GIANNA *ARRIVING 9/6* - SHIH TZU / MALTESE / MIXED DOG FOR ADOPTION

Description

Dog Breed: Shih Tzu / Maltese / Mixed. Adoption Fee: 550. Gianna is a calm and gentle dog with the most endearing crooked little smile. She came to rescue after being surrendered with a male companion, both of them likely used for backyard breeding. Her coat was in terrible shape when she arrived, matted and flea-ridden (as shown her one of her photos,) and she had to be shaved down completely at the groomer. Despite all that, she adjusted beautifully to living indoors and is doing well in a home environment. She’s very sweet, affectionate, and has a quiet charm that shines through now that she’s safe. Her male friend has been protective of her, though both have recently been altered, and she’s learning how to relax and enjoy life without the constant stress of her past. Gianna’s little grin is unforgettable, and her calm demeanor makes her easy to love. She’s a dog who will thrive in a patient, loving home where she can continue to blossom and finally be valued for the companion she was always meant to be. Gianna will do best in a home with a confident canine companion. Gianna is from Texas. They arrive in Minnesota on 9/6/2025 and will need to be picked up from the Ruff Start Rescue office in Princeton, MN between the hours of 430 PM and 8PM. Please plan for their arrival accordingly as we cannot accommodate pickups outside of this time frame. Since they haven’t arrived yet, they are available exclusively through Ruff Start’s Foster to Adopt (FTA) Program. Click here to learn more about this program. This pet is currently undergoing treatment for heartworm disease. Activity must be restricted for several weeks during recovery. RSR will cover the full cost of treatment. RSR will provide heartworm preventatives until the retest is due. The adopter will be responsible for scheduling the retest and obtaining any follow-up prescriptions through their veterinarian. Click Here to learn more about heartworm disease. If you are interested in getting to know this animal better, please fill out an adoption application. An adoption application is the best way to show your interest in an animal and is not a binding contract. To learn more about Ruff Start’s adoption process and the care our foster animals receive, please visit our How to Adopt page. If you are unable to adopt but want to help this animal and others in our care, you can donate to support the medical and veterinary needs of all Ruff Start Rescue animals.

• Physical Attributes

  Likes to Vocalize:	Quiet
  Altered	Yes

• Behavioral Characteristics

  OK with Dogs:	Yes
  Energy Level:	Low
  Activity Level:	Moderately Active
  Exercise Needs:	Low
  Obedience Training:	Needs Training
  Other:	Apartment Appropriate Good in a Car Likes to Be in Your Lap

• Personality

  Personality Characteristics

  Affectionate Even-Tempered Gentle

• Additional Information

  Was the Dog Found

  No