shih-tzu-chronicles

[shih-tzu-chronicles]

Puppy Love or Profit? A Closer Look at Responsibility

In the embrace of our furry companions at home, it’s true that we often reminisce about the times when we first got our pets. A gift, adopted from a shelter, and more others. But of course, a vast majority of us can’t lie that we got ours from a breeder. As we revel in the joy our pets bring, it's time to unravel the complexities that often lurk behind the scenes of pet breeding. 

Not all pet breeding is done responsibly. Some breeders prioritize profit over the well-being of the animals and the families they'll join.

According to Sarah Maybruck in 2020 that studies on dog breeding over 15,000 years, reveal that what began as a simple interaction between humans and wolves has led to around 400 dog breeds today. Despite the global love for these breeds, ethical questions arise. Purebred dogs, although attractive to some, pose ethical concerns, particularly when juxtaposed with the thousands of dogs awaiting adoption in shelters.

Purebred dogs, although attractive to some, pose ethical concerns.

We may also look at the cases of overbreeding that puts a strain on their well-being. The relentless pursuit of quantity over quality leads to overbreeding, leaving pets vulnerable to genetic issues and social challenges. It's a toll on their health and happiness. They never truly get to experience a loving family as they are kept in isolation.

“There’s no excuse for bringing more puppies into the world. On any given day in the U.S., an estimated 70 million homeless dogs and cats are struggling to survive. Of the millions of animals who enter shelters each year, about half must be euthanized for humane reasons or because no suitable homes exist for them. Every time a dog is bred, homeless dogs lose the opportunity to have a good life.” - PETA

This sad reality amplifies the ethical drive to halt more unnecessary breeding, ensuring that every dog has the chance to find a loving home.

A Bark for Change

Confronting the ethical concerns of pet breeding requires collective effort to foster awareness and responsible practices. It’s crucial to acknowledge the issue at hand and, more importantly, to strive for tangible change. So… how?

Adopt, don’t shop.

Choosing adoption isn’t just a decision; it’s a powerful statement against unethical practices that plague the breeding industry. Not only are we welcoming a pet with open arms, but we are also embracing the history of what they’ve been through to be there. Shelters, pounds, and organizations alike houses tons of animals yearning for a loving home. By choosing to adopt from them, we are actively contributing to the dismantling cycle of this industry.

Paw for Laws

In a country like the Philippines, we are still progressing in our laws regarding animal safety. Calling for stricter regulations within the breeding industry can be a powerful advocacy. Pushing for laws that protect the welfare of animals, ensuring proper conditions and treatment, is pivotal. By amplifying our voices collectively, we can influence policy changes that protect the interests of our four legged friends. 

Ethical dog breeding is the key to preserve these species we love. It's a process that needs to be carefully and continuously passed on to future generations.

Educate. Raise awareness. The revelations surrounding unethical breeding practices call for a collective awakening, one that reaches far beyond our homes. In each action we take, whether big or small, lies the potential to reshape the future of pet ownership. 

[shih-tzu-chronicles]

A Paw-spective from Katherine's World

Hey there, fellow Shih Tzu lovers! Today, we're thrilled to present an exclusive interview on "Shih Tzu Chronicles" that brings you closer to the heart of these lovable fur companions.

The person we've interviewed is not just any interviewee; Katherine Israel a seasoned Shih Tzu owner with years of firsthand experience, and she spills the beans on all things Shih Tzu. 

In our conversation, Katherine shares her wealth of knowledge and passion for these charming canines, offering valuable insights beyond the basics of the lovable Shih Tzus.

When we first asked Katherine about what drew her to the Shih Tzu breed and what she most loves about them, she unveiled that it was the charm that initially captivated her and spilled the beans on what she adores the most.

"It's all about the cuteness factor, how sweet they are, and their unwavering loyalty." Katherine says with a laugh.

Dylan, Katherine's dear Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu breed as we all know has its own stereotypes when it comes to their temperament and personality, and Katherine had a lot to say about that too. 

“They’re so stubborn!” She says almost immediately after asking. “And of course, spoiled to the bone, you can’t even forget them in your grocery runs. Not to mention their clingy-ness to you grows over time as like when they were puppies, they were more pretty active in everything.”

