Since October is Adopt-A-Pet month I wanted to share my first foster failure… Katie, and she is 100% Shih Tzu. I was at the rescue facility the night she was turned over and I immediately volunteered to foster this little girl, though at the time she didn’t look anything like she does today. The fact of the matter is that many shelters and rescues are filled with ‘purebred’ dogs. They may not come with the official AKC papers, but they are 100% purebred. When ever people tell me that they want a Shih Tzu, I always refer them to a local no-kill rescue that is always pulling little Shih Tzus from the local pound.
But it’s not just Shih Tzus, but Labs, Golden Retrievers, German Shepards, Poodles, Beagles, Chihuahuas, Yorkies and the list goes on. If you are on the fence about a breed, I suggest becoming a foster parent for a rescue group. This becomes beneficial for you, learning about personalities of a breed, and for the dog, you are their pit stop on their way to their furever home.
She is adorable….I can see why you kept her. I’ve never had a shih Tzu, but I used to care for one when I was a pet sitter, and she was the sweetest thing.
I think your idea to foster for a rescue group to learn more about a breed is a great one.
Jan K recently posted…Beagle vs. Cat – Who Won?
thanks… my mom had them when I was growing up, and I guess I eventually leaned that way as an adult…. I love their temperaments, so sweet 🙂
Wonderful story, message & photos. Happy WW BlogHop. Nice that you’re making the difference..
Great suggestion for someone to foster as a way to learn about a breed! What cute pics! She’s a total doll!
Jackie Bouchard recently posted…Wordless Wednesday: A Pup in the Grass
Fostering is so important. If we had a larger space, it’s something we would definitely be open to. I spent some time a few years back at Battersea Dogs and it broke my heart 🙁
The Stately Hound recently posted…Houndworthy fly the flag at Best of Britannia!
I wish we could do more and foster more, but we have an overfill house as it is :(. … But we have saved others and they are leading wonderful lives.
Great post. A lot of folks don’t realize how many pure breeds are at shelters. Keep up the good work my friend.
Ledfoots Pet Bakery recently posted…Ledfoots Pet Bakery-Review by Talking Dogs
Thanks… One day I will have my own rescue 🙂
Oh, she’s darling. My husband is set that a Shih Tzu will be our next dog.
Flea recently posted…A Dog Seat Cover Review, With Separate Giveaway
It is a decision you will not regret. They are so loving and playful yet will guard your house with the heart of a lion. But are not yappy little dogs 🙂
Glad you and Katie found each other. I hope Onyxx finds a home as good as yours!
Great post! Lots of folks don’t know about breed rescue. We love to support Havanese Rescue!
Your pals,
Diane and Rocco
I think breed rescue is great also… I am hoping someday we can really fight against puppymills to stop the over population of specific breeds. I was so happy this year when Shih Tzus fell off the AKC top ten list.
A great message and lovely post! Katie is so cute!
Great advice for anyone looking to adopt.
Beautiful pose!
Michelle Liew recently posted…Odd dog habits
Thanks, that is actually a cloth puppy play tunnel. I walked in the room where I keep it normally and there she was, all cuddled up in the tunnel. Turns out that is Baby Kitty’s favorite spot to sleep also!
Good post – that’s exactly what we did is started fostering for a local Lab rescue. Helps you and it certainly helps the rescue. They are always in need of good foster homes. Thanks for sharing little Katie.
SlimDoggy recently posted…Wordless Wednesday 10-16-13
I so agree!! When I lived just outside Park City, UT, I was always amazed at the beautiful purebred dogs that were surrendered, large dogs there. Thats when it really hit me that turned in their perfect slightly used dogs… so sad especially when people pay so much money for them to begin with.
I just helped a shelter come up with some wording for their campaign to help inform people about the fact that there are purebreds in shelters. At another shelter where I volunteer they got an influx of small purebreds. Thanks for bringing awareness.
BoingyDog recently posted…Kayo’s First Pumpkin and Howl-o-ween Giveaway
I always let people know to look at shelters and rescues first if they are looking for a specific breed… they are always amazed when I tell them how I got my shih tzus (owner surrenders, as I do a little shih tzu rescue)
Such a nice post to remind people that there are all kinds of dogs available to adopt!
Bethany recently posted…Two By ‘Too Wordless Wednesday
What a wonderful post! Little Katie is just precious!!
She is the sweetest, but also an introvert. I’m so happy she came into my life 🙂