Yorkie Times
Newsletter for Yorkie Rescue
March, 2011
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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 |  Julie Gedro
March Editor's Message The Circles Expand When I was preparing to move from Atlanta to Syracuse, I had a coffee date with one of my best friends in which I shared with her that I was a little anxious about leaving my life in Atlanta behind. In particular, I was a little sad about leaving my friends. My friend, who is a certified wise woman, said: "Julie, you are not leaving anything behind. What you are doing, rather, is expanding your circles." That statement made a lasting impression on me, and I have often thought about it. So true. I have had the opportunity to create not one wonderful set of relationships in a fabulous metropolis, but an entirely new set of them in a smallish, hippy, college town (that would be Syracuse, New York). Syracuse doesn't have the nightlife and the diversity that Atlanta has, but it has inexpensive, accessible, public golf courses, terrific downhill skiing, running trails, lots of water for kayaking (I don't kayak, but am considering it as the sun beguns to tempt us with the promise of Spring), an impressive array of restaurants, a welcoming Episcopal Cathedral (in which I humbly and enthusiastically serve as its Senior Warden), and most importantly, friendly people! Buzzy and Nick, also, have excellent health care and an oh-so-chic groomer, Jackie. Thanks to Jackie, I heard about a posting on a bulletin board in a grocery store in Canastota, New York (just east of Syracuse) that advertised a Yorkie who was being given up by its owner. Jackie took down the name and number and threw a lateral pass of the information to me. I called, explained Yorkie Rescue, and within a few weeks was rescuing Tito. He is adorable! Through an existing volunteer, I signed up Lisa and Dave Kerwin as foster parents. The rest is history, as you will read in this month's spotlight article. Tito, I assure you, has it made in the shade. He has two doting parents and a big sister who adores him. Eight years into my life in Syracuse, it just keeps getting better. What's not to love about a life transition? Enjoy the Newsletter. See you on the chat list! Julie and my able assistants, Buzzy and Nick |
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| Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue Ball - SAVE THE DATE | |
YTNR Ball October 13-17, 2011
Please mark your calendar and reserve your room even if you are not sure you will be able to make it. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance with no penalty but we do need to know that we have enough rooms in our block to accommodate all who want to be there. If you need a room mate let us know that and we will start matching you with someone to share with.
As always we thank you for your support and help in finding homes and proper medical treatment for these little dogs we all share a love for.
Schedule for the YTNR Yorkie Ball!!! Rick and Jilli and family will be there teaching us how to train our dogs tricks, Arlene King, CGD and Rally demonstration, Penny Case T Touch, Rosemarie Cunningham, grooming seminar, Sue Hentchel Bow Making, Friday night Fashion Show, Saturday YTNR Yorkie Ball. A weekend of friendship that you won't want to miss. We are experiencing some booking challenges with the hotel so please let me know if you have any problems and I can correct that now but soon my changes date will expire. Let me know if you need any help, YTNR@bellsouth.net
Make your reservations now for the
2011 Yorkie Ball October 13 - 17
Sheraton Music City Hotel
615-885-2200
With Love...
MaryElizabeth |
| Member Spotlight - Lisa and Dave Kerwin | |
Spotlight on Lisa and Dave Kerwin, and their new Yorkie
(and also, New Yorkie), Tito!
YTNR: This month, I am delighted to highlight Lisa and Dave, their Cairn Terrier Honey, and their new boy, Tito! I was introduced to this wonderful couple by a friend, neighbor, and Yorkie volunteer (and adopter). Yorkie Social Capital works! Lisa and Dave agreed to foster Tito, and after a few months I sensed that it was likely that Tito was not going anywhere.
Here's the story:
YTNR: Tell us about yourselves. Where are you from? Where do you live?
Occupations, hobbies, interests?
1. We are both originally from Cazenovia and live in Manlius, NY now. We are both in the teaching field. In our free time, we like to walk our awesome dogs, spend time with friends or families, read, and watch movies.
YTNR: If you would, describe how you "met" Tito. :)
Our best friend, Sonnet, (who actually introduced us) had rescued her yorkie from the  Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue. She was contacted to possibly foster Tito, but couldn't at the time so she recommended us. We decided to foster Tito. Over the next two months we fell in love with him! He got along so well with our other dog, Honey, and fit in with our family so well. We decided we couldn't live without him!
