Nicholas the Shih Tzu

 Nicholas got his name because the neighbor gave him to Norma as a Christmas present.  He is a neutured pure bred Shihtzu turning 10 years old this year.  We had him groomed on Monday and took him to the vet on Tuesday for his shots, so everything is current.  He does have eye drops twice a day and as far as I know, he's healthy.  Maybe a little over weight at 13.3 pounds.  She has been feeding him canned Science diet twice a day, he prefers the chicken flavor.  He loves his carrots as treats and slices of apples.  I think he will eat any fruit if offered.   He was raised as an only pet by a single older woman.  He's pretty much a home body and a couch potato.  He's house trained, so no accidents.  He doesn't chew on anything.  He sleeps on the foot of the bed.  He's a little nervous in the car, mostly just shakes.  He will walk on a leash, but prefers not to.  He doesn't run off.  Will bark when someone comes to the door and may bark at strangers that come into the house.  He prefers women to men, and he hasn't been around many children, but will warm up if given some time.  He barks at the cats outside, but I don't think he'll chase them.  He's passive, so I think he would do okay with another passive dog.  She taught him a couple of tricks.  He will sit up.  If you say " give me five" he puts his paw out to the side, more like a hand shake, and he counts to three.  She will tell him "count to three" and she holds up three fingers.  When he barks three times and stops, he gets a treat.