Newsletter for Yorkie Rescue
"A dog is not a thing. A thing is replaceable. A dog is not.
A thing is disposable. A dog is not. A thing doesn't have a heart. A dog's heart is bigger than any "thing" you can ever own."
~
Elizabeth Parker
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Quick Links
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Editor
MaryElizabeth Dugmore
Technical Editors
Amalia Spaulding
Laura Morrisey
Contributors
Hannelie Vermeulen
Perpetua Phillips
Patricia Kushnir
Athena Maria Dugmore
Neeko S. Spaulding
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A LETTER FROM YOUR NEWLY ADOPTED DOG
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Once I was homeless and alone. Now we found each other, and we are family. We're new to each other, and everything is new to me. It's a big adjustment and we have much to learn together. It's going to be an adventure!
There was a time in my life I had a home, and I was loved. For some entering rescue with me, there were long periods, or all of their lives, that they did not have a personal home, when they were not loved, or when they were neglected or abused. Some may have been breeding dogs in uncaring or inhumane circumstances, dogs kenneled for extended periods, outdoor dogs, or dogs never trained. Only a few of us have known the love that made us feel secure. For many of us there were scary times, where our future was uncertain, when we didn't know how long our thirst or hunger would last, how long we would be confined, how long we would be left out in the cold or heat, or if we would ever be loved. For those of us lost, we never knew if we would be found, and the world became a scary place.
Please be patient with us as we adjust. We want to be good, we want to please you, and we want to be loved, but we don't yet know what to expect, or what is expected of us.
Some of us may run into your arms if you invite us, we know how good it feels to be held or hugged. Others of us have never known a kind hand, and may retreat at first, or even try to defend ourselves if you reach out unexpectedly, or too fast. Please give us time to learn about love - we so want to be your special little dog. We so want to be cherished.
Some of us are potty trained, some never knew about the concept, because we lived our lives confined, or outdoors, or in hoarding situations. Please don't lose interest in us if we are not potty trained yet, and please don't let house trained be your main criteria for adoption. Although Yorkies can be hard to potty train, we all are willing to try - we may just need a little patience, guidance, and positive feedback when we do it right.
Some of us have known laps and soft beds, others used to sleep in corners or cages, on cold concrete, or somewhere outside, so allow those of us to adjust to the luxury of an own bed in a wide-open space of our own. It may take us a little time to feel at home in the lovely bed you bought us, or to feel secure enough to cuddle up in your lap - but we're all in for a marathon when we get adopted. We don't want to let you down, please just give us a little time to learn how to trust you - because we already love you, some of us are just struggling to show you how much.
Some of us were cared for well, others of us had limited or no care, leading to acute or chronic illnesses. A common issue is poor dental care leading to tooth decay and other infections that can ravage our bodies. Some dogs' teeth were so painful that they struggled to eat, even when they did have food. The lucky ones of us had dentals and our mouths feel good. We have manners and we eat our food slowly. But some of us never knew when we were going to be fed, or where our next meal would come from. Don't let it scare you when we gobble the food down now, grab the treats from your hands, become possessive, try to steal from your plate, or look hesitant to touch the food. We will learn that we now get food on a consistent basis, and with your help and a regular schedule, we will slowly adjust our ways. Our "table" manners will improve with time. Meal times will become less frantic, calmer, and more fun to spend together. Please commit to providing us with guidance and the lifelong medical and emotional care needed to keep us healthy, comfy and secure.
In a loving environment we will grow together with you, because we are family. We will become your best friend, your loving dog, your fierce protector, and your shadow that will follow you to the ends of the earth. Be patient if some of us face some separation anxiety when you leave us alone for a little. We may be crying or become anxious, but it's because we are afraid of losing the family we just built together. You may know we are a lifetime commitment, but some of us faced adversity before, and are afraid of being alone again. If our anxiety does not diminish or abate with time, there are options, such as continued structure and reassurance, training, herbal remedies, or medications that could help ease our fear of losing you - please consult our veterinarian, so we can overcome our anxiety and live a happy ever after with you.
