Shih Tzu puppies and dogs in Gardner, Massachusetts

Drake and Maye are a deeply bonded pair who came to the shelter after the heartbreaking loss of their owner. After so much change, these boys are simply looking for a soft, steady place to land and a family to call their own again.Drake is the shyer of the two at first and may need a little time to feel comfortable. Once he knows you, he melts into a happy puddle of snuggles, happily flinging himself into laps and soaking up attention. He also enjoys long walks and time spent close to his people. Maye is the steady, confident presence in their partnership. He helps Drake feel brave and is often the first to greet new friends, offering quiet reassurance along the way.Drake is currently on a weight-loss journey and will need to be fed separately from Maye to help him stay on track. Their adopters should be prepared to continue supporting healthy routines for both boys.If there are children in the home, teens and older would be the best fit. Drake and Maye are ready to bring comfort, companionship, and quiet loyalty to a home that will cherish them together.If you are interested in adopting these wonderful senior boys, please visit the shelter on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays between 12–4pm. Their combined adoption fee is $200 for both. If you are unable to visit during those hours, please email dogs@worcesterarl.org to inquire about scheduling an appointment.

Meet Hercules Hercules is a sensitive, loyal dog who takes his time getting comfortable with new people. He isn’t a “love at first sight” kind of guy—he needs multiple meet-and-greets before feeling safe enough to go home—but once he trusts you, his bond is deep and devoted.With his person, Hercules truly shines. He loves going on walks (where there isn`t a lot of traffic walking past), playing with his toys, and winding down with some well-earned snuggles at the end of the day. He forms a strong attachment to one person and is happiest in a calm, predictable environment.Hercules would do best in a single-person household and cannot go to an apartment. He needs a home with more space and a stable environment. A home with no children living in or visiting is required. Because he bonds closely and can be protective, he needs an experienced, committed adopter who understands his needs. Continued professional dog behavior training would be a big benefit for him and will help set everyone up for success.If you’re patient, consistent, and looking for a deeply loyal companion, Hercules may be the perfect match for you

We got Sparky at a pet store when he was a puppy, and he is currently 11 years old. He is a good dog, a bit grumpy like all Shih Tzus. Right now, he is very bored at home since I work long hours, and that’s why I want to find him a new home with someone who can dedicate more time to him. He is a bit picky with his food; over the years, he no longer likes kibble, and I have to make him homemade meals.Sparky also loves being with people or his owners, but he likes his personal space, so I don't recommend hugging and kissing him too much since he doesn't really like it. I call him my grumpy old man; he has never bitten anyone because we all know when to give him love and when to give him space, but he is an adorable dog.

You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.  Do Not Apply for a pet with PENDING in the name bar.  They have been matched with a home, but not adopted yet. Kiwi was born 5/30/25. She is sweet and sassy, a perfect little girl! She is friendly and social with everyone. She likes playing with her toys. She is great with older children. She needs work on housetraining. She is smart and catches on quickly. Adoption fee is 950.00. Thank you for choosing rescue! We are volunteers with other commitments in addition to rescue. Our time is very limited. Therefore, we request a  $20.00  donation through paypal in order to process and expedite your application. This shows that you are truly interested in adoption. Your application will remain on file for a year. Applications are available at www.eastcoasthumanesociety.com under forms/application. Donation should be made through Paypal at www.eastcoasthumanesociety.com. We are only available by phone after you have an approved application. All pets are located in the southeast. Transport is available to the NE for an additional $300.00 transport fee. We do not adopt in MA, RI due to import laws. Residents MUST pick up in CT. All dogs over 8 months will be spayed or neutered and heartworm tested. All dogs and puppies have been vaccinated,microchipped, dewormed and treated for other parasites. Please read the FAQ on our website for additional information. Adoption fees are cash or money order only. We try to find best match for each of our pets and do not adopt on first applied basis. Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.PLEASE check the profile and our website for any questions you may have. Questions that have information posted will not be answered. September 4, 2025, 9:42 am

