Ava is a dignified middle aged girl that deserves far better than being turned into a high kill shelter. She was at risk of euthanasia due to overcrowded conditions. We're so grateful to our kind and compassionate Texas rescuer for opening her heart to Ava. As she said so well, Ava is the most cuddly and loving snuggle bug! She's a low maintenance girl who is SO sweet and kind! She just wants to love and be loved (just as all dogs do). Ava is a perfect choice for anyone who is searching for a best friend to provide quiet companionship, silliness and pure love. Ava, at just about 8ish years old and 24 lbs would be that perfect companion for anyone who is searching for a very sweet lap (or couch dog) that doesn't require a ton of exercise but does enjoy her walks. She will be by your side to hug and love on. These are always the most important things to Ava! She's a small pup and so portable and well-behaved that she can be a full-time best friend accompanying her guardians everywhere a sweet and very lovable smaller dog is allowed. It's always amazing to us at Farfel's Rescue that these dogs with very sweet and engaging temperaments (and as dignified as Ava) end up in precarious situations. Ava was a last-minute save for us. She may have been euthanized in a dismal shelter if kind rescuers hadn't stepped up. But how could they not have? This sweetheart is just so awesome with lot of time ahead to be a lover (smaller breeds, with great nutrition and lots of love can live to very ripe old ages) and live a life in which she can bring so much joy to a special individual or family. Ava may be a bit shy initially as rehoming is challenging for any dog but with love and nurturing, she will absolutely shine. We envision Ava with either retirees (she would be overjoyed with time spent and being at the center of a loving family) or a younger family that works from a home-based office and enjoys spending their time at home with a fuzzy friend. A like-sized, gentle canine friend would be great as well. Ava would enjoy the companionship and cuddle times with this doggie friend. For those family members who enjoy walks and time outside along beautiful Colorado paths, Ava would enjoy sharing the experience. Being right by her favorite person's side gives Ava the feeling of being loved and cared for in a way that she's only dreamt of before. And then, maybe Ava's favorite part, is when it's time to end the day with hugs, belly rubs and a warm spot on the bed (or in her own cushy bed) close beside her beloved family. As a Shih Tzu / Poodle mix, Ava appears to be a non-shedding dog. As is evident in her photo, Ava's coat is in need of some loving care and grooming. The family that is interested in adopting Ava will need to commit to lifelong coat care. Our beautiful girl will require periodic grooming (approximately every 8 - 10 or so weeks) and excellent nutrition (a daily salmon oil supplement for coat care and fresh food such as Chi Dog Food (chidog.com) is important for coat care as well as longevity. Ava has been vetted, vaccinated in order to receive her interstate health certificate for her transport to Boulder. She has also been spayed to stay true to Farfel's commitment to a euthanasia-free future in the canine population. Ava will be arriving on transport in Boulder on Saturday 5/23/2026 . Applications are currently being accepted and can be found at http://farfels.com/farfels-rescue/adoption-form/. If you're interested in this extremely sweet, cuddly and irresistible best friend, please fill out our application completely and submit. **PLEASE NOTE** Farfel's Rescue makes many efforts to place our dogs with families that are excellent matches. We do this through our Farfel's Rescue application found at the link above or at farfels.com (never through rescue site apps such as Adoptapet or Petfinder as they don't provide enough information). If you're truly interested in adopting Ava, please be sure to fill out the Farfel's Rescue adoption application. It's the only initial tool that we have to determine a great match for this very deserving pup. We're sorry, but in many cases, we're unable to get back to those that don't submit a Farfel's application. Thanks very much for choosing rescue.