At 49, Katherine is currently a U.P. Scientist and a professor at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. We were curious as to how she balances her work and life as a pet owner especially one that demands more of her time on a day-to-day basis. We also asked her on how she manages her pet’s health, grooming, and training methods that worked for her.

“My baby vomits a yellow fluid once in a while. This is due to acid reflux. This is nothing to worry about. Just give them small meals in between so they won’t get hungry. Another common sickness is diarrhea. When he poops liquid several times in a day, I immediately take him to the vet.” Katherine responds as she recalls some instances that happened. “They make lab tests to determine the cause. This is usually bacterial in nature so antibiotics are given. I also give my baby Nexgard spectra once a month to ensure he doesn’t get ticks, fleas, and heartworm. Maintenance is quite expensive but I could not compromise his health at all costs. 

“Maintenance is quite expensive but I could not compromise his health at all costs.”

- Katherine Israel

As for their grooming, “In my baby’s case, he hates being blow-dried and combed. So I cannot keep his hair long. He also hates me trimming his hair. So I have him groomed every 1.5 months. He gets a full groom, summer cut with poodle-cut feet. I give him baths twice a week to keep him clean and tidy.” she says while also showing us a picture of her dog.

“You really just have to allot time and patience when you’re trying to teach them something or else they’ll forget and just be "pa-cute lang dyan” Katherine laughs. “My dog is a spoiled dog. He expects to walk twice a day, morning and afternoon. I think he has too much energy that he needs to spend, that is why he loves to walk. Also, he loves to see different places. Aside from the walks, I also give him joy rides. We go around in my car with him looking out the window and barking at everything and everyone he sees. He gets so excited every time he rides the car. He gets too noisy that I have to wear ear mufflers to protect my ears from his high-pitched bark.”

Shih Tzus are often described as excellent companions, and in our quest to understand the depth of this connection, we asked Katherine if there were any memorable experiences that highlight the bond between her and her Shih Tzu.

“Yes, my baby is my precious companion. He sleeps on my bed. He has a pillow beside my feet. He climbs my bed when he is already sleepy. But before he sleeps, he first checks on me if I am also about to sleep. He wakes up around 4 or 5 am and goes up to my side and asks me to rub his ears and belly. After he had enough, he will go back to his pillow and sleep again. He always follows me wherever I go in the house. He checks on what I am doing.” As Katherine shares this heartfelt anecdote, it becomes evident that the bond between a Shih Tzu and their owner transcends the ordinary. 

Beyond the confines of bedtime rituals, Katherine further elaborates on the daily activities that strengthen their bond. “During the pandemic, I had my online classes. He was always there beside my foot during my classes. He just lies there quietly. But when he hears me saying “Thank you, byebye,” he immediately gets up and gives me a stare as if saying “Mama you’re done, let’s go!” This means he wants to have his afternoon walk. That is always exactly at 4pm. He feels the time that it is 4pm already. When my class goes beyond 4pm, he starts to become uneasy and starts barking. I had to apologize to my students for my noisy dog.”

For first-time pet owners or aspiring to be one, research on the breeds is always a must. Especially for a breed like our lovely Shih Tzu. In this part of the interview, we asked Katherine about her insights to give for someone who is considering adopting a Shih Tzu for the first time.

"First and foremost, be both financially and emotionally prepared.”

- Katherine Israel

Katherine advises with a knowing smile. "Shih Tzus, as much as I adore them, are high-maintenance dogs. They require regular vaccines, meticulous grooming, specific vitamins, and here's the kicker – they are picky eaters. Forget about just dog food; they want their meals prepared, preferably wet food. It's like having a tiny gourmand at home."

She continues, highlighting the time commitment needed for Shih Tzus. "These little companions can be quite demanding of your time. They don't appreciate being left alone, and trust me, it can tug at your heartstrings when you have to step out. It's a real lesson in patience, especially during their early months when you're potty training them. For my fur baby, it took around two months to get him potty trained."

Shih Tzus can be prone to separation anxiety. There is also an underlying issue as to how pet owners can manage this, especially how they can ensure that their Shih Tzu feels secure when they’re away. 

"This is very true," Katherine acknowledges with a hint of understanding. "I always make sure that there is someone who will accompany him at night when I am away. He tends to just stay near the door and wait for me to come home. There has to be someone to look after him and cuddle him."

