I also adopted a Shih-Tzu that was rescued from a "less than scrupulous breeder." He was kept in a cage for 5-6yrs of his life for breeding. He was a thin, knotted mess with bad eyes & teeth and was about to be put to sleep forever. My Archie is a perfect angel, and now he's approaching 12 yrs old (next month). We're happy we rescued him and added him to our family over 6 years ago.