Newsletter for Yorkie Rescue
"This Thanksgiving, for the beauties and abundance of the earth, for family near and far, for friends old and new, for the gift of each brand new day and the chance to make a difference, let us give thanks."
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Giving Thanks by MaryElizabeth Dugmore
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Fall is upon us in all its glory. As nature is tinting the leaves in bright yellow, orange and red hues, the days are turning shorter and the nights are turning colder. We have more time for reflection as we cuddle up with our critters on the couch on longer and darker nights, and more time to be thankful ...
Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue would love to extend our gratitude to all our supporters. Thank you to all who have helped to save, transport, foster, heal and adopt out our little rescues over the past year. During 2018 your assistance made it possible for 50 doggies to enter the safety of a YTNR volunteer's home and start the search for a new forever-home. You also helped 48 little dogs find their new loving families this year, two of whom were waiting since 2016, and 13 since 2017.
Thank you for adding kindness and empathy to this world. Thank you for being an animal lover and a supporter of rescue. Together we are Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue. Together we save lives, give second chances, and cultivate love.
This Thanksgiving YTNR celebrates you! We give thanks for all the kind souls who allow love to prevail.
Have a happy Thanksgiving, and to all who travel to be with loved ones - may your journey be safe.
MaryElizabeth Dugmore
President and Founder
Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue
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Quick Links
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Editor
MaryElizabeth Dugmore
Technical Editors
Amalia Spaulding
Laura Morrisey
Contributors
Hannelie Vermeulen
Pieter Vermeulen
Wayne Scott
MaryElizabeth Dugmore
Athena Maria Dugmore
Neeko S. Spaulding
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Reflections on Dogs and Trauma by Wayne Scott
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Reflections on Dogs and Trauma
This post is taken from a longer Keynote Address delivered at the Through the Eyes of a Child Conference XXI for dependency court judges, on August 5, 2018.
This is my dog Sydney. We got him from a rescue shelter five years ago. After Sydney had been with us for three days, he bit me in the face. I went to the ER for stitches. My children refer to him affectionately as "Dad's little trauma survivor." Lately, with my clinical supervision groups, we've been reading the new book, Clinical Applications of Polyvagal Theory, eds. Porges and Dana (Norton, 2018) and I've been thinking about dogs and trauma, and how their experience yields insight into humans, their brilliant nervous systems, and healing from adversity.
When we adopted Sydney from the rescue shelter-he's the first dog I've adopted as an adult-I imagined I'd meet other dog owners. They seemed like such a social bunch. But again and again I'd be out walking with Sydney and notice that other dog walkers would walk across the street or turn in another direction. It happened so many times, I was sure it had to be something to do with me.
The few times we did encounter a passerby face to face, I understood better. When seeing any man or larger dog, Sydney would, without warning, go ballistic, snarling and barking and lunging as if confronting a life-threatening danger. It made every stranger jump. It was frightening and unprovoked. Soon we were like those other dog walkers, avoiding everyone on the street. And, of course, Oregon, where I live, has one of the highest adoption rates for rescue dogs in the country. In my neighborhood traumatized rescue dogs are everywhere.
We don't know what happened to Sydney before he came to us other than he had two other owners and one (a man) had been physically abusive. As a dog owner who happens to be a trauma therapist, I know that Sydney's healing from his past is possible but constrained, largely because of the limits of the dog brain. As his family we help with his healing though forming trusting relationships. We protect him from his triggers (men, other dogs, squirrels, all surprises really). We take him to a weekly dog group therapy walk with an animal behaviorist. He has a steady and boring routine and over time he seems to have calmed down.
This brings me to my first point about our amazing human nervous system, informed by this new volume on polyvagal theory.
All creatures are equipped to deal with life in a dangerous and violent world. In a strange way, trauma is normal. It's ubiquitous. Not in a moral sense, like we should seek out trauma or allow it to occur. But more in the sense that we should not be surprised when it happens. The fact that our nervous systems respond when we are threatened in a way that gives us a chance to survive is wonderful.
What is most troubling really are
the effects of trauma
, after the danger has passed, the way trauma imprints us, a filter on all later experience. One of the reasons I love being a psychotherapist is I bear continual witness to human beings healing from the effects. We transform lived experience through revisions of the story we tell ourselves; in short, we become wise. And we accomplish this transformation through the marvels of our advanced nervous system and its linkages to the human brain, with its sophisticated capacity for language.
