Jemma

Description

Backstory for Jemma Animal Saints Rescue Society was asked to help with an owner surrender involving several Imperial Shih Tzu. Their former person was having emergency medical issues that were life threatening, and they were not well enough to take care of them. Our nonprofit became the safety net for the Shih Tzu. Animal Saints is here to help so these Saints do not end up in overcrowded government animal control facilities that euthanize due to lack of space.  Jemma recently arrived to our sanctuary to get all of the medical care she needs. Now that we have gotten to know her personality and she has shown us what she needs in a family, she is ready to be placed in her lifetime home. We look forward to finding out who this will be!  Get to Know Jemma age: 5 years (birthdate 4.6.2021) breed: Shih Tzu weight: 9 pounds Jemma is full grown but very small, a true "Imperial" sized Shih Tzu. Vaccines:  Rabies  DHPP Bordetella  Corona/flu  Other Tests and Procedures:  Spayed in June, 2026 4DX test (passed and tested negative for heart worm, lyme, ehrlichia, and anaplasmosis)   Dental cleaning in June, 2026  Bloodwork June, 2026 - All numbers within normal ranges and nothing concerning.  Additional procedures and treatments:  • Microchipped • Fecal test, negative • Flea/tick preventive treatment, heart worm prevention, and dewormer  • First positive reinforcement training sessions  • Several baths and grooms. Jemma arrived with flea bites and scabs on her back, and the hair there is thinner because of it. As her skin heals, her hair is starting to grow in.  A certificate of veterinary good health will be provided with her medical records. Requested adoption donation fee is only $800. This is to partly cover the costs of care that our 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal rescue has incurred. On average, Animal Saints’ cost to save a life through our nonprofit exceeds $2,000 per Saint. We do our best to keep our adoption requests as reasonable as possible to encourage more people to adopt.   Breed and Hair Notes  Jemma has hair and not fur. She is a rare liver hued Shih Tzu. It is a very regal brown hue with hints of tan in it. PLEASE NOTE: Jemma’s hair will grow as it is not fur. She will need professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Only apply if you understand the additional maintenance and cost these dear hair-not-fur souls need and are willing to commit to life for such care. Jemma is calm and gentle for baths and grooming. She’s had a few since arriving, and she loves the attention.  Personality Jemma’s soulful eyes speak volumes of her nature and disposition. She is gentle, sweet, earnest, and yearning to connect to humans. She is usually one of the first to greet volunteers when they come through the door. She will just stand there and try to lock eyes, wagging her tail the entire time. Hugs are always welcomed by her.  Jemma is a great “office assistant.” Our volunteers do office work in her well-appointed apartment here at the sanctuary. The moment they sit down to do work, she runs to the bed next to them to hang out. She asks to get picked up for hugs, and she loves a good nap in a lap. But she is not pushy about requests. She will follow your lead.  Jemma is getting familiar with a harness and leash. She has spent most of her time inside during the first part of her life, and she’s starting to get used to being outside. We are working on “sit,” recall word “here,” and “look.” We expect her new family to continue her training sessions to keep her safe in her new life with them. Basic foundational skills training sessions with a certified professional positive reinforcement trainer are required for Jemma’s adoption. Just a few classes are needed, and they are fun. It’s an excellent way to connect with your newly adopted Saint, too.  You can enjoy meeting Jemma during one of her training sessions. You can take in her soulful eyes in this short film: https://vimeo.com/1205662939 Ideal Home It is ideal for Jemma to be in a home with people who are around most of the time. Plan on sharing your sofa and bedroom with her. She will love being by your side, no matter where you are or what you are doing. She will be frustrated if you put her behind a gate in another room as you head off for bed. It is her goal in life to be a true companion for a human.  Homes where Jemma is the only dog will be considered, provided you have plans to see other canine friends throughout the week, and she's not left alone for hours every day. Jem enjoys the company of other dogs, though her goal in life is to be connected to a human.  Older children are case by case — only those who have experience living with dogs, understand dog behavior, and have great respect and love for them will be considered.  No crates for Jemma. If they are a must for your lifestyle, then she is not for you.  If you have a very secure fenced-in backyard or outdoor space where she can bound about safely outside, this is ideal but not required.    Love and Commitment  At Animal Saints Rescue Society, our goal is to keep dogs out of overcapacity animal control facilities and out of a re-homing cycle. Our goal is to place the dogs we save into lifetime families.  With this in mind, we seek adopters who understand that an adoption is a lifetime commitment. The families who adopt from us believe that love is not a feeling, it is a decision. Some humans still believe it’s okay to try out a dog for a few weeks, a few months, or even a few years — then discard when they get bored or don’t want to deal with emotional or physical needs.  We are looking for the empathetic, kind, and patient humans in this world who view these Animal Saints as family. They don't believe animals are subordinates or view them as mere possessions; they are partners in life. They are committed to giving them the safety and love they need to flourish.  Will that family be you? We look forward to finding out and receiving your application!