Dear loyal readers and dog lovers,

Hurricane season is at its peak. While we were spared the past two years from the ravages of storms like we experienced in 2004 and 2005, we must be prepared to protect ourselves and our beloved companion animals who rely on us for their safety. If you plan to ride out a storm in your residence, make sure that you have at least a two week supply of food, water and medication for you and your companion animals.

If you plan to leave for safer lodging in a hotel or shelter, make sure your companion animal is welcome. Some hotels/motels welcome animals, and it would be prudent to find out which ones will accept you in advance. Remember, shelters don’t take pets.

Your animals would not do well alone at home as is evidenced through one personal experience. One evening, shortly after Hurricane Wilma had devastated much of South Florida in 2005, we were doing an adoption, and as we opened the front door to leave, we discovered on the doorstep a black and white mixed breed dog shivering, terribly frightened and difficult to approach. Upon closer examination we discovered that woven through his matted fur was pool screening. It took approximately an hour to remove enough screening to let him sit comfortably in the car with us to go back to our shelter. One can only imagine what this poor little guy, obviously left alone outside, went through during hurricane Wilma. If you believe in fate, you would have to believe that it was meant for us to do that adoption on that day at that late hour.

Raleigh’s ordeal is just one of too many stories resulting from neglect and indifference. Luckily for him, he is now enjoying his life with his loving family who will always put his safety first.

Love,
Harriet and Eric

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” Ghandi

Recent Fundraiser

Volunteer board member, Stacy Driscoll and husband attended a silent auction fundraiser for Shih Tzu Rescue.

Volunteers unleashed their generosity and saved the day. Thanks to those of you who participated in the silent auction fundraising event in March. We netted approximately $4,000 that was desperately needed to continue our mission. You’re the best!

In this issue

• Fundraisers
• Success Stories
• Why Rescue

Things We Need

• Dog Walkers
• Dog Beds
  (on frames)
  
• Bowls
• Toys
• Dog Food
  (NutroMax mini chunks preferred)
• Dog Treats
• Leashes
• Collars
• Blankets

Ole!

Hosanna Soler – adopted Midge (2007) – organized a successful
Cinco de Mayo fund-raising event as part of her birthday celebration

Pass it on

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

Adoption Success Stories

Baby Jack (foreground) found his forever home with Barbara Bahr. Baby Jack and friend, Desmo, relax at home. What a life!!

Stirling was adopted in 2005 by Tuula Denis of South Miami about 2 years ago, after a beloved 15-year old Maltese boy Pumpuli (Finnish for 'cotton') passed away, leaving a spunky Lhasa Apso girl, Manteli (Finnish name meaning "almond") by herself. Harriet then introduced the family to Sterling. According to Tuula,”It was an instant infatuation on our part, and he has continued to be a great charmer, his tail wagging as soon as you look at him or talk to him.”

Why Rescue?

“I wanted to feel like I am a good person and making a contribution.” We hear that a lot at Shih Tzu Rescue. The truth is you don’t have to adopt a dog to prove you’re a good person.

Waiting for forever homes at Shih Tzu Rescue

Before you make a serious commitment to a pet, there are a few questions you should ask yourself.

• Are you going to be moving any time soon? Moving can be hard on pets and some buildings don’t allow animals.
• Is there enough space in your current house or apartment for an animal? Leaving a large dog in a small apartment all day isn’t a good idea—big dogs need to be able to exercise and run around indoors and out.
• Will someone always be around to walk the dog or feed the cat? Pets can be a lot of responsibility and you want them to be happy. Make sure you can take care of your pet before you get one!
• Is anyone in your house or apartment allergic to the pet you want to get? There are treatments available for them, but make sure to talk about adopting and all your options first.

You can still help animals without bringing one home. Volunteer your time as a dog walker or help organize a fundraiser. Donations are always welcome and very much appreciated. It takes thousands of dollars to run Shih Tzu Rescue each month!! Tell others about adoption opportunities. Still think you would like to adopt a dog? Check out our adoption application

This newsletter is prepared with love by volunteers for Shih Tzu Rescue. Do you have an adoption story you would like to tell in our newsletter? Send your adopted dog’s photo and story to: Shihtzu@Shihtzurescue.org