Backstory for Piper Piper found herself in an overcapacity animal control facility that euthanizes due to lack of space. Animal Saints Rescue Society was asked to pull her to safety to give her a second chance at life. _____________________ Get to Know Piper age: 2-4 breed: Shih Tzu weight: approximately 12-13 pounds Vaccines and treatments: Rabies Bordetella DHPP, part one and two Dewormer Flea/tick prevention Other tests and procedures: Heart worm test - negative Fecal test - negative Spay surgery Additional procedures and care: • Microchipped • Dental • Bloodwork - normal ranges overall showing healthy organs. Slightly elevated levels initially due to infection from severe matting; this has been resolved. • Initial positive reinforcement training sessions to start establishing foundational skills like sit, touch, and recall word "here." Veterinary care costs given to Piper by Animal Saints Rescue Society, based upon NYC area pricing, is $2,500+ Requested adoption donation fee is only $800. This is to partly cover her lifesaving expenses that our 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal rescue incurred to give her a second chance at life. __________________ Breed and Hair Notes Piper has hair and not fur. She is an incredible Shih Tzu blend. Possibly Lhasa or Brussels Griffon but we mostly see Shih Tzu. PLEASE NOTE: Piper’s hair will grow as it is not fur. She will need professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Only apply if you understand the additional maintenance and cost these dear hair-not-fur souls need and are willing to commit to life for such care. Piper is so gentle in the bath. This was after being completely shaved down at our partnering animal hospital. She arrived at animal control so matted that she could hardly walk. The hair weighed about two pounds and came off in one large blanket. The mats were so tight that it all came off in one large piece. She is still getting used to grooming, but she is great with a patient and experienced groomer. ___________________ Personality Piper îs perfection when it comes to loving people and being with them. She loves humans and greets strangers as though they are dear friends she just hasn’t met yet. Piper gives the most incredible hugs. She likes to sit quietly in a chair with the humans she trusts, and she pushes her head against their shoulder. She loves to be rocked to sleep. Her capacity to love is remarkable, especially considering being failed by humans in her recent past. She's one of the most impressive Saints we have ever met. Trusting other dogs is something Piper needs some time and space to do. She is learning how to be around them. Based on the condition she was in upon entering animal control, it appears that Piper was used for breeding, and she has never really been around other dogs other than being forced to procreate. With this in mind, it makes sense that she doesn’t understand yet that other dogs can actually be friends. Thankfully, we see this changing! She is wonderful around gentle dogs once she has time to be certain she can trust them. Part of her training sessions have included learning to be around other dogs. She just recently bounded in the garden with another adoptable Saint named Stanley. Piper needs to be adopted by someone with patience and a willingness to continue her training. She's smart and eager to please, and we think she'll be able to have good canine friends. Basic foundational skills training sessions with a certified professional positive reinforcement trainer are required for Piper’s adoption. This is to continue the training we have already started with her. Just a few classes are needed, and they are fun. It’s an excellent way to connect with your newly adopted Saint, too. You can enjoy meeting Piper in her short film: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1166198288 Ideal Home Piper will especially thrive in a home that can give her companionship day and night. She would be okay for a few hours on her own if you provided her with puzzles and things to do while you’re away. But she is truly in want of being around someone most of the time. Older children are case by case — only those who have experience living with dogs, understand dog behavior, and have great respect and love for them will be considered. Plan on sharing your sofa and bedroom with Piper. She will want to be by your side, no matter where you are and what you are doing. No crates for Piper. If they are a must for your lifestyle, then she is not for you. If you have a very secure fenced-in backyard for Piper to enjoy the outdoors, this would be wonderful for her. She loves to sprint and bound in our sanctuary garden! In time, we can see her enjoying leashed walks. ___________________ Love and Commitment At Animal Saints Rescue Society, our goal is to keep dogs out of overcapacity animal control facilities and out of a re-homing cycle. We place the dogs we save into lifetime families. With this in mind, we seek families who understand that an adoption is a lifetime commitment. The families who adopt from us believe that love is not a feeling, it is a decision. Some humans still believe it’s okay to try out a dog for a few weeks, a few months, or even a few years — then discard when they get bored or don’t want to deal with emotional or physical ailments. We are looking for the empathetic, kind, and patient humans in this world who view these Animal Saints as family, and they will do whatever it takes to give them what they need. Will that family be you? We look forward to finding out and receiving your application!