About Mickey

Meet sweet Mickey. He is a Shih Tzu mix who is 1 and a half years old and weighs about 12 pounds. He is one of the many special needs dog that come through our rescue. He is deaf and will need a special kind of owner who is willing to take the time to understand what is required to reassure him and help him settle in any new environment. Mickey was surrendered to us by a family who had found him on the side of the road, lying by his mother who was already dead. We have no idea how long he was there or how long his mom had been dead only that he was not old enough or strong enough to fend for himself, so he had to stay there until he was rescued. Things didn't go well for him with his new family and maybe when they realized he was deaf, they were unable to care for him properly. Either way, he ended up living outside in a crate in all weathers. All in all, he's had a very sad start to his short little life so far and that is no doubt why he can be insecure to begin with. His foster mom sometimes carries him around the house in a sling so that he is close to her and he enjoys that as it makes him feel safer. Mickey walks well on leash but he doesn't like meeting new dogs while out and will let them know if they get too close. He gets on well with the foster's own dog but it did take a few weeks to settle into that relationship. It is clear that he doesn't like any new dogs to come into his environment, so we think he would be better as an only dog where he can relax and not be worried about being startled by things he can't hear. Mickey has not been tested with cats and he would not be good with small children as he cannot hear them and that would make him insecure and afraid. He is housetrained and enjoys being out in the yard. He doesn't sleep in the bed with his foster mom at night but he does like to be up on a chair so he can see where everybody is. He likes to ride in the car when his foster mom is out running errands. He gets on OK with her older grandchildren but would be better in a quiet, laid back home. He may not be able to physically hear but he can sense noise and discord and that makes him unsettled. Also, because of his deafness, it is important to always ensure that he is aware you are there before reaching out for him so as not to startle him. He sometimes shies away when you put your hand out as if he has been treated badly in the past. We don't think he knew what positive attention was until he came to us. What Mickey needs most now is love, patience and compassion. If you can provide him with those things he will reward you with his trust and love in return.

Escambia County
Pensacola, Florida 32514