8/5/08:

Thinking about adopting a dog from a Rescue?? You have finally come to the conclusion that buying a dog from a breeder is the wrong thing to do, and you would like to check out the adoption route. WONDERFUL! There are so many homeless dogs out there who are just waiting for a forever home. However, adoption does require a little different mindset. Here are some things to think about before you adopt.

We all have our preferences when it comes to the kind of dog we are seeking. Some people are set on a certain color of dog; some are set on a certain sex or a specific age. When it comes to adopting, the key is being flexible and putting the dog’s needs above your wants and preferences. There are so many homeless dogs who need a forever home and who just want someone to love them. They will be grateful to be in your home.

While we all love puppies, if you work 8-10 hours, then a puppy or very young dog may not be the right choice for you. A more mature dog would adjust better to being left alone all day. Puppies can become bored and sometimes destructive without humans or other dogs to keep them company, in addition to the house training issues that can result without someone home to take them out frequently. Ask yourself: Is it in the best interest of a puppy to be left alone all day just because I want one and they are cute??

I personally have always preferred white or tan/white dogs. But now I have a black/white dog and a charcoal gray one. I adopted these dogs because they needed me and I could provide the love and the type home that best suited them. I looked past their color to their individual personalities. They fit our lifestyle and also got along with the other dogs in our home. If you have another dog, you should consider what age dog and activity level will work best with him/her. A puppy or young dog may be too active, want to play all the time, and may make the life of an elderly/senior dog miserable. The happiness of your present dog/dogs should be a priority. Sometimes it is a mistake to want a dog who looked like your last dog. They may appear somewhat alike, but very seldom are the personalities similar, and you will be disappointed. When it comes to adopting a dog, you should ask lots of questions of the foster parents. Also, you should let the volunteers know all you can about your home and family, so they can suggest the best match for you. The most important thing is to keep an open mind, and to ask yourself if there is a homeless dog out there who needs you. Once you look past the color or age, you can fall in love with almost any dog who returns your love unconditionally and who fits your lifestyle and household. Keep an open mind and you might be pleasantly surprised :-)

Come out to meet our terrific dogs and decide for yourself just how lovable they can be.
Our next adoption event is at the Euless Vineyard Village Petsmart located @ Glade Road/Hwy 121 in Euless, Texas. on Saturday, August 9, from 10-1. Hope you can make it!

7/31/08:

WHERE WILL “IN THE KNOW” TZU LOVERS BE THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, FROM 10-1? They will all be meeting devilishly delicious, delightful Shih Tzu, Lhasas and more at Lincoln Square Petsmart in Arlington, Tx...Get Directions

Yes, the discerning pet lover knows that DFWT&M has cornered the market on famous furbabies who are just waiting to be loved and pampered. Don’t miss these darling dogs! You won’t find such a large group of Tzus and Lhasas in one place anywhere else in the DFW Metroplex. Mark it on your calendar now!

7/27/08:

Hey, Hey, Hey! Who’s the dog of the day? Valentino, the lover boy, that’s who! Valentino’s foster Mom, Jane, says he is just the best little boy and such an easy foster. Missie, who relief-fostered Valentino for a week while Jane traveled, concurs that he is a sweetheart who lives up to his name. Check out Valentino here.

However, poor Valentino gets very stressed at the adoption events and doesn’t show well. Even though he is a charming, affectionate boy at home, stress causes him to get a little irritable, barky, and snappish at Petsmart. Valentino is about 2 years old, house trained, gets along with other dogs, and loves to monopolize a lap. If you are looking for a lover boy of your own, we can make arrangements for you to meet Valentino at your convenience. Just give us a call at 888-290-3335 or email us at info@dfwtzusandmorerescue.com Valentino is ready for a home to call his own. Could yours be just the right one?

7/18/08:

WHAT.... DFW Tzus and More “Tzu Review” adoption event.
WHEN... Saturday, July 19, 10 AM to 1PM.
WHERE: Lincoln Square Petsmart, Arlington, Texas(see Events Calendar for directions).
WHY....... To meet the coolest Tzus and Lhasas in the DFW Metroplex, of course.

PLEASE DON’T FORGET, WE DESPERATELY NEED FOSTER HOMES! If you can’t foster or adopt, but still want to help our homeless dogs, please make a donation here to help with vet costs and grooming. Any size donation is very much appreciated!

7/3/08:

***BEST WISHES FOR A VERY HAPPY 4TH OF JULY TO OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!*** We hope everyone has a fun and safe celebration of the wonderful freedoms and independence that we enjoy in this great nation.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO KEEP A VERY CLOSE EYE ON YOUR DOGS FOR THE NEXT 72 HOURS!

Many dogs may become frightened by the fireworks and associated noises. DO NOT, and I repeat, DO NOT leave your pets outside alone on the evening of the FOURTH or on the evenings before and after. July 5th is one of the busiest days of the year for animal controls nationwide due to so many dogs getting scared and digging out of the yard.
AGAIN, PLEASE KEEP A VERY CLOSE EYE ON YOUR DOGS FOR THE NEXT 72 HOURS!!

Walk your fence now to make sure there aren’t any areas in which your dog could dig out quickly if frightened. Check to be sure all gates are securely locked. Only let our dogs outside when you are with them, and then for short periods of time. Dogs that tend to have fear of thunderstorms can also become extremely frightened and agitated by fireworks. If you don’t have a yard and must walk your dog over the holiday weekend, be sure to keep a tight hold on the leash, and make sure your dog/dogs can’t back out of their collar if they become frightened. Using a Martindale collar or a harness secured tighter than usual are the safest options.

7/2/08:

A great big THANK YOU to those of you who have responded to our plea for foster homes. We have added 3 new foster homes in the last 2 weeks with possibly 2 more coming on in the next week. Another big THANK YOU to our regular foster homes who have taken an extra foster dog into their home. AND one last THANK YOU to those who have recruited family or friends to foster. What it comes down to is that it is ALL ABOUT THE DOGS and DFW Tzus and More volunteers are willing to do what it takes to save more furbabies.

Those of you who are thinking of fostering, we can still use even more foster homes. We are still having to say no to Tzus and Lhasas in the shelters everyday. Please complete a volunteer application here or come out to meet us at our next Tzu Review on July 12 from 10-1 @ the Euless Petsmart located at SH121/Glade Road in Euless.

FOSTER HOMES ARE STILL DESPERATELY NEEDED. The downturn in the economy is costing many shelter dogs their lives due to lack of foster space.

6/26/08:

AND THE DOGS JUST KEEP COMING IN! These innocent creatures have been zapped by this economy in a big way. Not only are humans losing their homes, but so are the furbabies. The DFW Metroplex shelters are the fullest they have ever been. DFWT&M and other Rescues are having to say no to way too many dogs. It is heartbreaking for DFW Tzus volunteers to receive daily email pleas with pictures of beautiful furbabies that most likely will be euthanized because we have no more foster space. If any of you know a coworker, family member or friend who can foster just one dog during this downturn in the economy, please tell them about DFW Tzus critical need for foster homes. Those of us in Rescue have never seen it so bad before. WE DESPERATELY NEED FOSTER HOMES NOW!!

If you can foster or wish to adopt, please visit us this Saturday, June 28 from 10-1 at the new Euless Vineyard Village Petsmart located @ Glade Road/Hwy 121 in Euless, Texas.

You CAN save the life of a Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, or cute furry mix!

6/19/08:

Check out our Happy Homes page to see new adopter, John, and James Spader aka Scruffy the Maltipoo, our newest senior for senior heartwarming success story. The volunteers of DFWT&M recognize the importance of the unconditional love received from a pet in enhancing the quality of life of an older person. We were truly happy to help John find a canine companion.

John is an exceptional Christian man who recently lost both his wife and his long time companion dog. John lives alone and realized he needed another fur baby for companionship. He adopted a Yorkie from a city pound. Four days later the Yorkie died from Parvo. This left John devastated, but he was determined to save another dog, and at the same time bring a new companion into his life. After discussion with Scruffy's foster Mom, Charlie, DFWT&M decided that Scruffy would be an ideal match for John.

Scruffy is one of those dogs who just likes to be near his human; not necessarily in a lap, but scooched right up against a leg. He follows his human from room to room, but doesn’t get under foot, which is important when matching a dog to an older person. Scruffy’s foster mom said it takes about 15 minutes for Scruffy to become your new best friend.

