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Yorkie Times    
Newsletter for Yorkie Rescue
                                                                                  
                                                                                                           April 2020                           
 
     
" Love is not patronizing and charity isn't about pity, 
it is about love. Charity and love are the same "
 ~ Mother Teresa

 
In This Issue
In Loving Memory ~ Neeko Sparky Spaulding
My friend, Neeko by Mary-Margaret O'Brien from the Other Side of the Bridge ♥
Fundraiser for our little Rescues ♥
Happy Endings
Donor Recognition
We would Love your support!
Supermodel Athena Maria
Many Thanks to Lifeline4Paws...
Quick Links
Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue remains active and in support of Yorkies in need, and those who need to surrender, would like to foster, or want to adopt during COVID-19. 

We continue to rely on the support of our volunteers and donors, but during this pandemic we want to ensure that our mission supports the safety and health of our community at large.

In support of physical distancing, we are adjusting our intake and placement process, as not to potentially expose you, our volunteers, or community. We ask that you work with us in remaining safe, while also providing a safety net for animals in need. These are unprecedented times. Please take care of yourself, reach out for support when you need it, contact YTNR to assist in problem-solving regarding a potential rescue or adoption, and remain hopeful and positive.
 
Thank you for your compassion and dedication,
 
MaryElizabeth Dugmore
President and Founder, YTNR


In Loving Memory


Neeko Sparky Spaulding was born on July 25, 2009 and passed away on April 02, 2020. He was born with a badly injured knee and his early life was not easy as he ended up being abandoned at a shelter. His luck, though, was about to change dramatically. The shelter called Corrine Ellison with Yorkshire National Rescue. She picked up Neeko and YTNR paid for knee surgery to correct his injured leg. Corrine lovingly put him through rehab, including water therapy, and he developed the resiliency that would carry him the rest of his life. Corrine remembers Neeko not being happy at all about the water therapy and did not hesitate to let her know that.  Once he completed his rehab and was ready to be adopted, he posed for a photo that would be posted on the YTNR website. The "million dollar" photo caught the eye of Ron and Amalia Spaulding, who had recently had their 13-year-old Yorkie, Sparky, pass away.

Ron and Amalia immediately filled out the adoption application and after they were approved, arrangements were made to meet Neeko in Lafayette, IN, and it was love at first sight. They took Neeko home on April 3rd, 2010 at the young age of nine months. In his new forever home, he met his new sister Chi-Chi, a Shih Tzu and brother LeoT, a mostly Pekingese. Chi-Chi, who had long been the boss of the house, and Neeko, another Alpha, initially had some issues to work out, but Neeko eventually came to adore Chi-Chi like a mother. LeoT, his playful and clownish brother, got along right from the get-go. There was also another puppy in the family, a black long-haired Chihuahua named Danny G. belonging to Ron's Mom. The two of them instantly hit it off and would remain close friends for the rest of Neeko's life. After Chi-Chi's passing, two more members joined the family: Ray, a 100% genuine mutt, and Aida, a Maltese/Yorkie mix that also came from YTNR. Neeko looked after "his pack" and would never come in from outside until all of the others had made their way into the house. Once in the house, he would happily start scooting around the house gaining his nickname as Scooter or do the Yorkie happy dance. He had his favorite chair, the right side of a loveseat in the living room, and ironically, Aida chose the left side and they were always like a couple taking over the front window's loveseat. Neeko would observe all of the goings on in the house from his perch on the loveseat.

Neeko was an amazing traveler in the car, and made multiple trips each to Toronto, Nashville, and Florida, as well as a trip to Rochester. He always enjoyed his Yorkie gathering events being with dozens of other Yorkies and being dressed up in his many handsome outfits. He loved to walk along the edge of swimming pools on our trips, thus stressing out his mother to no end. He once followed Ron on to a shallow sandbar in the Gulf of Mexico, and then just decided to leap off it and go for a swim. And he proved to be a good swimmer, even if he decided to retire from swimming after that, perhaps due to the taste of salt water. He also flew on a plane a few times and would quietly sit under the airline seat until the flight ended. In the summertime, Neeko enjoyed many boat rides with his Pack on Lake Michigan and Lake Geneva along with the outdoor activities.

Throughout his life, Neeko offered his services as a YTNR volunteer and became an Ambassador for YTNR participating in local fundraising events. He was also a monthly contributor to the Yorkie Times Newsletters with his Joke of the Month. Neeko knew that he was extremely loved by his family and extended YTNR family and carried this love with great pride. Despite his many health problems, he never complained and just plowed through with dignity like a true Alpha. Neeko managed to also convince Amalia to open his very own Fanpage very early on where he would periodically update his many fans about his and his family doings.

