Bria

THIS DOG IS "SPECIAL NEEDS"

Hooray! This dog has been adopted!

  • Adoption Status: Adopted
  • Breed: Shih Tzu
  • Age: Est. DOB 7/20/2022
  • Sex: Female
  • Weight: 8.6 lbs (as of 1/20/23)
  • All LHH dogs have been spayed or neutered, updated on shots, microchipped, groomed, deflea'd, dewormed; and come with a leash, collar and LHH ID tag!

THIS IS BRIA….and for the most part, she is every bit what you would expect from a Shih Tzu puppy (est. DOB 7/20/22)!  At 6 months (on 1/20/23), she weighs 8.6 lbs, and her coat is white and tawny with black tips.  We think she will ultimately be about 10 lbs, but please don’t quote us!   

Lhasa Happy Homes rarely takes puppies…but Bria’s case was different.  The shelter called and told us this babygirl was left in a box, in the middle of the heat wave, in Encino Park.  She is lucky to be alive.  We’re sure she was put there because she was likely born with a congenital neurological disorder, probably cerebellar hypoplasia.  This is not a death sentence and doesn’t inhibit her at all.  She has a stilted walk (front legs hyperextended like a soldier) and slight tremor to her head (only really noticeable when she is sitting still).  We find it adorable!  The neurologist and vet both agree she is not in any pain.  In fact, she is a very typical sweet, loving puppy — loves to give kisses, play with her toys, nip at your feet, chase the tails of other dogs!  She is a furry comedian!  But, unfortunately, we don’t have definitive answers and the experts recommend waiting until she is fully grown to consider any diagnostics or treatment.

Bria will require some positive-reinforcement training, as she is fearful of being held or handled to put a leash on her.  We would like to place her in a home with another small, playful pup to show her the ropes and be her playmate.  A home with a grassy yard is strongly preferred (see video).  She would do great with respectful kids over 8 yrs old.  She is constantly under foot, so a home with mobility issues would not be advised.  She is a doll with paws and with patience, great care and love, will live a long life.  LOCAL ADOPTIONS ONLY.

***Adopter should be aware that she does have this health issue and be prepared to work with it.  We have been told that she should live a normal life, but nothing can be guaranteed***

***Please note that Bria will NOT be attending our bi-monthly adoption events.  APPROVED APPLICANTS can meet her BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.***

Hooray! This dog has been adopted!

Adoption Events

We do not have a public viewing facility; however, we hold bi-monthly adoption events in Santa Monica. Please check our calendar for changes and cancellations due to holidays or weather.

2nd and 4th Sunday of each month, 11am – 2:30pm

2116 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405 [Map]

Metered street parking.

Please bring pictures or video of your home/yard if we have not yet done a home visit (preferred).

And…don’t forget to bring your dog(s), if you have any. They make the final decision!