Arizona Shih Tzu AND Small Breed Rescue
How It All Started
Our founder and director has been rescuing animals for as long as she can remember. At 12, she was already volunteering for a vet and dreaming of owning a ranch in Colorado where sanctuary horses could roam free.
At 13, she spotted two injured pigeons in the middle of Scottsdale Road, scooped them up, and nursed them back to health at home. Her parents weren't thrilled, but Biffer and Boffer made it.
From Horses to Small Dogs
After years in horse rescue and a career as a professional groomer, she saw a growing need closer to home. Too many small dogs weren't being spayed or neutered, too many were ending up without homes, and too many owners couldn't afford the care they needed.
She was determined to do what she could, and Arizona Shih Tzu and Small Breed Rescue was born. In 2016, we officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
A Home for Everyone
We believe that somewhere there is a home for every dog, but we also believe that we have a responsibility to place our dogs into homes that will best meet their needs both physically and emotionally.
We look for people with patient and loving hearts who are willing to commit to our rescued dogs and consider them a part of their family.
Where Our Dogs Live
We don't have a shelter. Our dogs live with us at our home base in North Phoenix, the home of our rescue founder, just like our own pets. They nap on the couch, play in the yard, and are part of the family, in a home that has been modified to give them a comfortable, cage-free environment. Some live with trusted foster families.
Because of that, we're not open to the public. Dogs can be met by appointment once your application has been approved and selected.
Our Sanctuary Dogs
Some of our dogs have found their forever home right here with us. Whether it's their age, their health, or behavior issues, our sanctuary dogs will live out their days surrounded by love, comfort, and the pack they call family.