DESCRIPTION
Backstory for Cozette
Animal Saints Rescue Society was asked to help with an owner surrender involving several Imperial Shih Tzu. Their former person was having emergency medical issues that were life threatening, and they were not well enough to take care of them. Our nonprofit became the safety net for the Shih Tzu.
Animal Saints is here to help so the Animal Saints do not end up in overcrowded government animal control facilities that euthanize due to lack of space. Cozette recently arrived to our sanctuary to get all of the medical care she needs. Now that we have gotten to know her personality, and she has shown us what she needs in a family, she is ready to be placed in her lifetime home. We look forward to finding out who this will be!
Get to Know Cozette
age: 5 (birthdate 4/8/2021)
breed: Shih Tzu
weight: 6.5-7 pounds
Vaccines:
Rabies
DHPP
Bordetella
Corona/flu
Other Tests and Procedures:
Spayed
4DX test (passed and tested negative for heart worm, lyme, ehrlichia, and anaplasmosis)
Dental cleaning in June, 2026
Bloodwork June, 2026 - Mostly within normal ranges and nothing concerning.
Additional procedures and treatments:
Microchipped
Fecal test, negative
Flea/tick preventive treatment, heartworm prevention, and dewormer
First positive reinforcement training sessions
Several baths and grooms
A gingival mass was removed and tested, which was benign.
A good health certificate will be provided with her medical records.
Requested adoption donation fee is only $800. This is to partly cover the costs of care that our 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal rescue has incurred. On average, Animal Saints cost to save a life through our nonprofit exceeds $2,000 per Saint. We do our best to keep our adoption requests as reasonable as possible to encourage more people to adopt.
Breed and Hair Notes
Cozette has hair and not fur. She is a rare liver hued Shih Tzu.
Cozette is full grown yet tiny. Shes one of the smallest Shih Tzu we have ever helped!
PLEASE NOTE: Cozettes hair will grow as it is not fur. She will need professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Only apply if you understand the additional maintenance and cost these dear hair-not-fur souls need and are willing to commit to life for such care.
Cozette is great for baths and haircuts. Shes had a few since arriving, and shes especially great when treats are involved!
Personality
Cozette is the life of the party with a court jester sensibility about her. She is extroverted, happy, and ready to greet everyone with a loving hello. She dances when she sees the humans she loves, and she will do all she can to give and receive a hug. She has such a joy for life, and its impossible to have a bad day if Cozette is in it.
Cozette is getting familiar with a harness and leash. We are working on sit, recall word here, and look. We expect her new family to continue her training sessions to keep her safe in her new life with them.
Basic foundational skills training sessions with a certified professional positive reinforcement trainer are required for Cozettes adoption. Just a few classes are needed, and they are fun. Its an excellent way to connect with your newly adopted Saint, too.
You can enjoy meeting Cozette in this short film: https://vimeo.com/1205662936
Ideal Home
It is ideal for Cozette to be in a home with people who are around most of the time. Plan on sharing your sofa and bedroom with Cozette. She will want to be by your side, no matter where you are and what you are doing.
She will especially thrive in a home that can give her companionship day and night. She will be okay if you have to be away for a few hours, but only if another Animal Saint or Saints are in your home. She will not do well completely alone. She is very outgoing and is in need of connecting with others.
Older children are case by case — only those who have experience living with dogs, understand dog behavior, and have great respect and love for them will be considered.
No crates for Cozette. If they are a must for your lifestyle, then she is not for you.
If you have a very secure fenced-in backyard or outdoor space where she can bound about safely outside, this is ideal but not required.
Cozette is ready to give you hugs and kisses and make you laugh daily. Are you ready for her?
Love and Commitment
At Animal Saints Rescue Society, our goal is to keep dogs out of overcapacity animal control facilities and out of a re-homing cycle. Our goal is to place the dogs we save into lifetime families.
With this in mind, we seek adopters who understand that an adoption is a lifetime commitment. The families who adopt from us believe that love is not a feeling, it is a decision. Some humans still believe its okay to try out a dog for a few weeks, a few months, or even a few years — then discard when they get bored or dont want to deal with emotional or physical needs.
We are looking for the empathetic, kind, and patient humans in this world who view these Animal Saints as family. They don't believe animals are subordinates or view them as mere possessions; they are partners in life. They are committed to giving them the safety and love they need to flourish.
Will that family be you? We look forward to finding out and receiving your application!
ABOUT: SHIH TZU DOG BREED
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.
