Description:
Willie Wonka is the happiest Shih Tzu I have ever met. Look at his photos. Do you see how blurry his tail is in all of them? That's because it's wagging so fast!!!
We rescued Willie Wonka from Seminole County Animal Control where he was surrendered by his owner. We don't know why this amazing little dog was given up but it may be that his owner couldn't afford his care. He has a mild skin condition and is heartworm positive. These are both conditions that we will take care of and should not be a cause for any hesitation on his adopters part. I mean, seriously, the second you meet this dog you will be all about him. When you look up the word "Precious" in the dictionary, you will see Willie Wonka's photo next to it!!!

11/01 Foster Update:
Willie Wonka is very loveable, but seems to be a one person kind of dog and he is very protective of me. He is well behaved. doesn't jump on furniture unless he is invited and then you may have to pick him up. He likes to eat before he goes out to potty,in a.m. and loves Venison and Brown Rice Natural Choice pink package food. He wants to chase lizards, cats, and sometimes tries to be the big man with other dogs.

People need to be told to approach him slowly and let him come to you first...as he seems to prefer it to be his idea that he meet you. He has snapped at 2 people, after they petted him and he was nice, don't know what causes that. He loves to be brushed, and does well getting a bath, I have not used a hair dryer on him just towel dry him and brush. He cuddles with you at night and first thing in the morning in bed, if you allow him to sleep with you. He is an early riser 5-6 a.m. but have found if you feed him, he will go back to sleep for an hour unless he has to go out, he'll let you know.

He is a great dog, just needs lots of love. He does well alone, usually sleeps while I am out from 4- 6 hrs. a day."

For information on heartworms, visit our webpage "Heartworms In Dogs".

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.