Shih Tzu / Mixed (long coat) : : Male : : Senior : : Small
About Gizmo | |
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Gizmo was found wandering.... all alone, matted, and scared and taken to a shelter. No one came looking for him, so they called us. He was so matted he had to be shaved and once he was the cutest little one-eyed guy emerged!
Gizmo appears to be a Shih Tzu mix, single-eyed dog, who arrived to PLP just in time for a delicious Thanksgiving meal and cozy lap nap afterwards. Although his vet records indicate that he is about 7 years old, our vet says he's probably, at least, 10. He quickly became besties with the other two dogs and the cat in his foster home. He claimed his foster dad’s lap as his all-time favorite siesta nest. He made it quite clear that any mealtime was designed to be a special celebration of his most favorite pastime and food is always welcome! Snacks between meals, by the way, also fall in the category of celebration time.
Gizmo enjoys daily walks around the block and displays the utmost joy when getting harnessed up along with his new siblings to complete the hike. He likes to play-bark w/excitement, twisting his little head side-to-side. He knows immediately that stepping on grass coincides with “I should pee while I'm here" and does the remainder of his business on every walk (sometimes twice, just for good measure). Gizmo goes right up to other dogs he meets, nose-to-nose, to make acquaintances. On warm days, Gizmo also likes golf cart rides, safely harnessed up.
Since he can barely see through his sole left eye, Gizmo seeks comfort in unfamiliar or uneasy situations. Our vet said he felt Gizmo could see shadows just a little and we have noticed that he tends to trip over or bump into unfamiliar objects in front of or beside him.
During the day, Gizmo would happily sleep on someone's lap all day long, if allowed. He's also content sleeping in a doggy bed, which is also where he sleeps at night. He's doing much better at waiting till morning to potty, but we have to remember he's an old guy and may not be able to hold it all night long. His foster mom has ordered him some reusable diapers to make his night life easier as he ages. He demonstrates no separation anxiety at night or when his foster mom has to step out for a bit.
Gizmo loves bath time. He had a bad yeast infection on his skin and in his ears when he first arrived, but now his ears and skin are no longer itchy, and the scratching has subsided. He also smells delicious now. His fur is so silky soft that petting, smooching and warm hugs are just irresistible!
Gizmo loves to play with humans. He barks and twists his head side-to-side in a cute playful manner, starting up his own conversation when ready to play. He's very gentle w/hand wrestling and enjoys playful activities. He does not tend to play with other dogs or the cat, possibly due to his inability to see well, but he does not mind being near them or sniffing on them.
In summary, Gizmo is a very gentle, sweet, quiet little soul, who would do well in most any family situation. He does well with children, cats and other dogs but probably best to have a quiet home since he is senior and can't see or hear well.
His human must be sure to leash and monitor him anytime he is outside, as he would not know when he is approaching a fire ant bed, snake, a hole or ditch, water, etc. and it would be easy for him to wander off and become lost. This may be very well how he ended up at a local shelter. :( Also, he gets confused as to where sounds are coming from when he is called. He turns his head and tries to go in the direction of the sound but becomes easily confused with direction of origin. Concerns inside the house would be jumping off furniture, wandering into dangerous or unwanted areas, or unknowingly approaching other dogs who may have food guarding. Gizmo has shown no issues towards his own food, but he may not realize if he is approaching another dog's prized bowl or bone. He is a fast learner and seems to know his way around his foster house. Gizmo is a darling little boy and so so easy to fall head-over-heels in love with. He is located in the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina area.
He is up to date on all vaccines and preventatives, is microchipped, and neutered. Approved application, home visit, and adoption donation of $200 required.
More about Gizmo
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