Did you hear about the 2 girls from East Texas?

August was an eventful month full of new fosters.  Two of our newest fosters came to us via a breeder that claims she is getting out of the business.  These 2 are tiny, one just under 10 lbs and one barely over 10 lbs.  Both were timid, unsure of being held, curious but scared, trusting but fearful and though neglected - full of immense love. 

Lucy is a beautiful little red Pekingese around 6 years in age.  She was given to this breeder by another that was also getting out of the business.  The woman I collected Lucy from kept her outside and didn't even name her.  Just called her Peke.  Lucy is the most fearful; she remains low to the ground and shy when approached.  But she wants love so badly and slowly warmed up.  Her fur was so matted from living outside that she had to be fully shaved.  This poor angel had dead bugs, bugs people, in her fur and years of stench from her own waste.  She hated being at the groomers and while she wiggled to get away she didn't bite, didn't growl and allowed the groomers to pet her.

Callie is a beautiful little Shih Tzu that is 3 years old.  This little girl had recently had a litter of puppies and was considered to "be like family" to the breeder.  This sweetie was FILTHY and stank of waste.  While her fur wasn't as matted as Lucy's there wasn't any indication that she was loved or cared for.  Callie is slightly more social and warmed up to us a little sooner.  She loves being around other dogs and playing and after 2 weeks was scratching to sit in our laps or sleep in the bed.

So these angels were both un-altered and HW+.  Their first week with us was one of gentle gestures, soft words, reinforcement of positive behavior and attempts to hold them.  At the end of the week both were allowing us to hold them, playing together non-stop and playing with the other pups.  Callie grew to love being held and Lucy was allowing us to hold her but not relaxing.

At the end of week 1 we had great news though!  Two different families were interested.  Erica became smitten with Lucy and Angela became smitten with Callie.  Two AMAZING families with other dogs and a long history of caring for animals.  When Erica met Lucy I cried.  Lucy relaxed in Erica's arms!!  Erica held her and little Lucy just let go of her legs and relaxed.  This was the most Lucy had trusted anyone, probably anyone ever.  Needless to say, Erica melted and her heart was claimed by Lucy.  I cry now even thinking of it - truly one of the most beautiful moments I've witnessed between a dog and a human.  Lucy and Erica visited again before their adoption day and the bond deepened.   Callie met her new family on a Sunday morning outside of PetsMart.  Angela brought her 2 boxer girls (and her husband, lol).  Callie was curious but very shy.  Certainly understandable.  But it didn't deter Angela and her family.  They were in love. 

Over the next week the girls were spayed and recovered quickly at my place.  The following Monday they began their heartworm treatment.  With mixed emotions I took them that Monday to the vet.  First, heartworm treatment is not easy for any dog to undergo, especially 2 that are so tiny.  Second, both families were picking up the girls on Wednesday once their procedures were completed.  That meant I had to say goodbye.  Goodbye to my shy little Lucy with the huge golden eyes and goodbye to my little Muppet baby that had begun stealing my underwear from the hamper. 

Each girl did great through the heartworm treatment.  They were snuggled together in a cage and comforted each other, played and slept on each other.  I went to see them while they were there so I could have some private time to hold them and tell them I loved them.  Then Wednesday came.  Then 5:00pm came.  That mean it was time to introduce everyone to Erica's dog Lucy and Angela's dog Callie.  Not my girls, someone else's.

Ahhh....what an incredible afternoon!!!!  Both families met me at the vet so that they could talk about after-care directly with Doc Norris.  I am the luckiest rescuer to have a vet that was totally on board with this and encouraged it!  So Erica came in first and Lucy, now named Chloe remembered her and relaxed against Erica's chest.  She knew her Mommy!! Next Callie got to meet her new family.  Angela has 3 kids and a certain little girl wouldn't put her new Callie down!  Callie is going to be spoiled by her sister and I suspect dressed constantly.  LOL

It's been just under a week and so far all is going well with these 2 girls from East Texas in their new homes.  Callie had a bath and turns out she isn't too fond of baths.  LOL  She loves curling up with her new Mommy and Daddy and her brothers and sister are excited about getting to play with her once the heartworm treatment "rest window" is over.  Chloe is doing well and healing.  She loves to snuggle next to her Mommy and her Mommy is anxious to be able to do more with her after the rest window.  Chloe will have a great time playing with her cousin soon, an adorable little chi-weenie!

