Sponsored by Wendy Cox – in loving memory of Zuzu the SJA Therapy Dog.

Looking for a little cuddle bug? Then look no further – meet Elliot, the very cute and friendly Shih Tzu mix, who really wants a lap to snuggle right into!

Elliot (along with his brother) ended up in a shelter in Tennessee, but was rescued and has travelled all the way to Ontario to find his forever home.

Elliot is a little bit shy at first, but with some time, he will melt right into you! He’s only been in his foster home for a short time, and he’s already climbing into the lap of his foster mom. He also gets along well with the other dogs in the home, so he would do well with a playful companion – but he would also be content living just with his people and being a little shadow.

Elliot is generally pretty quiet. He only really barks when the other dogs do, and occasionally when he hears a loud noise outside. He doesn’t have a super loud bark (it’s actually quite cute), but it’s something to be mindful of if you live in a condo/apartment.

Elliot is house trained and knows to go to the bathroom outside, but he’s just not used to the cold weather in Canada. It will take a bit of time for him to get used to a routine when he goes to his new home, so heading outside with him frequently in his early days will set him up for success.

Elliot is currently crated overnight and when his foster parents go out during the day. He takes a bit of coaxing to go inside (with some treats) but settles in fairly quickly. He isn’t necessarily a dog who needs a crate though and would more than likely be fine in the home with more freedom. In his previous foster home in the states, he would stay on his foster parent’s bed overnight.

Elliot has bursts of energy, but he generally has a lower energy level. He will get some zoomies, and he’ll play with the other dogs, but he’s quite content to nap on the couch during the day. He hasn’t been going on walks in the cold weather, but he probably wouldn’t mind following his people on short walks when the weather is better. His foster family has been working on getting him used to wearing a leash and being lead on a leash – he’s not the biggest fan of being directed using a leash, so whoever adopts him will need to continue to work on positive associated with the leash.

Elliot is currently staying in an adult only home, so he hasn’t been around any children, but he would probably be fine with older, dog savvy children. Since he does take some time to warm up, the children would need to be mindful of that when he’s first introduced.

With some love and guidance, Elliot will flourish. He wants a comfy spot to nap, a person (or more) to cuddle with, embrace his cute little snaggle-tooth smile, and give him so much love!

**Adoptions within the province of Ontario only