A dapper little gentleman with a fluffy coat, soulful eyes, and just the right amount of sass to keep life interesting. He’s the kind of pup who bonds quickly, loves being near his people, and carries himself like he knows he’s adorable (because… he absolutely is). The kind of dog who makes every day feel a little more entertaining. If you love a dog who communicates with looks, wiggles, and pure charm, Bentley is ready to steal the show. See the Bentley charm in action: https://youtu.be/RxXaQj6cA8Q We believe Bentley is a Shih Tzu mix, weighing around 13 pounds. He’s an easy size to travel with and include in daily life. He may be little, but he’s packed with personality and charm. As with any rescue, breed is always our best guess, but his wonderfully portable size is one thing we know for sure. Bentley is the ultimate low pressure socialite, greeting new canine friends with a wagging tail and a curious spirit that is endearing rather than overbearing. He is a master of the sidekick lifestyle, preferring to hang out nearby and keep life interesting with his quiet presence, punctuated by delightful bursts of fun energy. Bentley has also met a cat and is currently considered cat tolerant. Because of his interest level, a kitty sleepover would be the best way to get a fully defined answer. Bentley may be tiny, but he’s got big feelings and an even bigger heart! His ideal home is one that appreciates personality, a place that will engage him, guide him, and love him for the expressive little character he is. He could do well in a house or apartment. Bentley may be small, but his heart shows up in a big way every single day! He’s ready to share it. https://adopt.animalsfirst.com/animal/62cc8e128b02916730334440/697fed9ff5202b9b8405ae3b Questions? Email Jessicak@threelittlepittiesrescue.org We facilitate adoptions nationwide using our rescue run USDA certified transport system, ensuring every pet travels safely and comfortably with 24/7 care. Our transport includes drop off locations, in WA, UT, OR, ID, VA, PA, OH, NY, CT, VT, TN, KY, WI, MN, IL, WI and Canada (pick up in Bellingham, WA, Buffalo, NY or Brattleboro, VT for for Canadian adopters). You will have the opportunity to track their journey in real time, see photo updates, learn fun facts, connect with fellow adopters and fosters through our private Facebook event page! Before the adoption is finalized, you will meet your pet through a video call, creating a fun and personalized experience! The adoption fee is $1,400.00 and includes all vetting (DAPP with booster, Bordetella, Rabies vaccine, multiple broad spectrum deworming treatments, spay/neuter, flea prevention, a 12 month heartworm preventative injectable, heartworm test and treatment if needed, a microchip with free lifetime registration, a high quality nylon Martingale collar, a health certificate deeming the pup healthy for travel, cost of transport*, and priceless years of love and loyal companionship! We proudly have over 17,000 successful adoptions and excellent Google Reviews: https://g.co/kgs/UQ5Pyai We care deeply about creating lasting matches between dog and family for long term success, and take the time to ensure each adoption is a fit through our matchmaking process. At our 2 acre Texas based property, we assess every animal with trainers on staff, we modify behavior as needed, and create individualized behavior plans to help prepare dogs for their future families including crate training, potty training, leash walking, etc. Our fosters are able to attend group training and socialization play groups helping them stay confident, well rounded, and adoption-ready. Our on-site trainers are dedicated to each dog’s growth and we enjoy seeing their progress! We go above and beyond to ensure every animal receives exceptional care. Veterinarians consistently praise our medical standards. From routine care to advanced treatments, each dog receives personalized attention. Hard costs for a healthy dog range from $804-$920; heartworm-positive dogs or those needing specialized care can exceed $2,000+. Adoption fees help cover a portion of these expenses, but without government funding, we rely on fundraising to bridge the gap—ranging from $100–$1,000+ per dog. Our adoption fees reflect the extensive care and resources that go into each animal we save. The adoption fee is a donation to the mission and goes far beyond getting a fully vetted pet. It doesn’t stop there! Our adopters also receive these SPECIAL PERKS: Extensive behavioral testing and information from trainers on our staff to ensure the perfect fit for your family Discounts on Embark DNA test kit- $30 off of Breed ID test or $50 off of Breed ID plus Health test 30 day trial of pet insurance with Trupanion A free private online dog training session with GoodPup, plus low pricing for future sessions Access to multiple dog trainers in your area, along with $40 off of your first session of in person dog training through Rover Training 70% off of your first order of Fetch, a delicious PNW based fresh dog meatballs subscription Coupons for a fun visit to Petco 20% off of Dr. Cuddles pet first aid and hygiene solutions Discounted heartworm, flea prevention, and monthly dewormer Access to our exclusive FB Adopters page, where you can network for play dates, resources, and connect with other adopters that share their passion for their adopted pup! The Greater Houston area faces one of the highest stray and overpopulation rates in the U.S. We’re a nonprofit on a mission—to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs at risk, while promoting spay/neuter outreach in the community. When you adopt, you save more than one life— the one you adopted, and the space opened up to save another. Follow our journey and stay connected! 🌐 threelittlepittiesrescue.org 📘 facebook.com/threelittlepittiesrescue 📸 instagram.com/threelittlepittiesrescue Ready to welcome a new furry friend into your life? APPLY TODAY and become a hero for pets in need! *Due to rising transportation costs, a $87 surcharge applies. DISCLAIMER- Breed type is determined based on general appearance and behavioral characteristics, and cannot be guaranteed without DNA testing. NOTE- Texas adopters must pick up from the Houston area.

