Shih Tzu Explains

09/19/2026

I Have Seen the Texts You Send My Vet.

"Is this normal." Photo attached. Every single time I do anything even slightly unusual, it becomes a group chat. I see the phone come out. I know what's happening.

Honestly, most of the time, the answer is yes, that's normal, I'm just a dog being a dog. But I do appreciate the concern. It means when something is actually wrong, you'll notice immediately.

So keep sending the photos. Just maybe warn me before the flash.

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09/19/2026

Dog park adventures, or is the backyard enough?

Some Shih Tzus love the chaos of a dog park: new smells, new dogs, new everything. Others are perfectly happy patrolling their own backyard and calling it a full day.

Neither one is wrong. Tell us which one describes your dog.

09/19/2026

I Know I'm Your Phone Background. I Approve.

I've seen the screen. I approve, obviously, but I do have some notes. That photo from two summers ago? Retire it. I've had at least four incredible looks since then.

Also, I noticed you show strangers my photo before you show them anything else, including your own family. I respect that. I would do the same.

Just, maybe update it occasionally. I'm evolving. My face is doing new things. Let the wallpaper keep up.

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09/19/2026

Most airlines classify Shih Tzus as small enough to fly in the cabin, not cargo — right under the seat in front of you, in an approved carrier.

Size limits and carrier rules vary by airline, so it's always worth checking before you book. But if you've been assuming flying with your Shih Tzu means the cargo hold, that's usually not the case.

09/19/2026

People Keep Telling Me I Look Like a Teddy Bear. I Have Thoughts.

I am not stuffed. I am not filled with polyester. I have never once sat quietly on a shelf waiting for a child to notice me. And yet, every single walk, at least one stranger asks if I'm real.

Yes. I am real. I have opinions, a full digestive system, and very strong feelings about being picked up without warning.

I'll allow the comparison, but only because teddy bears don't have this much personality.

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09/19/2026

Six teams. One car. Absolutely no agreement on who’s winning. 😂🏈🐶🐠🐭

09/19/2026

09/18/2026

I Have Rules About How You Pet Me.

Let's go over the rules, since apparently they need repeating. Head: always welcome, no notice required. Ears: only with permission, and I will tell you if you have permission. Belly: extremely limited hours, and the hours change without warning.

What is never on the list: patting like I'm a drum, grabbing my face like I'm a toy, and whatever that one weird squeeze thing you do that nobody asked for.

I know you mean well. But there is a system here, and it exists for a reason.

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09/18/2026

Groomer, or do you handle grooming yourself at home?

Some owners swear by a professional every 4-6 weeks: precision trim, no risk of a nicked ear, someone else handling the mats. Others have the clippers, the patience, and a whole system worked out at the kitchen sink.

Both routes get the job done. Tell us which camp you're in.

09/18/2026

I Have Very Strong Opinions About Your Music Taste.

I'd like to formally file a complaint about what's been playing in this house. That song. Again. I've heard it four times today and I did not enjoy it even once.

Some of what you play, I fully support, tail-wagging, the whole thing. But some of it makes me leave the room, and I want you to notice that I leave the room. That's a review.

I don't have thumbs, so this is the only feedback system available to me, and I use it responsibly.

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