Clementine

If you see this listing, it means Clementine is available for adoption. We take our time to find the ideal match for the Animal Saints we save, as well as for the humans who wish to adopt them.

Backstory for Clementine

Animal Saints Rescue Society was asked to help with an owner surrender involving several "Imperial" Shih Tzu. Their former person was having emergency medical issues that were life threatening, and they were not well enough to take care of them. Our nonprofit became the safety net for these incredible Shih Tzu.

Our nonprofit is here to help so the Animal Saints do not end up in overcrowded government animal control facilities that euthanize due to lack of space. Clementine recently arrived to our sanctuary to get all of the medical care she needs. Now that we have gotten to know her personality and she has shown us what she needs in a family, she is ready to be placed in her lifetime home. We look forward to finding out who this will be!

Get to Know Clementine

age: 3-4
breed: Shih Tzu
weight: 7.5 pounds

Vaccines:
Rabies
DHPP
Bordetella
Corona/flu

Other Tests and Procedures:

Spayed in June, 2026

Snap 4Dx test (passed and tested negative for heart worm, lyme, ehrlichia, and anaplasmosis)

Dental cleaning in June, 2026

Bloodwork June, 2026 - Numbers within normal ranges and nothing concerning.

Additional procedures and treatments:
• Microchipped
• Fecal test, negative
• Flea/tick preventive treatment, heart worm prevention, and dewormer
• First positive reinforcement training sessions
• Several baths and grooms

A good health certificate will be provided with her medical records.

Requested adoption donation fee is only $800. This is to partly cover the costs of care that our 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal rescue has incurred. On average, Animal Saints’ cost to save a life through our nonprofit exceeds $2,000 per Saint. We do our best to keep our adoption requests as reasonable as possible to encourage more people to adopt.

Breed and Hair Notes

Clementine has hair and not fur. She is a very rare "Imperial" Shih Tzu with liver and cream hues. She is full grown and tiny. Some are guessing she has a bit of Pekingese in the mix. Whatever she is, she's amazing and one-of-a-kind.

PLEASE NOTE: Clementine’s hair will grow as it is not fur. She will need professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Only apply if you understand the additional maintenance and cost these dear hair-not-fur souls need and are willing to commit to life for such care.

Clementine is terrific for baths and grooming. She’s had a few since arriving. She was frightened at first, but now she loves the attention. An adopter who loves to maintain her longer hair is an ideal match.

Personality

Clementine is incredibly sweet but incredibly shy. Once she trusts someone, her loyalty, love, and exuberance for life is so impressive and moving. Her eagerness to connect is there, but please note that this connection will take time. It’s possible that it will take a least a couple of visits to our sanctuary before she connects with her new person. If you are an empathetic soul and can completely understand that this will take time with her personality, please keep reading.

It appears that Clementine has not met very many people in her life. She is under socialized and skittish. Because of it, she is a flight risk. Only very securely fenced-in yards will be accepted for her. Do not plan to take her for a walk safely until you’ve completed all of your training classes. She is just getting comfortable being outside; she’s not yet ready for leashed walking. In time, we can see her potentially enjoying it. But it will take time and patience to allow her to gain confidence.

If you live in an urban setting and fall in love with Clementine, please note that it will take weeks and even months before she is comfortable with the sights and sounds of city life. With a very experienced adopter, this could be possible. But we do believe she will be much calmer and hap