YTNR: What were your first thoughts about getting involved in YTNR?
At first, we really were trying to get Tito adopted with the help of YTNR. They helped us get the word out about Tito and try to find him a good home.
YTNR: Describe your experience as foster parents. What was fun? What was challenging?
Being foster parents was something new to adjust to, but Tito fit into our routine within a few days. The only difficult part was making sure Tito got along with our dog Honey, but they were friends within two weeks. It was fun having him around and having two dogs to cuddle with.
YTNR: When did you realize that you might "flunk" fostering? Was it one particular moment, or did it happen gradually? Did you both decide at the same time, or did someone have to do some "persuading?"
It took about a month for me to start realizing I was going to flunk fostering and need to keep Tito. When we had a week off around Christmas we spent a lot of time together and Tito really started to relax and show his personality. We were a little hesitant because of the financial commitment it would involve, but we realized everything else would out way those costs.
YTNR: You already had a beloved four legged in your family, a Cairn Terrier named Honey. Tell us about her. What did she think about Tito when he first arrived? How and when did you become confident that she would accept him as her "little brother?"
In the beginning, Tito was a little scared of Honey and snapped at her to tell her to keep away. So, Honey was careful and walking on eggshells around Tito. Over time, they became more comfortable around each other. After two months, they began to play together - chasing each other, wrestling, etc. Now, they play daily and cuddle together.
YTNR: What is Tito like? What do you enjoy, in particular, about him?
Tito is a big lover. He just wants to cuddle as much as possible. He also is a momma's boy and likes to follow me around and keep tabs on me at all times possible. He loves to roll over on his back and get a belly rub.
YTNR: What would you like to say to someone considering getting involved with YTNR?
It has definitely been a rewarding experience working with YTNR. It feels so great to give a sweet dog a home with lots of love. We would encourage anyone to get involved and help out this awesome breed of dogs that have huge personalities.
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Special Thanks to this months Donors
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We couldn't do it without you...
 This month your donations have helped us continue to take care of Baby Boy Piper. He is doing extremely well in his neck brace and you can follow his progress here.
Walter is a little Morkie that we heard about in Florida who was diagnosed with a  Liver Shunt. Follow Morkie's progress here.
Corrine Ellison
Elaine Leshnower
Charlie Linnear
Rose-Marie Engler
MaryElizabeth Dugmore
Chris Bault
Linda Davis
Betty DeAcetis
Anonymous
MaryElizabeth Dugmore
Beatris Fernandes
Arlene Gilbert
Vicki Gilfix
Patricia Johnson
Dianne Klinger-Witmer
Antoinette Lowery
Deborah Malloy
Jennifer Rainey
Cynthia Reimer
Elise Smith
Ron & Amalia Spaulding
Ruth Ward
Barbara & Myron Groch
Ceanie Mitchell
Sondra Dulaney
Marcella Strub
In addition to paypal, and personal checks you can now also support YTNR with online transfers directly from your bank account. You can make individual contributions of any amount or you can make monthly gifts that provide consistent donations allowing us to continue lifesaving programs for needy Yorkshire Terriers.
Your gifts, both small and large are greatly appreciated and make a difference
in the life of a Yorkie - one dog at a time.
Thank you for your continued support.
The Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue Inc. is run solely on private donations and fund raising efforts made by people like you who love this Breed. We appreciate your support Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue Donations.
