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WHO WE ARE
Shih Tzu Rescue, Adoption & Education Safehouse (S.T.R.A.E.S.) is an all volunteer, not for profit, no-kill, licensed animal shelter, established in 1999 to provide sanctuary, loving care and an adoption program for abandoned and relinquished Shih Tzu. We are an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. 100% of all donations are used to provide care for our shelter dogs. We have no paid staff and our facilities are donated. Our mission includes two special programs. (1) Adoptable dogs with injuries and medical ailments that are costly to treat and who would otherwise be scheduled to die are given the extra-ordinary medical care and lengthy rehabilitation they need to live happy complete lives. (2) Neglected and abused dogs with behavior issues ranging from aggression to fear that have the potential to become loving family members are enrolled in a remedial program with a professional trainer/behaviorist so they too can be successfully placed in “forever homes.” All dogs are kept in a cageless, home-like environment with access to over two fenced-in acres where they can run free. Our Shih Tzu are spayed/neutered prior to adoption, current on annual inoculations, flea/tick and heartworm preventative and have a microchip implant. Complete veterinarian wellness checks are done on all incoming pets and any necessary special tests, medical and/or surgical procedures are provided. Regularly scheduled grooming, parasite checks and treatment are also included as a part of our routine care. All dogs are temperament and personality tested so adopters can be matched with a dog that will best suit their expectations and lifestyle. Follow-up assistance is provided to help the Shih Tzu and new caregiver through the transition period. We provide breed specific and general educational materials for Shih Tzu owners, or potential owners, as well as consultation and training services. We will work with Shih Tzu owners considering giving up their pets, offering alternatives and education in an effort to help keep the Shih Tzu in it's current home.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
If you are interested in volunteering at any of the following events email us and we will get back to you.
As a result of the corona virus pandemic, all special events have been canceled. Watch for a list of (we hope) upcoming special events. . . .
Do you have an idea you are willing to develop and coordinate that would help to support S.T.R.A.E.S. efforts to give Shih Tzu a second chance at life and a loving home? Please email us and we will get back to you. We appreciate your support..
We are currently adjusting our adoption policies and procedures to allow us to manage adoptions in this new COVID-19 world. Although PetSmart has allowed adoption partners to resume meet & greet events on a small-scale at PetSmart stores, Illinois government restrictions have superseded this option. During the corona virus pandemic, all adoptions will be handled on an appointment only basis. The Safehouse is NOT open to the public. To start the process, visit our adoptable dog website pages Our Pet List for a list of our available dogs. A full description of any dog can be displayed by clicking on the name of that specific dog. Our adoption applications are NOT available online. If you are interested in adopting a specific dog, email us, you must include the name of the dog and specify why you are interested in adopting that particular dog; one dog and email request per family. Once your application request has been approved, you will receive an adoption application along with further information regarding the adoption process. Please note that an email request and/or submitted application does not place that dog on hold for you or guarantee you will be able to meet or adopt that dog. We accept multiple applications for our dogs. Also please note that we do not do out of state adoptions. The unpredictability of the pandemic has generated its own set of challenges. We remain committed to sharing updates about our adoption program and future meet & greets as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this complicated time.
Adopter must be at least 21 years of age and have identification and proof of address.
We do NOT adopt out-of-state. Adopters must live in Illinois AND in the Chicago or suburban area (i.e., land line area codes 708, 630, 331, 847, 312, 773, 872, 815 and 779).
Adopter must provide the name, phone number and relationship of three local references (only one relative can be listed as a reference).
We do not adopt to homes with children under the age of 6 years (or homes where day care is provided for young children).
Applicants over the age of 62 may not adopt dogs under the age of 3 years.
No more than one dog (under the age of 10 years) and three cats may reside in the Adopter's household and the resident dog must be spayed/neutered.
All members of the adopting household must be interviewed including any resident dog before the final adoption can take place.
Office supplies such as: postage stamps, letter size hanging folders, easy peel address and mailing labels, hp Officejet Ink Cartridge 950XL & 951XL, etc.
Cleaning supplies such as: paper towels, disinfecting wipes, disinfecting spray, dish and laundry detergent, bleach, etc.
We desperately need volunteers to help at our monthly PETsMART store visits: talk to potential adopters, take the dogs out for a potty break, setup and tear down. This is the ONLY way our dogs can meet the public and find their forever new home. The number of dogs presented at the store depends on the number of volunteers that are there to support us.
Most of all, we are in need of funds to allow us to continue to provide medical care and shelter for our unwanted, abused and abandoned Shih Tzu.
A caring way to memorialize or celebrate a beloved pet or pet lover is through a remembrance donation. Your gift will assist S.T.R.A.E.S. in caring for our special charges. The honoree is sent an appropriate card informing them of your thoughtful gift. You are sent a heartfelt acknowledgement card as a receipt.
S.T.R.A.E.S. is an all volunteer organization, there is no paid staff and our facilities are donated. 100% of all donations are used to provide care for our shelter dogs. We are an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, your donation is tax deductable.
Shop at any of these online sites and they will make a cash donation to our shelter.
Shih Tzu Rescue Adoption & Education Safehouse
Support us every time you shop and help us save Shih Tzu in need.
Buy your pet supplies at any of these online pet stores and they will make a cash donation to our shelter.
Sloppy Kiss Cards are high quality animated ecards for dog lovers.
You get to select and name the dog that stars in every ecard you send.
The Sloppy Kiss Cards dog gallery features a Shih Tzu!
To join click here and enter STRAES in the "charity code" field.
Our dogs love to sleep on Kuranda Dog beds with soft fleece bed pads.
Reward your pet with the gift of a Kuranda dog bed and soft fleece bed pad and
Kuranda will donate 10% of your order to our shelter:
