Zen

This adorable face belongs to Zen, a very timid, shy Shih tzu. Our vet estimates his age to be between 5-7 years old. Zen has spent his entire life as a backyard breeder dog so this gentle fellow has had no exposure to a "normal" dog's life. Right now, almost everything is a first for Zen. It is his first time feeling the loving touch of caring people, stairs, or walking on a leash. Windy weather and loud rain are very scary to Zen, and he often hides under furniture or retreats to his crate, where the door is left open for him. His foster mom has made steady progress in earning his trust and Zen loves to be picked up by her and will come to give her hand kisses when he is in the crate. He so wants to trust, but will need time and patience to believe he is truly safe. Zen is good with other dogs. In the foster home, he's a bit too much for the senior shih tzu who lives there; he causes her some anxiety by following her around and constantly trying to interact with her. He gets along well with the male dog in the home. At night, he is gated in the kitchen with an open crate for sleeping. He is not 100% housetrained yet and wears belly bands during the day while his foster family is at work. A quiet, adult only home would be most beneficial to Zen, with someone who is home more often than not. He requires routine, consistency, love and understanding, and given the chance, this sweet boy has endless potential to become a loving and loyal friend.