Fonzie

Please read our dog bios carefully to be sure that the dog you are applying for suits your family and lifestyle. At Pound Dog Rescue, we believe in the benefits of post-adoption training for our dogs and their families. This allows for continued socialization, and learning and helps to create a well-mannered and balanced dog. Post-adoption training is a requirement in our adoption process.                                            

Allow me to introduce Fonzie! He is a super lovable 7-year-old Shih Tzu weighing approximately15 pounds. Fonzie came to Pound Dog via a shelter where he had been surrendered when his previous owner passed away. It’s clear that Fonzie had been well loved but wasn’t getting all the necessary care and attention he needed, likely due to his owner dealing with their own medical issues.

When Fonzie arrived he had a serious ulcer on one of his eyes that had been left untreated for a while. After many rounds of eye drops and serums his eye has made significant improvements.  His eye is still in the final stages of healing so his adoptive family should be prepared to continue administering his eye drops, and any other recommended treatments to get him through the last stages of the healing process. Thankfully, he is such a good sport when getting his eye drops, so it’s not difficult to administer the medications at all. Otherwise Fonzie is in great health, and up to date on all his vaccines and has been neutered.

Fonzie is extremely friendly and very well adjusted. He currently lives with two other dogs, and has had exposure to cats and showed little interest in them. He should be able to live with other animals without any issue.  His tail never seems to stop wagging. Everyone that meets him comments on what a sweet guy he is. He does know basic commands such as sit, and shake-a-paw, but he would do well with some additional obedience training to fully cement these commands and learn some new things too.  He is a social dog and will enjoy his dog school classes and all the attention he will get there…and the treats!

Fonzie is very food motivated, which helps with training. However, his owner will need to make sure his food is portioned out at mealtimes to avoid any excessive weight gain.

Fonzie is housetrained but can sometimes need extra vigilance when coming into a new home environment to ensure he learns where the proper places are to do his business. He is a fast learner, and quickly will understand where he should (and shouldn’t) be going to the bathroom when given proper training and direction.  Fonzie is crate-trained, and happily goes into his crate whenever his foster family needs to leave him unattended or if it’s time for bed. He also travels well in the car without any issues 

He occasionally likes to play with toys, especially if there is another dog to play with.  He might even find an odd sock lying about if there are no toys close by and bring it over to you. He also loves to give and receive affection, the more snuggles the better.

 Fonzie likes to go for leisurely walks to explore the outdoors and does great on the leash. Shih Tzu’s are brachycephalic dogs or “flat-faced” dog breeds with shorter facial bones and muzzles.  If you are new to these breed types, it’s important to know brachycephalic dogs can be more prone to breathing issues and have difficulty cooling themselves down. Fonzie hasn’t shown any significant issues with his breathing, but his new owners will need to ensure to keep a close eye on his breathing rate and body temperature during physical activities any avoid going out for walks during times of excessive heat.

Fonzie would do well in most home environments whether it be a quiet apartment, townhouse , detached or semi-detached home.  He does bark occasionally if he hears a strange noise or a knock on the door, but it’s not excessive. He would do well in either an adult-only home, or one with respectful children over the age of 9. He loves his people and just wants to be wherever his family is. Whether it’s curled up beside you on the sofa watching a movie, having a nap beside you while you work on your computer, or out for a walk.

If you’re looking for a sweet companion to spend many “Happy Days” with, then Fonzie is the dog for you. He is very easy-going and would love to find the perfect family to integrate into.