This is a heartwarming story on many counts. Scruffy was adopted out about a year ago from another rescue group, and recently returned for reasons unrelated to anything Scruffy had done wrong. The original adopting Rescue group couldn’t take Scruffy back into their program. Poor Scruffy just couldn’t catch a break. Then along came this “angel” named Charlene aka Charlie who volunteers/fosters for another “breed” Rescue. She also makes time to volunteer at her local shelter, besides helping out additional Rescues in her spare time;-)

Charlie asked DFWT&M to take Scruffy into our program, and even said she would foster him since he was such an easy little guy. We agreed Scruffy would fit into our AND MORE category. DFWT&M is so lucky to have met Charlie through Scruffy.

The happy result is a home for Scruffy and a companion for John. John’s family surrounds him with love and goes by to check on him and Scruffy every day. At last check, John and Scruffy were hanging out in the back yard together, good buddies already.

Senior dogs really do make the best companions for senior humans, and DFWT&M just loves success stories!

6/05/08:

Here we go again! Shih Tzu and Lhasas are coming into Rescue in waves,,, big, mammoth waves. We sped right by our 100th dog and took in 10 more dogs this past week. Yes, you heard right, 10 little furbabies in one week: 1 owner surrender and 9 from metroplex shelters.

We had to turn down at least 5 other owner surrenders in the last few days, and there are several Tzus and Lhasas still waiting in area shelters with time running out. We desperately need more foster homes! The economy is definitely having an impact on metroplex pets in the worst way possible. It may cost many their lives. If you can open your heart and your home to help save just one of these dogs, please complete a volunteer application now. You can help save a life, and at the same time experience the joy of knowing you are truly making a difference.

6/05/08:

BREAKING NEWS! WOWIE! WHOORAY! YIPEE! DFW Tzus and More Rescue takes their 100th dog into rescue! Congratulations and gratitude to all the volunteers and sponsors who made this milestone possible in such a short amount of time!

DFWT&M Rescue #100 is a delightful little guy from Collin County Animal Control, who was surrendered by his owner to the shelter. He is full of personality, plus being just as cute as can be with crazy, crooked Shih Tzu teeth that we all love. We chose his name, Coejak, to honor two of our wonderfully, generous sponsors to whom we owe a thousand thanks for support and funding from day one.

Who will be the lucky family to adopt this special little guy named Coejak? Of course, we think all of our rescued dogs are special.

6/01/08:

THE FINAL RESULTS ARE IN!! Yes, we promised to let you know which of our terrific dogs found forever homes as a result of home visits scheduled at our May 17 Tzu Review. We wanted to wait until all home visits were complete before reporting. Due to a couple of delays, the last home visit was just done today.

We are ecstatic to report that FIVE out of seven home visits were successful matches. Five little furbabies and five families are on cloud nine as I write! Which five, you ask.

OK, we have kept you in suspense long enough. The Rock, Ashton, Shelby, Oprah, and Bentley are all being treated like Princes and Princess tonight! What a fantastic group of dogs and an equally fantastic group of adopters. Congratulations to ALL!

Stay tuned for news of the home visit scheduled from today’s Tzu Review.

5/30/08:

BE THERE OR BE SQUARE! Don’t miss the next Tzu Review at DFWT&M’s newest venue: The brand new Vineyard Village Petsmart @ Glade Road/SH 121 in Euless on Saturday, May 31 from 11am-2pm. Come out to meet our superb group of divinely delightful little darlings. These adoptable dogs are definitely show stoppers and aren’t to be missed!

5/21/08:

News Flash: DFW Tzus and More Rescue had the first DOG adoption to go thru the new Euless Petsmart. Yes, the cute and gregarious Magnum P.I. was adopted there on May 9. We hope Magnum will be the first of many DFWT&M adoptions in Euless. Please come out to our first Tzu Review at the new Euless Petsmart at Glade Road/121 on Saturday, May 31 from 11-2. We have a super group of dogs just waiting to meet you.

Do you remember that old song? Nick nack patty wack, give the dog a home. Oh, you say it is nick nack patty wack, give the dog a bone. WELL, DFWT&M prefers the word home…in fact we prefer the words “forever home.” Our volunteers are on a mission to find not just any forever homes, but fabulous forever homes for the foster dogs in our temporary care. Seven home visits were scheduled from last week’s Tzu Review at Lincoln Square Petsmart. Stay tuned to see which of these lovable little furbabies will be adopted soon.

AND PLEASE REMEMBER: DON’T BREED OR BUY WHILE MILLIONS DIE! Spread the words to your friends and neighbors that the shelters and rescues are full of wonderful pets just waiting to be loved and give love in return. Don’t shop for a dog, ADOPT a dog.

You can find many pure breed dogs in the shelters every day, and there is a Rescue for almost every breed. Please give a dog or cat a second chance, and give yourself the gift of unconditional love.

Follow this link: to see the story of Wilson, a shelter pet who was given a second chance to live up to his potential, and touched the lives of so many. Wilson made a difference and so can YOU!

5/11/08:

DOGS, DOGS, AND MORE DOGS!! Shih Tzu, Lhasas, and cute, cute mixes seem to be coming out of the woodwork again, and DFWT&M just can’t seem to say no to these darlings in distress.

Last week we had SIX at the vet clinic at one time!

Even though the Metroplex hasn’t felt the impact of the recession as much as other parts of the country, Rescue is definitely feeling the effects.

We got a plea from the Sachse shelter that THREE dogs had been left in a foreclosed home for several days, possibly up to two weeks. They were left there with only a container of water and a scattered bag of dog food. Even though all foster homes were full, DFWT&M said yes to Sam, Shelby, and Bentley, and kept our fingers crossed that we would have some adoptions to open up foster vacancies. Luckily, we did have several adoptions and all three went into foster care on Friday. We want to say a huge THANKS to a nice lady named Cat for sponsoring the medical needs for all three of these dogs. We couldn’t continue to do save so many dogs without our wonderful, generous sponsors.

We also took the gorgeous Stuart Woods from DAS. Poor little nine month old Stuey had been hit by a car. Luckily, he shouldn’t have any lasting effects. He limps with his front leg occasionally and had some big scabs on it, but forgets all about his hurt leg as he flys around the back yard of his foster home. Other new dogs include Luke Wilson from DAS, Bob Barker from GPAS, Ray Charles from AAS, and Liza Minnelli from FWAC. Stay tuned for updates on all these precious saves.

Recent adoptions include Macaulay Culkin, Suri Cruise, Charlize Theron, Charlie Chaplin, Magnum P.I., and Henry Winkler. All are doing well in their new foster homes.

PLEASE DON’T FORGET! WE “ALWAYS” NEED FOSTER HOMES!!! IF YOU CAN HELP SAVE A LIFE, GO TO OUR MAKE A DIFFERENCE PAGE AND COMPLETE A VOLUNTEER APPLICATION OR COME OUT TO OUR NEXT TZU REVIEW, AND LET OUR VOLUNTEERS EXPLAIN THE FOSTERING PROCESS TO YOU IN PERSON..

4/30/08:

DFWTAMR’s mantra is OPT TO ADOPT, OPT TO ADOPT, OPT TO ADOPT! Help save a life! Please, please, please don’t buy from ANY breeder. To make choosing adoption easier, we will be having two, yes, make that two adoption events this coming weekend.

We will be at the Lone Star Pet Adoptathon at the Ballpark in Arlington, Parking Lot H, on Saturday,
May 3,2008 from 10am-3pm, and also at Lincoln Square Petsmart in Arlington from 10am-1pm.

Please check our events calendar to see which event a particular dog will be attending. Our fabulous rescued dogs can’t wait to meet you!

4/24/08:

DFW TZUS AND MORE RESCUE cordially invites you to visit our booth at our next event this Saturday, April 26, 2008. Bring out the whole family for a fun day. We will have items for sale, volunteers who would love to meet you, and many of our dogs will be attending. If you are interested in seeing a particular dog, email us at info@dfwtzusandmorerescue.com to verify if that dog will be there. See more details of the event below:

Farmers Market Kickoff
Wayne Ferguson Plaza at 151 W. Church Street
Lewisville, Tx 75057
Saturday, April 26
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Help kick off the Old Town Lewisville Farmers Market season with a fun day of food and entertainment. There will be local not for profits, churches, and businesses on site. Bring the kids along, and let them play games at the vendor booths and dance to great music! Entertainment for the day will be the Justin Cash Band.

