MEET SHELDON….a tan/black, 11 lb, 3 yr old, Shih Tzu X, who came from the SEAACA shelter so matted, they could not groom him.  Good thing — our groomer had no problem and didn’t have to shave him.  See for yourself :

Sheldon came to us as a Rescue Only dog because he was in pain from all the matting.  All he did was growl to show his displeasure and rescue only he became 🙁  This poor baby looked like he had never seen the inside of a home.   He didn’t walk on a leash, but he does now!  He was neutered and his potty training is good now, thanks to his foster, but he needs a patient home who will keep him on a schedule.  He loves long walks, car rides and will run to the door with excitement when you ask him if he needs to go potty!  Not unexpectedly, Sheldon can be protective of his “stuff” so we don’t believe he would be a good candidate for a home with children.  When you do something he does not like — like pull on his tail or other parts of his body — he can be snippy. I would be too!  He doesn’t like to be moved unexpectedly when he is sleeping.  Neither do I!!  In time, this has gotten much better.  Without question, training and boundaries will help because he is smart and wants to please.  Sheldon has learned to “shake” for a treat!  We use training methods to help his possessiveness so that he knows we aren’t stealing from him!!   He likes other dogs, just not living with him!  He doesn’t like being left alone a long time, but he can be independent and when he ‘s ready, he’s happy to come to you and cuddle.   This little man is quiet and a happy dog….he just needs to know he is loved and safe.  Could you provide him with a ton of affection and patience?