We will forever be grateful to YTNR (MaryElizabeth and Corrine) for bringing him into our lives.  It was them who turned his life around with surgery and rehabilitation when he had been born with a bad leg and nobody wanted him.  Nobody else would have done that.  He had a family waiting for him and just needed a chance to shine in life, which YTNR gave him.

We are heartbroken over his sudden loss and he will forever hold a very special place in our hearts.
Although his body is resting at Aarrowood Pet Cemetery, next to our previous Angels, we are convinced that his spirit is running free onto his next Journey.

Neeko S. Spaulding ~ Celebration of his life in pictures
Neeko S. Spaulding ~ Celebration of his life in pictures



 
♥ Hi Everyone,

 I am beyond devastated and tears just keep pouring out of my eyes all day long. It's like we lost a leader, a guide into the abyss of our journey into saving one Yorkie at a time.  That's how he came to us, that's why we fixed his legs and that's why Amalia adopted him and he became hers.  He communicated his desire to help YTNR and became a major contributor to our Yorkie Times newsletter each month. He always found a way to bring a smile to the sadness we endure in our quest to save even the most unwanted and unloved,  so that we always ended up on a happy note each month.  
For the moment we are not only pinned down by the pandemic we are all experiencing but I am personally pinned down with grief.  
Thanks to all of you who help us and thank you for your very special prayers for our beloved Neeko and his family.  He leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, love and smiles, one day we will once again be blessed with his wisdom and foresight.  

Thank you for being here for whatever the reason.  

love...
MaryElizabeth

♥ Thank you, Mary Elizabeth. We would not have the group we do without you. Babies like Neeko possibly would have never been in our midst if not for you and your contact with all you precious people who so  delicately put this precious little ball of fur within our group. I will always have his little precious memory in my heart and mind. Neeko was so very very smart too. A thank you from my heart and my mind to all those who loved him dearly and those who took care of him with all the strength and care they possible could his entire life. . Neeko will forever remain in our hearts and minds. There will never be another to compare to the little creature given to us from above.  ~ Helen


♥ Dear Ron and Amalia, please know you are loved by many in the YTNR family. My love for you two is boundless, we became friends from our first meeting when you picked up Neeko on that cold and blustery day. I will never forget the day we met. You two have added so much to my life! Indeed Neeko was a very special boy from the day he entered my life. Then when he was ready to go to his new home God knew what he was doing when he put you in my path. I knew that day you two were the perfect family for him, and a forever friend to me. God Bless you both for taking such good care of him. Love you both! ~ Corrine

♥  Oh Amalia,
I am in tears for you and  your loss.  I know how loved your sweet Neeko was.  I remember before you even adopted him you had pictures of him on your refrigerator and your whole family was hoping we would approve you to adopt him.  You did everything possible for him and I am so sorry you had to lose him in such a tragic way.  There is never an easy way but this is so wrong.  May God hold you in his arms.
~ Jackie

♥ I am outright devastated over Neeko's death!!. I was so happy he was doing better when I read an email yesterday. I never even imagined he could go the other direction and leave us behind so quickly. God bless all Neeko's loved ones. The little rascal will be missed by all most certainly as he was a very special furby to ALL of us and even more so to his immediate family that he loved so very much. Prayers for all of you out there in tears and so many, many hearts are broken over Neeko's death.. The little precious baby will be missed forever.  ~ Helen

♥  We loved Neeko's stories in the Yorkie Times.  We will miss him too.
Love,
Pat J

♥ 
I've been trying to process this horrible news ever since I heard from Amalia earlier today...Neeko was the spunky rascal who stole Sophie Rose's heart along with all of ours. The Spaulding family is special to all of us and we love them so much. This was a tragic turn of events that none of us expected, and we share in the grief and loss of such a special boy and a member of our YTNR family who will never be forgotten. I still can't quite process it...
Amalia and Ron, please know how much we love you all and how much we all loved Neeko. We are so sorry and are grieving with you. There are simply no words we can offer to comfort you except to say that we have all been where you are and it hurts like no other hurt. One thing we do know for sure-there are many YTNR angels that greeted him on the other side of the bridge, especially my beloved JAZZ, who loved Neeko and his sister Aida so much...

We are so sorry...

