Gordita

Meet Gordita! Our little burrito is a sweet 5-year-old Shih Tzu whose world changed suddenly when her devoted owner passed away unexpectedly while at work. Gordita and her housemates came into rescue together, and now she is adjusting to a brand-new life while looking for a family to call her own. One of the most special relationships in Gordita's life is with her sister, Lucia. These two girls absolutely love being together, and their companionship has been a source of comfort as they navigate so many changes. Gordita genuinely enjoys being close to her sister, and their sweet bond is a lovely part of who she is. Gordita is a gentle, submissive girl who wants nothing more than to be close to the people and dogs she trusts. Her foster says she will follow you everywhere, sit nearby, and keep a close eye on where you are. She isn't an independent girl, and companionship is very important to her.She is house trained and has had no accidents in her foster home. She also does well in her crate, although she may occasionally bark while crated. Gordita walks nicely on leash and stays right alongside her person. She can be a little hesitant in new situations, but with encouragement, she does well and is gradually gaining confidence.Gordita currently lives with an elderly small dog and has done well with him. She has also enjoyed playing in the yard with other small dogs. Her foster feels that another supportive dog in her new home will be important for Gordita, helping her feel safe and confident as she continues to adjust.And when it comes to wildlife, Gordita and Lucia are not chasers! Squirrels, rabbits, and even chickens are simply ignored by both girls. They show no interest in pursuing them and happily go about their business. While they haven't been specifically tested with cats, we suspect dog-savvy cats would likely be compatible with either girl, provided introductions are handled appropriately.Gordita has a lower energy level but enjoys regular walks and exploring new environments at her own pace. She rides well in the car and has shown no aggression or concerning behavioral issues in her foster home.Gordita is also officially on a weight-loss journey! After working with our veterinary team, we discovered that she has hypothyroidism, a thyroid condition that was contributing to her weight and overall health. She will need daily thyroid medication for the rest of her life, along with routine veterinary monitoring. Thankfully, hypothyroidism is very manageable with proper treatment, and Gordita is already showing improvements in her overall health and well-being.She'll also need her new family to continue her consistent diet, regular walks, and healthy routine as she works toward a healthier weight.An apartment or house could work well for Gordita as long as she receives regular walks, plenty of companionship, and another supportive dog in the home. After having her entire world turned upside down, this affectionate little shadow is ready for the security of a family who will love her through the next chapter.If you're looking for a gentle, devoted little companion who wants to be by your side and has so much love to give, Gordita may be your girl. This dog is up to date on vaccinations and is spayed or neutered. (Please note: Puppies under 3 months old may not be sterilized prior to adoption. If this is the case, your adoption coordinator will provide guidance on the process.) To adopt or learn more about this dog, you must complete an adoption application, which can be found on our website: www.sandypawsrescue.com. PLEASE READ: • If a dog or puppy is listed, they are currently available for adoption. However, they may already be pending an adoption, and their profile may not yet reflect this. • All information is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the posting date. • Unless explicitly stated, Sandy Paws Rescue does not guarantee the breed of any dog. Breeds listed are educated guesses made by shelter staff, volunteers, or veterinarians. Many of our dogs are mixed breeds, often with pit bull-type genetics, resulting in a wide variety of physical traits and temperaments. Our dogs come from various situations, such as kill shelters, owner surrenders, or as strays. It is likely both parents were mixed breeds as well. Sandy Paws Rescue does not have a public shelter in Massachusetts. Our dogs reside in private foster homes or boarding kennels in the South until adopted. Many dogs are spoken for prior to transport or release from state-mandated isolation. For information on adoption fees, procedures, or FAQs, visit our website: www.sandypawsrescue.com. The FIRST step in adopting from Sandy Paws Rescue is to submit a completed adoption application.