Yorkie Times
Newsletter for Yorkie Rescue
December 2020
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May the Christmas season end the present year on a cheerful note and make way for a fresh and bright New Year.
Season’s Greetings to you all.
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Editor
MaryElizabeth Dugmore
Technical Editors
Amalia Spaulding
Laura Morrisey
Contributors
MaryElizabeth Dugmore
Hannelie Vermeulen
Athena Maria Dugmore
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December Reflections by MaryElizabeth Dugmore |
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Dear Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue supporters,
We have come within reach of the end of a year many of us have wished to pass quickly. A year where we were confronted by wildfires, natural disasters and a pandemic which changed our lives, the way we work, and the way we interact. A year during which our fears and loneliness increased, and a slower pace gave us more time to reflect. A year we faced challenges and learned new skills - both coping and technology wise.
Several of our supporters started working remotely, others worked within settings where they took increased measures to remain safe, learned to smile with masks on, and read with fogged up glasses. Some members isolated or were more isolated, due to inability to visit with family and friends, or volunteer during a period where we faced the danger of contracting or spreading the virus. So many of our children and grandchildren entered digital schooling, and everyone faced the challenge of “Zoom burnout” - yet we continued adjusting and growing.
As a rescue we faced challenges, amidst added safety measures and limited volunteering during the pandemic. We have also had to say goodbye to some valued Board members and volunteers who retired from rescue, including our VP of Rescue Operations, Corrine Ellison, board member Pieter Vermeulen, and Illinois state director, Jackie Wolfe.
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Corrine
Amidst these adjustments and goodbyes, we continued to navigate the changing landscape of rescue and life in general while facing COVID-19. Through standing together we were able to uphold our beliefs of doing good for the little creatures less fortunate, and we were able to support each other and rely on each other to get through the sad times and hard times, as well as the joyous times. Together we remained thankful for the blessings we still have, as we cherished each other and our animals.
The YTNR Board and I want to thank you all for partnering with us, and for being a lifeline for Yorkshire Terriers. In this edition we share our gratitude and appreciation with everyone for your support, love and kindness, as we highlight some profiles of compassion, and honor the kindness of some of our members with a brief story and description.
As a rescue we wish you health and happiness as the holiday season approaches us. May this holiday season fill your hearts with happiness and light, as your doggies snuggle close! Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a Joyous Kwanzaa! May the smell of cookies and hot chocolate, and the sight of candles and wreaths spread cheer around your homes, as we adjust to the change in celebration this December.
With best wishes for goodwill, peace and love, and a happy and healthy new year.
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MaryElizabeth Dugmore
President and Founder, YTNR
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Every year we have a Rescuer of the Year. This year we have two Rescuers of the Year. These two volunteers are honored for the exceptional work they have done for our little rescues.
Introducing Stephen Beck and Hannelie Vermeulen
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Stephen Beck:
Stephen became a volunteer and offered to foster one of our Special Needs Yorkies. In fact, this little rescue was voted “Yorkie Rescue of the Year”. When Pogo/Henry came to YTNR he could not walk. We do not know what happened to Henry. When YTNR approached Stephen and explained that we had a Special Needs Dog who could not walk without a cart, he immediately replied that he would foster him.
Stephen worked with Henry, and the end result is that Henry can walk and run up stairs. It was a miracle. No, it was Stephen's exceptional work and devotion to this dog and the love he had for him. We are forever grateful to Stephen for what he did. The end result, Henry got adopted to a wonderful home and is very much loved. Please click here to read his story.
Thank you Stephen, and Congratulations.
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
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Hannelie Vermeulen:
Hannelie has been an outstanding volunteer from the first day she joined our organization. She has served on the YTNR Board of Directors, supported our Yorkie Rescue Gatherings in Nashville participating in all aspects of organizing and presenting all the things that go into making a successful and fun convention for our volunteers and helpers. She has provided food, decorations, musicians and lively conversations bringing us closer together and inspiring us forward into each new year. She has consistently supported and written educational and interesting articles for our Yorkie Times monthly newsletter and involving friends and family worldwide to send pictures and clips of their lives uniting us in a larger scale of camaraderie and inspiring us to be Kind in our daily lives.