We are a 501 (c) (3) organization, your donation is 100% tax deductible. |
Rick Caran and Jilli Dog
|  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueP0kG1J6UgFAREWELL TO A YORKIE'S (and one Chihuahua) BEST FRIEND Hello to all our wonderful Yorkie loving friends! I hope that you are enjoying the approach of Spring as much as we are, with some days breaking into the 40's!!! haha! As so many of you know, we often see amazing bonds between our canine and feline friends. Sometimes they fight like cats and dogs, and sometimes they get along better than the human siblings. :) Well, one of those truly amazing relationships recently ended, when we lost our wonderful "Lucky" (18 yrs), the rough and tumble, but very loveable cat... Lucky was a rescue, and spent his first 8 yrs as one of Judy's 5 other rescue cats... Judy was a "Cat Person"... :) His life changed, as did Judy's, when Jilli Dog came on the scene. In a short time, Judy discovered she was indeed a "Dog Person", but amazingly, Lucky must have discovered that HE too was a "Dog Person (cat?)", and spent his last 12 years doting over and guarding Jilli, Spidey Chi, and Ruby... Lucky was an amazing pal to these pups, and wherever the dogs were, he was there too, if at all possible. I often felt badly when we would go on a trip, and it seemed like Lucky was thinking "HEY, you forgot one of the dogs!!!?" But even more fascinating than his wanting to 'hang' with them during trick training and when lounging around, was that he had this dedication to their safety! We called him the TEAM JILLI DOG - SECRET SERVICE, or bodyguard! This video shows this incredible cat, as he walks with me and the pups (which he ALWAYS did), and how he 'kept guard' over his little loved ones... We will miss him, and remember him forever. I hope you enjoy this delightful walk of the Papa Cat, "Lucky", and his little charges, who were not much smaller than he...
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Mary Margaret O'Brien
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Think before you Bark! Whoever said that words are sharper than a serpent's tooth Was very definitely telling the truth. Though swords are sharp and can seriously hurt, Words are more destructive - Think before you blurt! You may think that what you have to say Is amazing and pointedly smart. But will it pierce another's heart? Will you be thought of as cunning and clever? Or will your true colors show, Costing friendships forever? Will your thoughts be just as important tomorrow Or will they cause you regret And another one sorrow! "Good job!", "Thank you!", "I love you!" "Well done!" and "I'm proud!" Are words worth saying aloud. Think before you Bark! an original poem by Mary-Margaret O'Brien
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| THE REWARD AND REALITY OF "SPECIAL NEEDS" AND "END-OF-LIFE" ADOPTION | 
WHAT IS A "SPECIAL NEEDS" YORKIE?
Yorkies come into Rescue from many situations including owner-surrender, abandonment, puppy mill seizure or releases, abuse and neglect. Sometime these dogs have developed medical conditions which cannot be corrected through additional medical treatment or surgery and will exist for the remainder of the lifetime of the animal. These Yorkies are considered to be "Special Needs". If the medical condition is terminal and the Yorkie has six months or less life expectancy, then the Yorkie is an "End-of-Life" Yorkie.
Common medical conditions for Special Needs and End-of-Life Yorkies include: birth defects, partial or total paralysis, loss of one or more limbs, blindness, deafness, cancer, congestive heart failure, kidney/liver failure and dementia.
Despite these serious medical conditions, it is entirely possible for these Yorkies to live joyfully for the remainder of their lives - with the support and love of their very own Forever Family.
WHY WOULD I ADOPT A YORKIE THAT IS PHYSICALLY / MENTALLY IMPERFECT OR GETTING READY TO DIE?
There is only one reason to adopt a Special Needs or End-of-Life Yorkie: Because you can't imagine your life without them. The love you give a Special Needs or End-of-Life Yorkie is returned a thousand-fold, and it is an honor to lend aid and comfort to an infirm or dying animal. You are neither a martyr nor a saint ... you are just a set of supportive and caring hands helping a creature in his time of greatest need.
WHAT DO I NEED TO ADOPT A SPECIAL NEEDS OR END-OF-LIFE YORKIE?
To be fair to both the Yorkie and yourself, you must have four things to adopt a Special Needs or End-of-Life Yorkie: 1) Access to Medical Care, 2) Time, 3) Money and 4) Love.
Access to Medical Care - Special Needs and End-of-Life Yorkies need vets who are willing to work with their Special Needs. Do not make any assumptions. Some vets are not excited by the prospect of treating an animal with a known negative prognosis. There is no substitution for you asking your regular vet plainly, directly and in advance of the adoption what his views are regarding Special Needs and End-of-Life care. Will your vet work with you on pain management issues as they arise? Does he use a pharmaceutical approach, a homeopathic approach, a physical therapy approach or a combination? Will he support you if you want to try acupuncture (or any other non-traditional treatment) to improve your pet's quality of life? Will your vet write you a prescription for specialty foods or medicines if you find them available cheaper outside of his practice? If your Yorkie needs a specialist, will he give you a referral or assist you in locating a certified specialist in your area? Is your vet on-call (in person or by telephone) for after-hours or weekend emergencies? If your vet is not on-call, will he recommend a 24 hour emergency vet care center within a reasonable driving distance?
