Newsletter for Yorkie Rescue
"
In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn't merely try to train him to be semi human. The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog.
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~
Edward Hoagland
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Quick Links
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Editor
MaryElizabeth Dugmore
Technical Editors
Amalia Spaulding
Laura Morrisey
Contributors
MaryElizabeth Dugmore
Hannelie Vermeulen
Rubi Sullivan
Athena Maria Dugmore
Neeko S. Spaulding
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Autumn wishes by MaryElizabeth Dugmore
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September arrived, signaling a soft glowing end to the long Summer days. Soon it will be the start of Fall, that will surround us with beautiful colors as we ease into the short days and cold weather of Winter. If you're a parent or grandparent to school age children, you suddenly have more time on your hands. Time to organize, and time to get ready for the holidays that are just around the corner.
As you gear up for the holidays, please consider adding us to your list of preferred charities. Help us provide a cushion for the care of the little homeless dogs we will house over the months to come - while working on finding them forever homes. While you organize your home, ready your closets for a change in weather, or your home for a change in decoration, please consider a garage sale in honor of these feisty little survivors and  to YTNR to help give them a fresh start. You may also want to consider a little lapdog to keep you extra warm, by checking out our available little fosters.
Soon the evenings will be drawing longer and colder, and the fireplace or the electric blanket will beckon us. We hope the weather will inspire your artistic side, and that you will consider crafting items to help defray the cost of a new beginning for our new little fosters coming in. We are always open to any donation, and always in need of such, since we depend on the charity of our supporters to continue the care our rescue provides. We do not receive any funding, other than that of the animal lovers who support our cause. We are always thankful for the fellow Yorkie lovers who engage in the support of this feisty breed of terriers. We also enjoy the inspiration they provide artists, and currently have lovely Yorkie themed Christmas cards for sale. Cash in early to get your stash ready to be mailed off in time - $10 for 10.
Our lovely Christmas cards
Most of all, we hope you all enjoyed a lovely summer, and are ready for more temperate weather as we grow deeper into the sapphire month. We hope you enjoyed the 125th anniversary of Labor Day and were able to celebrate or barbecue with friends or family, as the leaves started falling (and sticking to the long coats of your pretty Yorkies).
May the happy memories of summer be represented in the blooming little forget-me-nots, one of the three September birth flowers, as you enter the colder months. May the love we have for our family, friends and animals, be represented by all three the September birth flowers, to include the asters (on many of our porches right now), the morning glories and the forget-me-nots! Take care of yourself in the process, pamper yourself a little, and extend that pampering to your furry family members. Get some ideas in this month's article on massage, written by Portland OR based animal massage therapist, Rubi Sullivan.
Asters complimented by a Yorkie
Most of all, enjoy time together with your loved ones, your favorite books, your favorite hobbies, your favorite (maybe YTNR) coloring book ($12.50), and your favorite TV shows.
Our very own coloring book
Thank you for being a part of the extended Yorkie loving family we have fostered at YTNR!
With Love
MaryElizabeth Dugmore
President and Founder, YTNR
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heal animal massage therapy by Rubi Sullivan
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Rubi Sullivan, csamp
Massage is a great way to keep your pet healthy and happy. It can be a beneficial maintenance treatment, as well as relaxing and pain relieving for them. Below are a couple of massage techniques to try out, but there are many more out there. These strokes are beneficial for maintenance, circulation, relaxation, and soothing tight muscles and fascia.
Benefits of massage include:
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Relieves inflammation and joint pain
- Strengthens atrophied and weak muscles
- Increases range of motion
- Strengthens the immune system
- Enhances the health and nourishment of the skin and coat
Where and when animal massage was first introduced is up for debate, although we do know that racehorse grooms in England were massaging horses centuries ago. There are also records of horses being prepared for wars using acupuncture and massage. Europeans have been using massage on animals longer than North Americans, and one of the most recognized figures in animal massage is Jack Meagher. He is known as the "Father of Equine Massage" and has published several books on human and animal massage. Canine massage was introduced much later and has gained popularity in the last several decades, and now is the most rapidly growing segment of the massage industry. Most animal massage is modeled after the Swedish Massage, although there are now many specialties such as Sports Massage, Rehabilitation Massage, Shiatsu, Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Aquatic Massage.
