About the breed
I love the Shih Tzu breed. Large or small... I love them all.
you have no idea what it is like to be a breeder...the unseen hours
and hours put in to give you a wonderful puppy
The puppies are demanding little devils and to give you
a happy, healthy puppy we put in the hours it takes...
I DO THIS BECAUSE THIS IS WHAT I LOVE...
...YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IT TAKES TO BRING YOU
THAT BEAUTIFUL, HAPPY, HEALTHY PUPPY!!!!!
SHIH TZU DESCRIPTION
The Shih Tzu is also known as the Chinese/Tibetan Lion Dog or the Chrysanthemum Dog. It is called the chrysanthemum dog because its face looks very much like the flower.
The Shih Tzu is one of the most popular of the Toy breeds. It is well known for its long, flowing, luxurious hair, which covers all of its body. It has a round head, pleasant expression, and large, round, dark eyes. Its ears are large and covered by the coat. Shih Tzus are very small and compact in size, with a broad, deep chest. Their tails are curved and covered with fur. Shih Tzus can be any color, and tend not to shed. Their hair is in fact a double layer, with a woolly undercoat below the longer hair. Shih Tzus are small dogs, and are slightly longer than they are tall.he Shih Tzu is a sturdy, lively, alert toy dog with long flowing double coat. Befitting his noble Chinese ancestry as a highly valued, prized companion and palace pet, the Shih Tzu is proud of bearing, has a distinctively arrogant carriage with head well up and tail curved over the back. Although there has always been considerable size variation, the Shih Tzu must be compact, solid, carrying good weight and substance.
Temperament:
Shih Tzus are known for being sturdy, attentive, energetic, and responsive dogs. They are best suited to being companion dogs, and are generally easy-going and affectionate. When in a playful mood, Shih Tzus can be feisty and mischievous. Because they are alert and attentive dogs, they make good watchdogs who are fond of barking. If surprised or startled, they can be snappish. Shih Tzus love attention and being spoiled. They are very clever and can be trained, although they are known to be stubborn and a trainer consequently needs to be very patient. Shih Tzus generally get along well with other pets and older children. They do not do well with babies or toddlers, as they have a strong sense of self-importance and can be jealous of little children.
Caring for a Shih Tzu:
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to take care of, as they do not require a great deal of exercise. If the owner chooses to keep the hair long, it will require careful daily grooming. If not groomed regularly, tangles and painful mats can develop. Many owners tie the hair on the top of the Shih Tzu’s head into a distinctive topknot so that the dog can see more easily. The hair can, however, be trimmed in order to keep grooming needs to a minimum. Most Shih Tzus enjoy outside exercise or simply running around inside a house or yard. Their eyes are sensitive and need to be cleaned regularly
Weight Range: 9 to 16 lbs. Chinese imperial: 6-9 lbs. Tiny Imperial: under 6 lbs.
Colors: All colors are acceptable.All colors permissible," but adds the words, "a white blaze on the forehead and a white tip to the tail are highly prized."The white blaze, collar, socks and tail-tip combine to create a highly prized ensemble" of a Shih Tzu.
Trainability: Shih Tzus are alert and spunky little dogs who are endowed with loads of character. They are royally dignified and sometimes arrogant. They are stubborn and cleaver dogs who can get snappish if they are surprised or peeved.
With Children: This breed does well with polite, careful children.You must always be careful with children holding puppies. Puppies can be dropped. When it comes to children and puppies, it’s all about rules no matter what size breed is chosen. Children learn by example. If adults in the home are responsible with pets, the kids will follow that example. Simple things like cleaning up after, feeding, watering and securing the location of a puppy are essentials that any child can easily be taught. My children learned how to take care of dogs by watching us.
Other Pets: Shih Tzu are generally good with other pets.
Climate: This breed is sensitive to the heat.
