Online Dog Adoption Application

Online Cat Adoption Application

Zipper is the cutest, sweetest little thing!  Zipper was orginally a Christmas present for an 80 year old woman.  Realizing Zipper was a little more than she could handle she came to us to help Zipper find a new home. 

Zipper instantly became a shelter favorite.  He is sweet, affectionate and gives the best puppy kisses!  He is almost potty trained.  He will stand at the door when he needs to go. . . . but that's only a 5 second warning! 

Zipper is fancy hybrid dog.  He is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Chihuahua.  They call that a ShiChi.  He will remain small and spunky.

Foster Update:  Zipper is a very energetic puppy.  He has sharp little puppy teeth that likes to chew on hands because he is teething. We tell him NO BITE when he does this.  He loves his toys and plays all the time. Also loves your slippers, shoes and socks and underwear if left lying on the floor.  He's small and adorable but not a lap dog for an older person.  He definitely needs play and activity and most of all, your presence.  He hates being alone and loves his people. He will snuggle right into your neck and find comfort there when you come home to him.  He loves to sleep with you at night.  He'll whimper when crated at night but immediately goes to sleep in your bed when the lights are turned low or out.  He eats 1/4 cup of food at morning and night. Food is not left down all day.  He's able to go in and out of a doggy door. Housetraining is progressing. He will go to the door to be let out but still has accidents by the door if you don't get there in time. Doesn't always associate the doggy door with going out to potty.  He probably would enjoy a canine companion of similar size to play with. Bigger, fast moving dogs scare him and he cowers when other large dogs bark.  He would probably fit best in an active family who want a companion dog that is not left alone for long hours. Children should be old enough to understand the "teething" until he gets broken of that habit.  Zipper loves lots of love and attention and play is what this dog needs.

Are you unfamiliar with the Shih Tzu breed? Pronounced SHEET-sue, they are known as alert, spunky, happy and hardy. They are bred with an underbite which gives them a constant "smile." Traditionally, their coat is kept long, with ears blending into the body, distinct mustache, and a top knot secured with a bow. However, in our Florida climate, many are clipped short to relieve them of the heat. An alert watch dog, Shih Tzus like to bark but are usually quiet in the house. Originally from China, they were a favorite of the Imperial Chinese court and so revered that for many years after the Chinese began trading with the West, they refused to sell, or even give away, any of the little dogs. It was not until 1930 that the first pair was imported to England. The life expectancy of Shih Tzus in 16 years.