Yorkie Times
Newsletter for Yorkie Rescue August, 2010
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ytnr@yorkierescue.com Editor Julie Gedro Consulting Editor Mary Elizabeth Dugmore Technical Editors Laura Morrisey, Chris Dugmore
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Letter from the Editor |
 Sad, Glad, Grateful
Julie Gedro
As many already know, my 14-year old
adopted rescue, Petie Boy, died on July 16 in my arms. Although I knew the time was coming, it
was devastating to lose him. The
entire weekend I sobbed and I let friends, neighbors, colleagues, and church
members support me. I have learned the beauty of receiving help during times of
vulnerability. At church that
weekend, I just sat in the pew and cried throughout the entire service and to
their credit, my priest, my deacon, and all of my friends at church let me
grieve on their collective shoulders.
Mid-week, the cloud lifted, as the cards,
emails and flowers kept arriving. I picked up Petie's ashes, which were presented in a lovely mahogany
urn, and I placed them on the mantle with his harness draped over top. I've
been keeping a 4-candle white light vigil to commemorate Buzzy, Petie, Zack and
Nick and to help me make the mental transition from four dogs to three in my
house. I do not break down into
tears when I look at Petie's empty crate now. Instead, I celebrate the fabulous three years that he and I
had together.
The way that I process my emotions has
become a consistent pattern that I now recognize. I let myself fall into the abyss of sorrow, trusting that
the metaphorical sun will indeed come out again. I cry, and then I laugh. The
laughter persists and once I am done with grief, it is over. I don't look back
and I don't relive my sorrow when others lose a loved one. After I am through
with my grieving, I am done. I have been laughing, with others but mainly by
myself, as I recall the many funny
stories (both real and fictitious) that Petie Boy, otherwise known as "The
Colonel" evoked from all of the people who were lucky enough to know him. I have been feeling tremendous peace,
joy and gratitude this past week. The Colonel was a character, to say the least. He was, until the last
few months when he began to physically fail, the alpha dog in my pack. All three pounds of him. When I look at
the mantle, that houses not only Petie's urn and harness, but also all of his
cards, I feel joyful. I feel grateful.
Death is a reality of life. It reminds me to make sure the quality
of life-for my Yorkies, for me, for my students, colleagues, friends, Yorkie
family, and all who occupy the front row of my life-is as great as earthly
possible.
Truly, I believe that there is an even more
joyful existence next.
It's all good. Thank you all for your sympathy and love.
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Member Spotlight - Moira Brown
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 1. Tell us about yourself. Where do you live, where are you originally from?
I'm a geek and a proud military wife. My husband Chris is in the Navy, and we live in Chula Vista, California, a suburb of San Diego. I work for a contract research organization (CRO) in the IT department. I majored in chemistry and computer engineering in college so working in computers for a laboratory filled with chemists suits me well.
2. How many Yorkies? Who are they? What are they like?
I only have one Yorkie of my own right now. The rest are all fosters. My Yorkie's name is Candy (short for  Li'l Princess Candy) although my husband likes to call her "Putt-Putt". She will be 5 years old in September, weighs 3 pounds, and is the sweetest Mama's girl. She's a rescue as well and I think she's just perfect.
Candy helps me train my fosters. She shows the newcomers how things are done, and they do follow her example after a while. She tries to train people as well and can be a bossy little thing. Anyone who visits our house gets told where to sit and not to move. She also tweets from time to time, mostly about her foster siblings. You can follow her at http://twitter.com/YorkieCandy.
3. How did you become interested in the breed?
I grew up around dogs of various shapes and sizes, but was always drawn to the small, long-haired ones. I really liked Shih Tzus for a while. Then I saw Yorkies at dog shows and had a one-track mind since.
4. How did you get involved in Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue?
I'm a member of the San Diego Yorkie Meetup, which organizes playdates at local dog parks and other venues. I think it was back in 2006 that we had a Yorkie Spa Day in downtown San Diego. The organizers invited YTNR and that's where I met Sandy Bills, who was then the Regional Director in our area. My husband was deployed at the time so I was looking for something to keep me busy when I'm not at work. Let's just say he was pretty surprised to see how many dogs we had when he came back from deployment, and it's been a continuous parade of Yorkies from then on.
5. What do you see as the strengths of the organization?
YTNR has plenty of dedicated volunteers who would go to great lengths to save a Yorkie. I think that's where the group's real strength is. Having volunteers scattered throughout the country also enables us to cover a lot of ground which not many groups can do.
