After losing my childhood Shih Tzu in November of 2022, I was devastated and hated coming home to a house without being greeted by a dog. After a few months, I searched on the GoodDog website and app for a breeder who had litters to choose from. I have always loved the Shih Tzu breed, especially because they are hypoallergenic. Shih-tzus are also so incredibly loyal and playful, while also loving their naps and not being too hyper. Our old dog, Ginger, was perfect and I loved her temperament, so I wanted to get another Shih Tzu. After looking on the GoodDog website, I came across Donna Nimmons in South Carolina who bred Shih Tzus. I messaged her and immediately got a call. She talked me through the different litters she had and asked what colors and what sex. Donna said that girls typically attach to one person (which I loved) and boys are lovable to everyone. I loved the picture of one little girl, Delilah, born January 1, 2023. I loved her color, and she looked so small and soft. Donna sent me so many pictures and videos and I committed to her immediately. I also got my mom to look through some litters and she became interested in some black puppies from another litter, born in December. My mom and I drove from Atlanta, GA to South Carolina to “look” at the pups. We came home with Oreo (my mom’s dog, born December 21) and I got to see my new baby, who I named Mia. Mia was not ready to be weaned yet, so I had to make a separate trip back up to get her, but I knew she was mine and I was hers. When getting Mia, Donna gave us paperwork, food, toys, and a collar to get us started. The puppies would be AKC registered when they got spayed (I got Mia spayed in June). On the drive home, Mia curled up in my lap and snored. I already loved her so much. I began to crate-train her in the beginning, but she now sleeps on the pillow next to me. She loves cuddling in the mornings and rolls all over me saying “mom, wake up! Pet me!” She was late to potty train, we had a lot of accidents, but other than that, Mia was an easy puppy. She never destroyed anything or had any problems. She does need some gastrointestinal food because she had trouble gaining weight in the beginning. Her favorite toys are cat balls and anything with a tag haha. She is such a sweet girl and loves people, although she’s sometimes skittish when it comes to loud noises. My family calls her “Mia Mia,” “Princess Mia,” and “Wiggle Butt.” I love her so much and I thank Donna and the Babyface Shih Tzu breeders for giving me my sunshine.
Jessica Knowles