Backstory for Betty Animal Saints Rescue Society was asked to help with a hoarding situation where several litters of puppies were born in quick succession. Dozens of Shih Tzu were living in a very small apartment when hobby breeding quickly became untenable. It is an honor to help get all of the adults neutered so the breeding stops, as well as ensure that the babies are placed with lifetime families. Get to Know Betty age: 6 months breed: Shih Tzu weight: approximately 7.5 pounds. Full grown, she will be 10-12 pounds Vaccines and treatments so far: Rabies DHPP plus lepto, part one Other tests and procedures: Fecal test: negative Spay surgery scheduled for 2/26 Additional procedures: • Microchipped Requested adoption donation fee is only $900. This is to partly cover her medical expenses that our 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal rescue has incurred. Breed and Hair Notes Betty has hair and not fur. She is mostly Shih Tzu with a possibility of other breeds in the mix. PLEASE NOTE: Betty’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. Betty is getting used to water in the tub, and she is terrific for haircuts. She is calm, gentle, and sweet! Personality Betty is incredibly sweet, and she is so, SO ready to attach and have her person/people. She yearns for hugs and often asks for them. Betty is young and full of energy and joy. She loves to bound around the sanctuary with her littermates, and she meets the older Animal Saints with ease. She is being socialized well by meeting a few of our volunteers, and she meets new people as if they are friends she just hasn’t met yet. Betty has had her first training sessions, and she knows how to sit. She sits and waits patiently for every meal now! She also knows the recall word “here.” We expect her family to pick up where we have started in her training. Basic foundational skills training sessions with a certified professional positive reinforcement trainer are required for Betty’s adoption. 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 Betty in this short film: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1166198288 Ideal Home It is ideal for Betty to be in a home with people who are around 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. Betty likes company of other dogs. It is not a requirement for her to have siblings, but she would appreciate the friendship of other dogs in her life. She watches the older Saints in our care and learns from them. She is gentle and kind with her siblings, so adopting a pair is an option. Betty will especially thrive in a home that can give her companionship day and night. Plan on sharing your sofa and bedroom with Betty. She will want to be by your side, no matter where you are and what you are doing. No crates for Betty. If they are a must for your lifestyle, then Betty is not for you. If you have a very secure fenced-in backyard or outdoor space where she can bound about safely outside, this would be ideal. 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. Our goal is to place the dogs we save into lifetime families. With this in mind, we seek adopters 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 needs. We are looking for the empathetic, kind, and patient humans in this world who view these Animal Saints as family. They don't believe animals are subordinates or view them as mere possessions; they are partners in life. They are committed to giving them the safety and love they need to flourish. Will that family be you? We look forward to finding out and receiving your application!