Deborah, Herb, and Sophie Rose

♥ Love and special thoughts to you, Amalia in your time of sadness. I am so sorry this sadness has come upon you in this way. We all love you and Ron and thoughts of you both are in all of our mind these days. ~ Helen

♥ I am so sorry to hear this. My heart is breaking for them. That poor sweet baby. 
Sending only love this morning.
Michelle Waterman 

♥ 
I am so sorry to hear about poor little Neeko. He fought for his life but it was just too much. RIP little guy and keep an eye on your parents as they will need it very much as they try to understand what happened to their beloved fur baby.
Sending lots of love,

Kathy Schuller, Lexi, Harley and Ashes the cat

♥  So sad.  I am crying for them.  It's such a freak mishap - horrible.
Sending my prayers for comfort.
Pat

♥ I am so very sorry to hear about Neeko. The Spaulding family is in my prayers.
~ Julie

♥  My prayers for Neeko's family.   This is devastating.    Neeko was such a wonderful fur person........ he and his family have made such a difference to all of us.  May there be some comfort in knowing that he has many friends waiting for him who crossed the Rainbow Bridge before him.
~ peg

♥ Prayers  for Neeko's family!  My heart is saddened! ~ Kathy S.

♥ Amalia,
I'm so sorry that a Neeko has gone to the Rainbow Bridge. I'm praying for your family. 

Cathy Grimes

♥  this is the worst news ever..how awful everyone must feel including the vet..please let them know they will be in my prayers to find some peace...somehow.
much love..
Barbara Christian in Orlando

♥ So, so sorry!  ~ Mary Jane S.

♥ I'm sick with sorrow !!!!!! 
Marilyn Rancho Mirage 

♥  Oh no! I am so sorry to hear this very sad news. My heart goes out to Amalia & Ron. ~ Linda

♥ Oh my God.... I am here crying.  I feel so. Bad for Amalia and Ron.  They tried so hard to get Neeko the care he needed.n my heart is breaking.
My heart goes out to them. Keeping Amalia and Ron in my thoughts and prayers. This is just so devastating.  I'm so deeply sorry.  
RIP Neeko ♥ 
  María Boyle

♥ I am so sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with Amalia and Ron. Sending love and hugs.
Barbara

♥  I can't find words to express the sadness I feel for Amalia, Ron, and their family.  I am so very sorry about this painful outcome.  Tears streaming down my face, shattered heart for their loss.
Susan Sullivan

♥  Very sorry.. for your loss. So sad  from Manon in mass ( and my 4 Yorkie Behrs)

♥  This is so tragic. I, like other Yorkie parents across our nation, cried.  Such a loss to a beautiful family, two legged and four pawed.  I really thought he was going to make it but a gentle hand reached down and took him, leaving behind so many beautiful memories.
I am so sad and sorry.......
 
Marge

♥  Oh no!  This is so hard to believe.  I looked forward to Neeko's joke every month.  I have never heard of this happening during a dental either.  Poor little Neeko and his family! ~ Toni

♥ I am also crying.  I love Amalia and family so much.  Neeko has been so much a part of Yorkiespice.  I'm so very sad.  Praying for Amalia and Ron.  
~ Darlene

♥  I am in shock. I can't believe we lost our precious Neeko. We all loved him and will miss him forever, We are praying for you Amalia and Ron that you will be able to recover from this.
Bette Gae

♥  I am very saddened to hear about Neeko. Never should have happened.  I cant imagine how sad and  mad Amalia must be. Sending prayers to embrace the family.
Ann in NV

♥  Dear Amalia 
My heart breaks for you and your family. I'm so very sorry about little Neeko. I will keep you in in my prayers. The paw prints little Neeko left in all of our hearts will never be forgotten. He was such a special little boy. May all his lovely memories and fun antics help you through this very sad time. 

With love
Hannelie 



♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥



 
My friend, Neeko by Mary-Margaret O'Brien 
from the Other Side of the Bridge ♥

Mary-Margaret asks that he signature read "Mary-Margaret O'Brien from the Other Side of the Bridge".  She says if she's going to still contribute that it's only right to let people know where she is.  ❤

My very good friend, Neeko, tells the best jokes ever. 
Every day, I look forward to one of Neeko's jokes. 
He said I could share this one with you.

~ A wealthy man decided to go on a safari in Africa. He took his faithful pet Yorkie along for company. One day, the Yorkie starts chasing butterflies and before long the Yorkie discovers that he is lost.