As our species evolved, our neurobiological menu for dealing with danger got more sophisticated, layered with vestiges of our evolutionary heritage. We evolved from fish who resorted to a freeze response (giving up, shutting down) to amphibians and bony fish who had fight or flight responses, to mammals who bonded together in tribes (the ventral vagal or social engagement system). Humans have the most evolved brains and nervous systems, drawing on this whole repertoire of possible responses, especially when we grow up within healthy secure relationships. Most crucially we have a sophisticated system of language. This gives us the ability to abstract on our lives, our brains and our bodies, to metabolize the effects of trauma through story, a language where it is both shared and transformed.
The body may keep the score, but the human brain, with its extraordinary capacity for integration and meaning-making, wins the game.
Sydney's capacity to heal from trauma is limited by his mammalian brain. He has a smaller cortex, so no ability to use language that would enable him to metabolize the effects of trauma, to transform scary experiences encoded in his limbic system into a different story, to mature beyond its impacts.
But he's still really cute.
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The Smoky Awards
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Background and History of Smoky
Smoky was a four pound Yorkie who was found in an abandoned jungle foxhole in New Guinea in early 1944 by a soldier whose jeep had stalled in the jungle.
The next day the Yorkie was sold for two Australian pounds ($6.44) to 20 year old Private First Class Bill Wynne. Bill and Smoky flew combat missions and went through many air raids together. She lived on rugged army tropical food including at times C and K rations, while they served 18 months straight in combat. They traveled 40,000 miles overseas.
One of the highlights of the Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue Annual Gathering is the announcement of the winners of the yearly Smoky Awards. All our rescues are special and we like to acknowledge them and their rescue stories. All rescues adopted between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018 were eligible for nomination.
Since new people have joined our great group since the last time, it might be fitting to retell the story of WHO the Smoky of the "Smoky Award" is. We turned to Bill Wynne whose heart was stolen over 60 years ago by his four pound Yorkie, Smoky - his angel in a foxhole.
When YTNR was planning its very first rescue Ball in 1999, the first thing that came to mind was creating a special award for the Yorkie Rescue of the Year. It seemed logical to name the award after Bill Wynne's world famous Yorkie rescue. After nominations came in, it quickly became clear that each story was special and touching. Each rescue is a great rescue, just as Smoky was. She started a movement, in rescue, in therapy, in obedience that showed people what a four pound dynamo could do.
Announcing the year's Smoky Awards each year, is something we look forward to, through laughter and tears. It reminds us of why we do what we do, and how much it is so worthwhile.
We receive many nominations each year. It is never easy to narrow the field; each dog has its own story, fortunately ending happily with a new and loving forever family. Some of these little dogs are senior citizens; some have health issues requiring ongoing care; some never knew human love before; some were strays; and some came from families who loved them but could no longer care for them.
Yorkie Doodle Dandy by Bill Wynne the full story of this WWII hero is available in our Yorkie Angel Boutique
www.YorkieAngelBoutique.com
These are the remaining nominee letters that
were submitted for the Smoky Award
ELVIS
(by Laurie Butterfield)
We received ELVIS on April 17, 2018. The first picture is the one off of YTNR's website that made me fall in love with ELVIS.
The second picture is a current picture of Brody (ELVIS).
From what I was told, his brother and him were removed from a lady who had been told by her landlord that she had too many dogs.
When he was brought to the dog park to meet our dogs and us, there was an incident that caused him to get chased by the other dogs - not ours. He ran directly to me and jumped into my lap, then climbed up on my shoulder. So, I guess that was his way of saying he approved of me?
ELVIS (now Brody) rode to his new house on my lap in the bed that we got from YTNR. He was shy upon first arriving at our house, but quickly decided that he'd be happy here. He made friends quickly with our Siberian Husky but has a 50/50 friendship with our German Shepherd. He has 1.25 acres to run around and quickly became spoiled rotten.
