ADOPTED
I know Halloween was just around the corner, but I would like to introduce you to Pumpkin. She is a 5 year old Shih Tzu at approximately 10 lbs. which is a nice size for apartment or 
house. Pumpkin has a cream coloured coat with touches of orange/brown here and there. Her name was promoted by her 2 tone orange hues. She has a very soft and quiet demeanour and enjoys laid back life.
Pumpkin will immediately steel your heart, as she did ours, with her puppy eyes and her gentle belly crawl. She generally shows you her belly looking for that generous rub she so craves. Pumpkin loves all the attention you can give her and has also warmed up nicely to our home dog. She has definitely gravitated towards the woman in the house but not exclusively.
Pumpkin is a puppy mill rescue mama and had very limited human interaction or affection. She has been very quiet and has adapted well to our home. I have only heard her bark once as she was voicing her opinion at being left alone. She has never had an accident in our home. She does not go to the door but tends to follow our dog when she goes to the door. Pumpkin has come to enjoy our daily walks around the block and in our local cemetery. She has adapted very well to leash walking and loves to chase the squirrels when on a longer leash. Because she is a mill dog and had no socialization to the outside world prior to rescue it is imperative that her forever family knows that she must be kept on leash whenever outside and not in a secure fenced area. She can startle with sudden noises or movements so has to be kept safe. She will not be suitable for a home with young children, but one with teens or an adult only home would be great.
Pumpkin would do well in any home setting as long as she was not left alone too often. She has voiced her concerns when left alone, but is learning from our home dog, to sit at the
door quietly and wait for our return. We have no children in our home, but Pumpkin has not shied away from them on our walks. Pumpkin is a low stress low maintenance dog, but has come to enjoy her daily walks. As a matter of fact she expects those walks, the more the merrier.
Pumpkin loves to lay by your side and have head rubs, belly rubs, pretty much any kind of rub you can give her. She will sometime nudge your hand to get the rubbing process started. If ignored she will generally lay by your side quietly or lay in her bed. She has had several shampoos in our care and has tolerated them quite well. She also likes extended brushing and flip flops around to facilitate the experience.
If you know anything about Shih Tzu’s, you will know they are non shedding and non allergenic breed. Pumpkin will need regular grooming visits, depending on how you chose to keep her coat. Pumpkin has had several vet appointments recently and has been up to date with her vaccines. She also was spayed and micro chipped, and more recently she has had some major dental work. She does have teary eyes, but does not seem to be bothered by it.
Pumpkin has been a joy to foster and brings love and smiles to us everyday, She responds well to her name and is learning everyday basic dog commands. Sit, come, down, belly, stay are some of the commands we are working on. We have her crate in our bedroom so Pumpkin sleeps in it with the door closed or even open sometimes, as long as she knows you are there, she is ok.
Pumpkin looks for leadership from our home dog, and has never barked or shown any aggression towards other dogs on our walks. If anything she has demonstrated some gentle curiosity. Based on my experience I believe she would be good with other dogs and would strive with a quiet companion.
If you feel you are up to having your heart stolen by Pumpkin, have a loving, caring quiet home, then Pumpkin would love to hear from you.