Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Good with cats,
Spayed or Neutered,
Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Shih Tzu
5mo/ DOB 07.17.25
8 Pounds
Spayed /Microchipped
UTD on vaccinations
Heartworm / Flea Preventative
INSTRUCTIONS for ADOPTION:
***Please read the bio in its ENTIRETY.
***If you feel your family is a perfect match, please send a completed application to gateway4paws@gmail.com.
***Applications & FAQ regarding adoption can be found on our website.
***Only completed applications that meet requirements will be reviewed.
***Since we are 100% foster-based rescue, only approved applications will be contacted.
***We do not allow shipping & do not transport. You must live within 350 miles from Maryville, IL & be able to drive for a meet & greet.
Another product of the puppy boom, Hope wasn't sold by her breeder in a timely manner. So, she "aged out" & was sent to rescue. Hope came to us with her littermate; we named him Noble. Both puppies are very smart. They pick-up on things quickly. They have lots of energy & play well together, they will each warm up to you comfortably. Once they do, they enjoy sitting on your lap while getting brushed.
We like to remind applicants that a new puppy is a lot like a toddler. Hope will need to be supervised, and the best way to do that is to have a dedicated space set up for her. This area will be a part of the home where she can see activity & observe, but it is a place that is puppy proofed. Where she can play, lounge, or nap when her family is not directly engaging. Playpens, 4-squares, or x-pens are excellent tools to make this possible. They are easily mobile if you want to move them around, too. If you have interior stairs, please have a plan to keep your puppy off the stairs unsupervised. Additionally, please be aware of the stair railing & the distance between the spindles. Small children, anyone unsteady on their feet, and large dogs could be a safety hazard for Hope. So please consider that when making the decision as to her being a good fit for your family.
Both puppies are doing very well with crate training. At night this is where they sleep quietly & comfortably. Please note that they have each other for company, leaving a puppy all alone in a crate can be lonely. You want to make sure the crate signals a space of comfort & safety. Getting a treat upon entrance, a dim nightlight, a cover over 3 sides, & music or a sound machine are all easy ways to make their space feel safe.
Hope has been successful with her potty training, in spite of the recent snow! She will go to the door to signal, but you have to be quick. It is a process that will require commitment & patience, as puppies have a little puppy bladder. Remember, in a new home, a new environment means that new habits will have to be established. Please give her time to get used to a schedule & set her up for success!
This sweet girl is not quite taking to harness & leash training yet. We will accept applications from families who do not have a fenced yard. But we will insist on you having a plan for a safe area where Hope can do her potty business without being stressed or startled. If you do have a fenced yard, your fence must be very secure, an 8lb puppy can quickly fit through very small spaces. It is worth considering having an xpen for your yard, as this would be an extra layer of protection for Hope's safety. No puppy should ever be left in a yard without supervision, NEVER EVER.
Bringing home a new puppy is a huge responsibility. It requires lots of patience & time! But it is very rewarding if everyone is invested. Please apply if you meet the requirements & would like to adopt a wonderful new friend. Please don’t apply without speaking to your spouse/partner first.