Rescuing is amazing.  I'm so honored to be part of these animal's lives, even if briefly.  And so touched that the people that adopt these angels recognize their unique beauty.  Each animal that comes into my life has a story and now Lucy's and Callie's story is enriched because they are in their fur-ever homes.  This "business" isn't for everyone but if you have the desire to do it GO FOR IT.  The love you feel and receive is more rewarding than anything I have ever experienced.

Erica and Angela - thank you for coming into the lives of Chloe (Lucy) and Callie.  I treasure you for your immediate desire to care for them.

Best wishes everyone,

Jennie and the Pretty Pekingese

Milo

We met Milo last month when animal control had to take all of the animals from a hoarder.  Hoarders often believe that they can save every animal and feel a need to collect them.  Most often they realize they are in over their heads but their heart is so big that they can't stop trying.  I appreciate the intent of hoarders but in the end, their need ends up hurting the animals.  They cannot afford the care necessary and the animals will suffer. 

Milo definately came from a home of love.  He isn't shy, loves to be near us and while he doesn't snuggle or kiss he very much wants to be touched and near.  suffers from dry eye.  He is skinny but given his appetite we'll get past that quickly.  

Milo is blind.  His hearing is very strong and he  has a talent for knowing where everyone is. 

Milo is HW- and healthy.  He's about 8-10 years of age and has only barked a few times.  He is good with the other dogs but doesn't spend much time with them though he will play for a few minutes here and there with them. 

If you are interested in fostering or adoption, please contact me at pekesandyoutx@gmail.com.  Please visit our website if you would like to donate to his care.  While he is healthy his initial vetting expenses were higher than usual because we had to treat an ear and eye infection.  Visit our website at http://www.pekesandyou.com/ to make a donation.

Thanks everyone!!

Otis

Otis is the cutest little boy!  I think he's mixed with a yellow lab, not really sure but he's adorable.  This little guy joined us from Fort Worth.  He was a stray and was found with a harness and he had been recently groomed.  Sadly, no one claimed him so the shelter asked us to step in.

Otis is about 15lbs, young-adult, neutered and HW+.  It makes me so frustrated that for $5.00 a month Heartworms can be prevented.  Now this angel has had to endure heartworm treatment.

But he has come around and is a lively, energetic little boy.  He's full of personality, loves his treats and enjoys sleeping with the other pups.

If you are interested in fostering or adoption, please contact me.  If you are unable to do either, pleaese donate to his medical expenses by visiting http://www.pekesandyou.com/ .  To reach me, you can find me on Facebook (see badge on right side of screen) or email me at pekesandyoutx@gmail.com.

Thanks!!!

Max

We were lucky enough to receive an email about Max from a shelter volunteer at the Farmers Branch Animal Shelter.  Which is a wonderful shelter - clean, rescue friendly and operated by animal lovers.  So grateful to them for all that they do!

Max was surrendered to the shelter by a family that found him over the July 4th weekend.  He was timid, scared and had a terrible puncture wound to his eye.  The family was unsure how to care for him so they did the best thing by taking him to the shelter.  The shelter staff cleaned him up, treated his eye the best that they could then looked for a rescue group to help.  We were so lucky to get him because he is a cutie pie!!!

Max is a slightly built little boy.  He weighs in at 13 lbs and is very sweet.  We tried to treat his eye but in the end, it had to be removed.  Max was a trooper and let me care for him without flinching, growling or hiding.   We love Maxi and he was a treat to have around.  Why am I talking in past-tense?  Because Maxi was adopted yesterday!!!!  Maxi actually was adopted by the family that originally found him.  They are a wonderful family and the eldest son just couldn't stop thinking of Max.  He missed him and his parents agreed that Maxi needed to come back to their home.

Maxi, now named Charlie, will have a wonderful life with them and I couldn't be more proud and happy for him.  We love you Charlie and are so grateful to have had you in our life.

Rainbow Bridge

Dear friends,
Last weekend was so heartbreaking.  We lost our little Daphne.  Daphne was so frail and weak but we thought she was starting to get stronger.  But, she woke one morning and she knew it was her time.  I took her outside where she tried to get far away from me and had a seizure.  She passed in the ER but not before I gave her dozens of kisses and whispered to her how much she was loved. 

Our little Daphne is waiting at the Rainbow Bridge for us.  We love you Daphne.

A few days prior to Daphne passing we lost Tracey.  Tracey was a rescue from Fort Worth that was an owner surrender.  She was so broken, literally.  Broken bones and several internal injuries.  I was with her for less than a few hours before I was forced to make the decision none of us like to make - it was time to let her go.  The ER Vet advised that no matter what was done to help her that she would never recover, would always be in pain.  My heart was so heavy, and still is, for her life and death.  No animal should EVER be abused, neglected or forgotten.  Tracey, though I only knew you briefly, I will always treasure and love you. 