6. What advice would you give to someone considering becoming involved in YTNR?
Be patient. Fostering is not easy, but it is rewarding. You will get dogs that will make a mess in your house, bark like crazy, possibly bite, or be so sick that they need a whole lot of special care. You have to understand that none of this is their fault. Some of them were neglected, others abused, but they eventually respond to patience, love and care. It may take a few weeks or several months, but hang in there because it is so rewarding to see them flourish in your care. It's not all hard work either. There's nothing sweeter than coming home to be greeted by Yorkie kisses and wagging tails.
When people find out that I foster Yorkies, the most common thing I hear goes something like "I don't understand how you can let them go. I can't do that because I will get attached." I've lost count of how many times I've heard that. Some people have the misconception that we don't care as much about our foster dogs because we don't keep them, which can't be farther from the truth. I get very attached to every dog I take care of, and I often cry when they get adopted because I don't know if I will ever see them again. I have to remind myself that the whole point of fostering is to find them a great home, and if we keep all dogs we fall in love with, then we can't rescue any more.
7. Anything else about you that we can know?
I'm often mistaken for being younger than I am, much to my husband's dismay. I get carded when I try to buy alcohol or even lottery tickets, when I'm probably older than the people selling them. Sometimes salespeople will knock on our door and ask me where the lady of the house is. I think it's because I'm really small, just like how my Yorkie always get mistaken for a puppy. We're proportional in size.
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Special Recognition - Follow-up on Member Spotlight
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Re: Volunteer Moira Brown
In June of this year, I filled out an online
application to adopt alittle 11 year old, male yorkie named Oliver. He
was located at hisfoster Mom's home in Chula
Vista, California. Soon after fillingout the application, I was contacted by Oliver's
foster Mom, Moira Brown. She emailed me to say she had received my
application and
would like to talk with me further by phone. We
set up a day and time. She called me promptly at our agreed upon
time. Moira asked me many questions about my home and my other
dogs. She asked about my work schedule and about my prior experiences
with dogs and specifically Yorkshire Terriers. Moira asked for
me to send a few final pictures of areas of my home and our 2-�
hour conversation
was over.
Over the next couple of weeks, Moira and I emailed
back and forth about Oliver. I requested a few more pictures of
him, which she sent me promptly. Finally, The day arrived for me
to drive the 2 hours to meet Oliver. Moira requested that I
bring my "alpha male" Yorkie named Speck. She wanted to make sure
Oliver and Speck would get along. I put Speck in the car and we were
off. I arrived on time to Moira's home and was greeted by her, her
nice husband and several Yorkie fosters. Her home was neat and
clean and her foster dogs were in impeccable, VERY well cared for
condition. She even had a grooming area set up in her home that would
rival a professional shop. We brought all the dogs to the
little fenced backyard area of her home. We sat and talked
while the dogs played and interacted. Moira gave me GOBS of information
about Oliver. She really took the time to get to know this little
dog.
Approximately 5 hours later, I arrived at 9:00 am and left at 2:00pm, I
left Moira's home with my new little fur kid Oliver. In addition to Oliver, Moira also had a huge box of
stuff for me to take. I will list just a few of the items she
packed up for
Oliver: His favorite dog bed, blanket, at least
10 small toys including his favorite 2 or 3, several cans of
his current food, 8-10 brand new little outfits, a small cooler
with a frozen block in it to keep his two bottles of supplements
cool, a great catalog
for ordering dog items.
Additionally, Moira has a great working knowledge
of veterinary issues, especially those pertaining to the
Yorkshire terrier. She gave me a folder of information that she had
typed up. This folder was divided into sections and included a table of
contents and a color photo of Oliver on the front. Included in
the table of contents were sections such as 'Adoption Contract',
'Foster Mom Notes' 'Medical Records' and 'Avid Microchip
Information.' To say this lady was organized would be a gross
understatement! I have had Oliver for only 3 days but so far all is
going just wonderfully!
I know it must be difficult to have volunteers
live so far away. It's probably hard to know each one personally;
that is why I wanted to contact you. Moira Brown represented
Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue (YTNR) flawlessly from the beginning of this adoption to the end. I wish
I owned a company so I could hire her to run it! It was very
obvious that Moira really wanted to make sure that Oliver went to
the best home for him. She had invested lots of time and effort and
love into this little, old yorkie and this was evidenced by his
physical and mental condition. He was very well loved while in
her care.
YTNR and all the available little dogs have
absolutely, positively struck gold with this volunteer!
Sincerely,
Brenda M. Zenger
Lake Arrowhead, Ca
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Donors Appreciation
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 Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue (YTNR) is dedicated to ensuring that Yorkshire Terriers in North America are raised in safe and caring homes. And, when necessary, stepping in to help yorkies with special needs. We could not achieve our goals without the support of you, your families and friends. Thank you.