Indoor / Outdoor: Shih Tzu are good apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
Exercise Required: The Shih Tzu is a naturally active dog but they still need some encouragement to exercise. Do not overfeed this breed or it will quickly become fat.
Life Range: 14 to 16 years
Shih Tzu are considered non-shedding because they don't lose hair like breeds we classify as 'shedders'. A Shih Tzu loses hair like people, one strand at a time. Of course, all animals, including people have to get rid of hair, dander(skin flakes), etc... at some point in their life, in order to regrow more hair, skin, etc...
BRINGING THE NEW PUPPY HOME
Your new puppy will be undertaking a lot of stress from moving from one home to another. So to for the puppy to feel secure I use crates,Crates are like a den to a dog, they feel safe and secure in.,before I ship my puppies ,I let them get used to the own little den,Crates are for the safety of your dog.I leave my crates open and my dogs go in on the own. They love their crates,It is the own place to get away from it all and they all know which crate is their own crate. If you feel bad about cooping up a puppy in a crate buy a playpen for puppies that will keep the puppy safe and allow the dog place to play. Petsmart has those also. I put the crate inside and wee wee pads,toys,and water bottle and food and they are safe ,fed and secure.Your puppy's first night can be a miserable experience since he is used to sleeping in a cozy nest with his mother and littermates. You can substitute a hot-water bottle and a ticking clock wrapped in a towel to substitute his mother's presence and heartbeat. You can place his bed next to yours for the first few days, so that you can comfort him if necessary. If he cries or whines comfort him, then leave him alone. If you weaken and take him to bed with you, you may be creating a new problem that you will have to break.
Puppies tend to roam and if left alone to do what they please they will come into trouble.Would you leave your baby alone roaming the house?No ,so treat your puppy like you would a newborn or toddler.Couches and human beds should be off limits to a puppy until it can climb up on it's own... The NEW PUPPY WILL CRY.The puppy has just left it's surrounding it has known from birth.It usually takes a week or more for the puppy to adjust to leaving its old home.Puppies tire out easy so for the first weeks. Don't ever wake up a sleeping puppy to play.Let them sleep.Chew toys like rawhide and pig ears will save you a lot of chewed up items in your home. Puppies are teething and need something to chew on. Puppies also get bored so doggy toys will keep them occupied,I would recommend not giving a puppy anything with sewed or buttons that can be swallowed.I advise reading about puppies so you will know what to expect and that will make you and your new puppy happy.
Hyperglycemia: When a puppy gets a bit too much exercise it can become stressed out, they might seem unable to stand or listless. This usually means that they have a low blood sugar problem. Like all toy dog puppies, you can solve that problem with a quick trip to the vet or by dropper/spoon feeding your dog some sugar water, NutriCal (or any good high calorie dietary supplement). We suggest you keep some NutriCal around at all times. It is essential that you treat this problem right away by giving your pup the supplement or sugar water. Otherwise they can go into shock. Remember that your puppy needs to take time for feeding and rest.
You shouldn't take a young Puppy jogging with you! If you're planning more than just a short walk around a short block, leave your pet at home. The same applies to play time or long rides in a vehicle. DO NOT OVER-PLAY WITH YOUNG PUPS. Inform any children in the house that over-playing with the pup can cause it to become very sick. Limit the time a puppy spends in a vehicle (especially in high or low temperature zones). Long road trips or rides can stress out a puppy and expose him or her to unnecessary health risk.
Blue eyes that persist throughout life can occasionally be found in Shih Tzu. Such blue eyes (actually, often dark or light gray rather than bright blue) are found in blue dogs. Blue Shih Tzu lack a needed color gene for black. Their color is therefore dilute; they also have blue pigment on their muzzles, noses, lips, foot pads, and eye rims. Like liver-pigmented dogs (which have light brown eyes and pigment rather than the more common black), blue Shih Tzu are rare, but are perfectly acceptable in the show ring. All colors and markings are permissible in our breed. Nevertheless, blue eyes are unacceptable in the show ring in any color except blue. Light eyes of this kind do not affect vision, and blue-eyed Shih Tzu make fine pets.
