Shih Tzu puppies and dogs in Kitchener, Ontario

**IF THIS LISTING IS STILL POSTED THIS DOG IS STILL AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION. NO NEED TO EMAIL ASKING IF THE DOG IS AVAILABLE. PLEASE READ THROUGH THIS BIO THOROUGHLY AS INFORMATION ON HOW TO APPLY IS CONTAINED IN THIS LISTING** For Adoption: Bao! Please read our dog bios carefully to be sure that the dog you are applying for suits your family and lifestyle. We at PDR believe in the benefits of post-adoption training for our dogs and their families. This allows for continued socialization, learning and helps to create a well-mannered and balanced dog. Post-adoption training is a requirement in our adoption process. To apply for adoption and for more information on our process and requirements, visit our website at https://pounddog.ca/adoption-info/. Meet Bao (rhymes with cow), a 4-year-old Shih Tzu who has finally discovered that life can be full of comfort, kindness, and scrambled eggs..yum!! At first glance, everything about Bao is delightfully petite: she weighs 11lbs with short little legs, a stubby tail, dainty ears, and a button nose to match. But one look into her huge, round, cartoon eyes you'll realize there's a big personality just waiting to become your best friend. Since Shih Tzus have a proud, royal Chinese heritage, we wanted to give her a name that reflected that. The word Bao has many meanings. While many people think of the delicious steamed buns, it was the translation of "treasure" that won us over. Fittingly, our Bao is both—a tiny, round little bundle that's impossible not to adore, and a treasure waiting to be discovered. Bao has creamy white fur covering her belly, chest, and legs that extends into a broad white collar draped across her shoulders. The fur on her face and over her back is a mesmerizing blend of smoky greys and browns that seems to change in every light, almost like she's wearing a little cloak. Her coat is cut to a cute length that shows off her petite figure and just the right hint of waistline. Bao's life up until now was spent making puppies for profit. While quietly living with what would later be discovered as a large, painful bladder stone, she somehow continued to survive the only life she'd ever known. Now she's learning about the world and embracing the role her breed was truly meant for: being a treasured companion. The Bao who first came to us was quiet, reserved, and preferred to keep to herself in her crate. She never made a sound, didnt get the zoomies, didnt want to play; not necessarily shut down, just not particularly enthusiastic. It wasnt until after the team at Preston Animal Hospital gave her a chance to feel comfortable again that we finally got to meet the real Bao. Bao had a bladder stone that nearly filled her entire bladder, meaning she was living with constant pressure and discomfort. That stone had likely been growing for years, all while she continued producing litter after litter. Thankfully, those days are behind her. The stone is gone, she's been spayed, which means she'll never again be asked to carry puppies. Her teeth have been cleaned, the loose ones removed, revealing a cute little smile. Free from the pain she'd been quietly living with for so long, she's become a whole new little girl. Today, Bao is cuddly, often choosing to sleep on the couch beside us, belly in the air and snoring away. Other times, she's busy letting us know her opinions about which direction our walk should go and exactly what pace she thinks is appropriate. She loves going for car rides with her family, especially if they end with ice cream cones (pup cones for Bao, of course). She gets the zoomies, sneaks toys into her crate when she thinks we're not looking, and gets very excited for meals and treat time! Her only request for her new family? That scrambled eggs and boiled chicken hearts remain a regular part of the menu. (Like I said... she has opinions.) We've spent a lot of time imagining Bao's perfect forever home. She's never been one to seek out her foster siblings for playtime, preferring to peacefully coexist alongside them. That said, she's learned so much simply by watching them navigate life. Bao would be perfectly happy as an only dog, soaking up all the attention for herself, or with quiet pup companions who are content to share their home but wont pester her to play. She hasn't had the opportunity to meet any cats while in our care, but she pays little attention to squirrels and birds in the yard, so we suspect she'd do just fine with a cat sibling after a proper introduction. Bao is a bit cat-like herself, independent enough to enjoy her own space, but always happy to curl up beside her people when it's time to relax. Shes quite content to sleep in her crate during the day while her humans go to the office, provided she gets a bathroom break mid-day. From experience, I can also say she's an excellent work-from-home buddy, happily sleeping in her bed by your feet and snoring away while you work. Shes used to a quiet home with a