You are not done yet. Don't avoid the "end-of-life" questions. Being informed in advance about your vet's end-of-life care procedures is simply necessary for you to fulfill your responsibilities to your Special Needs Yorkie. What method of euthanasia does your vet use? Can you stay with your Yorkie at the time of euthanasia if you wish? If you want your pet cremated, does his office coordinate this service or must you make those arrangements yourself?
Know these answers ahead of time. If you are not satisfied with your vet's responses, find a vet with whom you feel more comfortable and who more closely shares your end-of-life values.
Time - Special Needs Yorkies require a greater investment of your time than a pet who is healthy and in their prime. Every task takes longer - feeding, clean-up, grooming, administering medications, physical therapy appointments and scheduled trips to the vet. A Yorkie with blindness or dementia may require continuous human supervision or at the very least, a rearrange of your furniture to eliminate hazards to navigation. Yorkies with paralysis often require expressing of urine, etc. - on their schedule, not yours. If your Yorkie requires at-home fluids for proper hydration, you must schedule time with your vet to learn the procedure -- and then devote double-time while you go through the inevitable at-home learning curve. Medical emergencies demand the flexibility in your schedule to spend late nights in your area's 24 hour emergency vet center. If you think you can handle these demands on your time - and keep your sense of humor - read on.
Money - You need money to pay for the required maintenance and special medications. Can you afford both scheduled and emergency vet bills? It is important to assess your financial status realistically before you adopt any Special Needs animal. In an age when a single operation and hospitalization for your pet can easily cost "four figures", it is impossible to over-estimate the yearly cost of a Special Needs Yorkie's vet bills. Ask your vet now: What forms of payment does he accept? Cash only at the time of service? Is your credit card accepted? Will he run a tab for you and, if so, what is the cut-off limit? Does his office offer financing available through a third-party? Ask now, so you are ready financially when "the big one" hits.
Love - Finally, you need the one commodity that your money can't buy -- an ever flowing well of Love. Not only abundant love to share with your Special Needs Yorkie during your time together, but love enough to say "Goodbye" when the time is right.
WHEN DO I EUTHANIZE?
While an animal can experience joy and contentment supported by medical measures designed to cause minimal discomfort and disruption to his quality of life, then it is appropriate to preserve an animal's life.
If medical procedures will only prolong the duration of a pet's life and will neither enhance his quality of life nor bring him comfort or relief from pain, then the pet should be euthanized and allowed to die in comfort and with dignity.
Letting go of a Special Needs or an End-of-Life Yorkie is not easy. As soon as we adopt them, we love them deeply and without reservation. Even if a Yorkie is identified as "end-of-life", knowing ahead of time that we have only a short time together doesn't help your heartache when it is finally time to "make the call." Letting them go when they need to go, and not when we are ready to let them go, is the greatest final act of love we can give. We can always work out our own tears and loss later, but it is our responsibility - and our privilege - to act in a timely manner to defend our Yorkie's best interest to the very end.
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This article is dedicated In Loving Memory of my Special Needs Yorkies who have passed since 2006:
Brandie, Victor, Teensy, Toto, Arnold, Chancery Collette ("C.C." - my 1st Yorkie), Dudley, Skooter, Roody, Daisey Mae, Gizmoe, Miss Paras, Gabby, Dylan, Muffin, Gillespie, Eddy and J.J.
