Adoption information
About Red
❤️ RED — A SWEET, WELL-MANNERED LITTLE COMPANION
DOB: 30 November 2025
Breed: Shih Tzu × Lhasa Apso (best estimate)
Sex: Male
Colour: White and tan
Weight: 9.7 kgs
Apply here:
https://southerndownsark.com.au/apply-to-adopt/
🐾 MEET RED
Red has two little human foster sisters who absolutely adore him. And when the girls decide it's time to play "princesses", Red is only too happy to join in — tiara and all!
It's a delightful little insight into this boy's temperament. He's gentle, patient, wonderfully tolerant of children and apparently quite happy play princesses when the occasion demands! 👑❤️
At almost a year old, Red is proving to be an exceptionally well-behaved little house guest. His foster family are full of praise for his lovely manners and affectionate, easygoing nature.
❤️ WHAT MAKES RED SPECIAL?
🐾 Wonderful with children — calm, patient and tolerant
🐾 Excellent toilet manners and lets his family know when he needs to go outside
🐾 Sleeps indoors on his own bed in his foster family's bedroom
🐾 Walks beautifully on a lead
🐾 Loves car trips and travels very well
🐾 Listens carefully to instructions, even from the children
🐾 Already knows how to sit and shake hands!
Interestingly, Red responds better to "Rojo" (Spanish for red), which is what his foster mum has been calling him!
🐾 ABOUT RED'S BREED MIX
Red is believed to be a Shih Tzu × Lhasa Apso mix, both generally low-shedding breeds. While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, Red may be suitable for people who prefer less shedding. His coat will need regular brushing and occasional professional grooming.
🏡 A FEW OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT HIM
Red is frightened of thunderstorms and can sense them approaching long before they arrive. He'll need a patient, understanding family who can help him feel secure during storms. His foster family have found a small crate helpful for keeping him safe at these times.
He's also a little opportunist when it comes to exploring, so secure fencing is essential, and he should remain on lead outside securely enclosed areas.
Red has made progress with the resident cats, but he may still bark at or chase them. A cat-free home would be easiest, although a family experienced with careful introductions and ongoing supervision may also be suitable.
💕 AND FINALLY...
Perhaps the best endorsement comes from his foster mum, who tells us:
"My husband loves him and would keep him if I let him!" ❤️
That says rather a lot about this charming little fellow!
Red is looking for a loving family who will appreciate his lovely manners, gentle nature and wonderful companionship.
Could that be you?
Apply here:
https://southerndownsark.com.au/apply-to-adopt/
Medical notes
No known pre-existing conditions.
Adoption details
Dogs:
(1) The first step is to complete the online adoption application form at https://southerndownsark.com.au/apply-to-adopt/ Please answer all questions and include photos of your yard and fencing.
(2) All applications will be considered by our Adoption Team, following which a "meet and greet" will be offered to the top-ranking applicant.
(3) If the “meet and greet" is successful, the applicant may adopt the dog and take him or her home the same day.
(4) For successful interstate applicants, different arrangements may apply and will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
Cats:
If you are interested in one of our cats or kittens, please click on the green "Enquire about ...", button, tell us a bit about yourself and the home you can offer the cat, and one of our volunteers will be in touch.