’s Hope will cover $200 toward the neuter when completed between 6–9 months of age.
Adoption fee: $600
Applications are processed in 7–10 business days. An approved application is required before a meet and greet. All family members, including resident dogs, must attend, and adopters must travel to Troy, MO. We do not provide transportation. If flying home with your new pet, Apple Strudel must ride in the cabin with his family; cargo flights are not permitted.
Puppies are a lifetime commitment of 15+ years. If at any point Apple Strudel cannot remain with his adopter, he must be returned to Leia’s Hope Canine Rescue.
Applications and additional information can be found at leiashope.org.