Lastly, my Mom's Chi - Fawn - died on July 4th.  Fawny was 12 and the love of my Mom's life.  She was such a wonderful dog, full of spirit and personality.  So smart and loving.  In May she was diagnosed with a heart murmur and swelling of the heart.  Even though she was on meds it just kept getting worse and an xray revealed that the swelling was so great that more than likely she had a tumor in her heart.  With tears, confusion, anger, sadness and guilt my Mom let her go.  All of you know, that even when we know it's time to let our baby pass with dignity that it isn't done without so many mixed emotions.  Time has stopped our tears from being as constant but hasn't erased our longing for her bark, little kisses and constant barks for treats at 9 pm.  Fawn, I miss you my little sister. 





We love all of you sweet angels.  Until we see you at the Rainbow Bridge...

King Update

Dear Peke friends,
King has recovered so well from his car accident.   His eye has fully healed and he hasn't any pain remaining.  On July 12th he was neutered so as of this week, he is ready for adoption!!

This one is tugging at my heart though.  He is spirited, funny, smart, stubborn, loving, mischievous, playful, cuddly and just so dang cute! 

I think he is actually younger than 3.  Because he acts a bit like a puppy at times; maybe he's just making up for not having a fun puppy-hood.  He loves to take my hand in his mouth and pretend to chew.  He loves to steal whatever craft I'm working on.  But funniest of all, he hides things.  I've found rawhides in every corner of my bedroom and on the shelf of my nightstand.  Stinker!  LOL

He LOVES being with other dogs.  He is a cuddler and always wants to cuddle up with the others.  Of course, that could also be because he thinks the girls are his harem. 

King would be great with a family that has kids that are tweens or older.  If you are interested in adoption, please visit the Pekes and You Pekingese Rescue site:  http://www.pekesandyou.com/ . 

Best wishes and high hopes to all,
Jennie and the Pretty Pekes

Daphne

Hello Peke friends!

What a bittersweet few weeks it's been here in Texas.  But for this entry, it's all about the sweet!  And talk about sweet, our newest foster is Daphne.  This little love is a senior and was a stray in the Arlington, TX area.  Poor sweet Daphne has all sorts of challenges but she is a curious, loving little girl.

Daphne's biggest challenge is that she is HW+.  In the Southern United States heartworms are a terribly common problem that is so easy to prevent.  Unfortunately little Daphne wasn't on preventative and developed HWs.  Not sure how long she has had them but because of her age our Vet has advised that we need to take a less aggressive approach to treatment.  For those of you that might follow my other blog, http://www.theprettypekingese.com/ , you've read about Sandy.  Sandy underwent HW treatment and we took a very aggressive approach.  Hers was a mild case and because she was young at the time she could withstand the treatment.  She's doing wonderful now and is the healthiest (and most vocal) of all my Pekes.  Since our little Daphne is at least 10 years old we are more cautious. 

Treatment involves giving her Heartgard once a month.  Normally, this is used as a preventative but when a dog has heartworms this will kill any new larvae and worms.  Given each month the severity of the heartworms will not likely increase since we'll be killing any new ones.  The existing ones will live 1-3 years so until we get a clean bill of health, she'll be tested every 6 months to determine the severity of her heartworms and ensure that this direction is still best for her. 

Her heartworms are mild, so I'm confident this process will work for her.  We do have to keep her relatively calm but at her age, she's not exactly running marathons around the house with the other pups.  LOL

In addition to heartworms, Daphne is almost completely blind and she has problems with her hips.  But she has such spirit!!!  She has explored the house dozens of times and has memorized where her favorite "landmarks" are like the water bowl, the drapes closest to the AC vent (she likes to lay on the drapes that used to look very chic pooled on the floor)...  She is also great with the other dogs in the house.  She loves them and always wants to be near them. 

Her hips aren't causing her too much trouble, she takes an anti-inflammatory twice a day which has made her a different little angel than the one I originally met.

Daphne is available for adoption but will need to go to a home that is open to caring for a special needs angel.  But believe me, the extra effort that is needed are worth it.  The love you receive back is priceless!

Here's Daphne during an early evening play session...

More information about Daphne and all of the available Pekes from Pekes and You Pekingese Rescue can be found on their website.  If you are interested in a Pekes, please always consider a rescue first. 

Best wishes and high hopes,
Jennie and all the Pretty Pekes