Cassandra is a 7-year-old, 15-pound Shih Tzu who was rescued from a puppy mill. Initially, she was very uncomfortable around people and would run away from them every time. However, after a few months, she has become more sociable and now likes attention. She will be initially shy with you and it will take her some time to get used to a new home, people and routine.

Cassandra takes her retirement very seriously and has decided that a laid-back, sedentary lifestyle is for her. Her favorite place to be is a long nap in a comfy dog bed with a few rays of sunshine. Her idea of exercise is walking to the kitchen whenever she hears a bag rattle, hoping for a snack.  Cass is extremely food motivated. She cannot refuse a small piece of pepperoni, but then again who can?! The best way to gain her trust is through her stomach. 

 Cassandra would do best in a quieter home with at least one other dog to help her get adjusted and be her friend.  She follows the other dogs around in her foster home, and it's been fun watching her playful personality develop. Cassandra likes to play with anything that crinkles. Whether it be an envelope she can shred, a piece of tape from an Amazon package to pull off the box, or a toy, If it crinkles, Cassandra likes it. Cassandra's little personality is starting to shine through. She likes butt rubs and will figure out a way to get the job done if you aren't trusted yet. She will bounce her little heinie against the couch to take care of an itch. Cassandra also like to roll around on the rug, and anything that smells like you. Even the dirty socks. We often catch her playing by herself. Cassandra enjoys chasing the other dogs in her foster home as well. Its funny to watch her little legs running in the yard after them. It doesn't last long though, then she will finds a place to lay in the sun and relax in the yard. When Cassandra's foster mama comes home, Cassandra will bark with excitement and do the "Shih tzu shuffle". She will dance back and forth because she is so happy. In fact Cassandra is happy to be anywhere her foster mama is. If mama is outside, Cassandra is outside too. If mama is in the kitchen, so is Cassandra. If mama is watching TV, so is Cassandra. Cassandra is not one to get on the couch or in bed, she prefers to keep all four paws planted firmly on the ground. She does not like to be picked up and will pancake to the ground as soon as you try to scoop her up. 

Cassandra is doing great when it comes to the house training. She knows what to do when she is outside, but it is up to you watch for her signs and let her out. Cassandra will run back and forth very quickly when she needs to go. Accidents are expected at first while she is learning the routine and you get to know her. Cassandra is crate trained and is content to sleep in her crate while you are at work all day. Cassandra is still working on her leash training. She will walk a couple houses then she stops and refuses to go any farther. She is not used to pottying on a leash so a fence, or enclosure is required for her. If Cassandra gets away from you outside, she will not come back. So safety is very important. Cassandra is intimidated by stairs. She can do 3-5 but is not able to do a full flight at this time. 

Casandra is a dog who knows what she wants and will demand it. She has no problem using her voice to tell you she needs attention. For this reason, apartment life is not for her. 

Cassandra will need regular grooming every couple of months, so please take that into consideration when applying for her. 

Cassandra is spayed, up to date on vaccines, microchipped, flea/worm treated, and tested negative for heartworm.