FOODS TO AVOID!!!
CHOCOLATE
This is toxic to animals and should never be fed to your dog under any circumstances.
ONIONS
Can cause Hemolytic anemia, labored breathing, liver damage, vomiting, diarrhea, and discolored urine.
GARLIC
The jury is still out on Garlic with many owners safely using it. I will cover this in a later email.
MACADAMIA NUTS AND OTHER TYPES OF NUTS
These can cause bladder stones due to the high phosphorus content.
MILK AND DAIRY
Since dogs do not have the needed lactase to break up the lactose the result can be diarrhea.
AVOCADO
Avocados are toxic to many animals. The offensive chemical damages heart, lung, and other essential tissues. Be aware since guacamole's main ingredient is avocado, that you keep any such dips well out of your dog's reach
RAW EGGS
An enzyme called avidin which is found in raw eggs causes hair and skin problems along with the possibility of Salmonella poisoning.
GRAPES
Feeding your dog grapes causes severe kidney damage. While some fruits are acceptable to feed your pet, avoid grapes at all times.
LIVER
In large amounts, liver causes a toxicity that affects the bones and muscles.
RAW FISH
Has been known to cause a thiamine deficiency. As a result the dog will suffer from seizures and possibly death.
TOMATOES
Tomato plants as well as the actual tomato are highly dangerous to dogs. Ingesting a tomato or any part of the plant can lead to tremors and heart arrhythmia.
Common Shih Tzu Problems
Hernias and Pinched Nostrils are NOT life threatening issues, Much of the information provided below came from the ASTC web site as well as many other breeders in the USA.
Hernias
***Hernias in Shih Tzu puppies, as well as other breeds, are very common and are not a medical condition or cause for immediate concern. Please be informed before you agree to surgical hernia repair on your Shih Tzu puppy.***
The following information is copied from www.Bullwrinkle.com and is being offered as an educational tool: "A hernia is a protrusion or bulge of a part of the body tissue, fat, or an organ through an abnormal opening of the surrounding tissue. There are numerous types of hernias, each type named after its affected area. A hernia which can be pushed back into the abdomen is called reducible. Hernias which are not reducible are called incarcerated. If the blood supply to an incarcerated hernia is pinched off, the hernia becomes strangulated. A strangulated hernia is an emergency situation and must be brought to the attention of your veterinarian." The most common types of hernias in shih tzu puppies are: "An umbilical hernia is the most common type of hernia found in puppies. In case of umbilical hernias, a portion of fat or internal organs protrudes through an incompletely closed umbilical ring. Umbilical hernias may be present at birth, or may be acquired. The most common means of acquiring an umbilical hernia is a result of the umbilical cord being severed too close to the abdominal wall. In most cases umbilical hernias are small and reduce as the puppy grows. Generally, by the time the pup is six months old, the umbilical hernia will shrink and disappear on its own. "An inguinal hernia is the result of abdominal organs, fat or tissue protruding through the inguinal ring. Inguinal hernias are presented as skin-covered bulges in the groin. They can be bi-lateral, involving both sides or unilateral, involving only one side. Inguinal hernias are more common in females than males, but do occur in both sexes. As with umbilical hernias, most inguinal hernias will shrink and disappear as the puppy grows. Inguinal hernias can also occur in unspayed, middle-aged female dogs. This may occur as the result of stretching of abdominal tissue due to pregnancy. I have heard of many Champion show dogs that have the umbilical hernias and most experienced breeders know they are part of the breed and nothing to get all upset over. The smaller ones can be left alone if they are not bothering the dog and larger ones can be repaired at the time of a spay/neuter. If your puppy has one, just keep an eye on it and if it changes, let your vet know. Most dogs live their