At her home in Oregon she has organized volunteers to help us raise funds for the rising cost of medical expenses needed to bring our little doggies healthy enough to go on to their forever home. She has grown a family of adoptive families and volunteers all dedicated to doing our best and doing it together.
Hannelie never does anything without a smile on her face and a song in her heart. She has a special gift of lifting spirits and inspiring us forward even on the darkest of days. For all of these reasons and many more that I've certainly left out we are honored to name her our Dugmore's Yorkie Rescuer of the year 2020.
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
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Lynn Garcia, accepting her YTNR Angel award outside, during the second Oregon Covid precautionary “freeze”. Lynn, thank you so much for being such a kind and compassionate person, and for opening your heart and arms to Yorkies in need. We appreciate your time and the hard work you put into supporting YTNR.
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Celebrating an animal superhero, Corrine Ellison |
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Sometimes we meet that truly stunning person, who stands out from the crowd and captures our imagination. It’s not because of what they say - but because of what they do. How they treat others, and how they support others - never taking the honor for themselves. At Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue we have all met her - Corrine Ellison.
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Corrine joined YTNR more than two decades ago and was elected to the Board over 17 years ago. Throughout her years with our organization, she was always available to everyone in need of support or help - while doing amazing rescue work for the little dogs who needed her and us. She became our Vice President of Rescue Operations, and amongst the many services she poured her heart into, she fostered Yorkies, managed volunteers, monitored medical needs and expenses for animals, created a “work of art” clothing line to support YTNR, and assisted in creating an extensive database through which she tracked our intakes, medical needs, expenses, and placements.
Corrine’s volunteer position, and the hours she put into it, resembled full time employment as she coordinated rescue services and volunteers across many states. As a natural and dedicated leader, she guided us with kindness, patience and humility. She tenderheartedly fostered over two hundred and fifty dogs, and gently nursed some very ill and compromised animals back to health - always putting their needs first. She never took a step back, not even when her life partner Stan was terminally ill and passed. She remained focused on the mission of rescue, and passionate about the goals of YTNR.
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Corrine and Stan
At the end of an amazing career as a volunteer, foster mother, YTNR states director, Board member and VP of Rescue Operations, we celebrate you Corrine. A feisty and outspoken lady, yet tenderhearted and kind, a hardworking and caring volunteer without bounds, yet able to make difficult decisions - all while leading with gentleness and humility. You have been truly influential in the history of our rescue. You have touched the hearts of humans and animals alike - you are a role model and a Yorkie angel.
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Our Board members, volunteers and supporters have learned a great deal from you as we worked alongside you, and were guided by you. You have enriched our lives, while saving the lives of countless Yorkies in need. You are a genuine inspiration, and your kindness, unconditional commitment, compassion and dedication have gained the respect of us all. We all have heavy hearts as we say our good-byes, but wish you the best as you go on to pursue the dreams you put on hold to pour her heart into saving Yorkshire Terriers. You will be dearly missed in the world of rescue - but will remain with us in the world of friendships made through rescue!
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Always stylish and fashionable
We wish you the best in the years to come. May they truly be golden, in resemblance of your heart of gold.
Thank you Corinne.
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For the past ten years, Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue was blessed by the generosity and hard work of Jackie, the kind of volunteer who comes along once in a decade! An animal lover, involved in many causes of rescue to do right by those who cannot fend for themselves, Jackie poured her heart and innovation into YTNR. As the state director for Illinois, she transported, fostered and found homes for countless little dogs in need of a second chance. |
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Picking up a new doggie flown over by Eva, another volunteer.
Jackie also adopted some of the senior and compromised dogs that may never have found another loving home. She organized friends and other volunteers, fundraised for us, and represented us at local events, where she introduced the public to our cause, and created revenue for our rescue through articles crafted, gathered and sold by supporters she brought together. Jackie has been a star on our horizon, and we wish her luck as her goodwill and kindness keep shining on those around her - both human and animal.
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Jackie and fellow volunteers at a local fundraiser for YTNR
Jackie, thank you! We are grateful for the generous contribution of your time, energy, and love, as well as the financial support you provided YTNR over the years. You are loved and will be missed!
