Clarice, a.k.a. Phrynie (after a TV detective), came to us after her family up and moved leaving their pets behind. A neighbor rescued them, and Phrynie came to Minnesota. This delightful little shih tzu/terrier mix was covered with scabs from a severe flea allergy, and had lost a great deal of fur. The scabs are gone, the fur has grown back, and she now looks and acts like a healthy little dog.

Phrynie does very well with the other dogs in her fosterʼs home, but she persecutes the cats. she would do well in a home with other dogs, and would also love being an only dog, provided her master loved to cuddle. She makes a wonderful lap warmer. She is laid back and quiet around the house, but gets excited and has a sharp bark when anyone comes to the door. She does well with both men and women, and has done well with older kids. She has not been with any little kids at her foster home, but I expect she would do well, as she is not overly reactive to movement around her.

Phrynie is housebroken, and has been let outside every four hours at her foster home. She does well in the kennel, although she barks when first put in. When she is tired, she goes in voluntarily for a nap. She has only been kenneled when her foster mom goes out; otherwise she has free run of the house. she does get on furniture and sleeps on the bed with the other dogs. The only mischief she has been in has been to chase the cats. When the neighbor dogs come to her fenced yard to play, Phrynie initially barks and seems a little possessive of her space, but she quiets down quickly and tries to play. She crouches, growls, and dashes around, tail wagging and a smile on her face.

Walking on a leash is still a challenge as she pulls. Her foster is working hard on leash behavior, but Phrynie is so happy to be out-and-about she doesnʼt especially care. She barks when meeting other dogs, and just wants to meet them and show them she is boss...even if they are five times her size.

Phrynie sheds very little. Her fur is still growing out, so it is hard to tell how long it will be when fully grown.