So, wandering about, he notices a leopard heading rapidly in his direction with the obvious intention of having him for lunch. The Yorkie thinks, "OK, I'm in deep trouble now!" Then he noticed some bones on the ground close by, and immediately settles down to chew on the bones with his back to the approaching cat. Just as the leopard is about to leap, the Yorkie exclaims loudly, "Boy, that was one delicious leopard. I wonder if there are any more around here." 

Hearing this, the leopard halts his attack in mid-stride, as a look of terror comes over him, and slinks away into the trees. "Whew," says the leopard. "That was close. That Yorkie nearly had me." Meanwhile, a monkey, who had been watching the whole scene from a nearby tree, figures he can put this knowledge to good use and trade it for protection from the leopard. So, off he goes.  But the Yorkie saw him heading after the leopard with great speed, and figured that something must be up.

The monkey soon catches up with the leopard, spills the beans and strikes a deal for himself with the leopard. The leopard is furious at being made a fool of and says, "Here monkey, hop on my back and see what's going to happen to that conniving canine." Now the Yorkie sees the leopard coming with the monkey on his back, and thinks, "What am I going to do now?" But instead of running, he sits down with his back to his attackers, pretending he hasn't seen them yet ... and, just when they get close enough to hear, the Yorkie says..................

"Where's that darn monkey? Sent him off half an hour ago to bring me another leopard." ~

(arf arf arf arf arf!!!) <------- me laughing!! Yorkies are so smart, AND they have a very good sense of humor!!



This was Neeko.   Also known as Dr Neeko S. Spaulding, PhD.  Also known as Pastor Neeko.  He is the  center of attention wherever he goes.  Pups, people and all kinds of critters are drawn to him.  When I crossed over the bridge back on July 26, 2016 I thought of everyone that I would miss beside my family and Neeko was Number 1.  Numero Uno.  Primo.  He recently arrived here on the other side of the bridge to a welcoming committee that would rival a tribute to Kobe Bryant (another one of our recent arrivals). 

We are blessed to have Neeko with us.   Your loss is only temporary as he will be here waiting for you to join him.  He left you too soon, but he asks that you not cry for him.  Remember him with happy tears and know that he will always be part of your heart.  



 


Fundraiser for our little Rescues ♥


CALLING ALL CHILDREN AND ADULTS!!!
 
We have just the creative outlet for you! A lovely Yorkie themed coloring book to put the fun back into your day. Grab your crayons, your pencils, your watercolors or markers, and expose yourself to art. Lower your stress and anxiety, and foster mindfulness. Enjoy yourself while you bring an adorable picture to life!

A few sheets from our coloring book


Make sure to get your copies to color, relax and spread some cheer, as the winter keep us more indoors.


 
The price of the coloring book is $12.50, including shipping.  Please support the care of our foster Yorkies, and allow us to rescue more dogs, by buying one for yourself, and maybe a few as gifts!

You can go to [email protected] and use PAYPAL 
or click on  undefined


You can also send a check to:
YTNR
1065 Lewis Road
Chapmansboro, Tennessee 37035 

Hope you will all enjoy relaxing while filling your life with color! Our little dogs thank you for supporting their care! And so, do all of us at YTNR!


                                                                  
                                               
Happy Endings

Spencer and his new furever family ♥



♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥



Herc with his new family ♥

Oh my gosh! Here are some pics from his new family. 
He'll never want for anything! These folks are absolutely the best!








♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥


Buddy has been adopted!



 It was love at first sight when Danielle Peck saw his picture in our newsletter.

Buddy & AvaJolie are so sweet together!!!
and inseparable already ♥♥♥
If Buddy isn't on my lap, he's on Ava's ♥
Pure Love!!! Joy!!! He's doing soooo amazing & feeling right at home ❤️Best Buds!

I'll send more pictures and videos too, but I thought these were just precious...  

~All my best,
Danielle


♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥


Bopy with his new family 


♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥


Harvey with his new siblings


♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥


Wally with his new family 


♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥



 
Thank you for opening your hearts and homes for these 
precious rescues and for making their dreams come true!



 
Special Thanks to this month's Donors 

 
Thank You to the Many Wonderful & Generous March
Contributors


General Fund
Patti has asked that we please extend the posting of the donors for another month.  She says she now has her computer and is working on catching up with all the donor letters she sends out acknowledging your donations and support.  She has started her chemo treatments and is working on these as she continues to her new healthy self once again.

