PHIFFER – A1077276

A volunteer writes:  No Time !! A statement loaded with heavy consequences for a dependant living soul like Phiffer….A 12 year old neutered Shih Tzu whose world riveted around his beloved family…He comes with such great comments…Friendly and outgoing with people, affectionate with his family, playful with children, good with dogs(he lived happily at some point with a young male dog), house trained, free of handling issues…You name it and Phifer has it… Of course, he is no youngster anymore and his eyes are cloudy…….It does not have to be the end of the world even if Phiffer might think so. Some people love older dogs and cats and even favor them over young ones. Phiffer is really a nice gent. He is eager to come out of his den, mostly after I clean his eyes and he “sees” the possibility to enjoy a walk and company. He likes to be in the arms and walks very nicely on the leash, doing his full business without marking. He does not mind me putting a scarf around his neck and a clip in his hair to uncover his eyes… A real good boy…Will you come and meet Phiffer, see for yourself and  let him show you that being old can mean a new beginning…. Phifer is at the Manhattan Care Center, dreaming of you.

BASIC INFO:

Phiffer is a 12 year old neutered Shih Tzu. His owner has known him for 7 years and took him in from a family member who couldn’t keep him 1 year ago. Phiffer’s owner had to surrender him due to lack of time. Phiffer seems to be losing his vision.

SOCIALIZATION

Phiffer is friendly/outgoing with new people. He is relaxed, playful, and tolerant with children and plays gently with all people. He lived with an active, young, small, male dog in the past and was relaxed, playful, affectionate, and tolerant with him and they played exuberantly. Phiffer hasn’t bit anyone.

BEHAVIOR

Phiffer hides in the bathroom or under furniture during storms. He doesn’t mind when someone takes his food/treat/toy, moves him off furniture, holds/restrains him, wakes him up, bathes him, or brushes him. He moves around a lot when his teeth are brushed. He had nail and fur trims at the vet. He’s friendly with strangers who approach his home/family.

FOR A NEW FAMILY TO KNOW

Phiffer’s family describes him as friendly, affectionate, mellow, and low energy. He follows them around. He plays with squeaky toys and plays fetch. He lived inside and slept on a dog bed. He ate dry Blue Buffalo senior dog food and got bones as treats. He’s housetrained, potties anywhere outside, and doesn’t have accidents. He’s well-behaved while left alone. He was crated during travel and did well. He sits when asked. He went for slow walks and didn’t pull on his leash. Off-leash, Phiffer stays close to his owner.

INTAKE:   Phiffer had a soft, relaxed body during intake. I approached him and he was tolerant and soft-bodied while I pet him, scanned him (-), collared him, picked him up, positioned him for pictures, and walked him. He was quiet. He walked around a little and lied on a towel on the floor. He walks slowly and nearly bumps into things.