Things to keep in mind while massaging your pet:
- Posture-If you are comfortable your pet will feel more comfortable
- Breathing-Make sure to keep a steady breath, and don't hold your breath
- Speed and pressure of the strokes-You can vary these depending on the effect you want out of the stroke, as well as the area you're treating
- What to expect after a massage session-Depending on the strokes used and the personality of the animal you can expect to see them sleep better or become more active
EFFLEURAGE:
Effleurage is the use of your flat hand over the skin and muscle using light pressure. It's a good technique for initiating touch and calming the tissues. Effleurage is also used to effect the fluid dynamics at a superficial level (gets the fascia/tissues warmed up and fluid circulating just under the skin). It is one of the most used strokes in animal massage therapy.
*example and exercise...
Try using Effleurage on different parts of your body. Increase the speed and see what happens. Now change the pressure. All of these feelings you notice on yourself also affect your pet. This is a good stroke to use on both cats and dogs.
Eubu's foster dad learning Effleurage from a workshop by Rubi
TAPPING (A form of Tapotement):
Tapping involves the drumming of your fingers on a specific area of the body. Tapotement is a gentle, percussive stroke that stimulates atrophied, as well as healthy, muscles. Tapping is an effective technique when it is necessary to get your pet's attention or in combination with other strokes. Tapotement engages the central nervous system. Some pets find it stimulating while others find it sedating. Put your fingertips down and tap each fingertip individually, like drops of rain.
*example and exercise...
Try tapping on your own forehead and cheeks. Notice how it makes you feel. Now change the pace of the tapping and feel the difference. Is it relaxing or stimulating for you? Now try it on your pet. Does it make them feel relaxed or stimulated? This is a good stroke to use on both cats and dogs.
Eubu enjoying her foster dad learning Tapping from a workshop by Rubi
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why choose massage for my four-legged friend?
Massage is a gentle and non-invasive therapy that most pets respond positively to. Massage is great for hard-to-reach areas such as the joints and deeper muscle tissues. Since massage is a gentle treatment, it's soothing and relieving effects are welcomed by the pet. Some common reasons (but not all) to consider massage for your pet would be: arthritis pain, geriatric care, inflammation reduction, mobility and gait issues, muscle tightness, relaxation, boredom, and overall health maintenance.
Rubi massaging an older blind Yorkie at a charity event
What are my qualifications?
My qualifications include certification through the Northwest School of Animal Massage
in Maintenance and Rehabilitation Massage Therapy, instructor with the Northwest School of Animal Massage, featured in Portland Monthly as the 'best Animal Massage Therapist'
in Portland, Spot Magazine's "
Top Dog" first place winner for holistic wellness, three years of prior veterinary technician duties, and member of the International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork.
Is massage good for pre and post-surgical animals?
Massage protocol will differ depending on the surgery. Before surgery, massage helps boost immune function and stabilize circulation for being under anesthesia. It is a good idea to begin post-surgical massage soon after surgery. The time frame for post-surgical massage varies depending on the surgery. I work closely with the surgeon to determine the proper time for massage. Massage not only helps flush the anesthesia from their body, but also increases blood and nutrient flow, which speeds up post- surgical recovery time. Massage is also beneficial for helping the scar tissue form properly as well as help with range of motion.
Is massage good for my young, active pets?
Absolutely! This is the best time to introduce your little bundle of joy to massage. Young dogs and cats are still developing their immune system, and massage is great for encouraging its growth and strength. This is also a good age to create a hands-on bond with your pet and to teach them how to relax and enjoy life.
