Maryville, IL - Shih Tzu. Meet Austin-Healey a Pet for Adoption

My basic info

Breed

Shih Tzu

Color

Brown/Chocolate - with White

Age

Puppy

Size

Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less (when grown)

Weight

4 lbs (current)

Sex

Male

Pet ID

–

My details

Good with kids

Good with dogs

Purebred

Shots current

Spayed / Neutered

My personality

My story

Here's what the humans have to say about me:

Shih Tzu
3.5mo/ DOB 06/15/24
Neutered/ 4lbs
Microchipped/UTD vaccinations

Please read the bio in its ENTIRETY. If you feel your family is a perfect match, please send an email to gateway4paws@gmail.com for additional information. Applications & FAQ regarding adoption can be found on our website.

Only completed applications that meet requirements will be reviewed. Since we are 100% foster-based rescue, only approved applications will be contacted. We do not allow shipping & do not transport. You must live within 350 miles from Maryville, IL & be able to drive for a meet & greet.

Austin-Healey is a typical tiny puppy. His exception is that he was lucky enough to be relinquished to rescue as opposed to being shipped off to a pet store. We aren't sure exactly why he was 'rejected'; perhaps it was age, like so many others. Or many he didn't have 'the look', but whatever the reason, he hit the jackpot!

His personality can be described as snuggly, bouncy, fun, friendly, & playful. He loves making friends, he enjoys playing with toys, and he has every reason to believe that each day will be better than the day before! Don't we all need that kind of optimism! ;)

We like to remind applicants that a new puppy is a lot like a toddler. A-H will need to be supervised, and the best way to do that is to have a dedicated space set up for him. This area will be a part of the home where he can see activity & observe, but it is a place that is puppy proofed. Where he can play, lounge, or nap when his family is not directly engaging. Playpens, 4-squares, or x-pens are excellent tools to make this possible. They are easily mobile if you want to move them around, too.

A four-pound puppy can quickly slip through some really tiny spaces. So, if you do have a fence you will need to make sure any gaps are fixed/secured. An aluminum or slat type of fencing will need a gap filler around the bottom half so he can't get through, something like galvanized wire mesh or another sturdy mesh type material. If you do not have a physical fence, an x-pen will be fine to allow him to do his business outside. However, puppies should NEVER ever be left in a yard without supervision, NEVER.

A-H is working on potty training. It is a process that will require commitment & patience, as puppies have a little puppy bladder. Remember, in a new home, a new environment means that new habits will have to be established. If you have interior stairs, please have a plan to keep your puppy off the stairs unsupervised. Additionally, please be aware of the stair railing & the distance between the spindles. Safety concerns for small children, large dogs, & people who are unsteady on their feet will be taken into consideration when looking for A-H's forever home.

Bringing home a new puppy is a huge responsibility. It requires lots of patience & time! But it is very rewarding if everyone is invested. Please apply if you meet the requirements & would like to adopt an adorable puppy. Please don’t apply without speaking to your spouse/partner first.