4/15/08:

Shih Tzu Rescue is moving and shaking again! It seems like these furbabies come in waves.

DFWT&M has taken TEN….yes, make that TEN new Tzus, Lhasas, and cute, cute mixes in the last week and a half. We already had the most fabulous group of dogs, and now we have even more great choices for potential adopters. We have dogs of every age and personality.

Don’t miss our next event this coming SATURDAY, APRIL 19 @ Lincoln Square Petsmart from 10am-1pm.

As always, we desperately need foster homes. Can you open your home and your heart to help save a life???? Please come out to meet our great volunteers this coming Saturday. Let them tell you about our process and how rewarding it can be!
Did I make the point that WE DESPERATELY NEED MORE FOSTER HOMES!!

4/02/08:

Please come check out our awesome adoptable dogs this coming Saturday, April 5, from 10-1. We will be at Lincoln Square Petsmart in North Arlington. See our events schedule for directions.

Double your fun and save two dogs instead of one! We have several great dogs who would love to go to their forever homes with their foster buddies. We are not just saying this, but most of the time two dogs are easier than one. They play together, entertain each other, snuggle together when they sleep, keep each other company while you are away from home, and YOU have two dogs to cuddle with instead of one. This is especially a good idea if you work long days outside the home. Tim McGraw aka TimTim and Meg Ryan are buddies, as are Henry Winkler and Magnum PI, and Charlie Chaplin and Colin Hanks. You may not have considered two dogs before, but please give it some consideration when you visit with these sweet furbabies :-)

Hear all about our latest adoptions in the next In the News! We have more happy tales to share.

Don’t forget to watch Oprah on Friday, April 4. She will feature Fort Worth Animal Care and Control(FWACC) in her investigation of the hidden world of puppy mills.

3/23/08:

Due to popular demand, DFWT&M will have a special edition Tzu Review next Saturday, March 29, at Lincoln Square Petsmart in Arlington from 10-1. You are invited to come out and meet our latest group of beautiful adoptable Tzus, Lhasas, and more!

The Tzu Review and The Colony St. Paddy’s Day Pooch Party last weekend were both fun and productive. Several home visits were scheduled for the past week, resulting in two adoptions. Dakota Fanning and Ragamuffin found their forever homes. Several past adopters visited the Tzu Review in Arlington, including the popular Olivia aka Baby Girl, as well as the handsome Richard Gere aka Rocky.

At the Pooch Party, our very own adorable Henry Winkler won the Best St. Paddy’s Spirit Costume contest. You can see Henry decked out in his duds with his trophy on our available dogs page or in the rotation on our home page. Henry is pretty proud of himself for winning, and has been strutting around like a little prince all week. Missie and Jack Nicholson ran a close second in the Look Alike contest. Jack is just one of the cutest little Tzus you will ever see! See new pictures of Jack in his bling on our available dogs page and in the rotation on our home page.

The DFWT&M volunteers enjoyed meeting the nice folks with The Colony Animal Control and also had fun visiting with potential adopters and the volunteers from other rescues. Some unique craft items were sold at the DFWT&M booth, with the proceeds going towards the medical costs of our current foster dogs. We hope to do more of the pooch parties/festivals throughout the spring. Check our event schedule for one near you!

If you are looking for a companion, a walking buddy, or someone with which to snuggle for those afternoon naps in front of the tube, don’t miss our next Tzu Review on March 29. Our dogs are just too great to be missed, and they are just waiting for YOU!!

3/14/08:

On Saturday, March 15, 2007, you will be able to meet our beautiful, bedazzling dogs on both sides of the DFW Metroplex. DFW Tzus and More will have the regular Tzu Review at Arlington’s Lincoln Square Petsmart from 10am-1pm. We will also have a booth at the St. Paddy’s Day Pooch Party in The Colony from 10am-1pm. See our events calendar for address and directions of both events.

The dogs you can meet at Lincoln Square are: Dakota Fanning, Tim McGraw, Meg Ryan, Valentino, Scotty Pippin, Prince William, Roy Rogers, Faith Hill, Buffalo Bill Cody, and possibly Ragamuffin.

The dogs who will be attending the St. Paddy’s Day Pooch Party in The Colony are: Charlie Chaplin, Ricky Schroder, Olivia Walton, Jack Nicholson and possibly Henry Winkler.

In addition to showing our great dogs at the Pooch Party, we will also be selling several unique items to raise funds for the medical care of the little fluffs in our program.

Hope to see you at one or both events!!!

3/8/08:

ON SATURDAY, MARCH 15 WE WILL HAVE OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED TZU REVIEW @ LINCOLN SQ. PETSMART IN ARLINGTON FROM 10am-1pm. IN ADDITION, WE WILL ALSO HAVE A BOOTH AT THE ST. PADDY’S DAY POOCH PARTY IN “THE COLONY, TEXAS” FROM 10am-1pm. PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE NEXT FRIDAY TO FIND OUT WHICH AVAILABLE DOGS WILL BE ATTENDING EACH EVENT. THE ADDRESS AND DIRECTIONS WILL BE POSTED ON OUR EVENTS CALENDAR.

It was another exhausting, but uplifting week for Shih Tzu Rescue. Despite the surprise snow storms, five home visits were completed. Four of the five home visits resulted in adoptions. YAY!!! The adorable Cosmo, the endearing Rock, the energizer bunny Matt Damon, and the gentle giant Maximillian were adopted into great homes. Yes, all those fabulous little fluffs are now being petted and pampered by their doting parents. That is what it is “all about” for their foster parents. Seeing the smiling faces and wagging tails is our ultimate reward!

And then there were the five furbabies who were rescued this past week. On Monday, two volunteers went to adopt two dogs, and ended up rescuing four for the day. Once we were notified that there was someone interested in adopting Juliet, and leaving Romeo behind, DFWT&M volunteers just had to intervene. We could not let this cute pair be separated while they were still traumatized by their shelter experience. While at FWACC adopting these sweeties, we saw another small angel who needed rescuing. So we added a little sweetie, who we named Navin Johnson, to the list. But before even completing the necessary paperwork @FWACC, a call came in about an injured Lhasa who needed to be picked up immediately from Dallas Animal Services. The volunteers split up, one staying to finish the paperwork and transport the 3 FWACC dogs, and the other going to pick up the DAS dog who we named Collin Hanks. This poor little guy had to be sedated due to being in so much pain from an injured leg. Collin was immediately given an antibiotic injection and bathed upon arrival at the vet clinic. In surgery the next day, a small black rubber band was found. It had cut through the skin and tissue and gone all the way to the bone, and was rotting the bone away. We are just hoping that the bone will heal and not fracture. Please keep Collin Hanks in your thoughts and prayers. If you can make a DONATION towards Collin’s medical care, DFWT&M and Collin will be very grateful!

On Tuesday, Magnum P.I. was rescued from Grand Prairie Animal Services. We were amazed that this cute youngster wasn’t adopted by the public. Magnum will go to his foster home soon!

DFWT&M has already committed to taking more Tzus in the upcoming week. Stay tuned to hear all about these newbies!

You may get tired of hearing it, but the number of dogs we can save is limited by the number of foster homes we have.

WON’T YOU PLEASE CONSIDER FOSTERING FOR DFWT&M? IF YOU CAN OPEN YOUR HEART AND YOUR HOME, PLEASE COMPLETE A VOLUNTER APPLICATION ON OUR “MAKE A DIFFERENCE” PAGE! “YOU” CAN HELP SAVE A LIFE!!

3/3/08:

SHIH TZU RESCUE IS OUR PASSION and it shows. Saturday’s successful Tzu Review was another example of our volunteers’ enthusiasm for matching the right dogs to adoption applicants.

DFWT&M has several home visits scheduled as a result of great work by our adoption counselors. Stay tuned for the results of these home visits. Hopefully, we will be able to report several successful adoptions in the upcoming week.

