STRMN Shih Tzu Rescue of Minnesota

Who are you and what do you do?
Shih Tzu Rescue of Minnesota is a 501c3 (charitable, non-profit) organization of dedicated volunteers committed to the rescue, fostering and rehoming of Shih Tzu and Shih Tzu mix dogs. We are registered as a corporation in the state of Minnesota under the names Shih Tzu Rescue of Minnesota and Minnesota Shih Tzu Rescue. We also work cooperatively with other dog rescue/shelter groups.

I'm not sure which breed I want; can you tell me a little about the Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzus range in weight from 6 lbs. to about 20 lbs., are non-allergenic, they do not shed, and are eager to attach themselves to their people. They want to sit next to you, to sleep near you, and to be with you. Their primary characteristic is their desire to snuggle. Remember that each dog, though, is an individual, with its own individual personality. As a breed, Shih Tzus are related to Lhasa Apsos and Pekingese. Their short snouts sometimes may make them "noisy" breathers and they do not tolerate heat well. They require regular grooming, approximately every 8 to 10 weeks.

Why get a dog from rescue instead of the humane society or a pet store?
Humane societies are one path to finding your loving companion. By working with your shelter, you may find the perfect companion. Some dog breeds, though, do not react well in shelters: they cower in the corner of their cages, or "shut down." The behavior you see in a shelter may not be the dog's real personality.

Before you buy a pet from a pet store, you need to know where those puppies come from. Puppies sold in pet stores usually came from a rural breeding mill. The puppy's parents live in dirty, inhumane, unsheltered wire cages with little or no opportunity for affection, socialization, or even basic veterinary care. When you buy a puppy from a pet store, you are contributing to the continuance of horrible, inhumane conditions for dogs that have no chance of a decent life.

Rescue dogs live in homes with their foster families, and are therefore socialized. They are completely vetted: from routine exams and vaccinations to needed surgeries.

The foster family has detailed information on the dog: habits, preferences, favorite kind of toys, personality, how this dog compares to the typical traits of the breed. Like people, each dog has its own personality, and when you work with a rescue, you can learn about each of the dogs available, so you, your family, the foster home, and the dog are able to make the best match possible.

I'm worried about getting someone else's problem dog.
Dogs do not typically come into rescue because they are problem dogs. The major reasons a dog comes in to rescue include: owners dying, divorce, moving to a place that will not accept dogs, moving into assisted living, and having a baby. Some of the dogs coming into rescue were targets of domestic violence. Some of the dogs were strays; some came from puppy mills. Some were turned in because they were 6 years old, and their family wanted a puppy. Each dog has an individual story, and the rescue foster family will tell you everything they know about the dog's background, so you and they can make the best decision about adoption.

That's why rescue is a great resource. First, the foster family will be able to tell you all about a dog. Second, if problems arise in the future, Shih Tzu Rescue of Minnesota works with adoptive parents to solve those problems. We stand with our dogs’ adoptive families, for the life of the dog and beyond. As you are adopting a dog you are receiving resources on behavior, nutrition, and common medical questions. When you adopt your dog through rescue, you are likely to find some human friends too.


Why do you charge money for a dog? Aren't you just glad the dog is being adopted?
We are glad when a Shih Tzu is adopted into a good home.   No matter where our dogs came from, our goal is to find them a home where they will be cared for and loved. But if you ever wonder, or ever hear someone ask, "What do you sell your dogs for?" remember there are costs, emotional and financial, visible and some not obvious, involved in getting a dog from where it was rescued to the good home it deserves. Bringing a dog into rescue can be as simple as “picking up the dog”, and as complex as restoring trust, obtaining multiple evaluations, and undergoing necessary medical procedures.   Typical medical services provided from the time a dog comes into rescue until the dog is adopted include spaying/neutering, vaccinations, dentals (if needed), heartworm testing, medications, flea/tick preventative, microchipping, bathing and grooming.

THE MEDICAL SERVICES PROVIDED BY STRMN IN PREPARING A HEALTHY DOG FOR ADOPTION WOULD COST AN ADOPTER THE EQUIVALENT OF BETWEEN $500 AND $1,000.

These typical costs do not take into account infections, abuse injuries, or surgeries. Our adoption fee is based on the dog's age. It does not reflect the expenses the rescue has incurred in addressing the medical, emotional and nutritional needs of that dog.

Most significantly, the adoption fee demonstrates the new family's commitment to their dog. To some people "free" means easily discarded. Our mission is to place dogs in homes where they will be valued and loved.   The adoption fee is one way for the adoptive family to say, "The life and love of this dog are secure”.

Why should I donate?
Every penny of your donation goes to the care and welfare of the dogs. Our members are all volunteers.   All of our funding comes from donations or fund raising by our volunteers.

Our primary cost is for veterinary expenses and the cost of bringing dogs back to health is a large one. Our adoption fees range from $100 to $420 per dog, depending on its age. The adoption fee does not even begin to cover the veterinary costs Shih Tzu Rescue of Minnesota has invested in the dog.

Our secondary cost is for education: the printing and distribution of brochures, handouts, and communication.   These materials offer training, health and socialization information, as well as featuring dogs ready for adoption.

Shih Tzu Rescue of Minnesota is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductible.   If you would like to donate, please send to Shih Tzu Rescue of Minnesota, P.O. Box 46562, Eden Prairie, MN 55344.

If you are interested in working with us, sharing your time and knowledge, please contact us. We would like to meet you. Please contact Shih Tzu Rescue of Minnesota.