Fritos

Description

  Adoption fee: $750 Meet Fritos: Bet You Can’t Cuddle Just Once!   Age: 5 years old Breed: Shih Tzu mix Coat: Low shedding   A Little Snack with a Whole Lot of Love   Some dogs steal your socks. Fritos steals the five minutes you were supposed to spend getting ready for work. This sweet Shih Tzu mix is an expert at turning “I really need to get up” into “Okay, just one more cuddle.” His signature move? Lifting his head, gazing into your eyes, and settling right back onto your chest as though your calendar is merely a suggestion.   At five years old, Fritos offers a wonderful balance of mellow companionship and playful enthusiasm. He bonds quickly, follows his person from room to room, and has a gentle way of asking for affection. Sometimes he’ll request a pet; sometimes he’ll hop into your lap and make himself comfortable. Once the cuddles begin, he’ll look at you with utter devotion before closing his eyes and soaking it all in.   Equal Parts Couch Companion and Adventure Buddy   Fritos is happy to match the mood of the household. Relaxing on the couch? He’s available for snuggle duty. Reaching for a toy? Suddenly, he’s ready for fetch or tug! He loves squeaky toys, especially his little lamb, and takes his tennis-ball enthusiasm quite seriously. Sturdier, dog-safe rubber balls are a better match for him than traditional tennis balls, which he can dismantle quickly.   Don’t let his love of lounging fool you: this little guy enjoys an adventure. He completed an eight-mile urban hike with friends and four other dogs, happily investigating the scenery before settling down beautifully for a picnic. He also travels wonderfully on trains, buses, BART, and in the car. His approach to public transportation is simple: ride quietly and see how many new friends might offer pets.   On walks, Fritos generally doesn’t pull, but he does believe every interesting tree deserves a thorough investigation. Attempt to rush his research, and you may discover that this easygoing fellow has some firm opinions about sniffing time.   A Social, Gentle Soul   Fritos has made lovely canine friendships in foster care. With his foster’s small resident dog, initial introductions grew into playing, licking, and snuggling together. He was gentle with her and clearly enjoyed her company. He also spent time with a six-year-old Goldendoodle and handled that introduction with the same mellow, friendly attitude.   He happily accepted pets from a child around six years old. A family with older children who can appreciate his affectionate nature could be a lovely fit.   His sweetness extends beyond seeking attention. When his foster wasn’t feeling well, Fritos stayed close with a paw resting on their lap. He’s an attentive little companion whose favorite place is beside someone he loves.   A Day in the Life of Fritos   Mornings begin with a little play and some very necessary bed cuddles, followed by a roughly 30-minute walk and breakfast. After another round of affection and a few treats, his foster heads to work while Fritos relaxes loose in the apartment.   When his person returns, he’s ready for a longer walk, followed by fetch or tug and some couch time. Dinner is around 5:30 p.m., with a final walk around 9:30 before bedtime. Naturally, the evening concludes with more cuddles.   Fritos prefers settling near his person to spending time in a crate. Although he scratched at the door briefly on his first day, he soon settled into the departure routine. With a few treats before his foster left, he did well at home without barking or damaging things. His joyful welcome-home yelps are brief, and then he’s ready to reconnect.   Good Habits and a Few Little Quirks   Fritos is housetrained in his foster home. He had some overnight accidents and marking during his first few days, but those resolved as he settled in with a consistent routine and brief use of a belly band. His adopters should give him the same patience and regular potty opportunities while he adjusts to a new home.   He isn’t generally a big barker, though he may join another dog in announcing a visitor. At night, unfamiliar silhouettes—particularly men—can occasionally prompt a few barks, but he settles quickly.   His most theatrical habit has nothing to do with barking: Fritos yawns like an opera singer. His loud, dramatic performances have kept his foster thoroughly entertained.   He’s also wonderfully receptive to being carried, brushed, and bathed. For Fritos, attention comes in many excellent forms.   A Note About His Menu   Despite his snack-inspired name, Fritos is a selective eater with a sensitive stomach. He has preferred chicken and rice to kibble in foster care, though he has eaten some wet food and kibble as well. Abrupt food changes have caused soft stools, and pork has not agreed with him.   His adopters should be prepared to transition food slowly and work with their veterinarian to establish a complete, balanced diet that suits his preferences and digestion. Treats, however, have earned his enthusiastic approval and can be a helpful training tool.   His Perfect Match   Fritos would love a home where affection is plentiful, walks include time to sniff, and there’s room beside you on the couch. He could enjoy a compatible canine friend or happily soak up his family’s attention himself. He has shown that he can settle while his person is at work, then enthusiastically join in whatever comes next.   His foster calls him an absolute dream—and admits that his gentle kisses and persuasive morning cuddles made leaving for work surprisingly difficult.   If you’re looking for a sweet, social companion who can join your adventures and make an ordinary evening feel special, Fritos is ready to curl up beside you. Just allow an extra five minutes in the morning. You’ll need them.