"Second Chance"

A Complimentary Monthly Newsletter

April 2026 / V28


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Featured Monthly Articles:

Canine Community:

"Do All Dogs Shed?"


Bottom line - yes all dogs shed! However, the amount of shedding varies by breed. Hypo-allergenic or low shedding breeds like Poodles and Shih Tzu's still shed, but not at the same rate as double coated breeds like Huskies.



Some facts about shedding are:




  • Shedding is a natural process of getting rid of old and damaged hair, making way for new hair;
  • Low shedding dogs like Shih Tzu's, Poodles and Yorkies have hair that grows constantly, leading to minimal shedding;
  • Double-coated dogs like Huskies, German Shepards and Labradors have dense undercoats that shed heavily in certain seasons, especially spring and fall;
  • Other factors that can affect shedding include nutrition, stress, hormones and health changes;
  • Dogs who are considered non-shedding still require grooming and regular hair cuts as their hair does not fall out on it's own.


Daily brushing and regular baths are the best way to manage shedding and loose hairs found in the home.


~~April Dog Observances:


Daily Observances:

  • April 1 - International Bull Terrier Day
  • April 4 - World Stray Animal Day
  • April 8 - National Dog Fighting Awareness Day
  • April 10 - National Hug Your Dog Day
  • April 21 - Bull Dogs Are Beautiful Day
  • April 22 - National Beagle Day
  • April 23 - National Lost Dog Awareness Day
  • April 26 - National Pet Parent Day
  • April 27 - National Little Pampered Dog Day
  • April 29 - International Guide Dog Day
  • April 30 - Adopt A Shelter Dog Day


Happy Easter & Passover!



Safety Tip of the Month:

"Are Eggs Good For Your Pups?"


Cooked eggs are an excellent food for your dogs. They provide a high source of protein, fatty acids and essential vitamins that support skin and coat health. They are also good for digestive health, joint support and muscle maintenance. They should be served scrambled plain - no oil, butter Eggs need to be fully cooked to avoid salmonella risks. They should be used as an occasional treat rather than a meal.


Reminder - Do not share Easter candy with your pups!


Featured Dog of the Month:

Dominic James


Instead of the Easter Bunny, this year, think, "Easter Shih Tzu"! As we approach the Easter & Passover holidays, this time of reflection and renewal is a great time to consider celebrating by adopting a new Shih Tzu family member . Dominic James should surely be a consideration. This black and white adorable little boy also comes with a wonderful, easy going personality. He is very sweet and friendly and enjoys the company of people, cuddling in a cozy lap, and going for walks. Dominic James is also well mannered and just a darling to be with. His super cute, little face, and polka dots (known as ticking) on his legs just add to his appeal.


Dominic James is an 8 year old, approx. 12 lb Shih Tzu. He is truly a precious boy who lost his family for no fault of his own. He gets along well with other calm, little dogs and has good energy. Dominic James is a happy, bright, super cute little boy who will surely make a fantastic companion and best pal to hang out with. Imagine the comfort of having this sweetheart to sit in your lap and keep you company…what could be more heavenly? Please watch the video. at the end of the photos, to see more of this absolutely fantastic little guy. If you believe you are a great match for Dominic James, please complete an application form from our website.  


In the meantime enjoy our song of the month!



--Click on Dominic James's picture to see his Video

Article by: Peggy Doepper


Click on the YouTube tab below to see all of the videos of our available shelter dogs in one place



Shelter News - Adoptions:

Vincent & Randall


Our adorable bonded brothers have found their forever home together! Watching these two find a family committed to keeping them side by side is everything we could have hoped for. From snuggles to silly moments, these boys have always done life as a team. We couldn't be happier and grateful to their new parents who said yes to double love.


Happy tails boys!

Albert

We are thrilled that our Albert is heading home with two wonderful dads who are repeat adopters and dear friends of our rescue. Even better, Albert will have an amazing built-in sister - Meadow! There is nothing we love more than seeing our alumni families come back to grow their pack.


Albert, we know your new life is going to be filled with cuddles, adventure & joy.

Chanel Joy


Our beautiful Chanel Joy, on the right, has found the mother of her dreams. In addition to finding her new mom she has a lovely brother to cuddle with (on the left). We are thrilled for her.


Best wishes sweet girl, we love you!







Bernadette


Our sweet little Frenchie girl, (on the right), has found her forever home. Her sweet face, playful spirit and snuggly personality absolutely stole the hearts of her new parents. She now has a new home, a loving family and a charming Terrier brother. We have no doubt that she will be completely spoiled in the best way possible.


You will always be a part of the Shih Tzu Rescue family. We cannot wait to hear about your joyful new live!




Shelter News - Alumni Alerts:

Sweet Mimosa, adopted 6 months ago, wishes everyone Happy Easter & Passover

Happy Easter & Passover from Charlie & Henry


Hope, our beautiful English Bulldog, is celebrating her one year adoption anniversary! Congratulations Hope!

Thanks to her moms' for sending in this picture!

Shelter Needs:

HELP!


Last month we took in a sweet senior Shih Tzu girl who needed surgery for bladder stones, had a significant heart murmur, and needed several costly workups. She is back at the rescue after surgery and doing well (picture below). We also took in 12 other dogs who all had various medical needs. We cannot do this without your help!


Total estimated cost of all of these services is around $15,000.

Please help if you can!


Donations can be made on our website by clicking the button below. Donations can also be made directly by:

Zelle: 954-907-5229

Paypal: ladrando@aol.com


All of our pups appreciate your help!


Did you know you can also support us on Chewy.com by purchasing supplies from our wish list? 

We have been informed that Chewy will not divulge the name of donors respecting their privacy. Please drop us a note if you do send us a gift from Chewy so we can thank you.

--Birthday Shout-Outs:

"Ichi" (Japanese for the Number 1) is a Shih Tzu Rescue Pup and had a birthday in March!

"Toby" turned 15 on March 16th!



Happy Birthday to our two pups above!

Ask Amber:

- Does your dog need advice about human behavior that only a trained dog advisor can answer? Ask Amber!.


Amber is one of the editor's dogs who, of course, is a Shih Tzu Rescue Alumni:


  • Dear Amber,

My human gives me lots of treats to show their love. However, I still want attention, belly rubs, walks and cuddles. How can I let my human know I want it all?

~~Well Treated


  • Dear Well Treated,

Refuse a treat every once in awhile and put on your big gooey eyes. You will get all of the attention and cuddles you want - it works every time!


--P.S. Have your human play the relaxing music below when they leave, you will fall fast asleep :)


~~With pearls of wisdom & a perfectly fluffed tail, Amber


Send us your fun dog questions for Amber and we will feature them here!


Illuminating Quote by Henry Beston from his book,

"The Outermost House:

Shih Tzu Rescue - About Us

Shih Tzu Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity devoted to rescuing and finding quality lifetime homes for Shih Tzu's and other small, medium and large companion dogs in South Florida. We are a "no kill" shelter and sanctuary housing dogs with special needs and those who have not yet been adopted. The shelter and sanctuary was established in 1995 by Eric and Harriet Rickenback, a couple passionate about giving a second chance for the innocent!


Won't you become a part of our family by adopting one of our dogs including a senior and/or special needs dog. If you cannot adopt please consider sponsoring a dog by sending in a recurring donation. You will be rewarded with licks & wags!


Please note - there is no donation too small!

Please pass us along - the more the merrier.


"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated"! ..Mahatma Gandhi


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Plan ahead of time to keep our tail waggers out of shelters!

Funny of the Month: