"Second Chance"

A Complimentary Monthly Newsletter

October, 2026 / V34

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Why shop when you can adopt! - A Second Chance For The Innocent...

Featured Monthly Articles:

Canine Community:

"Dogtober" Rolls Around Again!

October is officially recognized nationally as "Adopt A Shelter Dog" month. We wrote about this last year and feel that we should remind you every year of this important event.

Click here to read full articlee

Monthly Safety Tip:

What Is An ESA Dog - Does Your Dog Qualify?

Owning a dog can relieve anxiety and stress, but does that make him/her qualify as an

"Emotional Support Dog"?

Click here to read full article

Featured Dog Of The Month:

~~By Peggy Moran Doepper

Listen To Elvis Sing "It's Now Or Never" For Elvis James

Elvis James

What’s in a name? Well with a name like Elvis James, quite a lot. He is handsome, full of personality and friendly. Naturally, he enjoys, giving sweet kisses. While he also loves all of the affection and playtime he receives, he may be “lonesome tonight” but he never gets “all shook up”. He is playful and energetic, while also gentle and well mannered.

A young lad at about 3 yrs old and 12 lbs, Elvis also walks nicely on the leash, and he’s happy to play with other nice gentle little dogs.

You “can’t help falling in love”with him when you take a look at his video. If he’s “always on your mind” after that then please fill out an application and express your “burning love” for this sweet and special Shih Tzu boy.

Click on Elvis James 's picture to see his video.

Tippi's Tale

A true story about a little female dog who refused to give up!

Get Your Copy Now!

Click on the picture to open in Amazon.com

Read One Of The Testimonials Received:

"Tippi's Tale is a heartfelt tribute to a special little girl. Beautifully written by her owner who describes her difficult journey with so much love. A "must read" for all those who have loved and nurtured a dog."

Note: Royalties received from the sale of this book to our followers will be donated to Shih Tzu Rescue.

Paws Up! A little peek into what's happening at the shelter

~~Adoptions

~~Toodles

This sweet adorable boy came to our shelter under uncertain conditions. We gave him lots of love, care and attention. He gained confidence and became a favorite at the shelter. While we will miss him we are so happy that a beautiful family chose him. Toodles now has unconditional love and a forever home.

Happy forever after sweet boy!

~~Missy & Lexi

These two lovely girls spent a long time at the rescue waiting for their forever family, but were always ready for a bit of fun. They never let the waiting steal their fun, they were always ready for a little playful mischief. They have finally found their forever home with a wonderful family who recognized immediately the bond between these two girls and their great need for a family who would cherish them.

Live happily ever after sweet girls!

Click Here To See All Of Our Dogs Available For Adoption

~~Alumni Alerts:

~~Sophie & Brooklyn

This bonded pair has figured out how to spend a rainy day - cuddling. Not only cuddling but spooning. They are happy and loved.

Enjoy your afternoon little Loves!

~~Birthday Shout-Outs:

~~Amber

Our Sweet Amber turns 13 on October 15th.

Yikes, we have a teenybopper!

~~Benjamin James

This little guy turned 15 in September. Looking great BJ!

Click Here To See Some Of Our Dogs At Play

Shelter Needs:

~~What We Are Proud Of:

As a dog rescue and sanctuary for more than 30 years.

Many of our dogs have medical or behavioral issues that we spend years dedicated to.

Because if we get it wrong the dog pays for it.

Because when they've lost their home, they shouldn't lose each other.

Not for the humans.

Because without Shih Tzu Rescue where would these dogs be now?

~~Why We Need Your Help

WHEN A DOG HAS NOWHERE ELSE TO TURN

WE SAY YES.

Some arrive sick. Some are frightened. Some have been neglected or abandoned.

Whatever they've been through, they deserve someone willing to help.

That's what rescue means.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

HELP MAKE THE NEXT RESCUE POSSIBLE

HELP US SAY YES:

Your gift helps us take in the next dog who needs us and provide the care that follows.

EVERY GIFT MATTERSWe can

EVERY GIFT MATTERS:

There's always another dog waiting.

We can't help every dog without people who care enough to

HELP THE NEXT DOG →

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 Donations are 100% Tax Deductible

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.

Make A Tax Deductible Donation

Chewy.com

Fun Advice & Heartwarming Dog Stories:

~~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,

Mom rubs my tummy and teases me saying, "Where is your belly button?" Do I have belly button?

--Buttonless

Dear Buttonless,

Yes - dogs do have belly buttons. Unlike humans the belly button of a dog is a small scar left after birth when the umbilical cord detaches from the mother dog. Dogs do not have "innies" or "outties" like humans do. Our belly buttons are small scars that are hard to see and can be covered by fur. Have your human look at your abdomen just below the bottom of your rib cage to try and find your belly button.

P.S. My mom is still looking for mine & my brother's belly buttons.

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

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

Enjoy Shaggy Dog Jazz Tunes

~~Heartwarming Dog Stories:

Click Here To Hear Maggie's Full Story

Maggie the Hurricane Survivor

Maggie, an older dark-coated mixed-breed dog, spent nearly three years in a shelter after being rescued from a hurricane in Texas. Because of her age and coat color, visitors constantly overlooked her. A rescuer named Jen finally adopted her. Maggie quickly transformed the household, winning over Jen's mother—who was initially afraid of dogs—by gently showing her belly. Maggie claimed a human bed on day one, rejecting her brand-new dog bed entirely. She now enjoys a deeply bonded family life filled with treats, car rides, and belly rubs.

Shih Tzu Rescue - About Us

Shih Tzu and Lap Dog Rescue, Inc. (a.k.a. "Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc.") is dedicated to the rescue of Shih Tzu and other companion dogs in South Florida. Since 1995 the founders, Eric & Harriet Rickenback, have been working to find quality lifetime homes for unwanted small, medium and even large companion dogs. They are still actively involved today!

Most rescued dogs are voluntarily surrendered to us by their owners. When they are turned over to us, rescued dogs are neutered, tested for heartworms and parasites, and receive medical attention (including dental) and all required shots. They are then temporarily placed in foster homes or in our sanctuary kennel until they can be adopted.

Shih Tzu Rescue is a NO-KILL shelter, which means dogs that don't find permanent homes are welcomed in our shelter until they are adopted.

Shih Tzu Rescue is a registered 501 (c) (3) Public Charity that must rely on the generosity of conscientious individuals and businesses to help cover the costs of caring for these special companions.

Won't you help us to save the lives of these precious animals? Please send your tax-deductible donation by mail or securely online.

Please note - there is no donation too small!

Please pass this newsletter along to friends and acquaintances who are dog lovers - 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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