Other news to report: The adorable, lovable, and immensely popular Cosmo has a pending adoption to a wonderful family in Grapevine. He will have a new fur brother and human teenagers of his own, so that he may play, play, play to his heart’s content!

Our new furry pal Gus went to his foster home today. He has been neutered, had some benign cysts removed, and after medicated baths, his skin seems to be improving a little. We are hoping it will improve even more with his worms gone, and with good nutrition, fish oil and other vitamins. Gus will be on doxycyclene for a few more days and then will begin heartworm treatment. Please keep Gus in your thoughts and prayers. If you can help with Gus’s medical costs, please make a DONATION

We promised updates on some of our longer term foster dogs, but since some of them have home visits scheduled, the updates will be delayed until after the outcome of the home visits.

Check our IN THE NEWS column often for more GOOD NEWS!!

2/24/08:

WHEW!! Once again, Shih Tzu Rescue has been so busy that we haven’t had time to keep you up-to-date! Where to begin???

These neglected, matted, sometimes injured or sick furbabies just keep coming out of the woodwork! Unless you see the shelter postings everyday, you can’t imagine how many Shih Tzu and Lhasas are out there waiting to be rescued. But, that is our JOB at DFWT&M! Our volunteers have a one track mind: SAVE AS MANY NEEDY SHIH TZU AND LHASAS AS YOU CAN! That is exactly what we have been doing. It is difficult to keep up with all the new Rescued Shih Tzu and Lhasas, even for those of us who are involved with them on a daily basis. Here is a run down of the last few:

Cosmo Kramer is another of those darling PUPPIES. He is not our usual breed, but he was down to his last day at the FWACC shelter, and was just too, too cute and sweet, to leave to a sad fate. We think Cosmo might be a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. He looks just like the pictures of Wheaten puppies on the AKC website. Whatever he is, you couldn’t find a sweeter, more playful puppy. With obedience training and initial close supervision in the home and yard, Cosmo will make a great family dog!

Antonio Banderas came from Dallas Animal Services as severely matted, and is also Heart Worm positive. This sweet boy will be on antibiotics for a few days and then begin Heart Worm treatment which will take about 6 weeks. His foster Mom says he is starved for attention. We hope to remedy that situation with a caring forever home! Please consider making a DONATION for Antonio’s Heart Worm treatment.

Jack Nicholson also came from DAS. Shih Tzu Rescue was asked to take him because he had a “dull” personality. Well, all that this tiny, sweet guy needed was to get out of jail and receive some TLC. This care brought out his bubbly personality. Jack does have some hip problems. X-rays show he is missing most of one hip joint and his pelvis has been broken in the past. He doesn’t show any pain though, and his mobility is good. He probably will need to be on glucosomine supplements in order to minimize arthritis later in life.

Charlie Chaplin is a beautiful white, Shih Tzu who was rescued from FWACC. He was adopted once and brought back to the shelter. His foster Mom thinks he was abused, and it will take a while for her to earn his trust. We will keep you updated on this little sweetie’s progress.

Henry Winkler was left languishing in a vet’s office in Terrell for over TWO months. His owners brought him in for care and never returned for him. Henry’s right back leg goes out from under him sometimes when he is on smooth surfaced floors. X-rays showed decreased space between vertebrae T 10-12. Henry can run around and chase the other dogs on carpet or grass, but sometimes slips on a smooth floor. It is suggested that he go to a home without stairs and that he not be allowed to jump on or off of furniture. Henry is a sweet, happy, little boy with the fastest wagging tail you have ever seen, and a shiny black coat. He doesn’t seem to know he has any physical problems.

Meg Ryan came to us from Collin County Animal Service. This little girl with the adorable under bite was another matted fluff who probably has never been groomed in her lifetime. One of our volunteers is a groomer, and from the reaction she got from Meg when TRYING to groom her, it was obvious that Meg wasn’t familiar with the process. After hearing this story related, we wish we had a movie of it, although we are sure it didn’t seem funny at the time :-) Meg is an otherwise healthy, happy little fluff who seems mostly house trained, and LOVES to play with the other dogs.

Dakota Fanning a young, gorgeous female, was rescued from the Irving shelter. She has itchy, dry skin and painful to-the- touch infected ears, but has retained her beautiful tan multi-color coat. Her foster Mom’s first impression is that she is an energetic, mostly potty trained furbaby. Her ears don’t seem to bother her too much except during the cleaning/medication process. Hopefully they will heal soon with regular cleaning and medication.

Ricky Schroder also was rescued from the Irving shelter on the same day as Dakota. He is a happy-go-lucky I want to be in your pocket kind of guy, with no obvious medical issues. His foster Mom was very pleased with his house manners on his first day in foster care.

Augusta Busch The list of this angel’s ailments is a mile long. What doesn’t he have wrong with him!! He is Heartworm positive, has a heart murmur, tumors under his skin, total hair loss on the back half of his body, including his tail, and thickened elephant type skin on his rear body. However, Gus doesn’t let all these problems get him down. He is still a happy to see you , tail wagging boy. If you would like to help with Gus’s medical costs, please make a DONATION.

Ragamuffin was just rescued from FWACC today. Her owners said they were coming to rescue her from the shelter, but never came for her! Ragamuffin is a darling mix who looks like the famous Benji dog. She is six years old and could compete with Henry in the tail wagging department. Don’t miss the updates after the cute Ragamuffin is evaluated further.

The above dogs are just the newest rescues. Please don’t forget all the other darling little fluffs in our care. We will give a quick run down of them in the next IN THE NEWS….so stay tuned!! In the interim, take a look at ALL of our adorable dogs and their descriptions on the Available Dogs section of our website. With the addition of the new Ragamuffin, there are 23 now! We have a companion dog to fit just about any person or family’s lifestyle. These sweet furbabies are just waiting for YOU.

A great big THANKS to the transporters of the newest rescues: Don, Rita and Don, Missie, Peggie, and Jan.

Another humongous THANKS to the volunteers who will foster the most recent dogs: Shea, Peggie, Missie, Mike, Sandy, Margaret, Heather, and Jan.

WAY TO GO DFWT&M VOLUNTEERS!! YOU MAKE IT ALL POSSIBLE!

COMING SOON! A new page will be added to our website. It will have a picture and brief profile of each of our fabulous volunteers. They definitely deserve a page of their own on DFWT& M’s website.

1/26/08:

Eat your hearts out everyone! The positively adorable, o’ so cute, epitome of the term, “mop dog”, the coal black Ziggy Marley, was adopted today.

We are not sure we can describe how spoiled Ziggy will be. His new mom was buying out Petsmart as we left. What a lucky little boy!

Jerry Lewis aka Lewi, an older little sweetie who had already wormed his way into his foster mom’s heart, was also adopted today to a wonderful retired couple. He has a new sister as a playmate and companion. These mature dogs really do make the best companions to both humans and other adult dogs. Check out our “aged to perfection” dogs such as Olivia, Cody, and Romo. Remember, Shih Tzu and Lhasas can live to be 15-20 years old.

Time flies when we are rescuing Shih Tzu and Lhasas! There has been absolutely no rest for the Shih Tzu rescue volunteers lately. The furbabies just keep coming out of the woodwork, and the days seem to run together!

From transporting to taking in new fosters, from reviewing applications to meeting new applicants at Tzu Reviews, from going on home visits to making belly bands, it takes a group effort to efficiently handle a steady stream of these furbabies. However, you never hear these great DFWT&M volunteers complaining. They just keep asking what else needs to be done. It is amazing to observe the energy of people who are so passionate about our mission of re-homing Lhasa and Shih Tzu Rescues.

It is fortunate that we had four adoptions last weekend and two today! The shelters seem to stay full, as well as, several owners surrendering their little fluffs to us. Even the new foster homes have already been filled to capacity. These most recent rescues range in age from 8 months to 9 years old. Don’t miss seeing all of these little darlings at our next Tzu Review on February 2. EEKS! Don’t tell me that January is almost over. The time really is flying! Oh well, better get back to figuring out where to place the newest foster.

1/14/08:

Everyone is probably wondering what has been happening in Shih Tzu Rescue the last couple of weeks! Why haven’t there been any Shih Tzu Rescue updates on our website? The reason is that it has been a case of ALL ACTION, and no time to write.

The bad news is that there have been many Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apsos in the shelters needing rescued. The good news is that DFW Tzus and More has come to the rescue!