Brody is a love bug, but also likes his time alone. He has trained us not to completely make our bed because he likes to sleep on the comforter during the day. When I come in the house with any type of bag, he gets behind me then stands up on his back legs and will walk that way into the kitchen - tapping (I say pushing) me on the back of my legs. He is my co-pilot when I run errands, but I only take him to places I know he can go with me because I will NOT leave him in my car. Brody will bark anytime my husband comes into the house or bark and growl when he comes into our bedroom - so it's now become a game because Brody's tail is wagging the entire time.
He has gained 2.4 pounds since coming to us and has always gotten a clean bill of health from the vet - but she did have us put him on Benadryl due to his hacking (allergies) anytime he's outside. His only oddity is that when he is drinking water, his back foot (sometimes both) will do a constant tapping.
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CALI
(Sondra Ebersole)
My name is Sondra Ebersole and I adopted Honey on 12-15-17 from the Oakland CA area. I have always wanted a Yorkie and I found your website and fell in love with Honey when I saw her picture. I knew she was the one for us. I renamed Honey Cali (for CA) Honey Ebersole. Cali was 7 lbs. and in good medical health when I got her. I flew from Northern Michigan to Oakland CA to adopt Cali and we bonded very quickly. Cali's issues are from verbal abuse from the male owner. The family that had Cali thought they were dog people and realized they were not. When Cali went potty on the lawn and it left a brown spot, the father would get mad at her. Cali is afraid of men and has some separation anxiety. She is at my side 24/7. She rarely stays in a room by herself if am not there. Cali did very well on the long flight home to Michigan and did not know what to think of the snow. It took Cali 3 months before she would start playing and trust family members (except for the males that took 7 months). Cali did bond with my husband after the first night. The first night Cali and I went to bed and my husband came in later and Cali growled and would not let him on the bed so he slept in the spare room, what a great guy! We work every day to let Cali know that she is loved and will not be punished for going potty on the lawn or left behind. Cali had a flash-back about a month ago after she went potty on the lawn and I went to clean it up and she cowered and shook. It broke my heart.
Cali is now 9 lbs. and her favorite snack is watermelon or banana. She loves for me to chase her around to try and take her toy away. We have an RV and like to travel or camp with our kids and Cali just loves it. She will only ride in the passenger seat on our laps. That is one long ride from MI to Key West FL with a dog on your lap! Cali loves all the grandkids and their dogs. When we all go camping together she loves to take family walks. Her little head is up high and her tail is wagging and she prances all the way. My daughter and I say Cali loves to be with her posse. Cali's best dog friends are the neighbor dogs. They are dachshunds, Fritz and Bear. They have play dates and take walks together. Cali dislikes rain. She does not like getting wet or having her nails clipped. Her groomer says Cali looks like an acrobat when she clips her nails. She also does not like it when I put a bow in her hair. So I put her bows on her sweaters or collars. Cali is the sweetest dog I have ever had and I am so happy to have found her. She will always be loved and well taken care of. Thank you for letting me adopt her.
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PUNKIN'
Paula L Fonseca for Punkin' Ross-Hillis
Hello, my name is Punkin' and I am one VERY lucky little girl!
I was born in a puppy mill and was brought to the pound when they were closed down. My first Angel Daddies rescued me, and I lived happily for a few years with my adopted brother, Boozer. We had a wonderful life in Grass Valley, but then one of my Daddies got very sick. In order to help him get better, they had to move to a warmer and more peaceful place, so they bought a home on Kauai. They tried their best to bring us along, but there was not enough time. Instead of putting us through the horrible outdoor quarantine in Honolulu for 4 months, with sad and heavy hearts, they surrendered us to YTNR and I thought we would never see each other again.
My brother was adopted right away, but I was very scared and skittish so I was placed in a temporary foster home initially. I was so confused and afraid that I hid under the couch for days. There were other dogs and children around so I did not feel secure. Then my Angel Momma adopted me and took me home. She has another little Yorkie who made me feel better, and I blended into their family right away. I fell in love with her and my new 'boyfriend' Woody. She said I was her perfect little girl (I could tell she missed her other little girl who had passed away). We spent days playing together, riding in her convertible, going to wineries and festivals, and sleeping all together at night. I was perfectly happy as long as she was home, but she worked long hours and I would cry and cry all day while she was away (she could watch me on the security camera and it broke her heart). Woody got so upset hearing me cry, he would get sick, but I just couldn't help it.
