A Paw-spective from Katherine's World
Hey there, fellow Shih Tzu lovers! Today, we're thrilled to present an exclusive interview on "Shih Tzu Chronicles" that brings you closer to the heart of these lovable fur companions.
The person we've interviewed is not just any interviewee; Katherine Israel a seasoned Shih Tzu owner with years of firsthand experience, and she spills the beans on all things Shih Tzu.
In our conversation, Katherine shares her wealth of knowledge and passion for these charming canines, offering valuable insights beyond the basics of the lovable Shih Tzus.
When we first asked Katherine about what drew her to the Shih Tzu breed and what she most loves about them, she unveiled that it was the charm that initially captivated her and spilled the beans on what she adores the most.
"It's all about the cuteness factor, how sweet they are, and their unwavering loyalty." Katherine says with a laugh.
Dylan, Katherine's dear Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu breed as we all know has its own stereotypes when it comes to their temperament and personality, and Katherine had a lot to say about that too.
“They’re so stubborn!” She says almost immediately after asking. “And of course, spoiled to the bone, you can’t even forget them in your grocery runs. Not to mention their clingy-ness to you grows over time as like when they were puppies, they were more pretty active in everything.”
At 49, Katherine is currently a U.P. Scientist and a professor at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. We were curious as to how she balances her work and life as a pet owner especially one that demands more of her time on a day-to-day basis. We also asked her on how she manages her pet’s health, grooming, and training methods that worked for her.
“My baby vomits a yellow fluid once in a while. This is due to acid reflux. This is nothing to worry about. Just give them small meals in between so they won’t get hungry. Another common sickness is diarrhea. When he poops liquid several times in a day, I immediately take him to the vet.” Katherine responds as she recalls some instances that happened. “They make lab tests to determine the cause. This is usually bacterial in nature so antibiotics are given. I also give my baby Nexgard spectra once a month to ensure he doesn’t get ticks, fleas, and heartworm. Maintenance is quite expensive but I could not compromise his health at all costs.
“Maintenance is quite expensive but I could not compromise his health at all costs.”
As for their grooming, “In my baby’s case, he hates being blow-dried and combed. So I cannot keep his hair long. He also hates me trimming his hair. So I have him groomed every 1.5 months. He gets a full groom, summer cut with poodle-cut feet. I give him baths twice a week to keep him clean and tidy.” she says while also showing us a picture of her dog.
“You really just have to allot time and patience when you’re trying to teach them something or else they’ll forget and just be "pa-cute lang dyan” Katherine laughs. “My dog is a spoiled dog. He expects to walk twice a day, morning and afternoon. I think he has too much energy that he needs to spend, that is why he loves to walk. Also, he loves to see different places. Aside from the walks, I also give him joy rides. We go around in my car with him looking out the window and barking at everything and everyone he sees. He gets so excited every time he rides the car. He gets too noisy that I have to wear ear mufflers to protect my ears from his high-pitched bark.”
Shih Tzus are often described as excellent companions, and in our quest to understand the depth of this connection, we asked Katherine if there were any memorable experiences that highlight the bond between her and her Shih Tzu.
“Yes, my baby is my precious companion. He sleeps on my bed. He has a pillow beside my feet. He climbs my bed when he is already sleepy. But before he sleeps, he first checks on me if I am also about to sleep. He wakes up around 4 or 5 am and goes up to my side and asks me to rub his ears and belly. After he had enough, he will go back to his pillow and sleep again. He always follows me wherever I go in the house. He checks on what I am doing.” As Katherine shares this heartfelt anecdote, it becomes evident that the bond between a Shih Tzu and their owner transcends the ordinary.
Beyond the confines of bedtime rituals, Katherine further elaborates on the daily activities that strengthen their bond. “During the pandemic, I had my online classes. He was always there beside my foot during my classes. He just lies there quietly. But when he hears me saying “Thank you, byebye,” he immediately gets up and gives me a stare as if saying “Mama you’re done, let’s go!” This means he wants to have his afternoon walk. That is always exactly at 4pm. He feels the time that it is 4pm already. When my class goes beyond 4pm, he starts to become uneasy and starts barking. I had to apologize to my students for my noisy dog.”
For first-time pet owners or aspiring to be one, research on the breeds is always a must. Especially for a breed like our lovely Shih Tzu. In this part of the interview, we asked Katherine about her insights to give for someone who is considering adopting a Shih Tzu for the first time.
"First and foremost, be both financially and emotionally prepared.”
Katherine advises with a knowing smile. "Shih Tzus, as much as I adore them, are high-maintenance dogs. They require regular vaccines, meticulous grooming, specific vitamins, and here's the kicker – they are picky eaters. Forget about just dog food; they want their meals prepared, preferably wet food. It's like having a tiny gourmand at home."
She continues, highlighting the time commitment needed for Shih Tzus. "These little companions can be quite demanding of your time. They don't appreciate being left alone, and trust me, it can tug at your heartstrings when you have to step out. It's a real lesson in patience, especially during their early months when you're potty training them. For my fur baby, it took around two months to get him potty trained."
Shih Tzus can be prone to separation anxiety. There is also an underlying issue as to how pet owners can manage this, especially how they can ensure that their Shih Tzu feels secure when they’re away.
"This is very true," Katherine acknowledges with a hint of understanding. "I always make sure that there is someone who will accompany him at night when I am away. He tends to just stay near the door and wait for me to come home. There has to be someone to look after him and cuddle him."
Katherine's solution to separation anxiety is grounded in companionship and comfort. Recognizing her Shih Tzu's inclination to wait for her return, she ensures that there's a supportive presence to keep him company during her absence.
As we wrap up our conversation with Katherine, she graciously unveils some charming facts that people may not know about this fantastic breed.
"This may not be true only for Shih Tzus but for all dogs," Katherine begins. "They cry when they get lonely. I noticed this because sometimes when I leave him, he has wetness all around his eyes, which are probably tears."
She continues, “He also dreams a lot. During his sleep, he usually barks silently. He also sometimes moves his feet as if he was running.”
Katherine Israel’s candid sharing paints a picture of the responsibilities that come with being a Shih Tzu owner. She not only leaves us with insights into the breed but also a profound appreciation for the layers of emotions and quirky personalities that make Shih Tzus who they are as a breed.
