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Shih Tzu Adoption – What You Need to Know
The two most common places for Shih Tzu adoption are Rescue Homes and Animal Shelters. Rescue Homes are like foster homes where unwanted pups and dogs are housed and taken care of by dedicated animal lovers who give shelter and care to the dogs in a home environment.
An animal shelter is usually a central holding place belonging to an organization where animals are kept and cared for by paid workers or volunteers.
As both facilities are run on a charitable basis expect to pay for your dog, but the cost will be considerably less than what you would pay a professional breeder. Rescue homes normally charge more than shelters, but as the dog has been kept in a more normal environment it is less likely to have any adjustment issues and will be better behaved and possibly in better health.
It is important to stress that if you are looking for your first dog or are worried about pure lineage or pet problems either bring a more experienced person with you or have the dog examined by a vet before you agree to take the dog on.
Common sense will tell you that Shih Tzu seldom come up for adoption. The Shih Tzu’s convivial character, small size and of course value make them unlikely to be abandoned, but every now and then they do wind up in either a rescue home or shelter and if you have a word with the organizers who run these places they will keep you in mind when one comes up. It will probably help your case if you make a donation at the time of asking!
Behavioral problems are less likely to be a deterrent when you are choosing a dog like a Shih Tzu, but you should still be aware that this is a very common reason for a dog becoming an inmate of a shelter. Although a disturbed Shih Tzu is unlikely to pose the same danger to your home or family as an aggressive Alsatian, it may defeat your purpose if you want a placid companion.
Another reason why people part from their animals is for health reasons. A remarkably large number of dogs suffer from conditions such as epilepsy and diabetes that require constant and expensive treatment. Although serious, with good care there is no reason why a Shih Tzu suffering from this type of illness, cannot lead a happy and long life. Just like human beings, unless there is some clinical mental illness, patience, care and affection will reap rewards.
Before adoption check the dog’s eyes, ears nose teeth and coat. Know what you are looking for. Shih Tzu’s long hair can hide fleas, ticks and skin conditions, so take your time. If the dog has behavioral problems do not take him on unless you have dog training experience.
I have the greatest respect for rescue homes and shelters, but I would not necessarily take all the information you get as reliable so caution is advised.
There is, of course, more risk involved in adopting a Shih Tzu from one of these places, but the rewards are so much greater. The smaller the dog, the less impact the bad behavior will have and you have the satisfaction of knowing you have saved a dog that would have otherwise spent his life in what amounts to an institution.
Chris Boshoff is a Shih Tzu Lover. If you would like to find out more about Shih Tzu Adoption or Shih Tzu in general visit his website at http://www.shihtzuparadise.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Boshoff
Author: Chris Boshoff
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