My Momma loved me so much, but instead of watching me be so upset, she tried to see if there was a retired person or couple who could spend more time with me. She vowed she would ONLY give me up IF she found a better home for me. The first day I was posted on the YTNR site, my Angel Daddies saw me from Kauai! They contacted my Momma and explained their story, and begged for me to go and live with them. Although this was NEVER done before, their story warmed my Momma's heart, and she agreed to plead our case for me to go home to them. Unbelievably, it was approved and Momma began the 4-month process of fulfilling the quarantine requirements and preparing me for the move. As fate would have it, just after we began putting our plans into motion, my Momma lost her job. It was great for me and Woody - now she was home with us every day! We went on road trips, plane trips to Grandma's, and even took the train to the beach! I couldn't understand why she was so sad when she looked into my eyes, but now I know it's because she never would have given me up if she'd known what would happen.
But again, as fate would have it, my Momma and my Daddies became wonderful friends! The 4 months flew by and when we went on the long plane ride to Hawaii, she stayed with us for a while in my new home. I was so happy to see my Daddies that I couldn't stop licking their faces. I still slept with my Momma at night (since I love her too!), but would take naps with Daddy when he was resting. How amazing that everyone I love was all together at once! It's hard to believe it has been 9 months already that I moved to my new home. I love to take walks in the soft dewy grass behind my house and smell all the fragrant pretty flowers here. The beach is so much fun too - I really love to chase the chickens around and play in the sand (looking for 'treats' that I know I'm not supposed to eat!). Momma and Woody have already come to visit me earlier this year and that was simply HEAVEN! I ran back and forth during the night so I could spend time sleeping with everyone. I especially loved sharing all my (new) favorite places with them - and chasing Woody down the beach! They will be back again to visit me next month and I am so excited! Momma says that "Everything happens for a reason", so I have to agree. I miss living with Momma and Woody, but I am so happy to be with my Daddies again - especially since I know how very much, they need me and love me. Like I said in the beginning, "I am one VERY LUCKY little girl!"
TRIXIE
In the summer of 2017 we lost one of beloved dogs to a medical condition. We grieved and cried, she was missed by all. We felt that our dog Dibley must be feeling the loss as well. We discussed getting another dog to help Dibley, but also knowing it would help us too. We search various pet rescues, ones that we had used before to find Dibley. Then my husband found Trixie on the Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue. We had a family discussion including our son. We made contact with Paula Fonseca at the Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue in Manteca, CA, and an appointment to meet Trixie. We learned that Trixie had a rough start, she was and remains scared of loud noises. She was the smallest dog we had considered only weighing about 8 pounds.
We met Paula at a local park, we brought Dibley along so he could meet Trixie. The dogs got along just fine, Trixie was a little nervous. We liked Trixie, our son said "she's the one". I reminded my husband and son that she was tiny, next to Dibley a 20-pound schnauzer. Shortly thereafter we agreed to make Trixie part of our family. After completing all the paperwork and asking questions we headed home to Sacramento. My husband held Trixie in his arms on the way home, and she did just fine.
Once we got home both dogs got to explore the backyard. Dibley was curious about his new little friend. Trixie became more relaxed over the next few days. One of the new things for her to learn was using the doggie doors to go into the back yard. The flaps scared her, so we took them out temporarily. She needed a little help in learning how to go through the doors. The good news is that she has been using the doggie doors with the flaps for months now on her own! She also required about a month for potty training. After about 2 months she was doing a great job with her potty training and going to the backyard. She requires a puppy pad when it rains, because she does not like to go into the backyard when it is rainy. I am pleased with all the wonderful progress that she had made.
Trixie has become a very playful girl, her and Dibley play together 2 or 3 times per day. It is fun to watch her run around the room to get Dibley's attention. She is fast and has a lot of energy. After an energetic play session both dogs enjoy a nap on the living room sofa. Trixie and Dibley share a spot on our bed to sleep at night. We are guilty of promoting bed sharing, it can be quite cozy. Both dogs are quiet through the night and enjoy waking up early around 5:30 am on my workdays. Trixie has done well with adapting to her feeding schedule 6 am and 5pm, they remind us if we are late, and we get the stare! Both dogs love their doggie treats, carrots, and watermelon.
