Ducky

Shih Tzu

Male, 8lbs

DOB 11/20/25   

Neutered/Microchipped

UTD on vaccinations

Current on heartworm & flea prevention

Adoption Donation: $600 (tax deductible)

INSTRUCTIONS for ADOPTION:
***Please read the bio in its ENTIRETY.
***If you feel your family is a perfect match, complete an adoption application found here. https://gateway4paws.org/adoption

***All questions should be email to us at gateway4paws@gmail.com.
***FAQ regarding adoption can be found on our website.
***Only completed applications that meet requirements will be reviewed.
***Since we are 100% foster-based rescue, only approved applications will be contacted or scheduled to meet our dogs
***We do not allow shipping & do not transport.
***You must live within 350 miles from Maryville, IL & be able to drive to the foster for a meet & greet.

Ducky is a bit hesitant when meeting a person for the first time. But once you pick him up & give him a cuddle, he is easily swayed. He is now your best friend! This little guy loves attention, cuddles, and playtime, and he’s sure to grow into a loyal companion. With a bit of guidance and lots of love, he’ll be the perfect addition to a home ready for puppy adventures and sweet snuggles.

Ducky absolutely loves playing with his Shih Tzu foster sister. They can get to playing pretty rough & tumble! Ducky also looks to her for cues on how to behave, going outside for potty, & other routines in the home. We are not requiring Ducky to go to a home with another dog, but please understand that we believe he will be happier & will learn appropriate behavior more quickly by having another appropriate canine in the home.  

We like to remind applicants that a new puppy is a lot like a toddler. Ducky will need to be supervised, and the best way to do that is to have a dedicated space set up for him. This area will be a part of the home where he can see activity & observe, but it is a place that is puppy proofed. Where he can play, lounge, or nap when his family is not directly engaging. Playpens, 4-squares, or x-pens are excellent tools to make this possible. They are easily mobile if you want to move them around, too.
 

Ducky is still learning how to walk on a leash.  Therefore, if you have a fence you will need to make sure any gap is fixed/secured. An aluminum or slat type of fencing will need a gap filler around the bottom half so he can't get through, something like galvanized wire mesh or another sturdy mesh type material. If you do not have a physical fence, an xpen will be fine to allow him to do his business outside. We would like to encourage you to have an xpen even if you do have a fence, just to easily keep an eye on him. However, no puppy should ever be left in a yard without supervision, NEVER EVER.  A small puppy can slip through some really tiny spaces.    

Ducky is currently working on his housetraining skills and making steady progress every day—he just needs a little patience and consistency as he learns. It is a process that will require commitment & patience, as puppies have a little puppy bladder. Remember, in a new home, a new environment means that new habits will have to be established.  If you have interior stairs, please have a plan to keep your puppy off the stairs unsupervised. Additionally, please be aware of the stair railing & the distance between the spindles.   

Important things to know about him:

• As with any dog, he will need a few days to adjust.
• He is not housetrained and will require consistent, patient training.
• He is still learning how to walk on leash
• Invisible fencing is not allowed

Bringing home a new puppy is a huge responsibility. It requires lots of patience & time! But it is very rewarding if everyone is invested. Please apply if you meet the requirements & would like to adopt an adorable puppy.  Please don’t apply without speaking to your spouse/partner first.