Is massage good for boarding pets?
Massage is especially beneficial for boarding pets! Being away from home can be stressful for your four-legged friend. Massage is great for increasing their circulation, decreasing boredom or depression, and provides positive hands-on interactions while they're away from their home.
Do I use different techniques for different animals or conditions?
Each patient is unique, so the techniques I use will vary. I tailor each session to address the specific needs of your pet, as well as their certain likes and dislikes.
Are there any side effects of massage?
Your pet experiences massage much the same way humans do. Because massage can be stimulating your pet may be thirsty and need to use the bathroom after a session. They may also be slightly sore for 24 hours following a session. If you notice that your pet is slightly sore this should subside shortly, leaving them feeling rejuvenated and relaxed. This occurs because massage releases and flushes out stagnant fluids in their system, bringing fresh, healthy fluids to nourish their tissues.
Do I specialize in anything in particular?
My specialties include massage therapy for surgical and arthritic pets. My training includes Swedish Massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Massage for Inflammation, and Circulatory Massage.
Do I work with cats?
Absolutely! Cat's typically don't get as tight and stiff as dogs, but some cats definitely find their way to the veterinary hospital with aches and pains, just like their other four-legged friends. Sometimes cat clients take a little longer to warm up to the idea, but massage is definitely beneficial for them. Also, a cat's sense of touch is higher than a dog's, so the pressure will be different between the two.
Should I clear animal massage with my veterinarian first?
The Veterinary Examining Board of Oregon requires that all Animal Massage Practitioners get a referral form filled out by a veterinarian. I take care of these requirements by sending my own form to your veterinarian for them to fill out.
For any further questions or information, feel free to contact me at
rubi@healnw.com.
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Fundraiser for our little Rescues ♥
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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
Walt Colton, an Arizona based artist, and one of our supporters, knows just how to draw and color a Yorkie. You may have noticed some of his pictures in our newsletters in the past. He loves to play with color, as much as he loves to play with his dogs! He drew some of the art in our coloring book, and we're placing some pictures below to encourage you to wake up the artist inside of you too.
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!
or click on
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!
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Happy Endings
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Sweet Dream coming home to her new furever family ♥
Her new sister, Daisy, trying to give her a kiss
to tell her how much she really likes her!
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
CONGRATULATIONS TO DAN IGLESIAS AND AMELIA!
Amelia has found her forever home.
Eva Ortiz our wonderful volunteer drove with her friend Dan, from Georgia to Knoxville Tennessee
to adopt this little bundle of love. We wish you both a lifetime of happiness.
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Lola in her new home
Little Eubu has been adopted!
Little Eubu from Oregon, initially a little Washingtonian, has been adopted by her new mommy, who just adores her! Thank you Elaine for opening your heart and your home to this sweet little girl, loved by so many of us whose paths she has crossed. Little Boo, we wish you health, happiness and love, and we'll all keep in contact and vie to babysit you.
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Bella with her new Mommy, Bobbie ♥
Look at those beautiful smiles ♥
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Ebony has been adopted! Yay!!!
Hi Corrine! I'm happy to report that Ebony has been doing great! He's able to navigate the living room and kitchen much better. He has been such a little explorer. He has discovered Gracie's favorite spot by the back door where the sun shines in and heats the floor. He can also watch all the pool shenanigans in this spot ;) Gracie's still having a hard time adjusting, but we are hopeful she will get there with time. He's still getting used to his cart, but getting better each time he's in it!
Amber
Precious Ebony in his new Furever home ♥
Our hearts are filled with so much joy seeing how much he is loved and to know that he will live a very happy life with his new family. Blessings to them All!
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
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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Little Lexy is a 4 lb 5 y/o Yorkie-Maltese mix. She loves people and loves other dogs. She can even sit in command!
She will be up for adoption as soon as the veterinarian had a look at her, and her little teeth are sparkling white again.
