Munchkin was found running down the road late at night. He was so matted you could hardly see his face. It made me want to cry for him to see him in such awful shape. But after a couple of grooming sessions he should start looking good.

Foster Update:  Munchkin is such a sweet dog once you have gained his trust.  Munchkin is fearful of men and overwhelmed by children.  He is currently living in a home with a husband, wife, three kids, great dane, another foster dog and a cat.  So life can be a little overwhelming for him, but he does well.  When I (Mom) am home alone, he snuggles me, follows me around and gives as much love as he can give.  When my children come home they know to let Munchkin come to them first.  When they do this, he will move about the house, usually lying on the back of the couch.  When my husband comes home he will go hide under the bed.  Once he is in the other room Munchkin will come back out and snuggle.  When woman come to the house he will go over sniff their shoes and then come back to me.  If men come over he will run and hide.  We make sure all children leave him alone not to overwhelm him.  He is housetrained.  He loves to eat.  Most of all he loves to snuggle.  He does have one of the funniest stances I have ever seen.  His front legs are at right angles.  I have heard this is common with this breed.  But this does not slow him down.  He has the cutest little waddle and loves short walks to the mailbox and back.  He is by no means a yappy dog.  He only barks if someone knocks at the door or if he is fearful of you.  Munchkin would do best in a home with a single woman.  If he is unable to do this he needs a home where everyone has patience and willing to give him lots of love.  I would not suggest he go to a home with small children.

Foster Update:  Munchkin has come a long way this week.  He has been to the football field twice for my son's practices and he let my daughter walk him around.  He otherwise stays close and we did not allow anyone to pet him, but he did not shake or act nervous.  He also now lets all three of my kids pet him, but this is in his timing.  If they come to him he may still nip at them, but he is making the effort to go to them.  This is a big step for little Munchkin. He also began to interact with our other foster dog this week.  He chased him around the house and played for a little while.  He is slowly coming out of his shell. To me (and I believe any other female) he is such a little snuggle bug.  He loves to be loved on.  I still believe Munchkin would do best in a home with a single female.  Munchkin loves to eat, but does not like treats.  He does not play with toys.  He is happiest snuggling.  He is not a fan of baths, but afterwards his coat is so soft. He also stays smelling clean longer than most other dogs.  He is precious.  I just love him.  He will make someone a great companion.

Munchkin qualifies for our Seniors for Seniors program. If adopted by a senior (55+) his adoption fee will be $75.

Are you unfamiliar with the Shih Tzu breed? Pronounced SHEET-sue, they are known as alert, spunky, happy and hardy. They are bred with an underbite which gives them a constant "smile." Traditionally, their coat is kept long, with ears blending into the body, distinct mustache, and a top knot secured with a bow. However, in our Florida climate, many are clipped short to relieve them of the heat. An alert watch dog, Shih Tzus like to bark but are usually quiet in the house. Originally from China, they were a favorite of the Imperial Chinese court and so revered that for many years after the Chinese began trading with the West, they refused to sell, or even give away, any of the little dogs. It was not until 1930 that the first pair was imported to England. The life expectancy of Shih Tzus in 16 years.