Our 501(c)(3) organization, Lend A Helping Paw® Shih Tzu Rescue (LAHPSTR), lends a helping paw to fluffy, small-breed dogs in need, particularly Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apsos. We are considered a rescue of last resort and primarily rescue the ones who are left behind. We rehabilitate them physically and emotionally so that they can have a fresh start and a bright future; we call it “a new leash on life“. Those dogs who are not readily adoptable stay in our Forever Foster “sanctuary” Program for the rest of their natural lives.
We do not maintain a physical shelter. All our dogs are in private foster homes across the US and cared for by experienced and dedicated volunteers who are deeply committed to healing the mind, body and soul of our little ones with love and patience.
Lend A Helping Paw® Shih Tzu Rescue provides top-of-the-line, white-glove veterinary care, including advanced diagnostics and specialist care if needed, to all our dogs to address their known medical needs. We believe that rescue is as much as about proper veterinary assistance as it is about placing a dog in an adoptive home. No animal is put to sleep because of medical expenses or the inconvenience of care.
Our adoption process is designed to select those people who have a loving, patient heart and are committed to continuing the nurturing of our dogs post-adoption. Our objective is not to adopt out large numbers of dogs, but to match each adoptable dog with the best home for them.
Create an alert and get notified with newly adoptable pets that meet your criteria.
Create an alert and get notified with newly adoptable pets that meet your criteria.
Continental US, subject to state import rules for dogs.
Additional adoption info
We are selective and seek the best fit family for each of our dogs. We pre-approve potential adopters before matching.
We adopt to the Lower 48, subject to state import rules for dogs. We offer free transport by air or road to most adopters. Any travel-related incidental fees incurred are passed on at cost to adopters. We do not transport to any state that imposes quarantine on fully vetted, non-shelter dogs. In certain cases, out-of-state adopters may be able to pick up a dog directly from us.
Adoption application
San Francisco, CA 94124
San Jose, CA 95150
Newman, CA 95360
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