Spirit - Shih Tzu Dog for Adoption in Buffalo, New York

You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.
Spirit is one of the best little ladies you’ll ever meet. She truly lives up to her name, carrying a gentle spark and a sweet spirit that makes her impossible not to love. At about eight years old, Spirit came to us after being found as a stray and taken to the Clarence shelter. When no one came to claim her, we stepped in, just like we always do for the dogs who need us most. She arrived in rough condition — her fur was missing in places and what remained was tightly matted to her skin, leaving her inflamed and yeasty. Her eyes were goopy, she had a hernia involving her bladder, and her teeth were in terrible shape. Her breath alone told us some of those teeth were rotted. Even with all of that discomfort, Spirit was nothing but love. She was simply happy to be safe, in a home, and part of a family again.

Now Spirit is all fixed up and feeling so much better. She is a true Velcro dog who wants to be close to her people at all times. She sticks right by her foster mom’s side, usually within inches, and her favorite place to be is either in your lap or curled up on the pillow next to you like a tiny queen on her throne. She appears to be housebroken, though accidents may happen at first as she learns your routine. She gets along with other dogs but prefers to be the center of your world. Spirit walks beautifully on a leash, enjoys car rides, and is happiest simply being with her person. She is also a big licker — gentle kisses are her way of soothing herself and settling down before bedtime.

Spirit can be a bit of a barker when she is first left alone, so an apartment may not be the best fit for her. Even if you step out just to take the trash out, she wants you to know she’s still there waiting for you. She is not crate trained, but she doesn’t need to be; she is perfectly content to nap the day away in a cozy bed with a blanket to snuggle into. She does have a sensitive stomach, so any food changes should be done slowly, and she will need regular grooming to keep her comfortable.

It’s clear Spirit was someone’s beloved companion at some point in her life, and why that changed we will never know. What we do know is that she is ready to be cherished again. If you can give Spirit the love, closeness, and gentle care she deserves, she will return it tenfold. She will give you more love than you ever imagined a dog could.

Spirit is now spayed, up to date with vaccines, microchipped, tested neg. for heartworm &flea treated and dewormed. She had bloodwork done and an inguinal hernia repair at the time of her spay. She had a mini dental too with some extractions and tartar removed. She has also been professionally groomed. Her adoption fee is $475 to help with her medical bills.

The Shih Tzu is a small, affectionate dog breed known for its distinctive appearance, with a luxurious double coat, a short muzzle, and large round eyes. Originally bred as companion dogs for Chinese royalty, Shih Tzus are friendly, outgoing, and loving pets. They are known for their playful and charming personality, making them great family pets and suitable for apartment living. With their low shedding coat and adorable face, Shih Tzus are popular among dog lovers worldwide.