This month we wanted to tell you about one of our successes and express gratitude to those who helped make this story possible.
Ginger is an 8 to 10 year old yorkie with a perineal hernia. A perineal hernia is the
displacement of pelvic and abdominal organs into the rectal area. This type of
hernia is both painful and unsightly. Ginger had the corrective surgery in
July. The doctor also found a weak muscle that would eventually tear so he
repaired it to prevent a future injury. Ginger's surgery was total success and she is recovering wonderfully.
Thank you to everyone who donated on her behalf.
Donations for Ginger
Patricia Johnson, Carlyn Clement, Mary-Margaret and her Mom, Dayna Culbertson, Janis Kuykendall, Corrine Ellison, Cathy Grimes, Jillian Brusco, Barbara Shelton, Sharon Swiger, Merry Lentz, Amalia Spaulding, Elaine Johnson, Patricia Blackmon, Vicki Nannizzi, Kathryn Schuller, Susane Zook, Elaine Leshnower (in memory of Petie Gedro from the Leshnower Family), Pattie Haselman, MaryElizabeth Dugmore, Freedai Warren, Toni Lowery, Nancy Burleson.
Other Donations
Donald Scott (in memory of Natalie), Patricia Johnson (for Baby in loving memory of Scarlett and Rhett), David Raday, Robert T Hildebrand (in memory of his wife Maureen).
[ Editor's note: If your name was omitted, please accept our apology. Let us know so that we can include your name in future "Donor Appreciation" articles.]
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Mary Margaret - The "ARF" Word!
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 You know how much I like getting my hair done, right? And how my very BFF, Madison, is there and we play and visit and just hang out? Well, we got there this morning and I was SOOOOO excited to get inside Miss Marilyn's Puppy Day Spa (really called "Prime Cuts") that my feet were racing before we even opened the door.
"Madison...MADISON!", I said, all excited and stuff. I got down and sniffed her, her cushion, her piddle pad, her food dish, her water, and then I ran over to play with her, just like I always do.
"RRR...rr...ARF!", she snapped. "Huh?", I asked? Like...this is NOT how you talk to your friends, not even your best friend...not even your WORST friend. Madison just looked at me and didn't even say "Sorry!".
Marilyn told her that wasn't very nice of her and apologized for her. I ran and hid behind my mom's ankles. I am truly devastated by this. My heart is broken and my ears are down. Even my tail stopped wagging, which it NEVER stops hardly ever.
Marilyn told me that Madison was having an "off" day and had been grumpy all morning, and that I shouldn't take it personally. Well, hello? Of course I take it personally. I'm not a mind reader and I have absolutely no idea what went on before I got there.
Words hurt forever and you can't take them back. I wish she'd bitten me instead. At least THAT would heal. Words pierce your heart for absolutely always.
We'll probably make up later, but right now I am sooooo depressed I want to cry.
Sorrowfully yours,
Mary-Margaret O'Brien
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Neeko's Joke
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 At a wedding, there was a child that walked down the aisle. Every two steps he stopped, put his hands up in the air like claws, and gave a little roar. So it kept going. Step Step Roar, Step Step Roar. When he finally got to the altar the guests were in tears laughing. When asked why he was doing this he said: "I was the ring bear!" Love to all, Neeko :-)
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Article Headline
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 Hello to our wonderful friends and fellow YTNR folk!
I can't believe that the summer is half over, and we are already seeing 'Back To School' advertisements all over! First let me say that Jilli Dog is doing so great; her injuries from last year's large dog attack healed quite well with continued therapy, and her spirit is 110%!!! I swear, when she gets before an audience or is just practicing at home, she still LOVES to perform and she still LOVES to make people smile. You'd almost swear that she is saying "Hey, don't count ME out!"... Spidey is still doing great and getting better, and our new little blessing, Ruby, amazes me all the time, as she turns that wonderful puppy spirit and energy into very cool and focused tricks and behaviors! Besides that, she has all the cuteness, charm, love and devotion, that we know Yorkies can deliver! Oh....... Judy and I are fine, too!
I AM A GRANDPA!!!
Some of you know that my elder son, Kevin and his lovely wife, Julie have been in the adoption process for a few years now, and last month, their dreams were fulfilled when they went to Ethiopia to pick up their newly adopted son, Abinet,  who is now just under 2 yeas old! Judy and I and the pups went to visit them in Harrisonburg, Va, and he is wonderful! Beautiful, bright, smart and so very well adjusted! I am thrilled, because Kevin has always been a kind, loving and caring son, as well as a beloved professor of chemistry, and I always knew he and Julie would be great parents...
