About NBSTR
Who are you and what do you do?
New Beginnings is a 501c3 (charitable, non-profit) organization rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding
homes for dogs. We work primarily with Shih Tzu and Shih Tzu mixes, but we frequently have other
small breed (terriers, dachshunds, Maltese, Lhasa, Poodle) dogs in our foster homes. Our volunteers are
also often members of other breed rescues, so in addition to having knowledge of the Shih Tzu,
members of this group have experience with many other dog breeds (and other types of animals).
Back to questions.
I’m not sure which breed I want; can you tell me a little about the Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzu range in weight from 6# to about 20#, do not shed, and are eager to
attach themselves to their people. They want to sit next to you, to sleep near you, and to be with you.
As a breed, Shih Tzu are related to Lhasa Apsos and Maltese. Their short snouts may make them “noisy”
breathers. Their larger eyes can be susceptible to wetness and infection.
Remember that each dog,
though, is an individual.
Back to questions.
Do Shih Tzu really need rescuing?
Yes; like dogs in every other breed, Shih Tzu are in need of rescue. Being small and (sometimes) cute is
no guarantee of safety, just as being large and sometimes cute does not always keep a St. Bernard
or Labrador safe. Often being small means a dog is
more likely to be the target of violence. It’s easier to
kick or throw a 13# dog, than a 100# dog.
Back to questions
I’m worried about getting someone else’s problems.
That’s why rescue is a great resource. First, the foster family will be able to tell you all about a dog.
Second, if problems arise in the future, New Beginnings works with the adoptive parents to solve
those problems. We stand with our dogs and our adoptive families, for the life of the dog and beyond.
As you are adopting a dog; you are receiving resources on behavior, nutrition, common medical
questions. When you adopt your dog through rescue, you are likely to find some human friends, too.
Dogs do not typically come into rescue because they are problem dogs. The major reasons a dog is turned
in to rescue include: owners dying, divorcing, moving to a place that will not accept dogs, moving into
assisted living, and having a baby. Some of the dogs coming into rescue were targets of domestic violence.
Some of the dogs were strays; some came from puppy mills. Some were turned in because they were
6 years old, and their family wanted a puppy. Each dog has an individual story, and the rescue foster
family will tell you everything they know about a
dog’s background, so you and they can make the best
decision about adoption.
Back to questions
Why do you charge money for a dog? Aren’t you just glad the dog is being adopted?
We are glad the dog is going to a good home. Nomatter where our dogs came from, our goal is to find
them a home where they will be cared for and loved.But if you ever wonder, or ever hear someone ask,
“What do you sell your dogs for?” remember there
are costs, emotional and financial, visible and forever
hidden, involved in getting a dog from where it was to the good home it deserves.
Bringing a dog into rescue is as simple as “getting the dog,” and as complex as restoring trust, obtaining
multiple evaluations, and implementing necessary medical procedures. Typical expenses from the time
a dog comes into rescue until the dog and its family
find each other include:
Transport of a dog (gas expenses) from its unwanted / abusive situation to its foster home $3 - $100
Standard veterinary expenses:
Office visit $30
Spay or neuter $50-$200
Dental (loose or diseased teeth can lead to infection) $200 -$300
Heartworm testing $15
Heartworm medication $10
Vaccinations & microchipping $40-60
Bath, grooming, nail trim $25-50
Prescriptions, Dietary supplements, and vitamins to restore health $25-$100
Telephone calls to check references of applicant (often long distance calls) $5
Transport of dog (gas expenses) to family interested in that dog $3 - $100
These typical needs do not take into account infections, abuse injuries, or surgeries. Our adoption
donation cost is based on the dog’s age. It does not reflect the expenses the rescue has incurred in
addressing the emotional, nutritional, and medical issues of that individual dog.
Most significantly, the adoption donation demonstrates the new family’s commitment to their
dog. To some people “free” means easily discarded. Our mission is to place dogs in homes where they will
be valued. The adoption donation is one way for the adoptive family to say, “The life and love of this dog
are secure.
Back to questions
Why rescue? Why not a pet store, or the humane society?
Before you buy a pet from a pet store, you need to know where those puppies come from. When you are told the cute puppy came from “a family farm” you are actually being told the puppy came from a rural breeding mill. That puppy’s parents live in dirty, unsheltered wire cages with little or no opportunity for affection, socialization, or even basic veterinary care.
Why rescue?
Rescue dogs live in homes with their foster families, and are completely vetted, from routine exams and vaccinations to surgeries. The foster family has detailed information on the dog: habits, preferences, favorite kind of toys, personality, how this dog compares to the typical traits of the breed.
Like people, each dog
has
its own
personality, and when you work with a rescue, you can learn about each of the dogs available, so you, your family, the foster home, and the dog are able to make the best match possible.
Back to questions
I’m not looking for a Shih Tzu, so I suppose you can’t help me.
Back to questions
Every penny of your donation goes to the dogs. Our members are all volunteers. Our primary cost is for veterinary expenses, and although many clinics are generous to us, the cost of bringing dogs back to health is still a large one.
Our secondary cost is for education: the printing and distribution of brochures, handouts, and our monthly newsletter. These materials offer training, health, and socialization information, as well as with profiling dogs ready for adoption.
Back to questions
If you are interested in working with us, sharing your time and knowledge, please contact us. We would like to meet you....please contact us!
New Beginnings Shih Tzu (and Friends) Rescue is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
All contributions are tax deductible.