Above all, please just give us the courtesy period to adjust and learn, and lovingly guide us through the challenging parts. You saved us, we are now furever family. We will be you forever thankful, and we will always love you.
You gave me a second chance. You are my hero.
With love,
Your new furry family member
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Fundraiser for our little Rescues ♥
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WHO LIKES TO COLOR?
WE ARE HAVING A FUNDRAISER FOR OUR LITTLE RESCUES ♥
Take a look at this beautiful coloring book dedicated to Smoky who was found on the WWII battlefield and came to be a very famous veteran of the War.
There are drawings done by professional artists and also by children who love to draw. Here are some of the pictures that are in the book
The price of the coloring book is $10.00 plus $2.50 shipping total $12.50. Not only do you have a beautiful coloring book that all ages will enjoy, you are helping YTNR save more little souls that need help.
Please send a check to:
YTNR
1065 Lewis Road
Chapmansboro, Tennessee 37035
Hope you all enjoy the book and Thank you for your support!
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Happy Endings
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Sweet Beatrice and Violet have been adopted
by a lovely lady
who has adopted from YTNR before.
They will be loved unconditionally for the rest of their days.
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Beautiful Bette has been adopted
by a loving lady who was a volunteer for YTNR.
She was so happy to get Bette in her arms. Bette is a very lucky girl.
Thank you for opening your hearts and homes for these
precious rescues and for making their dreams come true!
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Looking for a Furever Home
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Bentley/Pogo
Hi everyone! You may remember Pogo who is now Bentley, from last summer. He was adopted by a wonderful lady and her son. They both adored Pogo/Bentley and he adored them. Do to unforeseen circumstances, Pogo/Bentley has been returned to YTNR; believe me it was not because he was not loved or wanted. His owners are very upset that they had to return him. He is about 2 - 2 ½ years old and weighs about 13 pounds. Pogo/Bentley, if you remember, does not have good use of his back legs.
So sadly, we are looking for a new home for him. He is a very sweet boy who loves car rides. Crazy about going for walks and running around in the yard. He can be like a little clown at times keeping you entertained. Pogo/Bentley has a wheel cart and loves tooling around in it. Please know that he can be protective of his person. He is a special boy looking for a special family. Seeking a home without small children; gets along with other dogs. His new foster parent says that he is doing very well in their home and will cuddle in his lap with his foster siblings. Because of the issue with his back legs, he does have accidents in the house but he goes pottying outside also. He is neutered, has had his vaccines and is microchipped.
So if you have it in your heart to adopt Pogo/Bentley and the time to give him the love he deserves, please add his name to the application when filling it out. You will not be sorry!
Adoption Donation $500
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Special Thanks to this month's Donors
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Thank You to the Many Wonderful & Generous February
General Fund
Pieter Vermeulen in memory of Andy
Barbara Lhota & Lisa Herceg supporting a wonderful organization
Steve Martini in memory of Olive
Christine Seitzinger
Karen Roff in memory of PeeWee
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**
Roz Carella*
Paula Scott*
Lisa Ellison*
Julie Gedro*
Patricia Johnson*
Paula Fonseca*
* 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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We would Love your support!
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Just click on the image above and you will be ready to shop
♥ Yorkies across U.S. will Thank You, as will YTNR ♥
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Supermodel Athena Maria Aphrodite
The Goddess of Wisdom and Love.....
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A 3-Step Approach to Help Your Storm-Phobic Dog
1. Create a safe spot - This is a place in your home your dog can retreat to at the first sign of a storm (whether you're home or not). This spot should be located in an interior room with few or no windows, so she'll be shielded from hearing and seeing the worst of the storm. Providing a
grounding mat in this environment can also help.
You may want to place a crate in the safe room, along with bedding, water, treats and a toy or two. Leave the lights on and consider playing calming music or leaving a TV on to muffle the sounds of the storm. It's a good idea to spend time in the safe room with your dog when it's not storming outside. Play with her so she'll think of the spot as a happy place. For some dogs, having access to a safe spot at all times will be enough to help them weather the storm.
