Vinny

My story

Look how handsome Vinny is. He is a 6-year-old, 12.5-pound Shih Tzu that needs a very special home. Vinny has retired from the breeding business, and although he was very outgoing with the breeder, he was never socialized with other people. He is very nervous and doesn’t understand that human touch is a good thing. You have to corner him to catch him, just to hold him. He only eats his food off the floor while you're not around, and cream cheese was the magic food for giving pills. He doesn't interact with the other dogs in his foster home. I still think he would do best with another small, confident friend. Fast movements scare him, so young kids would not be good for him. He will need a secure fence, as if he got out, he would never come to anyone. He doesn't know a leash or collar. He is in a large play yard in our living room so that we can catch him. If you're not using something like that, you would want to have him drag a leash so you can catch him until he is more confident. He is a very quiet boy. He didn't do well for grooming, and we had to do a sedated groom with him, a cost you need to keep in mind if you want him to join your family. I do think that with the right groomer and baby steps, he may eventually be able to be groomed without sedation. He doesn't have a mean bone in his body, just a scared boy looking for someone with lots of patience who would love to help him overcome his past so he can enjoy his retirement. His $300 adoption fee covers his neuter, dental with 12 extractions, vaccines, deworming medication, heartworm and flea/tick preventatives, and microchip registration. Please apply at gfrpets.org/apply/adoptdog ##2402183##

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Vinny, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.