predictable routine. She doesnt bark much, so shed be more than happy to live in an apartment/condo. She hasnt spent any time with children outside of being introduced while on walks so shed do best with older children (over 10yrs of age) who respect her autonomy. She's still working on building a good leash-walking relationship. Between recovering from her surgeries and the hot summer weather, there haven't been as many opportunities to get out and practice. Like many Shih Tzus, Bao has a shortened, brachycephalic muzzle, so she'll always appreciate shorter walks and extra care on hot, humid days. When she first arrived, our walks were quite short and she'd simply plop herself down, expecting to be carried when she'd had enough. As she's started feeling better, her stamina has grown too, but don't expect marathons from this short-legged little lady. She's far more interested in stopping to investigate all the wonderful smells of the world than setting any speed records. Since her first weeks with us were extenuating circumstances with her bladder, shes having to relearn the skills of doing her business outside. Her new family will have to be patient and consistent with her training. She responds quite well when you verbally correct her behaviour, but it doesnt mean she wont keep testing the waters to see if youll change your mind. Bao finds comfort in her crate filled with cozy blankets. We often find her sleeping in there even when were home. Her new family should be prepared to continue to provide that option for her. She has always slept through the night in her crate next to our bed, snoring away until we wake her up in the morning. Dont be fooled, given the chance shed gladly accept the invitation to sleep in bed with her humans if you had room for her to sprawl out. Now that Bao is feeling better physically, shell continue to bloom into a smart little lady. Shes still trying to figure out what she likes and what she doesnt, so commands and tricks will come with time and patience and the right amount of treats. I have a feeling that group training classes will be good for her, you can see her watching the world and taking in the confidence of other dogs. Bao's grooming needs are refreshingly low. Her coat is kept short, which really suits her, and she tolerates having her little grinch toes shaved and trimmed. We make a point of gently handling her ears, face, and paws so she's comfortable being groomed and examined. Bao would, however, like to lodge a formal complaint against baths and being wet in general, we've explained to her that sometimes it's simply a part of life and an unavoidable necessity. Bao is healthy, happy, and feeling better than she has in a very long time. She still has a few small bladder stones that her family and veterinarian will need to monitor. They could not be removed at this time. She'll go home with her prescription urinary diet, and her new family should work with their veterinarian to develop the long-term nutrition and treatment plan that's right for her. While we're hopeful the remaining stones will continue to dissolve, it's possible she could require another surgery in the future if they become lodged or problematic. Her teeth are now clean and healthy, her ears are free of infection, and she has an excellent appetite. Bao truly is a treasure waiting to be discovered. All she's asking for is a safe place to call home, kind people to love, and that you save her a cozy spot on the couch. In return, you'll get a lifetime of loyal companionship, a professional belly-rub enthusiast, and a chorus of snores that will fill your home with happiness. Name: Bao ID # PDR1543 Age: 4yrs Gender: female Spayed: yes UTD vaccines: yes Breed: ShihTzu Colours: grey and white Coat length: med House trained: yes Special needs: yes, vet food, see bio OK with kids: older OK with cats: yes Ok with dogs: yes Status: adoptable Microchip: yes Size: small Location: Mitchell, Ont Adoption fee: $700

April is a 3-4 year old Shih Tzu weighing 12 pounds.  She came to us as a puppy mill survivor and is ready for the next and final journey in her quest for a forever home. April came into the rescue with a huge bladder stone causing her an immense amount of pain and discomfort.  The rescue got her in to see a vet immediately and surgery was performed to remove the stone and spay her at the same time.  She recovered and has transformed into a very energetic and affectionate companion. Although she can still be a bit skittish and run away from her foster mom, you can tell that she wants to trust.  Her tail is always wagging.  While in foster care April has gradually learned how to walk on leash and now enjoys short walks. Her housetraining needs on going support. A home with a fully fenced yard is a must. She has been introduced to a few dogs and is quite friendly towards them.  