Yes, many needy furbabies have needed saving since New Years Day. There have been so many, in fact, that it is difficult to keep the DFWT&M volunteers apprised of all the new Shih Tzu, Lhasas, and more who have been transported, vetted, and placed into foster care in the past two weeks. There have been a total of 9 rescues from metroplex shelters, two from Abilene, and one owner surrender. Eight little darlings have been placed in foster homes, two are still at our vet clinic, and one is currently brushing up on his manners with Alan Brown of K-9 Direction.

You ask: Why did these dogs need RESCUING? There are many different reasons: one dog is heart worm positive and also has cherry eye, one had an injured leg, one had a tracheal cough, another had an injured eye, and others were just too severely matted or not young enough to be considered adoptable to the public. With a little grooming, medical care, and in some instances, obedience training, all should become a treasured companion for the right home. They range in age from 6 months to about 9 years. Newcomers are being added to our website daily. You’ll want to check our available dogs frequently.

THE NEXT LOVE OF YOUR LIFE COULD BE WAITING IN THE WINGS OF DFWT&M FOSTER CARE AT THIS VERY MOMENT!

1/1/08:

The DFW Tzus’ volunteers and the rescued Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apsos, and other little fluffs would like to wish ALL of our friends, family, sponsors, partners, adopters, and other supporters a bright, happy, healthy, and prosperous 2008. DFWT&M’s volunteers are grateful for your support in 2007, and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

12/30/07:

AT DFW TZUS AND MORE RESCUE, WE OFTEN GET ASKED THE QUESTIONS: Where do we get our Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu Rescues? How did we know they were in a certain shelter? What is their history?

We don’t always know their sad history or why they are in a shelter. However, we do know a little about our three most recent Rescues, Tim McGraw aka TimTim, Faith Hill, and Valentino. We will relate their heart wrenching stories, and a little about how the rescue process often works.

Getting the word to Rescue Groups about a particular dog or dogs in a shelter usually starts with a Shelter Walker. These are dedicated volunteers who spend their lunch hours and evenings walking various shelters in the DFW Metroplex, and making photographs of the dogs there. To view a poignant and informative video about some of these amazing Shelter Walkers, please click here. The Shelter Walkers forward their photos to large umbrella email groups that encompass many of the breed and mixed breed Rescues in the area. From there, other volunteers see that the information filters out to Rescues who may not be part of these email groups, but whom they think might have an interest in a particular dog. Dallas-Fort Worth has the largest shelter-rescue coalition in the country. Unfortunately, there are still more dogs in the shelters everyday than can be saved by Rescue groups alone. For most shelters, the euthanasia rate approaches 70% or more!

That is why it is so important to ADOPT RATHER THAN BUY A DOG!

The story of Faith and TimTim started with a Dallas Animal Services’ Shelter Walker named Maggie Dahl. Maggie’s heart broke when she saw the condition of Faith and TimTim, and learned of their unfortunate circumstances. She sent out a plea for a Rescue group to take them, and that plea was passed on to DFWT&M. These two little darlings were taken into protective custody when their owner went to jail…yes, we’ll call him an owner, NOT a pet parent. No true pet parent could have let them get into their deplorable condition. This pair came to us totally matted, with dread-locks full of mud and feces. These filthy dread-locks even covered Tim’s face and eyes. The pair had to have been kept in a back yard because no one could have stood their stench in an enclosed area. The volunteers, who transported them from the shelter, had to drive from Dallas to Fort Worth with their windows down…on a cold day. These little ones got lucky the day their owner went to jail, and they were able to get out of their own prison of neglect. Check out the cute photo of them on our website under “available dogs”, snuggling together on their plush bed. These two have a bright future now, thanks to Maggie Dahl and many other caring volunteers in the DFW shelter/rescue coalition.

Valentino came to us from a shelter in San Antonio. This is another of those heartwarming stories of this magical Christmas season. The timing and circumstances just happened to be right for DFWT&M to rescue this little one from certain death. He had been surrendered to the shelter because his owners couldn’t/wouldn’t pay for the veterinary care required for his eye. In San Antonio, another caring Shelter Walker named Dagi Henry sent a plea all the way to the DFW Metroplex for someone to please save this poor little one year old Shih Tzu with a ruptured eyeball. This plea was forwarded to DFWT&M, who just happened to have a Rescue friend in S.A. She was able to retrieve Valentino, keep him over night, and then take him to her vet the next day. Again, one of DFWT&M’s volunteers “just happened” to have a relative driving up from S.A. for Christmas the very next day who could transport Valentino. The timing was perfect, and Valentino had many Rescue Angels looking out for him. His eye will be removed after he has completed a course of antibiotics. He will receive the love and care he deserves in foster care, before going to his forever home.

PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT WE ALWAYS ARE IN NEED OF CARING FOSTER HOMES. COME OUT TO OUR NEXT TZU REVIEW ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, AT LINCOLN SQUARE PETSMART IN ARLINGTON TO MEET OUR VOLUNTEERS, AND FIND OUT HOW YOU TOO CAN HELP SAVE THE LIVES OF THESE DESERVING DOGS, THAT ARE IN SHELTERS THROUGH NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS OF THE NEXT TZU REVIEW. OUR VOLUNTEERS CAN’T WAIT TO MEET YOU!!!

Also, please remember that we have our 501(c)3 nonprofit status now. If you can’t foster, please consider a donation to our cause. Your donation may be tax deductible. We continually need donations to fund our efforts to save these little fluffs.

Please click here to make a donation.

12/26/07:

DFW Tzus and More Rescue’s first Christmas couldn’t have been better for the Shih Tzu and Lhasas taken into foster care. They must have all been good little girls and boys, as Santa definitely came to visit. SIX of these little fluffs found their forever homes in the week before Christmas. Was it luck, or the diligence of the DFW Tzus’ volunteers, or just the magic of the Christmas season?

Olivia Newton-John, Doris Day, Maverick and Lola, Elizabeth Taylor, and Robert Redford were all adopted into wonderful homes that matched each one perfectly.

As was related in an earlier “In the News”, Olivia was an older Shih Tzu Rescue girl, and a volunteer with another group asked DFW Tzus to take her into our program. This little girl immediately endeared herself to all the DFW Tzu volunteers. The cute picture made of her in a fur coat with Santa produced a flurry of applications. The applicant, who looked like the best match, also said she wanted to adopt an older dog who might have more difficulty in finding a forever home. That statement touched her foster Mom’s heart, and the rest is history. Olivia, now named Baby, has a both a new Mom and a new fur coat to call her own, and is being pampered to her heart’s content.

There must have been some “magic” in Doris Day aka Dorie’s meeting with her new parents. The last Tzu Review before Christmas at Petsmart finished late due to some last minute arrivals. Normally, the volunteers would have been long gone, when a pretty lady in a red hat just happened to stop by on her way to retrieve her Tzu named Georgie from the Petsmart grooming salon. She said our Dorie, who had just gotten a different hair style the day before, looked “just like her Georgie”. And it was so true! When she brought Georgie back to meet us, we could barely tell them apart. They were both approximately 9 years old, and looked like they could have been from the same litter. This nice lady and her husband weren’t even planning to adopt another dog, but after hearing about Dorie’s personality, they immediately decided Georgie needed a friend named Dorie. Dorie’s new home is also in the neighborhood of two of DFW Tzus’ volunteers. It was one of those adoptions that was just meant to be! Check out the Happy Homes page to see the remarkable resemblance between Georgie and Dorie.

Maverick and Lola were owner surrender littermates. Their foster Mom really felt like they should be adopted together since they were so bonded. Sometimes it takes a while to find an adopter for two dogs, but not in this case. Their new adopter came out to see a different dog,,, one dog, and fell in love with Mav and Lola instead. She and her husband are retired, and they have all the time in the world to devote to the two super dogs. Mav and Lola got the perfect home that they deserve!

If Elizabeth Taylor aka Lizzy’s new Mom hadn’t persisted, this adoption might never have taken place. We have been having problems with our on-line application(it will be corrected soon) and her initial application was rejected. Luckily, she was persistent, as attorneys tend to be;-) Lizzy is going to a new home with a brother about her age, a beautiful King Charles Spaniel named Charlie.. They will be getting lots of walks together. Lizzy will also go to doggie day care with her brother while her Mom is at work. Who could ask for more for one of our little furbabies?

