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.

 

 

                                                               

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.

 

 

                                                               

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

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:

 

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:

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

What are my qualifications?

 

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 [email protected].

  

                                                                  

                                               

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

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.

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.

Fill out an Application now! 

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 ♥