Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs,
Needs experienced adopter,
Spayed or Neutered,
Shots are up-to-date,
Story
**Emerald** 💚
**3-Year-Old Female Shih Tzu**
📍 Located in Decatur, IL
📝 Applications at [leiashope.org](http://leiashope.org)
Emerald may be small, but her joy is BIG! This 3-year-old Shih Tzu is a puppy mill survivor who now spins in happy little circles and dances with excitement when life is good—and it often is, now that she’s in a foster home!
She **adores toys**, especially soft ones, and will carefully collect them into a little pile like hidden treasure. She checks on them throughout the day and even carries them around like prized possessions. A gentle doggy playmate would be the cherry on top of her toy-loving world.
At night, Emerald transforms into the **best cuddle buddy**, happily snoozing in bed with her person. During the day, she’s a relaxed companion—lounging on the cool floor, snuggling into a dog bed, or perching on the couch.
She’s thriving on **routine**—crate-trained for her foster mom’s work schedule and eating meals in her kennel. While she’s not food aggressive, let’s just say she doesn’t believe in personal space when it comes to food bowls and would love to sample everyone’s meal if allowed. 😛
Emerald is a **sweet and gentle soul**, but she can be **shy with strangers**, especially men. She barks to express her discomfort and needs a patient family who will take things slow when introducing her to new people. Short, positive visits can help her gain confidence over time.
She enjoys other dogs and will play with them, but she’s also great at entertaining herself. She’s **still learning to feel comfortable being picked up**, and will run away at first—but she’s getting braver by the day as she continues to adjust to life as a beloved pet.
Because she’s considered a **flight risk**, Emerald requires a **secure physical fenced yard**. Her ideal home includes either a **confident canine companion** or an adopter with **mill dog experience** who can help her continue to bloom at her own pace. 💖
🔹 Spayed
🔹 Vaccinated
🔹 Microchipped
🔹 On monthly flea/heartworm prevention
💰 Adoption fee: 400
📍 Located in Decatur, IL
📝 Apply to adopt at [leiashope.org](http://leiashope.org)
⚠️ Please note: We are a volunteer-run rescue. Application processing can take **7–10 business days**. All meet-and-greets require an **approved application**. We do **not** ship or transport dogs—adopters must travel to the dog’s location.
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