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Jackie and her husband, Jerry
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Furbabies in need of donations |
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Hi Everyone,
Adonis and Sunray came to us in deplorable condition and we have been taking care of their medical needs as quickly as possible. These two sweet little boys have been through a lot and are now ready to have their dentals and neutering done, Their teeth were so bad that there was hair wrapped around their teeth so it looked and smelled like something putrid was growing in their mouth. Their hair was so badly matted down to their skin that the groomer had to cut them all the way down. We desperately need help with their medical expenses which are now over $1000 each on them. Any donation large or small will help us get these two ready for their forever homes.
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Our PayPal address is YTNR@bellsouth.net.
Or mail a check to
YTNR
1065 Lewis Rd
Chapmansboro, TN 37035.
Thank you for all your help and support. We couldn’t do this work without you.
love…
MaryElizabeth
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DJ is a very lucky boy
who found his Pawsome Furever home!
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
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Thank you for opening your hearts and homes for these
precious rescues and for making their dreams come true!
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Piper died Sunday morning about 11:45 a.m. in my arms. Even now, I can hardly write this email. He was only down and out for a couple of days. He was playing with his toys, eating, drinking and bossing everyone around. I had him for almost an extra two years with the cancer vet in Santa Fe.
Life is different around here without him, he was one of a kind. We sure miss him.
Love from a very sad and tearful yorkie mom,
Ronnie
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Rowdy
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Little Rowdy found his daddy over 13 years ago, after he was relinquished by a breeder who was no longer able to care for her animals, and faced abuse charges. His first year and a half with her was tough, living in an X-pen, in his own excrement, and without any socialization. He ate his own feces, and didn’t really know human touch. It took over a year of bathing and tooth brushing the get the smell of decay and the stench out of his little Silky mouth. It took him many years to learn to trust humans.
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Rowdy’s first Thanksgiving celebration in 2007 |
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During the first weeks his daddy had to catch him to take him to work, and he wouldn’t mingle with anyone. For years he ran from most, or bit them when they caught up with him. He slowly made adjustments, grew accustomed to some people, and grew to love others. At the office he chose a favorite few to interact with, but tried to bite the delivery person and mail person. At home he did pretty much the same – and would specifically try to bite anyone leaving him. He even bit some of his four legged siblings – but also loved them. Palemon, his Ridgeback brother, became his protector. Caroline, in her younger years, taught him to play a little, and LeeLee, his disastrously active little sister, who can’t take no for an answer, crawled into his heart and onto his bed. Suzanne stayed out of his way unless he got snacks.
Over the years, Rowdy grew older, quieter, and sweeter. He started biting less and socializing more. Throughout it all, he steadfastly remained in utter awe of his daddy who saved him and loved him to pieces. He also grew to accept others, and live his old age less anxiously.
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Rowdy at age 8
Then we heard the occasional cough. Being used to collapsing trachea in so many of our Yorkies, we took him to his veterinarian to evaluate his symptoms. His trachea wasn’t collapsing. On September 4 he received a preliminary diagnosis of metastatic lung cancer – white dots covering the X-rays of his lungs. Metastatic lung cancer is a cancer which started off in another part of his body, and spread to his lungs. He met with an internist shortly after, and according to his ultrasound on September 10, the cancer originated between his stomach, spleen and left kidney, a sarcoma of possible splenetic or adrenal origin – leiomyosarcoma.
As so many doggies before him, he did not show symptoms – it is a cancer often found by radiographs, ultrasounds or other tests, and before the original cancer is discovered. Metastatic lung cancer cannot be cured with current treatments, and a doggie’s typical lifespan is 2-4 months. In some cases treatment could prolong life, and ease symptoms. We chose to do chemotherapy for Rowdy, starting September 22, since most dogs tolerate it well. We hoped it could provide him some quality through this last stage of his life and increase his comfort. He saw his oncologist every three weeks for two chemotherapy sessions, and a week after chemo for bloodwork, until it was discontinued due to its inability to help manage his cancer. He remained in treatment with his own veterinarians at our local clinic, where he was also being treated for Cushings. They have been his guardian angels.
