Nellie - 2 years & 9lbs, Shihtzu/Chi Mix, Spayed This dog is eligible to join our foster-to-adopt program. Please email fostertoadopt@socialteesnyc.org with the animal's name in the subject line if you are interested! Want to straight up adopt? Submit an adoption application at socialteesnyc.org Thier Foster Parent Says: "Nellie is a sweet and shy lil pup! She loves to curl up next to you while in bed or on the couch and especially loves accepting belly scratches once she warms up to you. She can be a bit skittish around new people at first, but if you speak to her softly and calmly, she will be happy to approach once she feels she can trust you. Nellie is curious about other people and dogs, and loves being outside where she can explore, even in the cold weather! When inside, Nellie loves to nap and is more than happy to spend all day curled up on a pillow. She is a very easy dog to care for, as she is completely house trained and only requires a few walks for a couple of minutes a day. She is still learning how to “enjoy” life—she hasn't shown much interest in toys yet and is still figuring out what treats she likes. But so long as you are kind, calm, and gentle with her, she will be more than happy to sit quietly next to you for hours on end, with maybe the occasional break to lick your hand." Level of dog ownership experience needed: BEGINNER BUT PATIENT: This means we predict this dog will be low on the challenge scale due to its breed/age combo. Potentially a good fit for someone who has relevant dog care experience (fostering, dog sitting) and is looking to adopt their first pup. This pup came from a hoarding situation so it's learning how to be a dog, needs someone who is patient and understanding. ENERGY LEVEL Lower – Pretty chill indoors and won't demand endless amounts of stimulation and exercise but still needs a few walks a day (10-30 min each) for potty breaks and to stretch their legs TOLERANCE TO CITY Adjusting to the city – Spooked easily by loud noises and bustling areas but walks pretty well in quiet areas and probably just needs more time to adjust (may be a puppy or a brand new rescue). Would prefer a home in a calmer part of the city or the suburbs. POTTY TRAINING Yes – Few or no accidents COMFORT LEVEL WITH STRANGERS Wallflower – Very shy with new people and takes a while to warm up. Afraid when unfamiliar people try to say hi on the street, hides or shrinks back when new people visit the home. BEHAVIOR WITH CHILDREN (always requires adult supervision) Maybe for age 12 and up – Is either big and energetic (okay with kids big enough not to get knocked down) or a little skittish (could be comfortable with older children that can be extra gentle) SOCIAL BEHAVIOR WITH OTHER DOGS Fine to live with another dog – came from a hoarding house of 40 dogs RESPECTFUL BEHAVIOR WITH OTHER ANIMALS (cats, small pets, etc.) Fine to live with a cat due to her size and breed MOUTHY BEHAVIOR Past this stage– Little to no interest in chewing on stuff or putting things in their mouth that aren't food. Doesn't try to chew on hands, feet, etc. during playtime SEPARATION ANXIETY Past this stage – Completely fine being left home alone. Doesn't cry or exhibit destructive behavior when you leave the apartment or house. LEASH MANNERS Getting the hang of it – Probably hasn't been on a leash much in their life but figuring it out. Might be a mild puller but responds to correction. CUDDLE BUG LEVEL Medium – Likes to snuggle when he's in the mood but often stays in his own bed JUMPING ON PEOPLE TO SAY HELLO Calm Greetings – Doesn't jump up on people or dogs. Always all four on the floor. CRATE TRAINING Working on it – We set one up ** She doesn't seem interested in it and there's not need for it. Nellie is happy and polite free-ranging it. Medical Status Healthy as far as we know. Up to date on their DHPP, Bordetella, and Rabies vaccines; heartworm tested if coming from the South or Puerto Rico ; spayed/neutered; microchipped; treated with dewormer upon intake How this dog ended up with Social Tees: Most of our dogs come via partner groups who help us save them from shelters where they are at risk of euthanasia in Tennessee, Los Angeles and Puerto Rico. There are very few spay/neuter resources there and many more animals in those areas than there are people to adopt them. Rescue groups like ours bring them to the northeast where the desire for pets like these allows us to save their lives. PLEASE NOTE: We cannot guarantee any breed mix, exact age, or full grown size (if the dog is under a year old). We do our best with very educated guesses though! This animal is not at the Social Tees office, all are in foster homes. LEARN MORE ABOUT US: socialteesnyc.org and Instagram @socialteesnyc