Spud Shih Tzu & Poodle Mix Williamsburg, VA

Lil’ Ole’ Spud is a gentle soul. He is a Shih Tzu/Poodle mix weighing in at about 10 lbs. He is approximately 9-10 years old.

Spud was found stray and was never reclaimed by his owners. He came to Homes Fur Hounds in pretty rough shape. He had various infections, and his hair was terribly long and matted. He is hearing and visually impaired. Clearing up the secondary infection in his eyes helped, but his eyesight will likely not improve, and it is possible he will lose his sight completely at some point. We are hoping an appointment with a specialist can tell us more. Blind dogs just need some time and patience to adjust, but usually do just fine in the right home. His back end is a bit weak too. Some of that muscle may build back up as his nutrition continues to improve, but he is not going to be a long walk or hike kinda guy. Short strolls or backyard wanders are much more his speed. When he does wander outside, he takes his time going potty. He usually goes more than once before he's done.

He does have a heart murmur, so he requires minimal activity.

Spud is now neutered, UTD on all vaccines, free of infections, and microchipped. He is looking for a quiet home with limited stimuli. He is still getting used to losing his sight so a lot of activity makes him nervous. Especially movement around his face. He does fine with other gentle pets with a slow introduction. Young children or active, playful pets will not be very good for Spud. A home with stairs will not be great for him, but as long as his new family is willing to carry him it will be fine. A few baby gates may be needed to avoid him taking a tumble.

Spud is a pretty good eater and sleeper. He does need his food softened though; he doesn’t have many teeth left. He loves to sleep in a soft bed. He will go in a crate, but he doesn’t love it. He does much better being confined in a room where he can move around. He is perfectly happy in his foster's kitchen when they are not home. He has not been destructive or chewed anything in his foster home.

Spud does bark on occasion when he wants to get your attention or smells your yummy food, but not really a random yapper. He is also doing great with his housebreaking. Someone with a regular routine will be perfect for him in this area. The only thing Spud really hates is having his face touched. Yikes….he really freaks out when you go near his face. You can stroke him gently if you move slowly toward him, but any intentional movement toward his eyes, ears or mouth is not something he tolerates. He doesn’t really like his feet touched either.

Aside from that, he is a super chill little guy looking for the right place to live his best life.

If you are interested in meeting this little guy and giving him a wonderful quiet home our application can be found at www.homesfurhounds.org.