Little pup but big personality
No matter the season, Trixie is a little dog that loves the great outdoors.
Trixie is an adorable combination of Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier with an appearance that is not only cute and cuddly but reflects the best of both breeds. Known as the Shorkie, her personality is as big as she is spunky.
Trixie is a 4-and-a-half-month-old pup that has filled the house and warmed the hearts of Betsy and Bryan Vyce, Castle Pointe residents of 25 years. The couple are no strangers to pets, especially dogs. They had a cocker spaniel, Nicholos, for 15 years, then a golden retriever named Ginger for 10 years. Eight years had gone by when the couple realized they missed the sounds of paws pitter-pattering on the floor.
Betsy began the search through different adoption and rescue opportunities, but nothing stuck until fate (and the Nextdoor app) connected the couple with Trixie. A local couple realized that with upcoming surgeries and health issues, it was best to find their dog a new home. As it happened, the Vyces interviewed and were the best candidates for Trixie’s new parents. For Bryan, Trixie was a blessing as he recently underwent knee surgery. “Trixie is good for my rehabilitation. We get outside walking, playing and she gets me up and down the stairs,” said Bryan.
The best of both breeds, a Shorkie’s face typically features a round skull with a shorter snout, like the Shih Tzu, with a dash of Yorkie in their pointed ears. They can take after either parent breed, as both have silky, low-shedding, hypoallergenic fur that makes them look like a plush toy. Shih Tzus tend to get along well with people of all ages and with other dogs, as well as other pets. Yorkies are bright little dogs but can be willful. The breed does take well to instruction and positive reinforcement.
“She enjoys her training and is excelling quite well,” said Betsy. Attending a weekly dog training program, Trixie is surrounded by dogs of all sizes, which boosts her confidence.
Shorkies are playful and lively. “She regenerates power like a nuclear energy plant,” said Bryan. Trixie’s high energy can send her into fits of the zoomies like the Tasmanian devil, but fortunately she has yet to spin into an object or piece of furniture. On rare occasions, Trixie has been known to complete a full flip during her zoom sessions. When she is out of energy, Trixie is content curling up with her stuffed animal or in the laps of her owners.
Known to be fiercely loyal, Shorkies form tight bonds with their primary caretaker and will often stick to that person like glue. “Trixie is daddy’s girl,” said Betsy. However, Shorkies do get along with the whole family and make great companions for singles, couples, active seniors and larger families. “There is no hate in her little body. She loves everything, everybody and all animals; we just love her so much,” said Bryan.
Bryan and Betsy Vyce with Trixie, their plush, toy-look-alike Shorkie, outside their Castle Pointe home.
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Betsy Vyce