She will be a lovely addition to a household with a stay at home parent. She gets a little anxious when left alone when long periods, and needs reminders to go outside to potty - but does well overall. Oh, and she loves to be right next to you!
Lexy is just a darling!!! Get your application forms filled out, she's going to steal hearts near and far.
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Recycling with a cause
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Attention all Yorkie lovers!
Please consider adding your household to the recycling crew of Oregon. We're a group of friends at work, who all love dogs, (and several share our homes with Yorkies). We gather our cans at home and work, and then recycle them to benefit the little dogs surrendered to YTNR. We hope to reach a goal of $200 this year. Anyone up for trying to beat us?
Caroline (our recycling queen)'s family will donate an additional $50 for every state beating us by the end of the year.
Here's to cans and bottles for Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue!!!
A group of my mommy's friends have been recycling their cans in our green state of Oregon. At 10 cents a piece, we just collected $150 towards the care of other little rescues like me.
With lots of thank you's and doggie kisses,
♥ Caroline, your recycling queen ♥
I woke up dreaming of a better life for other rescues too.
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Special Thanks to this month's Donors
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Thank You to the Many Wonderful & Generous August
General Fund
Kara Prem
Beverly Hooks
Jackie Wolfe
Karen Roff
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*
Paula Scott*
Lisa Ellison*
Julie Gedro*
Patricia Johnson*
Jessica Damisch*
Paula Fonseca*
Sandra Grumbein*
Carrie Unger*
* 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 above image 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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How your dog's personality changes with age
8 age-related behavior changes to watch for in your dog
Most pet parents recognize that their dog will change physically as he ages, but many aren't prepared for the behavior changes that can also occur.
You should discuss any changes in your pet's normal behavior with your veterinarian, because animals often express underlying physical problems through a behavior change. For example, a painful hip or back can result in one or more of the behaviors listed below.
1. Anxiety - Dogs who are anxiety-prone as youngsters and adults (for example, those with noise phobias or separation anxiety) often become more so as they age.
Positive reinforcement behavior training may be helpful in curbing anxiety-related behavior in your dog, and it certainly can't hurt as long as you don't get too focused on results.
It's important to realize that just as you've dealt with some level of anxiety in your pet for years, you should expect and plan for amplification of those issues as she ages, but fun and social classes (including
nosework) are a great way to help manage anxiety-based behaviors and build trust. CBD, St. John's Wort and 5-THP may also benefits anxiety-prone dogs, in addition environmental management.
2. Hypersensitivity, fears and phobias - If your senior pet has deteriorating vision or hearing, even his own home can become a frightening place. Pets thrive on routine and consistency, and this goes double for aging companions who are having trouble navigating even familiar terrain.
It's important at this stage of your dog's life to keep his environment consistent. Don't arbitrarily move his food or water bowl, his crate, his bed or his toys. Try to avoid rearranging the furniture in your home. Mealtimes and potty walks should be consistent from one day to the next, as well as exercise and play time.
If your dog is becoming more sensitive to normal household or neighborhood sounds, play background music or keep the TV on to mask noises. Ashwagandha can be beneficial for hypersensitive dogs, if given regularly.
3. Vocalizing - Excessive vocalizing is more common in older cats than dogs, but if your dog is growing more "talkative," it can be unsettling because as her guardian, you want desperately to understand what she needs from you. An increase in vocalizing can be caused by the disorientation that comes with a
decline in cognitive function. It can also mean your dog isn't hearing things as well as she once did, or that she's in pain.
If your veterinarian has ruled out an underlying medical condition, try training your dog to respond to a gentle verbal cue such as "Quiet" or "Shhh", and reward her lavishly for her efforts.
However, keep in mind it's possible she doesn't realize she's making noise, in which case she's not likely to learn a verbal command to be quiet. If that's the case, you'll just need to distract her when she vocalizes by speaking quietly and reassuringly to her.
