April

My story

April is an adorable 3-4-year-old Shih Tzu, weighing in at just 14 pounds. This sweet girl is a proud survivor of a puppy mill and is now ready for her next adventure — finding her forever home! When she joined our rescue, she faced a tough start with a large bladder stone that caused her a lot of pain. Thanks to our caring veterinarian, she underwent surgery to remove the stone, was spayed, and microchipped. Since then, she has made a remarkable recovery, blossoming into a lively and affectionate companion. April is currently on a special diet to help prevent any future stones, and she needs daily eye drops for her health. She's surprisingly good about taking her drops, and any potential adopters will need to be committed to maintaining her special care routine. While April has transformed into a charming little lady, she can still be a bit shy and uncertain in new situations. When you first meet her, she might prefer to hide with her trusted foster mom. Understanding that puppy mill dogs need extra patience and time to feel secure in their new homes is crucial — the bond you build with her will be so rewarding! April will benefit from ongoing support with her housetraining, and a home with a fully fenced yard is essential for her comfort and confidence. She needs the freedom to explore without the pressure of leash walking, which is key to encouraging her potty training. While in foster care, she has made progress and enjoys short walks, but she’ll need time to build confidence on leash in new surroundings. Living with several small dogs in her foster home has been a joy for April. Ideally, her forever family would have another small dog to help her adjust — having a furry friend by her side makes everything easier! She may be a little vocal when left alone, but she seems much happier with a companion. A home without shared walls would suit her best. When April first met the resident cat, she was quite curious and a bit enthusiastic, but she has since settled in and they get along just fine now. April has a playful spirit and loves to chew on her toys. Just a little note — she might not always tell the difference between her toys and your reading glasses, so keeping those out of reach is a good idea! If you’re looking for a loving companion who thrives on trust and affection, April could be the perfect match for you. Come meet this lovely girl and see how she brightens your life! For those interested in adopting one of our puppy mill release dogs, please be aware that these dogs often require extra patience, structure, and ongoing support. Their temperaments and behaviours can vary widely, and for the best outcome, adoptive homes MUST have access to a fully fenced yard and understand that rehabilitation is a gradual process. Many of these dogs have not yet experienced living in a home, regular interaction with people, leash walking, housetraining, or even having a name. All of these new people, environments, and activities can be scary for them and many are flight risks while they adjust. Leash walks may not even be a safe option for them initially which is why having access to their own fenced yard is essential. They need a patient adopter who can meet them at their comfort level and gently help them learn how to be a companion animal. If you’re interested in giving April a home please fill in an application for our review: https://www.speakingofdogs.com/adoption/dog-adoption-application-2/ October 16, 2026, 9:50 pm

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