Shih Tzus

Please don’t put a bag over my head because my face is a little crooked. I was born with something called a cleft nose and though you can’t see much by looking at me from the outside you can tell that I have a crooked little smile. I also am missing a canine which contributes to the asymmetry. I have no vision in one very small shaped eye.

Even though I am not the prettiest of Shih Tzu, my owners have always loved me and socialized me very well. I’m cuddly, affectionate, obedient, trusting, and a really good dog. I’m also one of the old fashioned large Shih Tzu like we all were in the old days. I think we tend to be a little more laid back than the smaller ones. I’m like a big teddy bear with soft hair.

I had a nice life until a few years ago. Unfortunately, my tenure as the family pet did not survive a divorce, remarriage, or young owner moving out on her own, and I have suffered some benign neglect because of it.

It was pretty sad for me to lose all of these homes one after another but I’m pretty even tempered and well adjusted so I’m doing great in my foster home. I’m happy here. I know I can’t stay here forever and am really hoping someone will ask to at least meet me. I don’t want you to feel sorry for me because I look a little funny because I’m very confident and beautiful on the inside. I know that I can be a wonderful pet and companion because I’ve done that most of my life. I’m living in Seattle now but I’ve lived in lots of places before and any place where I’ll just be loved is just fine with me.

Gysmo is being fostered in Seattle, WA for application contact Furbaby Rescue.

My name is KOKO. No, I'm not a radio or TV station! I'm Koko, the very sweet Shih Tzu. Reportedly I am a delight to have in the home just like some of the radio stations with that nice soothing music are nice to have playing in your home. I'm not into the rap, hip hip and noisy stuff and I don't behave that way either. I get along with all of the foster dogs so I'm pretty sure I could get along quite well in your home if you have other dogs. I love going for walks and car rides. I even like to have my own booster seat in the car and if there's a large sided crate in your home, I'd really enjoy that. Did you notice how I worked that word "large" into this write up? That's my discreet way of letting you know I'm a bit larger than the average Shih Tzu. I mean I'm not obese.....just larger than the average bear...I mean dog of my breed.

I just got groomed so I could look my best for you. The groomer raved about me and how well I behaved except for when it came to my feet. I wanted to tell her my feet are ticklish. I'll bet I couldn't mess with her feet either without her getting jumpy!

I'll eat without being fussy and I love good treats. Who doesn't? I do have some allergic skin issues but again, that's always easily remedied with the right kind of diet. My foster mom or the rescue lady can help you understand all about the right allergy free foods and it's never that much more expensive. In fact, it's often cheaper than buying every different kind of junk food.

Please give me a second thought as you look around through the dogs. I'm a little bigger but that's just a bit more to love and a bit more love for me to give back to you.

KoKo is being fostered in Bellingham, WA for application contact Furbaby Rescue.

"The Animals Savior"
Copyright Jim Willis 1999

I looked at the caged animals in the
shelter...the cast offs of human society.

I saw in their eyes love and hope, fear and dread,
sadness and betrayal.
And I was angry
"God," I said "this is terrible! Why don't you
do something?"
God was silent for a moment and than
He spoke softly
"I have done something." He replied
"I created You"