Certainly one of the most heartwarming stories, is that of Robert Redford aka Rascal’s adoption. Rascal came into the DFW Tzus program due to his owner being terminally ill. Rascal, as his name suggests, is a temperamental Lhasa who didn’t like being touched or picked up by strangers, and is also 9 years old. He couldn’t be shown at Petsmart due to his temperament, so he had 3 strikes against him. Make that 4 strikes if you consider that he HATES cats. Rascal definitely had to go to a Lhasa savvy adopter with no cats. Just such an applicant in Weatherford saw Rascal on-line, and drove all the way into Arlington to see him. Rascal’s foster Mom said she had never seen Rascal so animated or seem as happy as on his home visit. She said it was like he knew he was home! Within hours of the adoption, Rascal’s new Dad sent a picture of Rascal lying on his shoulder in the recliner with him. Another fated match was made, and it was a wonderful Christmas for Rascal and his new parents.

THE WONDERS OF THE THIS MAGICAL SEASON DON’T STOP THERE! WE SAVED DFW TZUS OTHER SURPRISE FOR LAST! Who would believe that our 501(c)(3) determination letter from the IRS actually arrived in the mail on Christmas Eve! Even the IRS wanted DFW Tzus to have a Merry Christmas;-) For everyone who has made a donation since August 2, 2007, it may be tax deductible. We are officially a 501(c)(3) Non-profit! YAY!!!

FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS, THE DFW TZUS AND MORE VOLUNTEERS WANT TO THANK ALL THE CONTRIBUTORS WHO MADE DONATIONS BEFORE NON-PROFIT STATUS WAS OFFICIALLY RECEIVED FROM THE IRS. YOUR SUPPORT AND FAITH IN “DFWT&M” MEANT THE WORLD TO THE DFW TZUS VOLUNTEERS,,,,AND TO THE DOGS WHOSE LIVES YOU HELPED TO SAVE.

12/25/07:

THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS: A SEASON OF JOY, SHARING, GIVING, ANGELS, AND MIRACLES. The volunteers and furbabies of DFW Tzus and More Rescue definitely felt the spirit of Christmas this year.

Yes, it is a Christmas to remember for DFW Tzus, their volunteers, and their furbabies. Six lucky little fluffs found their forever homes in the week leading up to Christmas, and some of these stories could be described as miracles.

Check TOMORROW’S “IN THE NEWS” for these heartwarming stories that could surely only happen in this wonderful Christmas season.

The volunteers at DFW Tzus and More Rescue would like to wish all of its adopters, supporters, sponsors, families, and friends a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! May you and your families have a day filled with joy, sharing, laughter, and your own little Christmas miracles.

12/14/07:

SHIH TZU RESCUE can be sooooo heartwarming. One of our newest fosters, Olivia, is a good example of this.

A couple of weeks ago, a volunteer named Lisa, who works with another mixed breed group, asked DFW Tzus and More Rescue if she could pull an older female Shih Tzu from a shelter where she was going to be euthanized. She asked if DFW Tzus would accept her into our program if she would foster her. Even though Lisa said she would foster this little Tzu girl, she was leaving the country for a few weeks, and asked if we would board her or put her in a temporary foster home until she returned. We agreed. We had some adoptions and were able to move “Olivia Newton-John” out of our vet clinic into one of our foster homes. Well, this little darling is one of those perfect Tzus who has just captured everyone’s heart. In a fur coat, she looks like a little Princess Teddy Bear, and acts like a Princess in every way. Not only do we not have a problem fostering her, but all the foster homes are fighting over her,,,,,in a FUN WAY, of course. Her foster Mom keeps “making up” things that are wrong with her that would keep her from being adopted, or would keep other foster parents from wanting to foster her;-). At Petsmart, the foster parents make a game of trying to sneak out with Olivia under their coats. Olivia proves our contention that the older dogs can make the best companions. Olivia Newton-John has been an unexpected, and WONDERFUL Christmas surprise and blessing to DFW Tzus. Thank you, Lisa!!!

Who will be Olivia’s lucky adopter? Stay tuned for the next happy saga in Shih Tzu Rescue news! We will all have to take turns consoling Olivia’s foster Mom when she is adopted, though.

12/12/07:

Don’t miss the beautiful Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso Rescues at the upcoming TZU REVIEW on SATURDAY, December 15, from 10am to 1pm at Lincoln Square Petsmart in Arlington, Texas. Click on our Events Schedule for directions.

LAST SUNDAY AT PETSMART WAS SUCH A PLEASANT SURPRISE! We were really expecting a low turn out for our special Tzu Review and Santa Photos due to the inclement weather, the Cowboy game, and construction on I-30. We were amazed and very pleased by the number of people who braved the weather and came out anyway! A big THANKS to all of former adopters and supporters who came for the Santa photos, and to those who also came to see our gorgeous dogs. We appreciate your efforts.

SUNDAY WAS A BITTERSWEET DAY FOR PENOLOPE CRUZ’S FOSTER MOM. She said she let Penny choose her adopters, and knew they were the right ones for Penny when the little angel relaxed and snuggled against their shoulder. However, it was tough to let Penny leave. Her foster mom had nursed her through her eye surgery, and watched her turn into a little princess. Despite a few tears, Penney’s foster mom was happy to see Penny into such good hands.

Thanks to the many good applicants who came to the Tzu Review on Sunday, we have several home visits scheduled, and have already done one adoption. Sorry to disappoint some of you, but the cute and lovable puppy named Willy Wonka was adopted on Monday evening to a fabulous family with three other canine companions for Willy to torment, I mean with which to play ;-).

DFW TZUS AND MORE REALLY, REALLY NEEDS MORE FOSTER HOMES FOR THEIR RESCUED SHIH TZU AND LHASAS!!! In order to save all these little darlings who are in the shelters every day, we urgently require foster homes NOW. There are several in the shelters at this very moment waiting for foster space. In this season of giving, please consider opening your heart and your home to one of these homeless furbabies. The rewards far outweigh the effort required to foster. Come out to our next Tzu Review, and let our great volunteers tell you about their fostering experience. Saving dogs may start out as just another volunteer job, but it quickly becomes a passion. Just ask the DFW Tzus’ volunteers!!

HOPE TO SEE YOU ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15!

12/04/07:

WOW! DFW Tzus and More had another busy week. There were three adoptions in the last week and another is scheduled for Thursday evening. Buddy Holly and Jennifer Aniston were both adopted on Saturday. Their foster Mom thought she would get a little break from fostering, but she couldn’t say no to a beautiful owner surrender Lhasa named Max. More information on the handsome, sweet Max to come at a later time.

Stephanie Plum was adopted on Sunday to a super family with a little girl named Tootsie, who could be Stephanie’s twin. The girls haven’t stopped playing yet! All three lucky dogs went to wonderful homes where they will be spoiled and pampered.

Mr. Big is also going to a great new forever home on Thursday evening. While he adores his foster Mom, Mr. Big doesn’t mind leaving his foster home too much. He looks forward to saying good-bye to the “PUPPY” named Willy Wonka. Mr. Big says he is ready for some peace and quiet time in a home where he will be the only dog. :-)

11/26/07:

PHOTOS WITH A DFW TZUS SANTA HAVE BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9 FROM 11-4. Hope you can make it! Lincoln Square Petsmart, 150 Lincoln Square, Arlington, TX 76011

All DFW TZUS dogs were found foster homes, and got to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with a family. Everyone was so happy that no dogs had to be boarded over the long holiday.

Another Happy Home! The beautiful Maltese, Marilyn Monroe, was adopted over the Thanksgiving weekend to one ecstatic family. Ms. Monroe looked like she belonged with the family of beautiful blondes. With two energetic daughters to play with her, and a stay at home Mom, Ms. Monroe couldn’t have been happier. See their picture coming soon to the Happy Homes page of our website.