Tina Ann Byers
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Tellington Touch
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TTouch for the Tummy There's nothing like digestive distress to take the sparkle off the day. Whether your dear dog is experiencing indigestion, flatulence, nausea, or pain, you need only your own loving hands and a few basic TT skills to bring relief. Health care professionals and a growing number of veterinarians understand that all of us mammals need daily digestive enzymes and probiotics for a healthy system. Still, upsets happen. Anxieties, schedule changes, car sickness, medication, surgery, certain foods, general poor digestion, stress in the environment....the list of possible causes is a long one. The Ear TTouch is the first choice for relief. "Stabilize the dog's head with one hand. The thumb and the fingers of your other hand hold the opposite ear in such a way that your thumb is on top. Change hands when you want to stroke the other ear. Gently stroke the ear with your thumb from the center of the head to the base of the ear and all the way to the tip. Work different areas with each slide so that you cover every square inch of the ear. With a floppy-eared dog, lift the ears gently so they are horizontal to the ground. Work upright ears in an upward direction. If your dog has soft, floppy ears support the ear with your fingers. Do not pull the ear but just stroke the fur gently. Imagine the ear to be a rose petal so use only the lightest pressure. If you are trying to help a dog that is in pain or in shock, you may want to make your strokes faster and apply slightly more pressure. If you are trying to help your dog relax, use slow and gentle slides." * Additionally, for relieving digestive distress gently work the area all around the base of the ear, as this area contains the acupressure points for digestion and elimination, as well as respiration and reproduction. The Belly Lift is especially effective for digestive problems, as well as sore backs, stiffness, and nervousness. It helps relieve and release gas, too. While the Lift can be done with a towel, my own experience is that using my hand is more effective with small dogs. You can do this while your dog is lying down. "Put your left hand under the abdomen and your right hand on the back of your dog. With your left hand apply pressure toward the spine, but only to the extent that your dog is comfortable. (This pressure will be light) Hold this position for about six seconds the slowly release the pressure. The slower you release, the more effective this TTouch will be. " * *From GETTING IN TTOUCH WITH YOUR DOG By Linda Tellington-Jones Copyright 2001 Trafalgar Square Publishing Used with permission You can make a real difference for your dog in as little as 10 minutes. Don't rush. The more slowly you work, the more effective you'll be. Better to do less, slowly, than more quickly. Relax your own body, keeping your hands soft. As always, breathe deeply, exhale slowly and fully. Remember these Ttouches next time your own tummy is out of sorts! See many Tellington TTouch videos on YouTube.com, including demonstrations by Linda Tellington-Jones herself. For more information, how to find a practitioner, as well as books, DVDs and equipment, visit Ttouch.com. Heart Hugs to All, Penny Case Certified Tellington TTouch Practitioner star9fish@aol.com visit Ttouch.com for information on classes,
plus books, DVDs, equipment and much more.
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| Forever Home | |
 A Thank You note for the Care Package Gift that Ellie, a YTNR Rescue, sends to all our adoptive dogs when they find their "Forever Home"
Dear Ellie,
I feel very fortunate that I found a new mommy and daddy who love me so. It was quite scary at first. I didn't know them at all or what they expected of me. Everything was so different. Different smells, different people, different rooms and furniture. I was so scared.
My new mommy showed me the new bed she and daddy bought for me and some of my new toys. They got me the toys that I really like. You know the ones that make the fun squeaky sounds when you bite them. I didn't feel like playing that first day so just laid in my new bed for awhile. Mommy and Daddy would take turns sitting with me and scratching behind my ears and whispering comforting words.
Three weeks have passed and I couldn't be happier. I go out for long walks every day. We go to  the park close to my house. There are lots of dogs there and I've made a few friends. But before we head to the park there are chores to be done. First I help Mom make the bed. I help her tuck in the corners just right. Then it's those pesky pillows cases. How does one get them on properly? Now, it's laundry sorting time. I'm a real pro at this. Mail sorting is fun too.
I'll be getting a new sister soon. Her name is Darcy. I can't wait to have someone to play with and hopefully she'll help me with all the chores. There's a lot to be done for one little me.
Thank you so much for my beautiful blankey. I love it very much and use it all the time. I've enclosed some pictures of me and one of them is me with my special blanket.
P.S. I found a special squeaky toy just for you. Hope you like it.
Love Kai
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Neeko's Joke
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~ "The interviewer examined the job application, then turned to the prospective employee.
"I see you have put ASAP down for the date you are available to start. However, I see you've written down AMAP for required salary. I don't believe I'm aware of what that means."
The applicant replied: "As Much As Possible!" ~
Love to all,
Neeko :o)
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| Yorkie Fun Raiser in Illinois | Yorkie Fun Raiser in Illinois
April 17, 2011 12:30 to 4:00
Bow Wow Playground
400 W St Charles Rd
Villa Park Illinois 60181
Yorkies Welcome with their Human
$3.00 donation at the door.
All dogs must be on a leash and UTD on shots
Activities: Silent auction, Dog items for sale, refreshments, several Yorkie contests, and much more.
For more information contact Jackie Wolfe at jwolfe953@aol.com
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