Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs,
Story
In addition to the following profile for this dog, please first read the Adoption Information at http://www.shihtzurescuemn.org/adopt.html to understand the process, requirements and timeline for adoption. An adoption application can also be found in the Adoption Info section. If, after reading that information, you have any questions, please submit your question via e-mail and it will be answered. Please do not request a phone call. A personal phone call will only be made when an adoption application has been submitted and the foster parent wishes to consider the application. Thank you!
Billy is an awesome, 11 pound, Shih Tzu/Bichon mix who impresses his foster mom more and more every day! He was born May 5, 2023 and lived his life in a wire cage in a puppy mill. He has never experienced the life of a happy, free dog until now. He was purchased from the puppy mill, but in that home he was bullied and terrorized by a large dog. So they left Billy alone in a separate small enclosed room. Consequently his fears magnified and he became even more afraid and timid. He paced for hours at a time. That family had him for only two weeks before giving him to our rescue.
But he is now experiencing a wonderful transformation! He has discovered love and freedom. Billy is cautious but very curious as he explores his foster home. He has found toys, and he just loves toys of all kinds! They have become his pacifiers and he often is found nestled amongst them, and chewing on several! He loves sleeping through the night with his foster mom, and also cuddling next to her on the couch. His potty training is a work in progress. It has been difficult because he does not want to stay outside long enough do completely do his business, especially because it’s so cold right now. But he shows promise and will improve as the temperatures warm.
Billy loves to run and be free in a fenced yard as he has lots of energy. He is a young dog and will need lots of exercise! He walks well on a leash, so long walks will be a great benefit in warmer weather. Because he is just now experiencing the joys of being uncaged, we feel that his puppyhood is just now materializing. He loves to chew on most anything, he is high energy and loves to run, he is very playful, and very agile. He is also the sweetest boy you will ever find, and soaks up love and attention now that he finally knows what they are! Billy will wander over to you and look at you with his beautiful brown eyes asking to be on your lap, to be petted, and cuddled close. He does enjoy riding in the car. Even though Billy has lots of energy, he is still a timid boy who is fearful of loud, strange noises, and sudden movements and he startles easily.
Here are the specifics of what his foster mom is requiring from an adopter. If you meet these requirements, please apply; and if you are lucky enough to adopt him, he will bring you great love, and joy! Billy will make you laugh all day long and sleep cuddled up to you all night!
· Because Billy is a very young dog and can live 16+ years, applications will only be considered from age appropriate individuals who will be able to care for him for the rest of his life.
· A quiet adults only home. He does not do well with lots of noise or activity or people coming and going.
· A home where someone will be with him most of the day—he can be alone for a couple hours at a time, but not much longer, especially while he is being potty
trained. Enrolling Billy in a puppy class and introducing him to new, safe situations would also help him gain confidence and form a stronger bond with his family.
· Absolutely no kenneling or locking him in a small room alone—he had way too much of that already and it causes him emotional trauma.
· A fenced yard where he can run and play and exercise like a puppy. His adopter must be out in the yard with him for playing and as reassurance to him that he will not be left alone or abandoned.
· Billy would do well as an only dog, but could also live with another SMALL, gentle well behaved dog in the family.
· A family who will allow Billy to sleep with them.
· A home within 40 miles of the Twin Cities.
· Billy’s new family is strongly encouraged to attend the Shih Tzu Rescue Reunion each year in September.
Billy is neutered, current on vaccinations, microchipped and on heartworm and flea/tick preventative. His adoption fee is $420.00 plus $35.81 sales tax for a total of $455.81.
To meet Billy, please complete an adoption application at the website listed in the first paragraph. Or you can also see him and the other dogs available for adoption from Shih Tzu Rescue of Minnesota by visiting with us from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon the first Saturday of every month at the Southtown PetCo in Bloomington, MN.
