MEET GROOT! We love this big boy at 22 lbs, who is white with silver tips, about 2 yrs old and either a Lhasa ShihTzu or a Shih Tzu/Poodle (what his owners said when they surrendered him!). And look at those eyelashes! This poor fella got a bad rap because his owner moved him when he was sleeping — and he nipped her. Then, when she was taking something out of his mouth he shouldn’t have, he nipped her finger! He’s still a puppy! Groot has not demonstrated any of these issues in his foster home — they said to be cautious around his face….zip. Actually, quite the opposite — we can mess with his face and when he takes something he shouldn’t…. offer him something of more value and voila, he drops it! He does need some consistency and training so that he volunteers giving you his toy back, but it’s not difficult. He had a cherry eye, which has been repaired, and he might have been sensitive to it…but he’s AOK now!

We tell you all that to tell you this: Groot loves to slurp all the puddles on the street and the water on the grass on his morning walks — like a TREE! He is definitely still a puppy and gets so excited to see you. The best way to curb this busy baby’s enthusiasm is to rub his belly! He bonds and attaches very quickly. He goes into nirvana and just wants to love on you. He is kissy and affectionate — but he does have some reluctance at first to new people. He will back up and then come to you and maybe even jump up for a pet on the head! Groot does need some manners, as he can be a little “pushy” with his love, so training should be in his future. We don’t believe he would be good in a sedate environment. We heard his first bark the other day, protecting the house, and it’s big! Groot does seem to have a little separation anxiety and doesn’t like being alone, especially if he knows you are home, but is fine with another dog there. And, with attention, training, exercise and a buddy….definitely a yard to fun around it…this boy is a gem. We have determined that he would like to have a companion dog in the home as he loves to play…so please keep this in mind when applying.

If you are looking for a special pup to join your family, who will definitely work his way into your heart with tons of love and kisses, Groot is your guy He is a very busy boy and would not be good in a senior home.