How to Rescue a Shih Tzu in Missouri

Sadly, people do sometimes neglect or mistreat a Shih Tzu in Missouri. Purebred dogs often end up in Missouri animal shelters waiting to be rescued. Consider rescuing a Shih Tzu and offering him a home where he can live out his remaining years happily. While the first few weeks may offer challenges, once healthy, your Shih Tzu will offer you loyalty for many years.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Dog crate
• Dog kennel (optional)
• Fenced yard (preferable)
• Grooming supplies

1. Visit animal shelters in Missouri once a week or more to look for a Shih Tzu. Send frequent emails to shelter volunteers responsible for Internet postings of new shelter pets on Petfinder.com and the shelter website. Shelter volunteers often know about dogs available before anyone else does. Offering a shelter pet a home is an invaluable service especially when the shelter has a kill policy. Some shelters euthanize pets that are not adopted within a specific time period.

2. Attend a rescue adoption day

   Contact a Missouri Shih Tzu Rescue such as Furever Shih Tzu & Companion Dog Rescue. Animal rescues often take animals from shelters minutes before they are to be euthanized. They also assist in removing puppies and dogs from puppy mills. Rescues often have dog adoption days at local stores or pet stores. Check with a local rescue so you can attend one of these adoption days.

3. Place a wanted ad for a Shih Tsu in your free weekly Advisor or Reminder. Weekly advertising newspapers are a great resource and some offer discounts for publishing in multiple counties when owned by the same company. You can also put a free wanted ad on Petfinder Classifieds, your local Craigslist,org and Free Pet Classifieds.

4. Tell your veterinarian that you are looking for a Shih Tzu who needs a new home. Ask in advance about the possible need for an emergency office visit and medication to treat illnesses, parasites or malnourishment.

5. Print up some bulletins indicating your desire to rescue a Shih Tzu and then ask area pet stores, Shih Tzu breeders, animal shelters and veterinarians if you may post a copy on their bulletin boards.

Tips & Warnings

• Verify the pet policy with your township, city or landlord before bringing home a rescue. Cities, townships, landlords and subdivisions may have restrictions on the number of dogs each family can house on their property.

• Crates offer dogs a safe place to call their own.

• Purchase dog supplies such as a crate, leash, collar, food, dishes and grooming supplies before you bring your rescued dog home.

• Puppy mill dogs, abused and neglected animals may not be sufficiently potty-trained.

Resources

• List of all Missouri Animal Shelters
• Furever Shih Tzu & Companion Dog Rescue
• List of Missouri Dog Rescues
• St. Louis Craigslist for Pets