2. Consider behavioral interventions - Some dogs will require the help of a positive trainer or
behaviorist to overcome a thunderstorm phobia, especially if the situation is becoming progressively worse. However, you may be able to try some things on your own as well.
One option is distraction using a reward. A training session when the skies turn dark may be a perfect way to take your dog's mind off the weather. Ask him to perform commands or tricks he knows and reward him for following your commands. Even a series of basic tasks, such as sits and downs, can be enough to take his mind off the weather outside.
You can also try distraction using a fun game, treat-release toy or recreational bone to chew on. Nose work can also be effective. Use your dog's natural senses to divert his attention or have fun with Dr. Sophia Yin's
Treat&Train.
Unfortunately, if your dog's thunderstorm phobia is intense, you may not be able to consistently soothe him with food rewards or other distractions. In this case, you may want to try desensitization, which involves exposing him to the stimuli in order to sort of "immunize" him to the sounds of thunderstorms.
You can use a CD with recorded storm sounds during times of the year when real storms are unlikely. Desensitization should be done in each room of the house, because a new coping skill learned in the living room will probably be forgotten in the kitchen. But keep in mind there are several aspects of storms (e.g., lightning, changes in barometric pressure, static electricity) that don't lend themselves to desensitization.
Counterconditioning is another option. It involves consistently and repeatedly pairing a negative trigger with a positive one until your dog makes a positive association. For example, each time your dog hears a thunderclap, offer him a treat. The goal is to condition him to associate a treat with the sound of thunder.
3. Use natural anti-anxiety, calming remedies - If you're in the midst of a thunderstorm watch or warning and you know your dog is going to panic, there are several options that may help her calm down:
~ Ttouch is a specific massage technique that can help anxious pets. You can also consider trying Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) to help your four-legged companion.
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~ An anxiety wrap made from an
ace bandage (or a commercially available coat for stress).
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~ An
Adaptil pheromone diffuser. Pheromones are chemical substances that can positively affect an animal's emotional state and behavior. CBD oil may also help.
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~ Consult a holistic veterinarian about homeopathic, TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and Bach Flower Remedies that may be beneficial in alleviating your dog's fear.
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~ Products I use (always in conjunction with behavioral interventions) include Calm Shen, homeopathic aconitum or
Hyland's Calms Forte,
Rescue Remedy, or other similar remedies depending on your pet's symptoms. Applied Zoopharmacognosy can also be beneficial.
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~ Calming nutraceuticals and herbs that I've found helpful include holy basil (Tulsi), valerian, l-theanine, rhodiola, ashwagandha, GABA, 5-HTP and chamomile. Consult your holistic vet about which option is right for your pet.
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Neeko's Joke
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Three sons left home, went out on their own and prospered. Getting back together, they discussed the gifts they were able to give their elderly Mother. The first said, "I built a big house for our Mother." The second said, "I sent her a Mercedes with a driver." The third smiled and said, "I've got you both beat. You remember how Mom enjoyed reading the Bible? And you know she can't see very well any more. I sent her a remarkable parrot that recites the entire Bible. It took Elders in the church 12 years to teach him. He's one of a kind. Mama just has to name the chapter and verse, and the parrot recites it."
Soon thereafter, Mom sent out her letters of thanks, "Milton," she wrote one son, "the house you built is so huge. I live in only one room, but I have to clean the whole house." "Gerald," she wrote to another, "I am too old to travel any more. My eyesight isn't what it used to be. I stay most of the time at home, so I rarely use the Mercedes. And the driver is so rude!" "Dearest Donald," she wrote to her third son, "you have the good sense to know what your Mother likes. The chicken was delicious!"
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Wishing you All a Pawsome Spring ♥
Neeko S. Spaulding ♥
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Many Thanks to Lifeline4Paws
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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.
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