| The two most common places for Shih Tzu adoption | | | | when you are choosing a dog like a Shih Tzu, but |
| are Rescue Homes and Animal Shelters. Rescue | | | | you should still be aware that this is a very common |
| Homes are like foster homes where unwanted pups | | | | reason for a dog becoming an inmate of a shelter. |
| and dogs are housed and taken care of by dedicated | | | | Although a disturbed Shih Tzu is unlikely to pose the |
| animal lovers who give shelter and care to the dogs | | | | same danger to your home or family as an |
| in a home environment. | | | | aggressive Alsatian, it may defeat your purpose if |
| An animal shelter is usually a central holding place | | | | you want a placid companion. |
| belonging to an organization where animals are kept | | | | Another reason why people part from their animals is |
| and cared for by paid workers or volunteers. | | | | for health reasons. A remarkably large number of |
| As both facilities are run on a charitable basis expect | | | | dogs suffer from conditions such as epilepsy and |
| to pay for your dog, but the cost will be considerably | | | | diabetes that require constant and expensive |
| less than what you would pay a professional breeder. | | | | treatment. Although serious, with good care there is |
| Rescue homes normally charge more than shelters, | | | | no reason why a Shih Tzu suffering from this type |
| but as the dog has been kept in a more normal | | | | of illness, cannot lead a happy and long life. Just like |
| environment it is less likely to have any adjustment | | | | human beings, unless there is some clinical mental |
| issues and will be better behaved and possibly in | | | | illness, patience, care and affection will reap rewards. |
| better health. | | | | Before adoption check the dog's eyes, ears nose |
| It is important to stress that if you are looking for | | | | teeth and coat. Know what you are looking for. Shih |
| your first dog or are worried about pure lineage or | | | | Tzu's long hair can hide fleas, ticks and skin |
| pet problems either bring a more experienced person | | | | conditions, so take your time. If the dog has |
| with you or have the dog examined by a vet before | | | | behavioral problems do not take him on unless you |
| you agree to take the dog on. | | | | have dog training experience. |
| Common sense will tell you that Shih Tzu seldom | | | | I have the greatest respect for rescue homes and |
| come up for adoption. The Shih Tzu's convivial | | | | shelters, but I would not necessarily take all the |
| character, small size and of course value make them | | | | information you get as reliable so caution is advised. |
| unlikely to be abandoned, but every now and then | | | | There is, of course, more risk involved in adopting a |
| they do wind up in either a rescue home or shelter | | | | Shih Tzu from one of these places, but the rewards |
| and if you have a word with the organizers who run | | | | are so much greater. The smaller the dog, the less |
| these places they will keep you in mind when one | | | | impact the bad behavior will have and you have the |
| comes up. It will probably help your case if you make | | | | satisfaction of knowing you have saved a dog that |
| a donation at the time of asking! | | | | would have otherwise spent his life in what amounts |
| Behavioral problems are less likely to be a deterrent | | | | to an institution. |