Please continue to send prayers and energy her way.  If you would like to send a card this is her new address.
Patti  Kushnir
19361 Brookhurst St SPC 159
Huntington Beach, CA  92646-0001 
 


We want to thank everyone that donated this month to support our rescue efforts.  Please forgive us for not listing individual donations this month, our Secretary who normally compiles these donations went on a vacation without her computer and remained in California for medical issues.  We will post all donations next month.  Thank you for understanding. Please hold Patti in your prayers. 



Yorkie Angel Donors *  
Karin & Alan Nakashima*
Kathryn Schuller*
Pieter Vermeulen*
Hannelie Vermeulen*
MaryElizabeth Dugmore*
Mary Jane Sanders* 
Carla Pucket*
Betty Jo Williams*
Ron & Amalia Spaulding*
Lindsay Hardin*
Stephi Jackson*
Ann Sousa* 
Joan Willner* 
Bette Gae Dart*
Paula Scott*
Lisa Ellison*
Julie Gedro*
 Patricia Johnson*
Jessica Damisch*
Paula Fonseca* 
Sandra Grumbein*
Carrie Unger*
Karen Roff*

* monthly donor 

Become a monthly donor by visiting our web page @ www.YorkieRescue.com 
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.

We would Love your support!

Just click on the above image and you will be ready to shop 
♥ Yorkies across U.S. will Thank You, as will YTNR ♥

 
Supermodel Athena Maria Aphrodite 
The Goddess of Wisdom and Love..... 
  
Q&A: New Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Pets
By Dr. Katy Nelson, DVM  

As communities around the world respond to the new coronavirus (COVID-19), you should have the most up-to-date information on how it impacts you and your pets.

Here are the answers to pet parents' most-asked questions.  
Q: Can you get the new coronavirus from your pet?
A: No; there is currently no evidence for this.
One of the most common questions we're hearing from many pet parents is " can I catch the virus from my pet or vice versa?"  
Both the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the  World Health Organization have advised that there is no evidence at this time that companion animals can spread the virus to people.  
There have been a few reports in countries outside the United States of pets becoming infected after being in close contact with people who have COVID-19.
There is no reason whatsoever to take measures against companion animals that may compromise their welfare or erode the bond you have with your four-legged loved ones.  

Q: What if I get COVID-19 and have to be quarantined?
A: Stock up on essential supplies for you and your pet to last 2-4 weeks.
While pets do not appear to be at risk of this disease, you should create a plan of action for yourself and your pets in case of an emergency situation. COVID-19 is a great reminder to create that plan now if you haven't already developed one. 
If you need to quarantine, make sure you have a supply of the following items that lasts 2-4 weeks:
  • Food and water
  • Prescription and preventive medications (don't forget flea and tick, heartworm)
  • Emergency and hygiene supplies 
Q: How do I care for my pets if I get sick?
A: Designate someone to care for them, wash your hands before and after contact, and don't kiss or hug your pet.
Develop a strategy in case you may not be able to care for your pets. Contact a neighbor, your veterinarian and/or a local boarding facility to secure temporary housing in your time of need. 
If you are ill with COVID-19, or other contagious illnesses, the  American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends that you "have another member of your household take care of walking, feeding, and playing with your pet. If you have a service animal, or you must care for your pet, then wear a facemask; don't share food, kiss, or hug them; and wash your hands before and after any contact with your pet or service animal."  

Q: What if my pet needs to go to the vet while I'm sick?
A: If it's an emergency, ask a public health official about transport, and alert your veterinarian.
If your pet requires routine care while you are sick (annual exams, vaccinations, elective surgeries or routine monitoring), ask your veterinarian to reschedule to a later date when you are healthy. 
If your pet requires immediate or emergency care, contact your local public health official to determine the best course of action to transport your pet to the veterinarian. Alert your veterinarian that you have been ill so they can take effective measures to protect themselves from the possibility of exposure.  

Q: I think my pet is ill-what do I do?
A: See your veterinarian.
If your pet shows signs of illness, and they have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, see your veterinarian immediately for a full workup.  
According to the  AVMA, "routine testing of domestic animals for COVID-19 is not being recommended by the AVMA, CDC, USDA, or the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD)." 
Tests may be done by official order through a collaborative decision made by local, state, and federal animal and public health officials.
This is a rapidly developing situation, and we encourage you to follow the CDC and WHO's websites for further information. Take all of the necessary precautions to stay safe, and have a plan ready for you and your pet.





Many Thanks to Lifeline4Paws   


 

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.