First Responders Save a Tiny Shih-Tzu Stuck in an Air Vent in Virginia
There's nothing as alarming or as frightening as losing your beloved dog, which is exactly what happened in Fairfax County, Virginia in a news report from December 1.
A 17-year-old Shih Tzu named Maya had to be rescued after she ended up in a place most dog owners would never consider looking.
In the above video, you can see Fairfax County police and fire and rescue kneeling on the hardwood floor in someone’s home, struggling to reach the dog through the vent. WTOP reports, "Eventually, they head to the basement and drill open a ceiling panel, gaining access to the HVAC duct hose, and out Maya pops into the arms of her very grateful owner."
Related: Police Called After Dog Gets Head Stuck in Dryer Vent at SC Home
We can't imagine what little Maya was thinking when she was trapped in there or what she was doing there to begin with, but we are sure she was overjoyed to be back safe and sound in her owner's arms. Shih-Tzus are incredibly affectionate and very loyal to their owners, which is just one of the reasons they make a wonderful family dog.
Why Shih-Tzus are the perfect family dog.
Shutterstock/Nature Lovin' Geek
The shih tzu (which means “little lion” in Mandarin) are not only one of the most adorable dog breeds out there, they are also the perfect family dog for so many reasons. Here are just a few of them.
They are compact.
Whether you live in an apartment or want a pup that's easy to transport or even carry around in your purse, the size of these small pups make them ideal for for the family who doesn't want to deal with a big dog.
They are easy on allergies.
AZ Pets reports, "While shih tzus aren’t 100% hypoallergenic (no dog is), they remain much more hypoallergenic than other popular family dog breeds. Shih tzus have hair instead of fur and a long double coat that traps dander inside rather than spreads it through the home. So, they’re a perfect dog for a family member allergic to pet dander — or busy families who can’t spend hours sweeping."
They are very playful pups.
Whether they are chasing a toy or joining you in a gentle game of tug-of-war with a dog friendly rope toy, a shih-tzu is usually up for a fun time with their owner or other dogs.
They aren't super barky.
They aren't as yappy as other toy breeds, like chihuahuas.
They can live a long time.
The average lifespan of a Shih-Tzu is 10-18 years, meaning you will get to have a long life with your beloved fur baby.
These adorable pups can make absolutely wonderful pets.. and if you happen to lose one, make sure you check the air vent. We are pretty sure Maya won't be exploring the HVAC system any time soon!
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