BELLA - Shih Tzu Female Dog For Adoption in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA

Dog Breed: Shih Tzu (medium coat).

*IN FOSTER* Please call to make arrangements to meet Bella! This dainty, sweet girl has the heart of a lion - meet Bella! After receiving medical care, combined with the love of a devoted foster, Bella has healed and has shown herself to be a social, happy pup who will easily put a smile on your face with her cute antics. Due to the injuries she received, one eye had to be removed. Bella is also unable to hear. Don’t let these deficits fool you, Bella is one peppy girl who doesn’t let anything stop her! She will need to be leashed or in a fenced area with supervision as she won’t be able to hear a recall cue. Bella is a relaxed girl who really enjoys spending time with her people, whether on a lap or on her own bed. She adores walks and looks forward to her reliable routine! Bella will thrive with an owner who has experience with positive reinforcement, or willingness to learn to help her learn new skills and some fun tricks while building a strong bond, and boosting confidence. It will take some time for her to decompress in her new home, but with time & patience, regular exercise, and mental enrichment (food puzzles, sniffing, learning new tricks), her needs will be fully met while having fun. Her foster has made several observations about sweet Bella that may help in her new home: Once she’s ready for walks beyond her own yard, she prefers low-traffic areas which are less frightening. Bella also seems more comfortable with a nightlight on during the night. Bella is fine riding in a crate during short car rides, but is very uncomfortable and worried in a crate in the house. Lastly, she struggles with steps or jumping on/off furniture, so gently picking her up will help her get to her favorite spots. While she has had a reliable routine and learned potty skills in her foster home very quickly, it’s best to start from the beginning and help her develop her new routine with patience and high value treats. When it comes to children, she will not hear youngsters running around in time to get out of their way, so older kids who can give her space would be ideal. Minors and dogs should be actively supervised to be sure everyone is safe and comfortable. If you have a mellow, well-socialized dog of similar size, able to give her space, could be a match. A meet n’ greet with a resident dog is required. She will do best with a guardian who has a relationship with a vet, and regular grooming will help prevent matting and keep her fur soft and healthy. If you’re looking for a sweet, gentle resilient pup, look no further. Bella is a happy girl who will bond closely and open up in her new home with time and love. Bella’s foster is smitten and knows someone will love her as much as she does. To meet Bella, please call the shelter to make arrangements at 413-781-1484 xt 2.