Trixie does well on car rides, she sits quietly while restrained in the back seat. She has done well going camping in the motorhome. She is always friendly to strangers, wagging her fluffy tail. At home she enjoys sitting on my husband's lap while he watches TV. She has a really cute posture where she stands on her back legs while leaning on the sofa, tossing her head from side to side, as if saying "look at me, I so cute, let's play". She loves to lick Dibley ears, and he tolerates it for the most part. Trixie has become comfortable with her new home. She greets us with a wagging tail when we return home. She loves Dibley and is a great companion for him. We are lucky to have such wonderful pets in our lives. We wanted to get a dog to fill the void for our Dibley and the void in our hearts. We never knew how a little 8-pound dog could surpass our expectations and more. Trixie bring us joy each and every day, she has become a wonderful part of our family.
Trixie ~ Before
Trixie ~ After
Sincerely,
Renee and Jim Hunter
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Each one of our nominees are very special and each one is a winner. Congratulations to all of you, you deserve it. We wish all a very happy life. .
I want to thank everyone who found it in their heart to give these little rescues a loving home and thank you for sending YTNR their very special stories so we all
could enjoy their success.
Warmly
Patti Kushnir
Smoky Chair
Secretary
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Happy Endings
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Dudley has been adopted!
Have a wonderful life with your new Mommy, sweet Dudley ♥
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Tank with his new Parents ♥
Thank you for opening your hearts and homes for these
precious rescues and for making their dreams come true!
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Thank You Team Illinois!
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Thanks to Marilyn, Pam, Dee and especially Renee who put a lot of effort into this event.
jackie wolfe
Hi Jackie,
Maggie here from City Barbeque. I just wanted to thank you again for hosting your fundraiser with us! You have raised $83.12 for your cause! You should expect a check to the address you supplied on the form within 30 days. Let us know what you do with the money, maybe send us a picture? I hope you will consider holding another fundraiser with us! Thanks again and have a good day!
Best,
Maggie :)
Maggie Basta
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Local Store Marketer
City Barbeque, LLC
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1034 Ogden Avenue, Downers Grove, IL 60515
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Looking for a Furever Home
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Hi everyone, remember Chloe?
(fostered in Tennessee)
Precious Chloe is still looking for a forever home. She will be 10 years old in January and weighs 10 pounds. She is a Yorkie Maltese mix. Chloe is the baby who is diabetic, she requires two insulin shots a day after each meal. The shots do not bother Chloe at all. She is very sweet, loving and beautiful, she hopes there is someone out there that will love and adopt her and give her the home she so deserves. Chloe is mostly potty trained also crate trained, and is on WD food for her diabetes. Her foster mom loves her very much; but because of her medical issues, cannot continue to foster Chloe. If you cannot adopt would someone please step up and foster her. If you would like to adopt this special little girl, please go to www.yorkierescue.com and put her name on you application to adopt.
If you would like to foster Chloe, please contact Corrine at [email protected] and include your phone number in the email.
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REMEMBER EMMA
OUR SPECIAL NEEDS LITTLE GIRL?
(fostered in Tennessee)
SHE IS LOOKING FOR A FUREVER HOME WITH A SPECIAL PERSON WHO IS EXPERIENCED IN TAKING CARE OF
SPECIAL NEEDS BABIES AND WILL LOVE HER FOREVER!!!!!
Hi everyone. Emma is a special needs Yorkie, who has seizures and is on medications and special food to help control the seizures. She is 1 ½ years old; birthday is in April and weighs 9 pounds, as you can see she is a b
eautiful girl. Emma is very sweet gets along well with other dogs, do not know about cats. She loves being close to her person, will lay beside you will you're watching TV. Emma needs a home where someone is home most of the time, also needs to be home without small children. Emma is not potty trained and will need work, she is crate trained.
