Dear Reader,

This is our first and quarterly edition of a newsletter dedicated to education, sharing adoption stories, honoring our little furry friends and the volunteers, who care for them. Our rescue mission is to place the dogs that come into our care into quality, lifetime homes. We try really hard not to turn any dog away whether they're strays or a former family pet that must be re-homed.

When you have as many as 100 dogs at a time, there are always needs such as medical, grooming, walking and feeding. If you would like to volunteer for Shih Tzu Rescue, adopt, or sponsor a dog, please contact us. We NEED you.

Excessive veterinary bills over and above the normal expenses of vaccinations, spaying, etc. have strained our resources to the maximum. If you feel you can make a tax deductible donation before the end of the year, please consider Shih Tzu Rescue as part of your end-of-year donation plan.

Sincerely,

Pat Davis
Editor

Why Adopt a Shih Tzu or Other Furry Friend?

Each year hundreds of thousands of puppies are born and sold to pet stores or sold by breeders to people who think they want a dog just because they can afford one. And each year between 8 and 10 million are euthanized in shelters because misguided humans don't understand the responsibility taking care of a little creature entails. After the newness wears off some owners realize they don't really want a dog. That's where we come to the rescue. You can make a difference in a little dog's life and add boundless joy to your own life when you adopt a little Tzu. Although we sometimes get puppies, most dogs are adults. Our dogs are mostly housetrained, have had all their vaccinations, are groomed and given a full dental treatment before they're adopted to an appropriate home. Many dogs have had some basic obedience training and are just waiting for their forever homes.

Some people adopt because they want to help a dog in need. We sometimes rescue Shih Tzus and other small dogs that have medical needs or need a place to live out the remainder of their elderly days. If you would feel good to help one of God's little creatures then maybe Shih Tzu Rescue can place a dog with YOU.

In this issue

• Why adopt
• The holiday dog
• A dog's eye view
• Taking care of pets
• Recognitions

What We've Done

• Dogs adopted to date in 2007:109
• Dogs placed in forever homes: 109
• Dogs currently living in our shelter: 91
• Vet expenses this year alone: $ 63,400.00

At least 50 are seniors and/or special needs dogs that will be difficult to place. They will live out their lives being loved and cared for at our three acre facility in Davie, FL.

Other Needs

• Dog Beds -
  the kind on frames
• Bowls
• Toys
• Dog Food
  (NutroMax mini chunks preferred)
• Dog Treats
• Leashes
• Collars

Pass it on

If you know someone who may be interested in receiving this newsletter, please feel free to forward it to your friends.

The Holiday Dog

During this time of year many parents start thinking of getting a dog for the kids as a holiday gift. A dog is a wonderful complement to a family. But, before you take this big step please consider the amount of time and commitment from the entire family a dog will need. From regular feedings to potty-training, life with a little one is time consuming to say the least. If, after the holidays, you and your family still desire a dog, consider it then, and only when, you've carefully thought about how a little dog should be a lifetime commitment. Many Shih Tzus are considered prime holiday gifts, and that's one way we get them at Shih Tzu Rescue – when they're older and the kids have lost interest and the dog has been neglected. Don't let another holiday dog become a statistic this season. Take the ownership of a Shih Tzu or other small companion animal seriously. If you are convinced a Shih Tzu or other companion animal is right for you and your family consider giving a rescue dog a chance. Although we don't usually encourage families with small children to adopt adult Shih Tzus and the other small dogs we take-in, respectful, older children can make good companions when supervised by adults.

A Dog's Eye View...

Meet Maeve and Shane (adopted December 2005)

We were adopted from Shih Tzu Rescue by Jeff and Pat Davis of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Now that we're in our forever home we have room to romp, roam around (supervised) in the backyard, go for walks, bark at turtles and just hang-out by the pool with our people. When we’re not enjoying the backyard we're curled up in our favorite spot on dog beds they got just for us! "It sure took them a long time to come and get me," says Maeve.

"I love to go for rides in the car. I get so excited when the car keys come out. Oh, and the food’s not too bad here, especially the treats," said Shane.

Taking Care Of Pets

When a disaster strikes, it's a dangerous situation for people AND pets.

• Try to take your pets with you if you leave home during an emergency.
• Plan in advance. Find out which motels or hotels accept pets in an emergency. Or, plan to go to the home of a friend or relative who will allow you to bring your pet.
• Prepare a disaster kit that you can grab as you leave home. The kit should include pet food, medicines, vaccination records, and pet insurance information.
• Make arrangements for a neighbor or nearby friend to take care of your pets in case you get trapped away from home.
• Make sure your pets have identification tags (including rabies and license tags, if applicable.) This may help reunite you with your pets if you get separated. Identification tags should provide your name, home address, a phone number where you can be reached, and an out-of-state phone number of someone with whom you will be in contact during or soon after the disaster/evacuation.
• Have a leash, collar or harness for your pet (cats and dogs) and pet carriers or transport kennels/cages for each pet.

Recognitions

This edition of our inaugural newsletter is dedicated in loving memory to…

Belle, our loving, loyal Lhasa girl. We miss you and know we will see you again in heaven as God's little angel. 14 years was not enough!

Stan and Rebecca Smithe, Miami, FL

Shih Tzu Birthdays

Meet Toby….. Adopted September 2006…

"Toby is such a joy to both Myron and I and every day we thank you for "saving" him, just for us... He is silly, and loving, and sometimes crabby, but we love every single one of his moods... "

Daleanne and Myron Simpson

Your Best Friend

Recognize your best friend in our newsletter or remember him with a dedication by sending in a description of your dog, photo if you have one, and a tax deductible donation to:

Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc.
4474 Weston Road, #175
Davie, FL 33331

or send it e-mail to: ladrando@aol.com