Katherine's solution to separation anxiety is grounded in companionship and comfort. Recognizing her Shih Tzu's inclination to wait for her return, she ensures that there's a supportive presence to keep him company during her absence.

As we wrap up our conversation with Katherine, she graciously unveils some charming facts that people may not know about this fantastic breed. 

"This may not be true only for Shih Tzus but for all dogs," Katherine begins. "They cry when they get lonely. I noticed this because sometimes when I leave him, he has wetness all around his eyes, which are probably tears."

She continues, “He also dreams a lot. During his sleep, he usually barks silently. He also sometimes moves his feet as if he was running.”

Katherine Israel’s candid sharing paints a picture of the responsibilities that come with being a Shih Tzu owner. She not only leaves us with insights into the breed but also a profound appreciation for the layers of emotions and quirky personalities that make Shih Tzus who they are as a breed. 

[shih-tzu-chronicles]

Let's Talk About Degrees — the Pedigree! 

Hello Shih Tzu buddies!

Time for a heart-to-heart about something crucial – what keeps our little buddies wagging their tails? We're diving into the world of Dog Food, in this case the famous Pedigree brand. And trust us, it's not just any dog chow – it's a game-changer, especially for our Shih Tzus.

Pedigree has been a reliable name in the dog food game, and it's earned that reputation for a reason. Dedicated Pedigree customers have said that, even after experimenting with other brands, their dogs in particular choose Pedigree more often their own. With a history steeped in providing top-notch dog nutrition, they have a keen understanding of what our furry friends need. What makes Pedigree stand out is its dedication to tailoring nutrition for different breeds, making it an excellent option for our Shih Tzus. 

Their Small Dog Complete Nutrition formula, in particular, caught our eye. Its’ formula boasts a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support overall health. And let's not forget the Omega-6 fatty acids for a shiny coat and a special fiber blend for healthy digestion – two things our Shih Tzus absolutely adore!

For those who love digging into the nitty-gritty details, Pedigree breaks it down on their website [https://www.pedigree.com/dog-care-articles/6-ways-help-your-small-dog-live-large]

Of course, different individuals have different experiences, and it's no different when it comes to pet food brands like Pedigree. We've come across diverse feedback, and it's important to acknowledge that not everyone might share the same perspective on Pedigree. Choosing the right pet food involves a bit of trial and error, as well as paying attention to your pet's individual response to different brands and formulations. Remember, as responsible pet owners, it's crucial to recognize that what works wonders for one pet may not necessarily be the perfect fit for another.

[shih-tzu-chronicles]

About Us

Hello, fellow dog lovers! Or should we say fellow Shih lovers! We are Coey Dacara and Jo Israel, a pair of Multimedia Arts students from Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna who share an undeniable passion for the delightful Shih Tzu breed that we all know and love. With our creative spirits, we have found a purpose in creating our blog entitled Shih Tzu Chronicles.

Shih Tzu Chronicles is born out of our deep connection for this breed, and we’ve realized that their impact on us goes far beyond their years. As Multimedia Arts students, we aspire to create a space for like-minded individuals who share a passion for the love of these four-legged beautiful beings.

Shih Tzu Chronicles is your go-to source for everything you need to know about these lovely companions, from grooming, healthcare, training advice, and heartwarming stories. We are committed to promoting responsible pet ownership and providing our audience with accurate, up-to-date information to ensure the well-being and happiness of their beloved pets. We provide a wealth of valuable information, tips, and resources here to support you on your journey.

Our blog is more than just a collection of articles; it's a hub for Shih Tzu lovers to connect, learn, support, and grow together. Beyond the tales and visuals, we are committed to creating a space that aims to make a difference. "Shih Tzu Chronicles" is proud to announce our dedicated donation drive page. We believe in giving back to the Shih Tzu community by supporting those in need. Join us in making a positive impact as we rally together to provide assistance and care for Shih Tzus facing challenges. Your contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in the lives of these furry companions.

Whether you're a seasoned Shih Tzu parent or considering welcoming one into your home for the first time, Shih Tzu Chronicles is just the place for you. Come join us as we embark on an enriching journey celebrating the delightful world of Shih Tzus together!