Lending A Helping Paw is our mission.

Lending A Helping Paw is our duty.

Lending A Helping Paw is our purpose.

Our Mission

Our 501(c)(3) organization, Lend A Helping Paw® Shih Tzu Rescue (LAHPSTR), lends a helping paw to fluffy, small-breed dogs in need, particularly Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apsos. We are considered a rescue of last resort and primarily rescue the ones who are left behind. We rehabilitate them physically and emotionally so that they can have a fresh start and a bright future; we call it “a new leash on life“. Those dogs who are not readily adoptable stay in our Forever Foster “sanctuary” Program for the rest of their natural lives.

Foster-Based Rescue

We are headquartered in Michigan. We do not maintain a physical shelter. All our dogs are in private foster homes across the US and cared for by experienced and dedicated volunteers who are deeply committed to healing the mind, body and soul of our little ones with love and patience.

Best-in-Class Veterinary Care

Lend A Helping Paw® Shih Tzu Rescue provides top-of-the-line, white-glove veterinary care, including advanced diagnostics and specialist care if needed, to all our dogs to address their known medical needs. We believe that rescue is as much as about proper veterinary assistance as it is about placing a dog in an adoptive home. No animal is put to sleep because of medical expenses or the inconvenience of care.

Adopting a Dog

Our adoption process is designed to select those people who have a loving, patient heart and are committed to continuing the nurturing of our dogs post-adoption. Our objective is not to adopt out large numbers of dogs, but to match each adoptable dog with the best home for them.

Our adoptable dogs may be found on the Adoptable Dogs tab or on Petfinder. For the latest information about our rescue activities and available dogs, we highly recommend that potential adopters follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Nationwide Transport for most Adopters

Lend A Helping Paw® Shih Tzu Rescue adopts to most states subject to applicable state laws. We partner with airlines and reputable non-profit organizations to transport our dogs free of charge to adoptive families to the extent possible. If flying, our dogs travel accompanied and in cabin.

Our Values

Our organization’s guiding principles are compassion, love and integrity. We are 100% volunteer-based and driven by a passion for rescue and a love of small fluffy breeds. Donations to our organization support our dogs and rescue operations.

Lending a Helping Paw to Audra Ranger, a Shih Tzu rescue dog