4. Nighttime restlessness - Some older dogs develop a problem sleeping through the night. Age-related issues that can cause this change include loss of vision or hearing that affects sleep quality, the need to relieve himself more often or an increased response to noises that never bothered him before.
All dogs, including senior and geriatric pets, need age- and condition-appropriate exercise each day. If your dog gets some exercise already, try increasing the time he spends playing or
taking walks. If he doesn't get much exercise, start safely increasing his daily activity level. The goal is to tire him out physically, so he'll be more likely to sleep at night.
If your dog needs midnight trips outside to relieve himself but is otherwise healthy (as confirmed by your vet), he may be taking in too much water before bed. Try removing his water bowl after dinner, and ensure he gets an opportunity to relieve himself right before you retire for the night.
Let your dog sleep in your bedroom. Sleeping near his humans should help ease any anxiety that may be contributing to his nighttime restlessness. Melatonin and valerian root can also be very beneficial.
5. Inappropriate elimination - If your older dog seems to have forgotten his housetraining, there are a number of potential causes, none of which involve deliberate disobedience. The first order of business is to make an appointment with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying disease process.
Once that's done, you'll need to investigate other possible causes for inappropriate elimination, including decreased mobility, needing to go more often or less control over his bladder or bowels.
Initial steps you can take to resolve the problem include taking him outside more often to eliminate, and/or introducing/re-introducing him to a crate. It's also important to recognize the difference between
urine dribbling, over which your dog has no control no matter how often he goes outside, and urinating.
6. Compulsive behavior - These are
repetitive behaviors your dog may perform over and over, for no apparent reason. They can include constant licking (usually of a particular body part like a paw), which can result in hot spots. Other behaviors include repetitive tail chasing, spinning, jumping, pacing, "air biting" and staring blankly into space.
If a thorough workup by your veterinarian shows no medical cause for your dog's compulsive behavior, she may be doing it to relieve feelings of anxiety or conflict. One way to try to break the cycle is to simply stop her as soon as she begins the behavior, by speaking calmly to her and petting or massaging her.
If the behavior is potentially dangerous or harmful and you don't feel you can manage it on your own, talk with your integrative veterinarian or a
veterinary behaviorist.
7. Destructiveness - Some dogs become destructive as they age - a situation that can be quite disturbing for family members. You might lose a cherished belonging or two at this stage of your pet's life, or she might turn her destructive urges on herself.
Some older dogs develop pica (eating nonfood objects) for the first time. Others seem driven to lick, suck or chew their own body parts, those of family members or household objects. Digging and scratching can also become a problem. Many of these behaviors can be boredom-based, so maintaining daily environmental enrichment is very important.
Once again, be sure to talk with your veterinarian about any destructive tendencies your dog develops to rule out an underlying physical cause. Meanwhile, you'll want to dog-proof your home and belongings, and ensure your pet has plenty of appropriate
raw bones and chews to gnaw on, but only when you're around to supervise.
8. Aggression - Along with an age-related reduction in hearing, eyesight and sense of smell, your dog may startle more easily, and in some dogs, this can result in
unprovoked aggression. The situation will require some sleuthing on your part, with the help of your veterinarian, to understand the specific causes or triggers of the behavior so a treatment or behavior modification protocol can be implemented.
Enrolling in positive training classes (obedience, nose work, agility, etc.) through the 8-year mark when aggressive behavior potentially peaks is a great way to help keep a dog's interactions with other humans and animals controlled, positive and relationship-oriented.
Significant behavior changes may also require the help of a veterinary behaviorist, and I encourage you to contact one sooner rather than later if your older dog is having episodes of unprovoked aggressive behavior.
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Neeko's Joke
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~ A boy asks his father, "Dad, are bugs good to eat?" "That's disgusting. Don't talk about things like that over dinner," the dad replies. After dinner the father asks, "Now, son, what did you want to ask me?" "Oh, nothing," the boy says. "There was a bug in your soup, but now it's gone."
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Wishing you All a Pawsome Fall!
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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