Rex - Male Shih Tzu

Rex is an adorable 4 year old black Shih Tzu with white boots on his front feet and a patch of white on his chest. He weighs 16 lbs, and is nicely housetrained. Rex came to us as a stray, living on someone's back porch. He has some issues, and is looking for an experienced stay at home parent that can give him the love he deserves, yet provide the correct discipline for his mild aggression. This little one, though adorable, can not go to a home with children. Rex has been diagnosed with a mild case of luxating patellas, which means that his knee joints are looser than normal. On a scale of 1 to 5, his knees have been graded at grade 2 luxation, so no surgery is required at this time. He also has abnormal cartilage in his hocks, which causes him to walk with a strange gait - his rear end is poorly developed. This is a congenital condition called crepitus, which doesn't affect his running, playing, and jumping, but will cause him to develop arthritis at an earlier age than most dogs. Since being with his foster mom, Rex has blossomed into a very loving dog and will rub against your face and wind himself around your legs like a cat. He will also run up behind you and wrap his paws around your ankle, grab your pants leg and try and "trip" you! We found this out the hard way! Rex also likes his "quiet" time. He has come a long way since being here and just needs someone that can understand his personality and give him the correct reinforcements when necessary. Rex is now starting to play with his furbrothers and sisters on a limited basis and thinks the resident cat is boring. He is being fostered in West Virginia.