Shih Tzu Rescue Adoption & Educ. Safehouse
Our Mission
Shih Tzu Rescue, Adoption & Education Safehouse (S.T.R.A.E.S.) is an all volunteer, non-profit, no-kill, licensed shelter, established in 1998 to provide sanctuary, loving care and an adoption program for abandoned and relinquished Shih Tzu. Our mission also includes these special programs: (1) Adoptable small dogs with injuries and medical ailments that are costly to treat and who would otherwise be scheduled to die are given the extra-ordinary medical care and lengthy rehabilitation they need to live happy complete lives. (2) Neglected and abused dogs with behavior issues ranging from mild aggression to fear that have the potential to become loving family members are enrolled in a remedial program with a professional trainer/behaviorist so they too can be successfully placed in “forever homes.” (3) Resident dogs, diagnosed with terminal illness and needing end-of-life hospice care are given the comfort, gentle nursing, love and best quality of life possible for however long, and, when the end comes, they are not alone but find peace in the arms of love.
Adoption Policy
We only adopt locally, which we consider up to an hour and a half or so drive from our location (land line area codes 708, 872, 630/331, 847/224, 312/773, 815/779; PLEASE NOTE: Locations within the 815/779 area codes may be beyond our distance limitation.). Exceptions may be considered for senior or special needs dogs. We do not adopt out-of-state – no exception.
We are closely monitoring the Coronavirus Pandemic; it is amazing how challenging life has become in such a very short time. The Safehouse is not open to the public. You can meet our available dogs, receive and submit our adoption application ONLY during our designated Petsmart meet & greet adoption events. However, PetSmart has temporarily suspended these in-store events until further notice. The Safehouse is not open to the public. All adoptions are currently handled on an appointment only basis. If you wish to adopt, send an email to the shelter straes@rcn.com identifying the specific dog you are interested in adopting and we will send you the necessary paperwork and instructions. Available dogs with descriptions and photos can be found on the Petfinder.com website. As we continue to monitor this rapidly changing situation, we will most likely be making additional changes to our adoption processes as needed.