If you are looking for a furry friend to warm your lap and your heart, search no more! Jo Jo may be the one! This young guy is estimated to be about 1 ½ years old and is being fostered in Texas with 7 small dogs and one large (male and female). Weighing just 9 pounds, he brings calm to the pack and prefers to snuggle on a lap or cuddle up in his crate rather than join in the commotion. We think he is a shih tzu, but in rescue there is no guarantee, so we just call him our Texas Special. Warning! If you adopt Jo Jo, your productivity rate and stress level may go down. He doesn’t feel guilty tempting you to sit on the couch to read a book or watch TV. You might feel bad making him move off your lap, which may result in relaxing more than you are used to. Riding in the car is new to this little guy. He likes to be where he can see you, He is the perfect companion for a morning coffee run or late night ice cream treat. He is good on the leash in quiet areas but when in busy places he can get a little nervous. He just needs more practice being out and about. Jo Jo’s ideal family would have a calm, quiet lifestyle and will give him time to build his confidence and help him feel safe when he goes to new places and meets new people. We expect he will be shy when he joins his new family and will need time to settle in before he blooms like he has in his foster home. This adorable ball of fluff is almost potty trained and quiet in the crate. He met our rescue cat and had a few sniffs but no interest in chasing- so far we haven’t seen Jo Jo chase anything. With proper introductions and time to develop a relationship we think he could be besties with a cat. If you think Jo Jo is your perfect match, apply here and his adoption coordinator will reach out! https://adopt.animalsfirst.com/animal/62cc8e128b02916730334440/698a0b2372eeba8d8e01d874 Questions? Email jodi@threelittlepittiesrescue.org We facilitate adoptions nationwide using our rescue run USDA certified transport system, ensuring every pet travel safely and comfortably with 24/7 care. Our transport includes drop off locations, in WA, UT, OR, ID, VA, PA, OH, NY, CT, VT, TN, KY, WI, MN, IL, WI and Canada (pick up in Bellingham, WA, Buffalo, NY or Brattleboro, VT for for Canadian adopters). You will have the opportunity to track their journey in real time, see photo updates, learn fun facts, connect with fellow adopters and fosters through our private Facebook event page! Before the adoption is finalized, you will meet your pet through a video call, creating a fun and personalized experience! The adoption fee is $1600 and includes all vetting (DAPP with booster, Bordetella, Rabies vaccine, multiple broad spectrum deworming treatments, spay/neuter, flea prevention, a 12 month heartworm preventative injectable, heartworm test and treatment if needed, a microchip with free lifetime registration, a high quality nylon Martingale collar, a health certificate deeming the pup healthy for travel, cost of transport*, and priceless years of love and loyal companionship! We proudly have over 17,000 successful adoptions and excellent Google Reviews: https://g.co/kgs/UQ5Pyai We care deeply about creating lasting matches between dog and family for long term success, and take the time to ensure each adoption is a fit through our matchmaking process. At our 2 acre Texas based property, we assess every animal with trainers on staff, we modify behavior as needed, and create individualized behavior plans to help prepare dogs for their future families including crate training, potty training, leash walking, etc. Our fosters are able to attend group training and socialization play groups helping them stay confident, well rounded, and adoption-ready. Our on-site trainers are dedicated to each dog’s growth and we enjoy seeing their progress! We go above and beyond to ensure every animal receives exceptional care. Veterinarians consistently praise our medical standards. From routine care to advanced treatments, each dog receives personalized attention. Hard costs for a healthy dog range from $804-$920; heartworm-positive dogs or those needing specialized care can exceed $2,000+. Adoption fees help cover a portion of these expenses, but without government funding, we rely on fundraising to bridge the gap—ranging from $100–$1,000+ per dog. Our adoption fees reflect the extensive care and resources that go into each animal we save. The adoption fee is a donation to the mission and goes far beyond getting a fully vetted pet. It doesn’t stop there! Our adopters also receive these SPECIAL PERKS: Extensive behavioral testing and information from trainers on our staff to ensure the perfect fit for your family Discounts on Embark DNA test kit- $30 off of Breed ID test or $50 off of Breed ID plus Health test 30 day trial of pet insurance with Trupanion A free private online dog training session with GoodPup, plus low pricing for future sessions Access to multiple dog trainers in your area, along with $40 off of your first session of in person dog training through Rover Training 70% off of your first order of Fetch, a delicious PNW based fresh dog meatballs subscription Coupons for a fun visit to Petco 20% off of Dr. Cuddles pet first aid and hygiene solutions Discounted heartworm, flea prevention, and monthly dewormer Access to our exclusive FB Adopters page, where you can network for play dates, resources, and connect with other adopters that share their passion for their adopted pup! The Greater Houston area faces one of the highest stray and overpopulation rates in the U.S. We’re a nonprofit on a mission—to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs at risk, while promoting spay/neuter outreach in the community. When you adopt, you save more than one life— the one you adopted, and the space opened up to save another. Follow our journey and stay connected! 🌐 threelittlepittiesrescue.org 📘 facebook.com/threelittlepittiesrescue 📸 instagram.com/threelittlepittiesrescue Ready to welcome a new furry friend into your life? APPLY TODAY and become a hero for pets in need! *Due to rising transportation costs, a $87 surcharge applies. DISCLAIMER- Breed type is determined based on general appearance and behavioral characteristics, and cannot be guaranteed without DNA testing. NOTE- Texas adopters must pick up from the Houston area.