whole lives with smaller ones and never have a problem. As long as it is not causing a problem and can be pushed back in it is ok to wait until spay/neuter to have repaired. If you read the official site for the English Toy Spaniel you will see they actually state that the umbilical hernia is part of their breed and NOT considered a health problem. This is also true of the Shih Tzu and many other breeds. Vets without a lot experience with the breed often make a big deal about them because they do not understand this breed or the breeds with these specific problems. "Pinched Nostrils and Teething" Shih Tzu puppies often have slightly pinched nostrils that generally open with time. The bubbly discharge from a Shih Tzu puppy’s nose is NOT serious if the discharge is clear and watery and the dog is otherwise thriving. This problem is most acute during the teething stage. Even the nostrils of a dog that has difficulty simultaneously eating and breathing or is lethargic at this time may open satisfactorily as the dog matures, but a few dogs this severely affected may require surgery later on. Pinched nostrils and teething go together. TEETHING PROBLEMS- Some puppies in this breed experience teething trouble. The noses swell and pinch off some and they may have a little clear discharge. They make make some snorting and sniffling sounds. They will usually outgrow this after the adult teeth come in. As long as they are playful and active and eating and drinking well, they are ok. If they cant eat or drink well and are lethargic or the discharge changes color, they may have developed infection and need to be checked and treated. Most Shih tzu pups are fine after adult teeth have come in. As long as pups are eating and drinking well and can play they are fine, The official book of this breed recommends not letting any surgery be done until after adult teeth are in as most will then resolve. **Many Shih Tzu puppies nose's will become tight during the teething phase. It will often cause them to snort and mouth breath. This will go away usually around 12-16 weeks of age sometimes longer. It is very different the Stenotic Nares (Pinched Nostrils). Which is noticed from birth. Many Vets will try to talk you into an unnecessary surgery. Though I have been Blessed again, Not to have Stenotic Nares. I thought I would share this info with you.*** "REVERSE SNEEZING" Most of you are probably aware of it, but in case you aren’t it, here is what happens; The doggie sniffs something or gets a drink. Suddenly they suck their nostril shut as a result of a quick breath, dust, pollen or a drop of water. They often act like they are choking or they may even get scared and slide to the floor. They may snort loudly and act very frightened. The novice owner gets frightened too and thinks the dog might die. It is usually only a “reverse sneeze”. The nostrils are stuck shut. It’s like a vacuum in the nasal passages. Shih Tzu's are brachycephalic, they have a very short face and nose. This short nose apparently makes them more susceptible to this common phenomenon. Simply talk calmly to your pet, stroke his or her throat to make them swallow and at the same time gently hold their nostril closed for a moment to help release the vacuum. Reverse sneezing in Shih Tzu is quite common and is not life-threatening!!!
About Umbilical Hernias and Pinched Nostrils
The following is an excerpt from THE OFFICIAL BOOK OF THE SHIH TZU, by Jo Ann White, regarding umbilical hernias and pinched nostrils, which are quite common in Shih Tzu puppies:
"The Shih Tzu is a brachycephalic (short-faced) breed. Many Shih Tzu puppies, especially those with very short noses, have slightly pinched nostrils, particularly when they are teething. They may snort and snuffle, snore, and have a watery, clear nasal discharge... This problem generally clears up with age... Small umbilical (belly button) hernias are quite common in Shih Tzu puppies. If the opening is small, it will likely close by itself as the puppy matures. As with slightly pinched nostrils, many vets unfamiliar with our breed are much too quick to recommend corrective surgery."
