Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Not good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Good with cats,
Needs special attention,
Needs experienced adopter,
Spayed or Neutered,
Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Ernest’s Backstory:
Ernest was a stray at animal control. We found him completely covered in mats, dirty, and emaciated. We knew he needed our help as it was clear no one was going to step forward. He was rushed to one of our experienced fosters who became an ICU with one of our partnering veterinarians, helping to keep him stable. He made it through some dark and long days, and we are starting to see brighter days for dear Ernest!
Breed and Hair Notes:
Ernest has hair that grows and not fur. He is an incredible miniature Shih Tzu blend who weighs about 6 pounds. His grey and black mix of hair is distinguished and endearing. He is agreeable to hair trims and is patient with grooming. PLEASE NOTE: his hair will grow indefinitely, and he will need professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Only apply if you understand the additional maintenance and cost that these dear hair-not-fur souls need and are willing to commit to life for such care.
Get to Know Ernest:
Ernest is a gem in the truest sense of the word. His former people never gave him a dental, and they let his teeth rot. We just had an emergency dental for him (he was neutered at the same time) and all of his painful teeth are now removed. He has none remaining, which means he will need high quality soft food only. Never kibble as he cannot chew hard food.
Some doctors place him at 10+, though the veterinarian who just did surgery for him says his bloodwork looks like he's only five it's so good! Because we do not know his history, we do not know.
What we do know is that has a 4/6 heart murmur and is currently on Lasix and VetMedin. He is in the beginning stages of congestive heart failure. If you are not familiar with the disease, please look it up so you can have a sense of how to best help him. He will be on this medicine for the rest of his life, which is shortened due to this form of heart disease. Think quality time with gem Ernest Edward.
Ernest Edward is also mostly blind, but he gets along without any issue, and he does not let this stop him from moving about from dog bed to dog bed! It seems he can see shadows and bright light. He has severe dry eye, and he needs cyclosporine morning and night and Optixcare gel 4 times a day.
Ernest Edward is a gentle and loving soul. He is so deserving of an ideal home where he can be doted on for his remaining months, and hopefully years, of his life.
He loves hanging out in dog beds with the other gem dogs our sanctuary. He is ready to be loved and to relax!
Ideal Home:
If you expect to put Ernest in a crate at all during the day or night, please do not apply. Ernest will flourish in a home where he can hang out with his people during the day and sleep near them at night. He is a gem with special needs, and he should not be left at home for long periods of time. People who work from home most of the time or retired people who know how to take care of gems like Ernest is what he needs.
Ernest can successfully be in a home where he is the only dog. He currently lives in a foster home with multiple dogs, so he can also be in a home with other gentle animals. He should ideally not be in a home with very young children. Only respectful older children and adults should be in his family. A quiet and low-key household is what Ernest needs.
Are you ready to be utterly blown away by the love gem Ernest will give you? If so, we look forward to receiving your adoption application!