If you are the special person who would love her unconditionally and give her the loving home she deserves, please fill out an application and add her name to the form to adopt @ www.yorkierescue.com
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Love's Most Courageous Gift by Hannelie Vermeulen
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LOVE'S MOST COURAGEOUS GIFT
Hannelie Vermeulen
We love our companion animals with all of our hearts. We bring them into our homes as puppies, and sometimes during later moments in their lifespan. Becoming family changes our lives, and theirs, forever. Whether we are lucky to have them grow up with us, or fortunate to meet them grown up already, or along their aging pathway, doesn't change the fulfillment of them growing old(er) with us. What a gift to our journey through life with accepting little souls who love us unconditionally.
Life's passage takes us and our companion animals through happiness and health, to growing older together - but them so much faster than us. The sadness of when ill health strikes them, or when age takes a toll on their bodies, and they can no longer fight the discomfort or the pain, starts lingering as our time together grows. We start facing the question whether they have quality of life left. When we know they can no longer get better, we start pondering the most difficult decision: How do we provide comfort - and what is comfort at this time? We now journey into unmarked territory, perhaps the most challenging time of our relationship, and often the time they need us the most.
Art by Nick Perkins
Faced with this difficult period of decision making, both medically and morally, we turn for advice to our veterinarians, our partners, our families and our friends. We do not want to see our loved little companions suffer, but it's also hard to imagine life without them (and without them enjoying it). We struggle with the pain of having to make the utmost decision in the care or our animal, of letting them go. We also struggle with facing the final goodbye - and of a future without them beside us. We struggle with doing right by them.
As a lover and adopter of senior dogs, I have been through this hardship many times. Choosing euthanasia to relieve suffering never resembles a previous time of having made a similar decision, because no illness is the same, and no little spirit fights the same way. For me there is no right decision or right time. It is always a struggle, and it never gets easier. Personally, I view it as the most selfless decision I can make - to allow them to die as painless as possible under humane circumstances - but also as the most difficult decision I have to make emotionally, intellectually, and morally. No matter how ill they are, we are human, and we often hang onto a little spark of hope, as we pray for a miracle. In the end we do what we believe is right by our loved little companion - then still question ourselves if we hung on too long or let go too fast.
Because most animal lovers face this difficult decision, some several times over their lifetimes, I've asked a few friends to help us understand how they came to the decision to euthanize, and how they came to be at peace with it. Learning from others may help strengthen and support us, and may guide us while making the very compassionate, but challenging decision.
Patti loved little Eleanor, for all 13 years of her exuberant life. So did Patti's husband, Richard, who preceded Eleanor in death 15 months prior. This spunky little girl, with her unbridled enthusiasm, and a clear presence, joined her family as a puppy - all the way from Ireland. In her aging years she slowly started struggling with kidney and pancreatic problems, and increasing incontinence, until a final unexpected crisis landed her in the emergency room. Patti knew Eleanor, and no matter how much she wanted her to come home again, she wanted what was best for her. "It was a gut feeling. I could see it in her eyes. It was time. I wanted to be strong for her and make her proud. I wanted her to feel safe and be safe as she transitioned. I wanted it to be about her needs. Not about mine."
Patti wanted dignity in death for her feisty little love, and she wanted her beautiful little girl to go in peace, because Eleanor couldn't fight any longer. Patti's act of kindness allowed Eleanor to cross the rainbow bridge under the care of a compassionate doctor, while her pain was managed. She knows she did what was best for her Irish Rose and is at peace with her decision. "Then I was strong for her. Now I cry for her. Now I miss her, and I keep smelling her." She finds it hard to cope with the loss and the grief or Eleanor's death, which is compounded by the grief of losing her husband Richard in 2017 - "we used to be four, now we are only two". She continues on and continues to care for Eleanor's little adopted Yorkie brother, Jimmy. In celebration of Eleanor, she honored a little Yorkie who recently lost his daddy. She bought Charlie Brown the same outfit she bought Jimmy - since Eleanor and Jimmy always dressed up in twin outfits for the holidays. Kindness in coping ...
