Timber - Havanese and Lhasa Apso Dog for Adoption in Chicago, Illinois

Timber came to us in dire condition. He had been found by a Good Samaritan in the Dan Ryan woods and the matting on his legs was so severe that on one of his front limbs it had begun to cut into his leg, limiting circulation and resulting in the limb to begin dying off. By the time he joined CRA there was nothing to be done but amputate the limb. 

The speed at which Timber adjusted to that major physical change was astounding. He is one tough guy and barely skipped a beat. He is remarkably mobile still for an older gentleman who just had major orthopedic surgery, and sometimes he just does *too much* and doesn’t let anything slow him down. His pain tolerance has to be through the roof because his PT team said his back is tight and he needs regular massage and long walks should be done with the aid of a wheelchair to take some strain off the rest of his body but Timber says “I’m fine, just let me live.”

We held off on scheduling Timber’s dental cleaning until we could get his heart checked fully to make sure the minor issue the surgeon detected during his amputation were situational instead of chronic, and now that he’s got a clear bill of heart health with a stellar echocardiogram, he’s getting scheduled for his dental cleaning and then he will be ready to join a very lucky family. 

Timber’s personality is pretty predictable considering his history. He can be incredibly independent, proving that he had to fend for himself for a very long time in his past, but he also has clearly been a loved family pet at some point as well because he adores human attention. He’s the most chill dude ever around other dogs, and doesn’t mind sharing attention, food, or anything. All of Timber’s major medical needs have been seen to, but as he is technically a senior with an orthopedic challenge, adopters should be prepared to keep him on joint and muscle supplements and keep a good relationship with their vet to make sure any age related changes are being managed.

The Havanese is a charming toy breed known for its lively and affectionate nature. Originating from Cuba, this small dog is characterized by its long, flowing coat, playful personality, and intelligence. Havanese dogs are adaptable to various living environments, making them well suited companions for both city dwellers and suburban families. They thrive on human companionship, excel in obedience training, and are often described as "velcro dogs" for their tendency to stick close to their owners. With a distinctive springy gait and a friendly disposition, the Havanese is an ideal choice for families seeking a loving and loyal canine companion.

The Lhasa Apso is a small and fearless dog breed originating from Tibet, known for its long and flowing double coat that requires regular grooming. These alert and loyal companions possess a distinctive demeanor and make excellent watchdogs. They are independent yet affectionate, enjoying their human family's company while also being wary of strangers. With a history rooted in Buddhist monasteries, the Lhasa Apso is a sturdy and ancient breed cherished for its adaptability and unique personality.