11/20/07:

SANTA PHOTOS COMING SOON! FORMER ADOPTERS AND A DFW TZUS SPONSOR VISITED TZU REVIEW DESPITE CLOSURE OF I-30. HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

Several adopters came out on Saturday to show us how well their new furbabies were progressing. These guys really have been transformed from frogs to princes. What a beautiful group of dogs! The group included: Trav aka Ranger and his Dad, Richard Gere aka Rocky and parents, Tyler and his Mom, and Oliver and his parents. All the foster parents and volunteers loved seeing them! A DFW Tzus sponsor and board member from out of state also paid a surprise visit, and met many of the volunteers for the first time. It was our sponsor’s first visit to a Tzu Review, and he stated that it was just like going to a mini-reunion with so many adopters there. He asked if all our Tzu Reviews were such fun. All adopters are encouraged to bring their little ones and visit Tzu Reviews anytime:-). Seeing these happy families is always a treat for the foster parents.

DFW TZUS AND MORE WILL BE MAKING SANTA PHOTOS ON DECEMBER 1ST and 2ND AT LINCOLN SQUARE PETSMART. This will be the first year that Petsmart has used digital cameras rather than Polaroid cameras. The pictures should be much better and more versatile. It is a given that all the former DFW Tzus dogs have been good little boys and girls, and deserve to have their photos made with Santa;-) Hope you can all make it! More details to follow.

THANKSGIVING is a time to pause and give thanks for our many blessings. The DFW TZUS and More Rescue group is especially thankful this year. We are thankful for our generous sponsors, caring volunteers, great adopters, and for their continued assistance and support. Because of these wonderful people, we have been able to save many Tzus, Lhasas, and other little fluffs in the few months since we started our new Rescue group. We are truly grateful and thankful for all who have supported our efforts.

FROM THE DFW TZUS AND MORE VOLUNTEERS TO ALL OF YOU, BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY AND SAFE THANKSGIVING 2007.

11/17/07:

FIRST THINGS FIRST. WE ARE DESPERATE FOR MORE FOSTER HOMES! If you can open your heart and your home to help save a homeless Shih Tzu or Lhasa Apso, then PLEASE complete our volunteer application ASAP. The rewards of helping to save the lives of these needy furbabies are huge! It will be the best Christmas present you have ever received!

A look behind the scenes at DFW TZUS and More: Every time we think DFW Tzus and More is too full to take even one more, we find a way to wedge in another little one in need. Several of our foster homes who normally foster one dog, are now fostering two, and the ones who normally foster two, now have three. We consistently have dogs waiting in our vet clinic until we have foster home openings. We have THREE in the clinics now, awaiting foster openings.

On Thursday, an urgent plea was received from Samson Park Animal Control. They had taken a heart worm positive Tzu from Watauga Animal Control, due to Watauga being out of room. This little guy, who we named Tony Romo, was heart worm positive and severely emaciated. He seemed quiet and listless to our transporting volunteer. We were told that he doesn’t even have enough muscle to be injected with heart worm meds, and he will have to be on a high calorie food and vitamins before we can start HW treatment. We are continually amazed by how quickly these poor babies bounce back, though. Romo was quiet and lethargic prior to his bath and a calorie packed meal. Within a short time afterwards, he became much more animated, and even barked for some attention.

We received another urgent plea also on Thursday from TriCities Shelter: they had a cute, young Lhasa mix who was sneezing, and he needed out NOW. Our volunteer knew we were already bursting at the seams and waited till 2 PM on Friday afternoon to call to check on his fate….hoping and praying that another rescue group had taken him….but no such luck! He could not go into our regular vet clinic because Tony Romo couldn’t be exposed to an upper respiratory infection or possible kennel cough. Another clinic had to be found quickly. Luckily, one of our volunteers said his personal vet clinic could take this little boy. This sweetie who we named Leonardo DeCaprio(Cappy) then had to be transported to the clinic in Friday afternoon traffic, by a volunteer who had never been there before. Cappy was matted with numerous grass burrs and fleas, and he had something like black tar on his back. Due to his upper respiratory infection, the poor little guy couldn’t be bathed so that he could be made to feel better. These are just two stories about two homeless dogs, but this same scenario happens all over the DFW Metroplex with every breed, every Rescue group, everyday! It is difficult to understand how so many pet owners can be so neglectful of their family pets.

THE POSITIVE SIDE OF THIS STORY IS THAT “YOU” CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Won’t you help us give more of these darling Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apsos a reason to celebrate Thanksgiving? The thought of even one of these beautiful fluffs spending Thanksgiving behind bars on a cold, concrete floor without love or attention is just too heartbreaking to contemplate.

In this season of giving, won’t you give the ultimate gift of love and life to a Tzu or Lhasa, who otherwise may not live to see his/her next Christmas. PLEASE complete a foster application now! If you have any doubts about whether fostering is right for you, why not attend our next scheduled Tzu Review so that you can hear from our volunteers, in person, about what a heartwarming, satisfying experience fostering can be. If you can’t foster, a donation will help pay for boarding these sweeties until a foster home becomes available.

GOOD NEWS! DFW Tzus and More Rescue’s adorable Bender, of the Star-Telegram’s Biggest Loser’s Competition fame, was adopted today. It was a bittersweet day for his foster mom, Jennifer. She was happy to see the smiles of joy on the faces of Bender’s new parents, happy to know she can now help save another new foster, but sad to see the wonderful Bender go. Despite a few tears, she admitted that we were right in saying that her happiness at knowing Bender is going to a loving, forever home is greater than the sadness of losing him. A job well done, Jennifer!

We won’t post Bender’s Happy Home pictures and his very own photo show until after the Star-Telegram reveals his new parents in a story coming soon. Once we know the date of the upcoming happy story, we will post it here….IN THE NEWS! Don’t forget to visit our web-site frequently.

We weren’t sure what size crowd to expect at our Tzu Review today, as I30, the main artery to Lincoln Square Petsmart, was closed for the day. However, we were pleasantly surprised. We had several good applicants for multiple dogs, and we hope to have more good news to report about additional Happy Homes soon!

11/10/07:

WHEW!! WHAT A WEEK FOR DFW TZUS AND MORE RESCUE! Rescuing five new dogs in one week is a record for the DFW Metroplex's newest Shih Tzu rescue.

It is always sad to see the condition of these dogs coming out of animal shelters, but one little girl was particularly heart rending. Stephanie Plum had the worst matted face you can imagine. She had dreadlocks full of filth and feces hanging off of her face around her nose, and almost covering her eyes, and mats dangling off of one ear almost a footlong. She is approximately 2 years old, and had probably never been groomed in her life. It will be amazing to see her transformation into a true princess. She already feels so much better after her bath and shave. She is acting like a puppy again. Stay tuned for updates on Steffie, and all the other new DFW TZUS and More Rescue dogs.

GREAT NEWS: Tumbleweed (of dognapping fame) is being adopted today by a wonderful family with one parent retired, and the other to retire soon. His new sister is a Chihuahua. Not being a prejudiced Tzu, Tumbleweed loved playing with her on the home visit. The unlucky Tumbleweed got lucky with his great foster home, and now he is lucky again with his new forever home! This is also a milestone for Tumbleweed's foster parents. Tumbleweed will be their first foster to be adopted, as they kept their first two fosters. They will find out how rewarding it can be to visit with Tumbleweed's new parents in the future and see how happy he is and how happy he makes his new parents. Look for Tumbleweed's picture coming soon to the Happy Homes Page.

The adorable Bender's popularity continues to grow. Thanks to the Star-Telegram's Biggest Loser Competion article mentioning DFW Tzus and More, there have been many applicants for Bender, as well as for other DFW Tzus and More Rescue dogs. Stay tuned to find out who Bender's lucky new family will be.

10/29/07:

SHIH TZU RESCUE is keeping us so busy that we haven't had time to keep our In The News column updated! We will try to do better in the future.

Today was another busy day for Shih Tzu rescue. We received a call from Forney Road Shelter in Dallas right before lunch. They had two owner surrenders that were too matted to make public adoptions. We can't wait until the fabulous new shelter at Westmoreland and I30 fully opens. It will make our drive from Fort Worth much easier. The long drive was worth it, though, in order to save these two sweet little fluffs. Marilyn Monroe aka Mari, a beautiful but severely matted Maltese(fullfilling the "and More" part of our name),is probably about 3 years old. Angelina Jolie aka Angel, is a tiny brown and white Shih Tzu also probably in the 3 year old range. Her eyes have severe ulcers and she appears almost blind. We are hoping to be able to save her sight with medications. Stay tuned for updates on these little sweeties after their vet exams.