Patti, Jimmie, Eleanor and Richard
Lynn and her beloved little Maggie were constant companions for 15 years. They saw each other through good times and shared challenging periods. Maggie supported Lynn through surgeries and bed rest, then gave her a reason to wake up and get up. She was her constant shadow. In turn, Lynn loved Maggie to the moon and back. She treated and dressed her like a little princess, and in Maggie's old lady years, she still dressed her pretty, but with the focus on staying warm. Maggie was a brave little soul, who stood out in a band of brothers, as she fought health problems and the challenges that came with aging. Towards the end of her cancerous journey, she had good days and awful days. She had medication buying her time and providing her comfort, and surgery extending her time on earth, all while her mommy cherished her last moments with her. Lynn kept hoping and praying for her to be around a little longer, while she monitored her every move and reaction. She knew the time was nearing for the heartbreaking decision to allow her to cross the rainbow bridge.
She wasn't ready when Maggie's mouth showed the signs of the severity of the disease again. She wanted to hang on to the fact that she was still eating and going potty but came to the realization that she had limited mobility and limited quality of life. "I made the choice of euthanasia for her, not for me. She was ready. I wasn't. Letting go was hard, but it was the last loving choice I could make for her." She talked about how Maggie's veterinarian helped her understand the seriousness and the ravages of the disease, and how he supported her in her final care of Maggie, and in her decision. "I trusted him when he helped me evaluate her quality of life and what was best for her. To let her go was my responsibility, my final act of love." Lynn describes how she misses her every day, and still cries, while she holds her memories, just like she used to hold Maggie before she left this world that became too painful to remain a part of. She continues to go to Pet Grief groups, and attends online grief support groups, where she shares about Maggie and finds comfort.
Maggie with brother and protector, Murphy
On a personal note, earlier this year, Pieter and I said goodbye to our little senior, Nico, possibly 19, after sharing six happy years with this spunky little love. Always depending on his sister, who was stronger in mind and body, he was able to continue living after we had to unexpectedly euthanize her a little more than a year before him. It was tragic to say our final goodbyes to Eloise, within less than 18 hours of the onset of her acute tracheal collapse, but there was no other humane choice. After an acute health crisis, she was at peace. We were at peace. We did right by her - even if we didn't have enough time to say goodbye.
With little Nico it was a different process. We had more than a year to celebrate the last stage of his life, and to prepare emotionally for his death, as his trachea collapsed slowly. At the time of making the final decision, we understood his symptoms and his struggles well enough, to know it was time to allow our loved little boy to join his sister in doggie ever-after. Again, we felt at peace - for him, and at peace with ourselves for being able to allow a painless transition for him. Two very different processes, but the same humane outcome. Two little doggies who gave their all - at peace at last. Humane euthanasia by our veterinarian were our final act of love for them. Two little lives honored - and doggie heaven two little
loves richer.
Nico and Eloise - picture by Terri Jacobson
As I interviewed fellow animal lovers, several of whom are not mentioned in this article, I continued to hear the same echos - doing right by our animals, being there for them, allowing them peace and freedom from pain - while supporting them in the final leg of their earthly journey. In their pain, I saw the reflections of love, of true compassion, and of respect for life. I am honored to have been able to share in their memories, and in their life's lessons learned.
Spreading kindness (Artist unknown)
When we decide to accept the love of our companion animals, we also accept the responsibility to care for them. These little sentient beings experience emotions and pain, and it is our responsibility to make the hard decisions for them about the end of their lives. We are most able to communicate with them, and through empathy for them we are the most able to help them. And they trust, and love us, for that. There is never a right time, but there is an appropriate time to allow love to trump struggle and suffering.
May peace be with all who have made this selfless decision, with all who have loved and lost, and with all who grieve.
Love is forever
Thank you to all who still love, honor and care for a little life who depends on you, who needs you, and for whom you will be there when they share their last breath with you. May peace be with you and the ones you are still able to hold dear.
Disclaimer: The views, thoughts and options expressed, are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of YTNR, or the belief system of all of our members and supporters.
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Special Thanks to this month's Donors
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Thank You to the Many Wonderful & Generous October
General Fund
Shirley Press in memory of Mary Margaret
William Blair on behalf of Cathy and Jeff Grimes
Joni Holinger
Karen Roff in memory of Lucky
Lori Jordan
Vicki Bechtelheimer
Summer Ashley
Jordan Hendricksen
Stacey Ho
Yorkie Angel Donors *
Karin & Alan Nakashima*
Kathryn Schuller*
Pieter Vermeulen*
Hannelie Vermeulen*
MaryElizabeth Dugmore*
Bette Gae Dart*
Mary Jane Sanders*
Carla Pucket*
Betty Jo Williams*
Ron & Amalia Spaulding*
Lindsay Hardin*
Stephi Jackson*
Ann Sousa*
Joan Willner**
Roz Carella*
Paula Scott*
Lisa Ellison*
Julie Gedro*
Patricia Johnson*
Paula Fonseca*
* monthly donor
Any donation large or small helps us help those more desperate cases that would otherwise be left in the system.
