Meet Gizmo
A Sweet Little Shih Tzu Mix Ready to Find His Forever Family
Breed: Shih Tzu Mix
Gender: Male | Age: 09/18/2024 Weight: 13 lbs
Good With: Dogs ✔️ | Kids ✔️ | Cats: Unknown
Personality: ❤️ Sweet | Affectionate | Friendly | Companion-Sized
Medical: ✔️ Neutered | ✔️ Vaccinations Up to Date
Location: Los Angeles, California
Transportation: Ozzie and Friends Rescue coordinates safe transportation for approved adopters throughout the United States.
❤️ Personality & Breed Information
Gizmo is an adorable 2-year-old Shih Tzu mix weighing approximately 13 pounds. He's a young, little companion ready for the opportunity to become a loved member of a forever family.
Gizmo is good with other dogs and children, while his compatibility with cats is currently unknown.
At two years old, Gizmo is at a wonderful stage of life. He's past the tiny puppy phase but still a young adult with many years of companionship ahead of him. He can enjoy walks, outings, playtime, and exploring with his family while also settling into the everyday routines of home life.
As a Shih Tzu mix, Gizmo may share some of the characteristics associated with the breed. Shih Tzus are often affectionate, friendly, playful, social, and strongly oriented toward their human companions. They were developed primarily as companion dogs, and many enjoy simply being close to their people.
Depending on the coat Gizmo has inherited, he may require regular brushing, bathing, and professional grooming to prevent tangles and matting and keep his skin and coat healthy.
Gizmo would benefit from:
Daily walks and appropriate exercise
Playtime and mental enrichment
Positive-reinforcement training
Consistent household routines
Continued positive socialization
Regular grooming
Plenty of companionship and affection
His smaller size may make him convenient to bring along, but Gizmo still deserves opportunities to walk, explore, play, learn, and experience life as a dog.
Training, Adjustment & What to Expect
Even though Gizmo is already an adult, entering a new home means learning a completely new routine and set of expectations.
Rescue dogs may arrive with basic training at best, so his adopter should be prepared to continue working on house training as needed, leash manners, basic commands, recall, household boundaries, and calm greetings.
Positive-reinforcement training can help Gizmo learn what is expected while also building trust and strengthening his relationship with his new family.
The 3-3-3 Rule
3 Days to decompress and begin feeling safe
3 Weeks to understand his new household routine
3 Months to fully settle in, build trust, and feel at home
These are guidelines rather than deadlines. Gizmo should be given the patience and consistency he needs to adjust at his own pace.
Owner Responsibilities & Veterinary Care
Gizmo is neutered and up to date on his vaccinations.
His future family should continue providing routine veterinary wellness examinations, recommended vaccine boosters, flea/tick/heartworm and parasite prevention, dental care, quality nutrition, healthy weight management, grooming and nail care, regular exercise, and veterinary treatment whenever necessary.
Dental care is particularly important for smaller dogs, and Gizmo's teeth and gums should be routinely monitored.
Depending on his individual coat, regular professional grooming may also be an ongoing part of his care.
If Gizmo has inherited the shorter facial structure sometimes seen in Shih Tzus, his family should also be mindful of heat and strenuous exercise, particularly during warm weather.
Adoption Information
If you are interested in adopting Gizmo, please complete an adoption application at:
Ozzie and Friends Rescue is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit dedicated to rescuing dogs in need and helping them find safe, loving forever homes. We expand our adoption efforts throughout the Western United States, Midwest, and Canada, and safe transportation can be coordinated for approved adopters.
Adoption and transportation fees vary depending on the individual dog and destination. Our goal is to give every dog the best possible chance of finding the right family, no matter where that family may live.
Adopting Gizmo means committing to his veterinary care, training, grooming, safety, companionship, and happiness throughout his life.
Gizmo is only two years old, with so many years of companionship still ahead of him. At just 13 pounds, he may be a little guy, but he's ready for a very big role—becoming someone's beloved companion. All Gizmo needs now is the family who will give him a place beside them and make sure that place is his forever.
