Yorkville, IL - Shih Tzu. Meet Nico a Pet for Adoption

My basic info

Breed

Shih Tzu

Color

White - with Black

Age

Senior

Size

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

Weight

17 lbs (current)

Sex

Male

Pet ID

–

My details

Not good with kids

Good with dogs

Good with cats

Purebred

Shots current

Spayed / Neutered

My story

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

Look at this little guy! Nico had his shave down and neuter procedures yesterday and is feeling like a new man ♥

There is only one problem: That new man, has an attitude. 😅

A little bit more background, on this sweet guy..
Nico is 11 years old. He came to us recently as an surrender due to him chronically escaping his fenced backyard. His owners reported the following: Nico has lived with adults, seniors, and children and has done well, and that he has lived with other dogs and chickens and did fine as well. He was used to sleeping in the garage at night. He could not be left in the yard alone due to escaping. He is reportedly scared of fireworks. Nico is housebroken and rarely has accidents.
From our experience here, we think he will do great with other animals but until a strong foundation of trust is built, we aren't sure young children would be a good option. Another discovery was that according to his medical records, unfortunately he has always required sedation for his grooming appointments 😔 His disdain for grooming and veterinary services really was clear after getting through a small portion of his groom here when he arrived.
Nico will require a special adopter (or rescue). He is a small dog who, due to his past history, being intact until now and having a propensity for general "jerk" behavior, can be a bit of a handful. Lucky for him, he is a senior and small at just 17 lbs. Nico's adopter should be prepared to provide appropriate boundaries, with understanding that building trust will be paramount to success with him -- along with the added expense of either oral or injectable sedation for veterinary and grooming services. Finding a groomer with experience in "difficult" dogs would be a wonderful plan. He doesn't want to be dressed up in coats and sweaters (which honestly would probably be worse on his fur anyways), and wants to be treated as a big dog. He would likely do great with someone who is going to make sure he gets lots of walks and sniffs, and attention from his humans. Given his escape artist history, supervision will be key! Regular maintenance of his coat like brushing can keep him in the best shape he can be between grooming appointments. Nico has been neutered, his teeth are shockingly in good shape, he is heartworm negative and vaccinated with distemper combo and bordetella vaccinations, he is microchipped, up to date on heartworm/flea/tick prevention and received a 3 year rabies vaccination as well. His adoption fee is $150.

If you are an adopter or rescue interested in helping Nico exit the shelter, please call 630-553-9256 or email animalcontrol@Kendallcountyil.gov. He is ready to leave and get to know his new people ASAP!