We can't do the things we do without you...
The Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue Inc. is run solely on private donations and fundraising efforts made by people like you who love this Breed. We very much appreciate your support.
We are a 501 (c) (3) organization, your donation is 100% tax deductible.
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We would Love your support!
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Just click on the image above and you will be ready to shop
♥ Yorkies across U.S. will Thank You, as will YTNR ♥
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Supermodel Athena Maria Aphrodite
The Goddess of Wisdom and Love.....
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In the spirit of attempting to prevent a Thanksgiving Day disaster in your home, here are some common exposures that we get called about during the week of Thanksgiving.
- Fatty foods such as butter, bacon, fatty meat drippings, gravies and meat scraps may seem harmless but can pose very real threats of pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that can result in clinical signs of vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and abdominal pain. Some breeds, such as miniature Schnauzers are very prone to developing pancreatitis but all dogs ingesting a large enough quantity of these foods are at risk. Symptoms may not be immediate and can occur up to 4 days after exposure.
- Discarded food items such as corn cobs, discarded turkey trussing's, and bones can result in an obstructive risk or gastrointestinal injury that have the potential of requiring surgical removal or repair.
- Turkey Brine: Who would have thought that the recently popular trend of brining your turkey prior to Thanksgiving would be a risk to your pets?! When you remove the turkey, this salt-saturated solution can be very attractive to dogs and cats, who will readily lap it up resulting in salt toxicosis. Clinical signs are excessive thirst and urination, vomiting and diarrhea. This can potentially result in serious electrolyte changes and brain swelling.
- Xylitol: Candies, desserts or other foods that are sweetened with an artificial sweetener called xylitol are dangerous to pets. Xylitol can result in a rapid drop in blood sugar in dogs along with liver damage. In the past, we saw xylitol limited to the ingredient lists of sugar-free gums, mints, and dental products but xylitol is now very commonly used in sugar-free or low-sugar baked goods, vitamins and even peanut butter! Even quantities that appear to be very small have the potential to quickly become life-threatening to dogs. Always check the label!
- Raisins, currents and grapes found in some of our favorite Thanksgiving foods are a very serious concern for dogs as they have the risk of resulting in acute renal failure with even small ingestions.
- Chocolates in our desserts or treats are dangerous to our pets. Remember that the darker the chocolate, the more serious the ingestion, and the less they will need to ingest to develop clinical signs of vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, tremors, increased heart rate along with potential seizures.
- Nuts are high in fat and carry the risk of pancreatitis. Macadamia nuts are more serious as ingestions can result in vomiting, diarrhea, inability to rise or walk normally (they take on a drunken appearance and can even drag their rear limbs as if injured).
- Holiday decorations are a concern for many reasons. The bouquet of lilies you received from your guests can result in acute renal failure in your cat. Bittersweet flowers are many times included in fall floral arrangements and can cause gastrointestinal upset. Candles can result in burns and flameless candles contain batteries, that when ingested can result in gastrointestinal burns and corrosive injury.
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Neeko's Joke
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~ A six-year-old boy called his mother from his friend Charlie's house and confessed he had broken a lamp when he threw a football in their living room.
"But, Mom," he said, brightening, "you don't have to worry about buying another one. Charlie's mother said it was irreplaceable." ~
Wishing you All a Pawsome & safe Turkey Day ♥
Love and Smooches,
Neeko :o)
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Many Thanks to Lifeline4Paws
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Every time we remember to say "thank you",
we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
~ Sarah Ban Breathnach
Chris Hogan,
Executive Vice President
of the Hogan Family Foundation Inc,
is the Program Director of Lifeline-4-Paws.
She is a YTNR member
and has generously supported
our rescue efforts, contributing
tens of thousands of dollars
to hundreds of our dogs since 2007.
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