Joel
Adoption Status: Pending
Gender: Male
Breed: Shih Tzu
Age: DOB: 09/2025
Dog Friendly: Yes
Cat Friendly: Likely due to young age
Kid Friendly: Likely due to young age
House Trained: Doing great!
History: Joel is a super sweet boy who arrived to rescue in desperate need of a second chance. He is such a handsome and striking boy who is ready to meet his forever home soon!
A Note from the Foster: Meet Joel — aka JJ, the sweetest little Shih Tzu boy!
JJ is a six-month-old, 16-pound male Shih Tzu with the cutest puppy face and the gentlest little soul. As a breeder-release pup, he missed out on some of the normal early puppy experiences, but because he’s still so young, he’s catching on fast and settling into family life like a champ.
JJ has come such a long way in a short time, and it’s been so fun watching his personality bloom. He now happily lets me scoop him up, snuggles into my arms for naps, and if invited, loves curling up in bed like a tiny fluffy teddy bear. Once he trusts you, he becomes the sweetest little shadow.
He’s doing great in the house and is such an easy little guy to have around. JJ sleeps quietly all night in his crate inside his playpen area without accidents, and in the morning he gives a few soft little barks to let me know he’s ready to get up. Then he trots right over to use his washable potty pad like a smart boy. For a little dog, he’s actually very quiet and calm.
JJ has done amazing with handling, was a total star at the groomer, and is learning quickly about leash walking and car rides in a kennel. He’s figuring out that new things aren’t so scary after all.
Outside is where JJ’s puppy side really comes out. He loves zipping around the backyard and is starting to show his playful side with my resident dogs, including my five-month-old foster Lab/pit mix puppy and my gentle 115-pound Great Pyrenees. Watching him discover how to just be a happy puppy is the cutest thing.
JJ is learning that being loved is pretty great, and he’s ready for a forever home where he can keep growing into the happy, confident little dog he’s meant to be. Whoever gets this sweet boy is going to fall hard for his tiny paws, big heart, and adorable little face 🐾💙
Adoption Fee: Our adoption fees typically vary from $510-$1260 + tax. Our coordinator will be in touch with you with specific information during the application processing. For more information on where our animals come from, here is some additional information. Thank you!
Adoption Status: Is this dog available? Submitting an application is the best first step to learning if a dog is still available. There is a chance this dog could have a pending adoption when your application is submitted, however our team will offer approved applicants to be put on a waiting list for that dog. Additionally, we can make recommendations on other dogs that may be a match. Pending adoptions do not mean the adoption is finalized. Why did we implement this change? We implemented this update because, unfortunately, dogs were pending for applicants for several weeks and then the applicant would change their mind. This happens more often with puppies, as applications are submitted impulsivly more often for them. Our process is great because it takes a little time, so impulsive decisions fade. However it was unfortunate for the dogs, and the foster homes, as then the process needed to be re-started. By securing a wait-list we are able to move forward more quickly if a pending adoption falls through. This is a new process for us, so your feedback along the way is helpful! Thank you for supporting rescue and adoption!
