Randy Shih Tzu Columbus, OH

Do you love a good mystery? Well then Shih Tzu mix, Randy might just be your guy! It is a mystery how Randy ended up in a rural shelter at 15 years old. It appears at some point he was a much loved companion because Randy definitely knows what it is to be a house dog - he jumps right up on the couch to make himself at home. He may have applications in progress, but is currently available.

After some time in foster care, it became apparent that there were some medical issues going on, and Stop the Suffering invested the time and testing to get to the bottom of his medical mystery. Randy has been diagnosed with an adrenal tumor that is a "watch and see" scenario. He has also been diagnosed with limited vision due to dry eye in his right eye and a cataract in his left eye. He also has hip dysplasia and Irritable Bowel. Even with hip dysplasia, Randy gets around well and receives an injectable medication for pain management. We will know more about the treatment for his IBD after his next follow up appointment.

Like many older dogs, Randy has some very definite opinions about what sort of home would suit him best. Randy does not like to be crated or kept on the other side of a door or gate from his people and will bark to make sure you know that. It is not separation anxiety as Randy will happily curl up and nap while his foster family is away from home running errands. Randy has trouble holding his bladder and wears a belly band to prevent accidents, but he does know to go outside and will be best suited to a home where he can be let out frequently. Randy walks well on a leash, but he walks very slowly and can only handle short walks and cannot tolerate walks in hot weather. Because he is vocal at times, he is not recommended for apartment or condo living. Due to his age and limited vision, Randy is not suitable for a family with young children and is best suited for children ages 8 and up. Randy does not like cats and he barks and growls at them, but he has never hurt the cats that live in his foster home with him. He gets along with other dogs who give him his space. We know this all sounds like alot and may have you wondering why would anyone adopt a dog like this? Well I'll tell you why...because Randy is cute, sweet, and endearing and he deserves the chance to be someone's much loved companion again.

Adoption fee is $200.00 and includes spay/neuter, microchip, fecal/deworming, vaccines and prevention up to date. Ohio residents only.

STS is a foster-based and volunteer-run rescue. We do not have a physical location or set hours for you to meet dogs, and it does take time to answer each inquiry. All dogs are in foster homes and once an application is approved and a home visit is completed you will be able to schedule meet and greets with available dogs. We encourage interested individuals to get approved prior to searching as it helps expedite the process. A Petfinder inquiry is not a substitute for an application. For detailed information about our adoption process, including fees, please visit our website at http://www.stopthesuffering.org.