Initially she was very interested in the resident cat and a bit much for them but she has acclimated to the cat and they are doing well together now. She likes to chew on her toys and doesn’t know the difference between her toys and a pair of reading glasses, so it would be advised to keep these things out of her reach. April is on a special diet to prevent stones from re-occurring and has to have drops in her eyes daily. She is pretty good at getting her eye drops put in. If you’re interested in giving April a home please fill in an application for our review:    https://www.speakingofdogs.com/adoption/dog-adoption-application-2/ For those interested in adopting one of our puppy mill release dogs, please be aware that these dogs often require extra patience, structure, and ongoing support. Their temperaments and behaviours can vary widely, and for the best outcome, adoptive homes MUST have access to a fenced yard and understand that rehabilitation is a gradual process. Many of these dogs have not yet experienced living in a home, regular interaction with people, leash walking, housetraining, or even having a name. All of these new people, environments, and activities can be scary for them and many are flight risks while they adjust.  Leash walks may not even be a safe option for them initially which is why having access to their own fenced yard is essential.  They need a patient adopter who can meet them at their comfort level and gently help them learn how to be a companion animal.   Due to time constraints, we cannot respond to every email asking for more information on a dog. Please carefully review the bio for the dog and our adoption process https://www.speakingofdogs.com/adoption/adoption-process/.  If you are still interested in adopting, please fill out the adoption application form at the bottom of that page. August 28, 2026, 9:47 pm

Bella is being fostered in the London area. Bella is an approximately 10-year-old, 20-pound terrier mix who has proven herself to be a pretty great little houseguest. She's affectionate, playful, funny, and ready to find a person of her own. Housetraining may be Bella's super skill. She hasn't had any accidents in foster care and will reliably head outside when she needs to go, even when it's raining. She would like it officially noted, however, that skywater is unpleasant and she should receive credit for her bravery. Bella enjoys being close to her people and settles nicely at home. At night, she sleeps in her foster human's bed, but she's no bed hog. She finds herself a comfortable corner, curls up, and sleeps soundly until morning. She's also been working on her walking skills and is a quick study. Bella is enjoying walks in quieter areas where she isn't regularly encountering other dogs, and her loose leash walking is coming along nicely. Her new person will need to continue that practice and gradually help her learn to comfortably walk past other dogs. Busy neighbourhood sidewalks and lots of close encounters aren't quite her speed yet. New people arriving at the house are very exciting and Bella's enthusiasm currently involves barking and jumping. Out in the world, people are much less exciting. She can comfortably walk past strangers and wait while people are talking. Bella has been friendly with the dogs in her foster home and enjoys having a canine playmate. We suspect she's somewhat dog selective, so she doesn't need to live with another dog, but she may enjoy sharing her home with a compatible friend. She's more of a "choose your friends" dog than a dog-park social butterfly. She loves exploring the yard, chasing squirrels, playing, and then settling in for a cozy evening. She's playful and would love someone who thinks playing in the backyard is an evening well spent.  Bella would do best in a suburban or rural house, with a securely fenced yard. Apartment or condo living isn't a good fit for her, as elevators, hallways, shared entrances, and frequent close encounters with other dogs would make everyday life difficult. Bella appreciates people who pay attention to what she's communicating. In her previous home, she was reported to bite when startled while resting or handled unexpectedly. We haven't seen this behaviour in foster care, but because of that history, Bella is looking for an adult home where her signals and personal space will be respected. She has also been treated for Giardia and has since had multiple negative fecal tests. Bella isn't looking for someone who expects her to know all the rules about living with humans. She'd like a person who will keep building on what she's already learned while appreciating what she already does exceptionally well: live happily in a home, make people laugh, enjoy a good adventure, and curl up in a remarkably small portion of the bed. She's been a fun foster dog. Now she's ready to be someone's Bella. Due to time constraints, we cannot respond to every email asking for more information on a dog. Please carefully review the bio for the dog and our adoption process https://www.speakingofdogs.com/adoption/adoption-process/.  If you are still interested in adopting, please fill out the adoption application form at the bottom of that page.      August 28, 2026, 9:47 pm