Welcome to the Shih Tzus & Furbabies Website!
Welcome to the Shih Tzus & Furbabies Website!
Shih Tzus & Furbabies is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of small purebred and mixed breed dogs. We believe that, somewhere, there is a home for every dog, but that we have a responsibility to place our dogs into homes that will best meet their needs, both physically and emotionally. We look for people with patient and loving hearts, and an understanding of the furbaby mind. We are also committed to educating the public about the importance of ethical, responsible, and humane pet guardianship.
Who are we?
In the spring of 1997, we rescued our first "Furbaby" in Jacksonville, Florida. We were introduced to Annie, a blind, 8 year old Shih Tzu girl. Deemed "unadoptable," she was to be euthanized!! We were new, and knew very little about organized rescue, but we did know that we had to save this little one. We were given two weeks to find her a home and we did!! Her new mom had just lost a blind dog and knew that little Annie deserved the same opportunity to be safe and loved - and to live - as any sighted dog. We were hooked!
We established ourselves with shelters and veterinarians in Florida and Georgia, found a few wonderful families willing to care for (foster) the pups until they were ready for adoption, and became known as one of the few small dog rescue organizations willing to take the seniors, the special needs, the abused to the point of aggression, and the babies needing extreme medical care. Our volunteers worked closely with several shelters in the southeast. Our original plan was to rescue Shih Tzu and Tzu mixes, but when we walked through kill shelters on euthanasia day, we couldn't leave dogs behind because they weren't "our" breed. And so "Shih Tzu and Furbaby Rescue" was born.
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Featured Dogs
Ladybug is a precious 7 yr. old Pomeranian princess, who weighs 16 lbs. She is working on getting her girlish figure back, with a diet and exercise plan. She’s a social girl, who loves staying close to her people for lots of attention and cuddles. Lady gets along well with other dogs, and enjoys romping around with toys. She knows how to walk on a leash, and is house trained when kept on a schedule. This Pom girl has a very sweet personality, and may “talk” if she wants something! PLEASE NOTE: Ladybug has two luxating patellas, and is scheduled for surgery. Please consider making a contribution toward her medical costs. Please visit our main site to donate. Thank you for your generosity!
Read MoreHelp Us Help Them - Donate
This is a police photo of 69 dogs living on feces smeared carpets, in stacked crates, amid hanging flypaper strips. When we were asked to help, we said 'yes' without hesitation; our volunteers stepped up, adopters were already in love, and supporters like you helped us with the funds we needed for transport, medical care, food, crates, collars, leashes, and more.
We continue to accept dogs who need us, often extreme cases, and have faith that our family of adopters, volunteers, and supporters will help us help them. From cardiac surgery for a tiny Maltese to 54 Shih Tzus from a closing puppy mill, we could not save them without your donations and your love.
Read MoreBecome a Foster Parent
Ask our foster parents how it feels to save a life. Ask what it's like to take in a scared, confused, unwanted dog, and teach him or her about love, trust, and treats.
Fostering is an incredibly vital part of our rescue process. Foster parents provide each furbaby with a loving, safe, supportive environment, which for some, is the first they have ever experienced. For many furbabies, fostering is essential for helping them 'prepare' for adoption; it gives them the opportunity to work on socialization, leash walking, and learn what it's like to be part of a family. For the foster parent, we know that each furbaby is another life saved and another pup to spoil and snuggle and teach about love, stuffies, and soft beds.
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