Bao

My story

**IF THIS LISTING IS STILL POSTED THIS DOG IS STILL AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION. NO NEED TO EMAIL ASKING IF THE DOG IS AVAILABLE. PLEASE READ THROUGH THIS BIO THOROUGHLY AS INFORMATION ON HOW TO APPLY IS CONTAINED IN THIS LISTING** For Adoption: Bao! Please read our dog bios carefully to be sure that the dog you are applying for suits your family and lifestyle. We at PDR believe in the benefits of post-adoption training for our dogs and their families. This allows for continued socialization, learning and helps to create a well-mannered and balanced dog. Post-adoption training is a requirement in our adoption process. To apply for adoption and for more information on our process and requirements, visit our website at https://pounddog.ca/adoption-info/. Meet Bao (rhymes with cow), a 4-year-old Shih Tzu who has finally discovered that life can be full of comfort, kindness, and scrambled eggs..yum!! At first glance, everything about Bao is delightfully petite: she weighs 11lbs with short little legs, a stubby tail, dainty ears, and a button nose to match. But one look into her huge, round, cartoon eyes you'll realize there's a big personality just waiting to become your best friend. Since Shih Tzus have a proud, royal Chinese heritage, we wanted to give her a name that reflected that. The word Bao has many meanings. While many people think of the delicious steamed buns, it was the translation of "treasure" that won us over. Fittingly, our Bao is both—a tiny, round little bundle that's impossible not to adore, and a treasure waiting to be discovered. Bao has creamy white fur covering her belly, chest, and legs that extends into a broad white collar draped across her shoulders. The fur on her face and over her back is a mesmerizing blend of smoky greys and browns that seems to change in every light, almost like she's wearing a little cloak. Her coat is cut to a cute length that shows off her petite figure and just the right hint of waistline. Bao's life up until now was spent making puppies for profit. While quietly living with what would later be discovered as a large, painful bladder stone, she somehow continued to survive the only life she'd ever known. Now she's learning about the world and embracing the role her breed was truly meant for: being a treasured companion. The Bao who first came to us was quiet, reserved, and preferred to keep to herself in her crate. She never made a sound, didnt get the zoomies, didnt want to play; not necessarily shut down, just not particularly enthusiastic. It wasnt until after the team at Preston Animal Hospital gave her a chance to feel comfortable again that we finally got to meet the real Bao. Bao had a bladder stone that nearly filled her entire bladder, meaning she was living with constant pressure and discomfort. That stone had likely been growing for years, all while she continued producing litter after litter. Thankfully, those days are behind her. The stone is gone, she's been spayed, which means she'll never again be asked to carry puppies. Her teeth have been cleaned, the loose ones removed, revealing a cute little smile. Free from the pain she'd been quietly living with for so long, she's become a whole new little girl. Today, Bao is cuddly, often choosing to sleep on the couch beside us, belly in the air and snoring away. Other times, she's busy letting us know her opinions about which direction our walk should go and exactly what pace she thinks is appropriate. She loves going for car rides with her family, especially if they end with ice cream cones (pup cones for Bao, of course). She gets the zoomies, sneaks toys into her crate when she thinks we're not looking, and gets very excited for meals and treat time! Her only request for her new family? That scrambled eggs and boiled chicken hearts remain a regular part of the menu. (Like I said... she has opinions.) We've spent a lot of time imagining Bao's perfect forever home. She's never been one to seek out her foster siblings for playtime, preferring to peacefully coexist alongside them. That said, she's learned so much simply by watching them navigate life. Bao would be perfectly happy as an only dog, soaking up all the attention for herself, or with quiet pup companions who are content to share their home but wont pester her to play. She hasn't had the opportunity to meet any cats while in our care, but she pays little attention to squirrels and birds in the yard, so we suspect she'd do just fine with a cat sibling after a proper introduction. Bao is a bit cat-like herself, independent enough to enjoy her own space, but always happy to curl up beside her people when it's time to relax. Shes quite content to sleep in her crate during the day while her humans go to the office, provided she gets a bathroom break mid-day. From experience, I can also say she's an excellent work-from-home buddy, happily sleeping in her bed by your feet and snoring away while you work. Shes used to a quiet home with a predictable routine. She doesnt bark much, so shed be more than happy to live in an apartment/condo. She hasnt spent any time with children outside of being introduced while on walks so shed do best with older children (over 10yrs of age) who respect her autonomy. She's still working on building a good leash-walking relationship. Between recovering from her surgeries and the hot summer weather, there haven't been as many opportunities to get out and practice. Like many Shih Tzus, Bao has a shortened, brachycephalic muzzle, so she'll always appreciate shorter walks and extra care on hot, humid days. When she first arrived, our walks were quite short and she'd simply plop herself down, expecting to be carried when she'd had enough. As she's started feeling better, her stamina has grown too, but don't expect marathons from this short-legged little lady. She's far more interested in stopping to investigate all the wonderful smells of the world than setting any speed records. Since her first weeks with us were extenuating circumstances with her bladder, shes having to relearn the skills of doing her business outside. Her new family will have to be patient and consistent with her training. She responds quite well when you verbally correct her behaviour, but it doesnt mean she wont keep testing the waters to see if youll change your mind. Bao finds comfort in her crate filled with cozy blankets. We often find her sleeping in there even when were home. Her new family should be prepared to continue to provide that option for her. She has always slept through the night in her crate next to our bed, snoring away until we wake her up in the morning. Dont be fooled, given the chance shed gladly accept the invitation to sleep in bed with her humans if you had room for her to sprawl out. Now that Bao is feeling better physically, shell continue to bloom into a smart little lady. Shes still trying to figure out what she likes and what she doesnt, so commands and tricks will come with time and patience and the right amount of treats. I have a feeling that group training classes will be good for her, you can see her watching the world and taking in the confidence of other dogs. Bao's grooming needs are refreshingly low. Her coat is kept short, which really suits her, and she tolerates having her little grinch toes shaved and trimmed. We make a point of gently handling her ears, face, and paws so she's comfortable being groomed and examined. Bao would, however, like to lodge a formal complaint against baths and being wet in general, we've explained to her that sometimes it's simply a part of life and an unavoidable necessity. Bao is healthy, happy, and feeling better than she has in a very long time. She still has a few small bladder stones that her family and veterinarian will need to monitor. They could not be removed at this time. She'll go home with her prescription urinary diet, and her new family should work with their veterinarian to develop the long-term nutrition and treatment plan that's right for her. While we're hopeful the remaining stones will continue to dissolve, it's possible she could require another surgery in the future if they become lodged or problematic. Her teeth are now clean and healthy, her ears are free of infection, and she has an excellent appetite. Bao truly is a treasure waiting to be discovered. All she's asking for is a safe place to call home, kind people to love, and that you save her a cozy spot on the couch. In return, you'll get a lifetime of loyal companionship, a professional belly-rub enthusiast, and a chorus of snores that will fill your home with happiness. Name: Bao ID # PDR1543 Age: 4yrs Gender: female Spayed: yes UTD vaccines: yes Breed: ShihTzu Colours: grey and white Coat length: med House trained: yes Special needs: yes, vet food, see bio OK with kids: older OK with cats: yes Ok with dogs: yes Status: adoptable Microchip: yes Size: small Location: Mitchell, Ont Adoption fee: $700

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Bao, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.