Hypoglycemia
If you are going to become a toy dog owner you will want to familiarize yourself to the symptoms of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is often seen in young toy puppies, and most of the time the symptoms can be controlled by eating, or by giving some glucose such as honey water to the puppy. Glucose is what the body uses as fuel and is necessary for the brain tissue and muscles to function. Hypoglycemia is when the blood sugar levels (glucose) fall well below normal. It can cause your puppy to become confused, disoriented, drowsy, have the shivers, stagger about, collapse, fall into a coma, or have seizures. Episodes of hypoglycemia often occur without warning. A puppy may be stressed by shipping, or a missed meal, being chilled, or even exhaustion from too much play. Because of their tiny size, toy puppies cannot eat a lot at one time, and literally run out of fuel quickly. Puppies should be fed several times a day a high quality diet. Most puppies will outgrow the problem. Some very tiny dogs will continue to have bouts of hypoglycemia throughout their life. If your puppy experiences episodes of hypoglycemia it is important to restore the blood levels of glucose as quickly as possible. Call me if your pup is having any of these symptoms......Always keep Nutri-Cal on hand........ Typical symptoms: Weakness Listlessness Depression Staggering Gait Tremors If your puppy is conscious, give him/her a little White Karo Syrup, or Honey under its tongue, or rubbed on its gums. Do NOT pour into the mouth as the puppy could easily choke. You can also mix honey, or corn syrup with pedialite, stir to dissolve, and dribble it into the puppy's mouth. Nutri-Cal also works extremely well in an emergency. The puppy should begin to improve within about ten minutes, if not contact your vet as quickly as you can. NOTE: BREEDERS CAN NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR HYPOGLYCEMIA
Delayed Closure or Hernia
Delayed closures are VERY common in the Shih Tzu. Most so called "hernias" are actually delayed closure of the umbilical or inguinal (groin) area. We call it a hernia, because at that time, that seems like what it is. Sometimes I do not mention on my website if a puppy has a inguinal or a umbilical hernia at first because some of the time it is actually already closed by the time they go home. If small, sometimes they are closed by 8-12 weeks. If It seems as if it won't be closed when the puppy is old enough to go home, I feel it is important for you to know. You really can not tell the difference between a true hernia or a delayed closure unless the hernia is severe, but if as the puppy gets older and the hernia is getting a little better as he/she grows, then most likely you are just dealing with a delayed closure. Sometimes a breeder just simply knows based on experience that a particular dog has puppies that just simply are a little slower at closing up...that being said most breeders will not continue to breed a dog that has continually throw true inguinal hernias. It is not uncommon for a umbilical Hernia not to close, almost all are simply cosmetic and do not cause any health concern whatsoever, but can be stitched close for very minimal cost at the time of spay/neuter if desired. Almost all "inguinal hernias" are simply delayed closures and require no medical help. True inguinal hernias are actually rare in shih Tzu's. Almost all so called inguinal hernias (actually delayed closures) are completely healed by 4-6 mos of age. I believe delayed closures are very common in the shih tzu and even though I have had numerous delayed closures I have not seen any of mine that have had a true inguinal hernia. Umbilical Hernias Umbilical hernias really are of little concern and are very common in the Shih Tzu breed. They usually show up at around 2-5 weeks of age and some of them will close on their own by around 6 mos of age (delayed closure). If it is large enough that it is "in the way" then it probably should be closed up when the puppy is spayed/neutered if it hasn't closed on it's own, very large hernias should always be closed up so the muscle doesn't close up around it and cause internal injury (however this is very rare to have a umbilical hernia that is large enough to become strangulated). A lot of Vets will do it free of charge or for a small fee as long as they are already spaying or neutering the dog. An umbilical hernia is usually a small soft bump where your puppies umbilical cord was (their belly button) and for whatever reason the muscle failed to close up. There are a couple of reasons why a puppy gets an umbilical hernia. Because of a shih tzu's uneven bite, sometimes the moms tend to have a harder time "cutting the cord" and will tug, pull or even chew too close to the skin or sometimes a difficult delivery and the puppy had to be pulled out. Most breeders will not allow the mom to chew the cord as to prevent a hernia. If you get hernias consistently from the same dog and the breeder has cut the cords and