PICTURES FROM OUR ITALY TOUR
As I promised in the last newsletter, here are some pictures from our amazing tour  in Italy, where "Team Jilli Dog" performed in San Marino, at a social event connected with an International Dog Show, in that magical little kingdom! We also made a training video, with Jilli performing in the streets of Venice. Judy and I and the pups were guests of Marco and Antonella of  Yorky Club Magazine International, where I write two columns! The training video, in which I explain and demo with the pups, my theories about FUN and LOVING techniques, to  train the family pup to do some pretty cool stuff! Afterward we vacationed in Rome with our great YTNR friends Connie and John Lamanteer, and Dave and Diane Ross! What fun and great memories!
MY CHILDREN'S BOOK
 OK, OK, I know I have been working on getting my book out for awhile now, but we are now pretty close! (Things seem to keep happening to interrupt!) But "JILLI DOG, The Little Dog That Made Mr Kranby Smile" should be available before Christmas! It's a simple, sweet story from the heart, based on my experiences as a child, and my current experiences with Jilli doing dog therapy visits! I will put out a notice, when it's out!
PUBLIC APPEARANCE IN SEPT - LONG ISLAND, NY PET EXPO Sept 18-19
We are thrilled to announce that we just contracted to appear at the LI Pet Expo, for the 4th time! It's a great show, joined with the Long Island Family Festival, in a beautiful park in Babylon, right on the water! Hope some of you can make it!!! See Team Jilli Dog on the main stage, or stop by the Jilli Dog Area and say hi and see some fun tricks and training tips! www.longislandpetexpo.com
MID-WEST TOUR IN AUGUST
Well, it's back on the road again! We're doing a tour from NY to Chicago , then to Indiana, then back to NY, through PA... I love that part of the county, and I love traveling and appearing with the pups! I am very happy in my after retirement career!!!
Would YOU like to host a Jilli Dog Seminar/Show in your Living Room?
If you're in that route, and you would like to have our little Team Jilli Dog perform in your home, club office etc, let me know, asap. We're looking for just a few... We can only do a few on this trip, because we have events to perform at in Chicago and Indiana University. Wherever you live, if you are interested in hosting one in the future, let us know, and we will try to get a cluster of them in your area or route!
TODAY'S FUN VIDEO
This is a video of the time we were on Australian TV show, "THE GREAT OUTDOORS" with Aussie Actor and celebrity, Andrew Dado! It's one of my favorites!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VapwvShd8w0&mode=user&search=
Hope to see some of you at events, and love to hear from you, too!
Rickcaran@hotmail.com www.JilliDog.com
Have a great rest of the SUMMER!
Much Love, Rick and Team Jilli Dog!
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World War II Museum (War Dogs)
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 by Bill Wynne The opening of the WWII Museum on July20 in New Orleans was a huge success. My two grandsons Jon and Will Tabar and I stayed at the Harrah Hotel. Played the slots, didn't lose much. After an hour only $13.50. Went to Bourbon Street a couple of times in daylight for me. Nightlife for the boys. We went back to the Museum about all day the second day. The film WAR DOGS OF THE PACIFIC was unbelievable in realism. I felt like I was in the war for a second time. Non warriors got a good dose of what WWII was like. The shell explosions actually rock the special theater seats. A surround huge scene. You actually got the feel as it comes at you from 180 degree frontal sides. Harris Done the Producer of the superb production, came especially and answered our questions. Susan Bahary with Smokey Sculpture  Susan, Harris Done, Mrs William Putney and Bill
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Mary-Margaret says, "Frock The War! Bring home our Troups!" 
Shout it from the wooftops! Let your voices be heard and all of us little pups wear patriotic dresses ($20) and vests ($15) to let the world know that we are supporting the men and women that are taking care of our country.
How to decide on the right size! That's important!
Have your mom measure around your neck loosely we don't like things tight around our necks.
Then have her measure you from the base of your neck down to your tail for as long as you want your dress to be.
Around your middle but the way our dresses are made the ribbon will accommodate even if you are a wee bit on the chunky side.
All of our dresses have great big bouncy petticoat underneath the skirts that will flatter the best of us and they are flirty too!
Here I am in my beautiful "Star" dress.
Abby Mia, Piper and Harper in their "Stars and Streamers" dresses and boyz vest.
Athena Maria wearing our Lady Liberty dress.
Also available for sale are our Angel with Flag and Stars and Stripes Pins $10 includes shipping.
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