At home we gathered a little pharmacy of medications – for cough, vomiting, diarrhea, pain, and anxiety. We kept a diary of his symptoms, and specifically his breathing (resting respiratory rate), and logged them every few days in order to not miss small changes. The typical concerns we looked out for were increased coughing, increased breathing rate and belly breathing (increased respiratory effort), weight loss, lethargy, weakness, exercise intolerance and loss of appetite. We started noticing them all, as well as chronic diarrhea – but he still breathed easily enough, and enjoyed cuddles and some foods, and still had some quality of life. He spent his last weeks shadowing his daddy and his forever protector.
Our little boy has been blessed with supportive friends who enquired about him and loved him, and with a great team of veterinarians and specialists who worked with him on his comfort and care. He had bad days, but many good days too. He continued to struggle defiantly with an untreatable disease, and got up every morning to a special treat and a home cooked meal. His daddy stood rock steady behind him, his mommy and his siblings surrounding him with love – and a whole community rooted for a little more quality of life for a doggie who had come such a long way.
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Daddy’s little angel
Rowdy fought hard for a little bit more time to love and be loved. Then his breathing pattern changed and his breathing started coming increasingly from his belly, because of all the debris from the metastasis in his lungs. With the help of our veterinarian, we recognized it was time to allow him to be at peace. On December 1 a local euthanization service allowed him to say his final goodbyes and pass surrounded by love in his own home.
We will be forever thankful to all who allowed Rowdy to have the best life we could give him, and be the best doggie he could be - from the rescue who saved him, to the daddy who tamed him, to the vets who healed him and managed his issues and eventually end of life care. We are thankful for his babysitter who cared for him when we went on trips, his groomer who dolled him up, even when he was hard to manage, and the compassionate service who came to euthanize him at home.
Love you always little Rowdy. Give your little doggie sibling angels a kiss form mommy and daddy - and run free of pain and ailment until we meet you all again.
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"It is eerily terrifying that there is no sound when a heart breaks.
Car accidents end with a bang, falling ends with a thud, even writing makes the scratching sound of pencil against paper. But the sound of a heart breaking is completely silent. Almost as though no one, not even the universe itself could create a sound for such devastation. Almost as though silence is the only way the universe could pay its respect to the sound of a heart falling apart."
- Nikita Gill, The Sound of Heartbreak
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Volunteers are from all walks of life: men and women, single professionals, married couples, retirees, business owners and just plain folks.
We need them in every State to help us foster and take care of the yorkies needing our help.
Volunteers are Yorkie-owners and Yorkie lovers whose passion for the breed extends into an active desire to serve and help the breed through rescue efforts.
No experience required to join us, we have State Directors and Helpers to walk you through the guidelines necessary to get a dog ready for its forever home. If this sounds like you, please fill out an application and we will add you to our YorkieSpice list of volunteers and supporters that will help and support you.
(Please click on the picture above to be taken to the volunteer application).
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
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We received some lovely donations to help us raise funds for our little dogs.
Please browse our latest listings.
Check back often as we are adding more things as we get pictures and descriptions.
Thank you for supporting our rescue efforts.
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We would Love your support! |
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Just click on the above image and you will be ready to shop
♥ Yorkies across U.S. will Thank You, as will YTNR ♥
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Special Thanks to this month's Donors |
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Thank You to the Many Wonderful & Generous November Contributors
General Fund
Karen Roff in memory of PeeWee
Antoinette Lowery
Kendra Beale
Rebecca Shaw
Jean Hudson
Loretta Frank
Joan Callahan Bernardo in memory of Zinho & Dixie
Joan McKenzie
Yorkie Angel Donors *
Sandra Flolo*
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*
Linda Connor*
* monthly donor
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.
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Supermodel Athena Maria Aphrodite
The Goddess of Wisdom and Love.....
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Whatever is beautiful.
Whatever is meaningful.
Whatever brings you happiness.
May it be yours this Christmas holidays
and throughout the coming year.
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Many Thanks to Lifeline4Paws |
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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.
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