not allowed the mom to chew them, then this is most likely inherited (but could be from the mom or dad or the combination of both) Sometimes they just simply pop up out of nowhere. Very very rarely is an umbilical hernia any health concern whatsoever. They are quite common in the Shih Tzu and are easily fixed if so desired. Inguinal Hernias You can not tell if a puppy has a true hernia until they are at least 5-6 mos old. They are almost always just delayed closures. An inguinal hernia is the result of abdominal organs, fat or tissue protruding through the inguinal ring. Inguinal hernias are skin-covered bulges in the groin area. They can be bilateral, involving both sides, and unilateral, involving only one side. Inguinal hernias are more common in females than males, but do occur in both sexes. Most all inguinal hernias will shrink and disappear as the puppy grows, although you must keep an eye on the size of the hernia. I recommend you push the tissue back into the cavity a couple of times a day or whenever you notice it "sticking out" (if it is on the larger side). Small Inguinal hernias are of little concern and do generally close up on their own. As with an umbilical hernia, if it hasn't not closed up on it's own by the time it is time to spay or neuter your puppy, then I recommend to have a vet close it up at that time. Very Small inguinal hernias usually would be fine if left, but I recommend to play it safe and just have it fixed when the puppy is spay/neutered if you are at all concerned about it. Large inguinal hernias if ignored could potentially cause a health concern for the dog if the muscles closes up around the hernia and strangles it. However this would not happen if you are pushing in the bump and you get it corrected if it is still present by 6 mos of age. Inguinal Hernias can be a big deal to a breeder as a female that has had an inguinal hernia that didn't close on it's own should never be bred as that area will be weak and could potential be a major health risk when whelping puppies. However, again, true inguinal hernias are rare in the Shih Tzu.
Quick note on repairing hernias: Some breeders will have hernias repaired before going to their new home when the puppy is young. This may sound very good and I am sure the breeders mean well, however..... after consulting my veterinarian and based on my own opinion and views......... a surgery on any puppy less than 4-5 mos old (actually any age for that matter) is very risky. I do not think it is a good idea nor very safe to have a young puppies hernia repaired before going to their new home (unless it is a life threatening situation). Since most all inguinal are not true hernias they heal on their own, there is no sense in risking the health of a puppy on an unnecessary surgery or having to have two surgeries when it could be done with just the one surgery at the time of their spay/neuter.
Tight Nostrils or Stenotic Nares
Tight nostrils are very VERY common in the Shih Tzu breed. A lot of people think that tight nostrils and Stenotic Nares (pinched nostrils) are the same thing. In reality they are very very different. Tight Nostrils will generally come on when the puppy is teething and sometimes not go away until the adult teeth have fully come in (even up to a year old). Sometimes it will come and go as the puppies gums are swelling off and on from the teething process. Some puppies can't hardly breath out of their noses at all during this time, but as long as they are active and eating and drinking normally it is of little concern. Never have surgery done on a puppy that just simply has tight nostrils as it will eventually go away. Some dogs will have tighter nostrils than others and some will snore and snort more than others during their entire life, but tight nostrils to the point that they can't breathe through their noses and cause health concerns will generally go away with time. Stenotic Nares on the other hand are completely different and are present at birth. From the time the baby is born he has difficulty breathing through his nose and struggles with nursing from early on due to the inability to breath and eat at the same time (this can happen with tight nostrils also, however the pup is generally almost weaned by this time). Some of the time (but not always) surgery will need to be done on Stenotic Nares as the puppy may always have this issue and over time could cause other health concerns. However, even with Stenotic Nares the puppy can outgrow the condition. If the puppies Stenotic Nares are so severe that they can not breath at all or very very little through their nose, and it is obviously causing lethargic behavior or other health concerns, then I would say surgery would probably be needed, however if a puppy can breath through the nose enough to lead a normal life (except for maybe a lot of snorting and snoring :) ) Then I would wait to have surgery done until the puppy is over a year old as it is a possibility as they mature that they could outgrow the condition.
