Every dog has a story.

Her story

Clarita was found wandering the streets in terrible condition. She was severely matted and suffering from severe flea dermatitis, with raw skin beneath the infestation.

Shih Tzu Rescue took her immediately to a veterinarian, where she was shaved and treated for the fleas and ticks.

The old story's update says Clarita successfully completed rehabilitation and found a loving forever home.

Her story

Paisley Rose came to the rescue after suffering from intense itching that caused her to scratch herself until she developed bloody sores.

She needed constant protection from scratching while her skin was treated. Her recovery involved medicated baths, dietary changes and careful ongoing care.

The original story describes her eventually becoming happy, confident and ready for a new life.

His story

Filiberto arrived from a difficult situation in Miami. He was about seven or eight years old and clearly had not been cherished as he deserved.

Veterinary examinations revealed an old fractured leg and a mass. The mass was diagnosed as cancer.

The original story contains one line that says so much about rescue: this may have been the first time anyone had really fought for him.

His prognosis was considered promising if the mass could be removed.

Her story

Francina, a sweet black Pug mix, was picked up from the streets. Soon after arriving, it became clear that she could not urinate.

She was rushed to an animal hospital, where emergency surgery revealed and removed a large bladder stone.

The original story says Francina was finally feeling better and awaiting a family of her own.

Her story

Patchulie came to Shih Tzu Rescue with her best friend Snoopy. Shortly after arriving, she was unable to urinate.

An emergency examination revealed a bladder stone described in the original story as being the size of a lemon. It was blocking her ability to urinate and had become life-threatening.

Patchulie received emergency surgery and recovered. The historical update says she was doing well on a special diet and was ready for adoption.

Her story

Lee Lee was just four months old when she arrived with a badly injured eye. A veterinary ophthalmologist determined that the damaged eye needed to be removed before it ruptured.

After surgery and recovery, the old story reports that little Lee Lee found a loving home where she could grow up as the happy puppy she deserved to be.

His story

Halsey came to rescue with serious problems affecting both eyes.

He successfully underwent double eye grafts and healed remarkably well. His old update lovingly calls him “Happy Halsey.”

He was eventually adopted into a home where his humans adored him and he happily tried to rule the roost.

Her story

Sugar Jane was abandoned at the shelter, dumped over the fence at night. She was starving and frightened.

Veterinary care revealed heartworms, whipworms and hookworms — serious infections that required treatment.

Sugar Jane was a Pit Bull mix, not a Shih Tzu. But that did not matter. Shih Tzu Rescue took her in because she needed someone to help.

Sometimes a dog just needs someone to say, “You're safe now.”

His story

Charleston was a young Shih Tzu who arrived with extremely bulging eyes. Despite the problem, the original story describes him as a happy puppy who simply wanted an active, fun life.

His original story also included a video. If that video remains available, it can be added here inside the expanded story.

Her story

Hollis came to Shih Tzu Rescue with her best friend Deveroux. They had lived in a backyard without the love or affection they deserved.

After arriving, Hollis was treated for what first appeared to be a urinary infection. It became clear that the problem was more serious.

X-rays revealed multiple bladder stones that required surgery.

Her story

Truly Rose was found in the woods, abandoned by her previous owners and left to die.

She came into the care of Shih Tzu Rescue, and the original story includes videos documenting her rescue and an update.

Her story

Lassie was found wandering the streets of South Miami. She was extremely thin, had visible scars and was deeply mistrustful of people.

Time and care began to change her. The original story notes that after several months in rescue she had gained weight and had a new lease on life.

She later required treatment for mammary gland tumors, which became another chapter in her rescue journey.

Her story

Five-year-old Alizee arrived terribly matted and could barely walk because her nails had grown into the pads of her feet.

After grooming and veterinary care, mammary gland cancer was discovered. She underwent surgery to remove the tumors, was spayed and had her teeth cleaned.

After time recovering from the neglect and medical treatment, the old story says Alizee was ready for a forever home.

His story

Lalo was affectionately described as Shih Tzu Rescue's little lion. A heart murmur had been identified before he arrived, but treatment had not happened.

By the time rescue took over his care, his heart condition needed attention.

The original story describes a dog who loved toys, gave kisses and simply wanted to live and love another day.

His story

Phoenix arrived with a serious skin condition but a remarkably sweet disposition.

With veterinary care and plenty of nurturing, his skin improved and he began to recover.

Phoenix was eventually adopted into a home with a Corgi named Oaty. They ran, played and slept beside each other.

Sometimes the second chance comes with a best friend.

Her story

Monette came to Shih Tzu Rescue with her mother, daughter and brother after spending their lives outdoors in deplorable conditions.

Once they arrived, they were groomed, given clean beds and brought into a comfortable environment. The dogs responded with wagging tails and affection.

A lump on Monette's leg was eventually diagnosed as a mast cell tumor. She received extensive treatment, including chemotherapy.

She eventually became too weak to continue and died from cancer.

Her life mattered. Her comfort mattered. And the love she received mattered.