Rey Shih Tzu & Lhasa Apso Mix Fort Montgomery, NY

Rey’s Backstory:

Rey was labeled “stray” and taken into an overcrowded animal control facility where they euthanize due to lack of space. Animal Saints Rescue Society was asked to get him out safely to give him a second chance at life.

Rey arrived filthy and matted. He appears to be a “breeder dump.” This is when a puppy mill or backyard breeder no longer wants their “stock,” they leave them in a field or side street. He also looks very similar to Abigail (also available for adoption) who we helped around the same time from the same animal control facility. We are not certain there is a familial connection, but they have similar Shih Tzu markings and builds.

Due to Rey’s extended neglect, he arrived to our sanctuary utterly exhausted. But oh… he’s coming to life now that he’s found safety and love!

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Get to Know Rey:

Age: 12-14
Weight: 11 pounds
Neutered: yes

Breed and Hair Notes

Rey has hair and not fur. He is a stunning Shih Tzu, possibly Lhsa Apso blend.

PLEASE NOTE: Rey’s hair will grow indefinitely, and he will need professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Only apply if you understand the additional maintenance and cost that these dear hair-not-fur souls need and are willing to commit to life for such care.


Current Vaccines and Tests:
Rabies vaccine: yes
Distemper vaccine: yes
Bordetella vaccine: yes
Flea and tick prevention: yes
Heartworm test: yes, negative
Fecal test: negative
De-wormer treatment: yes


Additional Medical Care:
Urinalysis: everything negative with possible bladder stones that are being resolved with a kidney/bladder food.
Bloodwork: October, 2024. Some higher elevations related to low iron and dehydration due to longterm neglect. Overall, nothing surprising. Should be rechecked annually.
Dental: October, 2024 dental cleaning with multiple tooth extractions. He only has three teeth now, which is great because he will most likely not need one again. He eats well on his own and should only have soft food. His appetite it fantastic!
Lump removals: On head and on side. Histopathology report says they were benign.
Grooming: Rey was just de-matted and groomed. He was so patient and sweet for the baths and haircut. He enjoyed it so much that he laid down for both!

Potty trained: yes
Rey prefers going potty outside and tends to hold it. He likes to go outside first thing in the morning. Then, right after he eats at morning and night. He can, however, go potty indoors on pads if you prefer it. He will adapt to your schedule over time.

Important Medical Notes:
Rey is deaf from untreated ear infections before coming into our care. They are currently healing. He is partially blind due to untreated dry eye and entropion. Both are being controlled well with cyclosporine eyedrops, day and night. He doesn’t mind receiving them in the least, and he seems to like the attention.

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Personality:

Rey is what we call a Senior Gem. He is the kind of Saint who gets overlooked because of his age. But we aren’t ageists here at Animal Saints, and we’re looking for a likeminded adopter who sees his immense value and charm. We run through fire to help dogs like Rey! They really are the gems in this world and teach us so much — if we take the time to observe and learn from them.

Rey gives incredible hugs when you seek them out. He needs to be picked up and hugged to keep him engaged. As time goes on, we expect him to come out of his shell even more as he learns to trust people.

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What Rey needs in his lifetime family. Is it you?

We all love and respect this dear Saint. We have gotten to know him quite well during his post-surgery recuperation time here at the sanctuary. This is what Rey needs for his lifetime home:


Understanding and Time

Right now, what Rey needs more than anything is a quiet place to rest. He could barely stand when he first arrived at our sanctuary. A month later, he is now trotting in the backyard during his potty breaks with glee!

Crating is NOT an option for Rey. Giving him a safe and place within the home, like a living room/dining area, is an ideal safe place for him to be.

If you gravitate toward the especially laidback Saints, Rey is your cup of tea. We have only ever heard him bark when he starts smelling dinner and exclaims, “I’m hungry!” Otherwise, he’s quiet and calm the rest of the time.

A quieter home with understanding people who like to get outside with their dogs is an ideal placement for Rey since he likes going potty outside. He would be okay as an only dog in a home, though he is livelier and more engaged when he has dogs around to follow their lead.

Rey will cuddle with other dogs if they ask. He’s a shyer boy, so the other dogs usually have to initiate.

We expect Rey to flourish and come to life, now that he’s feeling better after all of his procedures. Onward and upward, Rey!



Love and Commitment

At Animal Saints Rescue Society, our goal is to keep dogs out of overcapacity animal control facilities and out of a re-homing cycle. We place the dogs we save into lifetime families. With this in mind, we seek families who understand that an adoption is a lifetime commitment. The families who adopt from us believe that love is not a feeling, it is a decision. Some humans still believe it’s okay to try out a dog for a few weeks, a few months, or even a few years — then discard when they get bored or don’t want to deal with emotional or physical ailments. We are looking for the empathetic, kind, and patient humans in this world who view these Animal Saints as family, and they will do whatever it takes to give them what they need. Will that family be you? We look forward to finding out and receiving your application!


Requested adoption donation fee is a minimum of $650. This is to partly cover his medical expenses that our 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal rescue incurred to give him a second chance at life.