Some Vets are way too eager to perform surgery, when it may not be needed.
I heard that neutered and spayed dogs get fat and lazy. Is this true?Spaying and neutering does change the metabolism of companion animals, so in most cases, they do not need as much food to maintain their weight as unspayed/unneutered dogs. The problem is not with the dog - it is us. We just tend to overfeed our dogs, and neutered/spayed dogs are more apt to put on weight because of that.As for laziness, again, the amount of exercise our dogs receive and their activity levels are often dependent on us. If we do not give them opportunities for play and exercise, they can become couch potatoes just like some people. Many spayed/neutered dogs hunt, are entered in agility shows, become service dogs, and are trained in search and rescue. These dogs are anything but lazy.
My veterinarian recommended I spay my new puppy and she is only two months old. Is that safe?Early spaying/neutering has been shown to be safe in multiple studies. It must be remembered that younger animals may need different anesthetics and are more prone to hypothermia (lower than normal body temperature) during surgery. But as long as procedures are modified to account for these differences, early neutering is very safe. In fact, puppies neutered at a younger age often have faster recoveries than those neutered when they are older.
I was told I should let my dog go through one heat before I have her spayed. Is that what you recommend?We recommend that dogs be spayed before they have a heat. There are several reasons for this:
- Spaying a dog before her first heat is the best way to significantly reduce the chance your dog will develop breast cancer, a common condition in female dogs. The risk of malignant mammary tumors in dogs spayed prior to their first heat is 0.05%. It is 8% for dog spayed after one heat, and 26% in dogs spayed after their second heat.
- Any heat brings with it a chance your dog could become pregnant. This would adversely affect the health of a young dog.
- A heat also brings with it the chance for accidents. Dogs in heat have been known to run through glass patio doors, jump out of moving cars, and be hit by cars as they attempt to find a mate.
- Owners of females in heat also frequently have to deal with a sudden influx of male dogs around the home and yard. These amorous visitors leave numerous droppings, and spray plants and trees with urine in an attempt to mark their new found territory. There is also the mess and hassle of vaginal bleeding that typically goes on for 7 to 14 days. Who wants to deal with that if they do not have to?
For Sale - To A Good Home
I was born in the Summer a few years ago.
Quite why I was born, I'll never know.
Some folk who owned my mother, decided to breed.
No reason I know of except for their greed;
I know I was hungry, I know I was cold;
They sold me quite early at just five weeks old.
My number one owners seemed friendly at first,
And life was quite good till my bubble burst;
They started to argue, their marriage split up;
And in the AD: "For Sale - 4 months old pup".
Some folk arrived, the next ones in line.
They treated me kind and life was just fine.
But Master dropped dead, and she couldn't cope.
So she sold me again (I'll soon give up hope).
I now had a new home right up in the sky;
We went up in the lift fourteen floors high!
The new folk were kind but they left me all day;
I was bursting to wee and had nowhere to play.
It was boredom, I think, when I chewed up the chair;
They agreed I should go as it just wasn't fair.
The next home was good and I thought "this is it"!
They started to show and I won....well, a bit.
Then somebody told them that I had no bone.
And in went the AD: "For Sale...to a good home".
The next lot were dreadful, they wanted a guard;
But I didn't know how, although I tried hard.
One night they got burgled and I didn't bark;
Tied up in that shed and alone in the dark.
For four months I lay in that cold and dark shed;
With only an old paper sack for a bed.
A small dish of water all slimy and green;
The state I was in, well, it had to be seen!
I longed for destruction, and an end to the pain;
But some new people came and I went off again.
Well now I'm with Rescue and this home is good;
There's walks in the country and lots of good food;
There's kisses and cuddles to great me each day;
But I dread the time they will send me away.
But for now here I stand, skin and bone on all fours;
PLEASE......don't let "ME" happen to any of yours!!
Author Unknown
PLEASE BE RESPONSIBLE BRINGING A DOG HOME!!!