ON THE EXCITEMENT FRONT, DFW TZUS & More Rescue's very own adorable "BENDER" was featured again in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Biggest Losers Competition: Pet Edition today. Check out DFW TZUS & More Rescue's latest Star here at the Fort Worth Star Telegram

10/14/07:

DOGNAPPING!! TUMBLEWEED JUST CAN'T CATCH A BREAK! TWO of our wonderful male volunteers are checking on Tumbleweed at the vet clinic on a daily basis, and giving the DFW Tzus group updates and pictures. The little guy is doing great and coming along fine, but that was almost NOT the case. While at the clinic, Tumbleweed was placed in an outside dog run while his kennel was being cleaned. When the worker returned to the run to get Tumbleweed, he saw a man climbing over the 8 foot fence carrying Tumbleweed under his arm. He immediately called the Police, who in a very short time apprehended the man, and returned Tumbleweed to the vet. CLOSE CALL! Tumbleweed is now in a loving foster home being doted on by his foster parents, and getting in lots of play with his foster brothers. DFW Tzus intends to change Tumbleweed's luck. We are working on finding the best home possible for this loving, trusting little guy who has been through way too much in his short life.

10/11/07:

ANOTHER CALL FROM FORNEY ROAD SHELTER IN DALLAS saying they have another Shih Tzu in desperate need of rescue. A tiny, young Shih Tzu is so severely matted that he has chewed chunks of skin out of his legs while biting at the painfully knotted mats in his fur. When our volunteer reached the shelter, and first saw this little darling, the first thought that crossed his mind was that he looked like a West Texas Tumbleweed. His hair was matted and full of grass, weeds, and burrs. Tumbleweed is rushed to the vet where he has to be sedated and completely shaved. He is treated with an antiobiotic IV and topical antibiotics on the many sores and holes in his skin.

10/11/07:

YOU READ IT HERE FIRST! DFW TZUS & MORE'S ADORABLE "BENDER" CAN BE SEEN IN THE FORT WORTH STAR - TELEGRAM ON SATURDAY/SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13-14. CAN YOU GUESS WHY? Be sure to check it out! Could an I LOVE BENDER fan club be in the works? Stay tuned for the latest updates on Bender's celebrity status!

DFW TZUS AND MORE RESCUE IS DESPERATELY SEEKING ADDITIONAL FOSTER HOMES SO THAT THEY CAN SAVE EVEN MORE LITTLE FLUFFS LIKE THE LOVABLE “BENDER”.

9/29/07:

JOHN TRAVOLTA, AKA TRAV AKA RANGER IS ADOPTED IN ARLINGTON! Trav’s new Dad is beside himself with delight, as he has been waiting about three weeks for the adoption to take place. Trav is finally over his kennel cough, and ready for his new home and Dad. Trav’s Dad says he was definitely worth the wait!

9/26/07:

TAYLOR ADOPTED TO HIS NEW HOME IN GARLAND! His new Mom is ecstatic. She can’t wait to come home from work to see Taylor each day. The DfW Tzus & More crew are excited because she visits Arlington often and will bring Taylor by to visit the group at the Tzu Reviews at Lincoln Square Petsmart.

9/22/07:

ELVIS ADOPTED TO A RETIRED COUPLE WHO WILL DEVOTE ALL THEIR TIME TO HIM. It was love at first sight between Elvis and his new foster Dad. They can’t wait to get up and walk together each morning, play tug of war, and hang out in their beautiful back yard together. Elvis follows his Dad every step he takes.

9/21/07:

OLIVER ADOPTED TO THE NICEST YOUNG COUPLE! He will reside 10 minutes from his foster mom, who is pleased that she will be able to see him often. Judging by the many kisses Oliver gives his new Mom and Dad, it seems everyone is delighted!

9/15/07:

YES, IT’S FINALLY HERE! GRAND OPENING WEEKEND FOR DFW Tzus & More RESCUE @ LINCOLN SQUARE PETSMART IN ARLINGTON, TEXAS. WILL THE EVENT LIVE UP TO IT’S EXPECTATIONS? THE ANSWER IS A DEFINITE YES. THE CROWD NEVER LETS UP. OLD FRIENDS, FAMILY, SUPPORTERS, POTENTIAL ADOPTERS ALL STOP BY TO WISH THE GROUP WELL. NOT MANY COME EMPTY HANDED. THEY BRING TREATS SUCH AS HOMEMADE COOKIES, DONUTS, DRINKS. WHAT A GREAT WAY TO LAUNCH A NEW RESCUE!

BUT WAS IT A PRODUCTIVE DAY…ANY POTENTIAL ADOPTIONS? THAT ANSWER IS COMING SOON!

9/14/07:

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE TAKE THIS SWEET SHIH TZU MIX GIRL! HER TIME WAS UP IN ONE SHELTER, AND ESPCA TOOK HER ONLY TO FIND OUT SHE WAS HEARTWORM POSITIVE. WON’T A RESCUE PLEASE TAKE HER! So off to the shelter go two DFW TZUS volunteers to retrieve Elizabeth Taylor aka Lizzie, and what do they come back with? Not one, but TWO dogs!! Breed of second dog to be revealed at a later date. Don’t forget to check our website frequently.

9/11/07:

CALL FROM GRAND PRAIRIE ANIMAL CONTROL. SHIH TZU MIX OUT OF TIME! Volunteer off again to make that familiar run between shelter and vet clinic. But Eva Longoria aka Eva is worth it! You will want to hear about this little girl’s first days in her new foster home.

9/08/07:

LHASA IS A MATTED NIGHTMARE AND IS GETTING DEPRESSED IN SHELTER. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TAKE HIM? Another one so matted the microchip would hardly go through the mats. Richard Gere aka Ricky also has burrs around his eyes, and covered in fleas. But what a handsome lad he will turn out to be. You don’t want to miss his next update!

9/06/07:

PLEASE TAKE THIS CUTE GUY!!! HIS SISTER HAS ALREADY BEEN ADOPTED AND HE IS LONELY AND JUST WANTS OUT OF THE SHELTER! HE WAGS HIS TAIL AND LOOKS IMPLORINGLY AT EVERYONE WHO WALKS BY, PLEASE TAKE ME HOME!

DFW TZUS just can’t resist this plump guy already named BENDER. A brand new foster home is found for him. Keep checking, his story may be in the newspaper soon!

8/25/07:

URGENT! URGENT! CALL FROM GRAND PRAIRIE ANIMAL CONTROL. LHASA MIX IS COUGHING AND THEY CAN’T KEEP A SICK DOG AT THE SHELTER. Once again a volunteer responds on a Saturday morning to deliver the dog to the vet before 1PM closing time. John Travolta, aka Trav, is indeed coughing, and also scared to death. Hoping to report news of a recovery soon.

8/21/07:

IN AN EMAIL FROM FORT WORTH ANIMAL CONTROL: PLEASE SOMEONE TAKE THIS MATTED BOY! HE IS TIRED OF BEING CALLED DON KING!!! This poor little guy is not only severely matted, but he has burrs, and is covered in fleas. He is named Elvis after the second most popular name he was called by the shelter personnel, due to his unusual domed/matted hair style. More news to come on this little sweetie.

8/17/07:

URGENT! TWO TZUS AT GRAND PRAIRIE ANIMAL CONTROL NEED OUT NOW! Female has bulging eye, and male has double cherry eye. A DFW Tzus & More volunteer is on the spot within a few hours to transport these little angels to vet. Penny has a bulging eye that will require removal, and Oliver will require cherry eye surgery on both eyes. Updates will be forthcoming.

8/11/07:

BREEDER DUMPS TWO DOGS @ GLEN ROSE SHELTER! YES, once again these little ones were considered disposable after the breeder was through with them. Mickey and Pebbles, brother and sister, are too bonded to be separated. Mickey is deaf and depends on Pebbles to take the lead. Luckily, a shelter volunteer in Glen Rose knows a DFW Tzus & More volunteer, and gives him the emergency call. These little ones are now safe and sound in the SAME foster home awaiting a forever family looking for a special pair of little black and white Tzus. Hope to have a success story to report on these two at a later date.

7/20/07:

MATTED MESS WITH POSSIBLE EYE PROBLEMS NEEDS TO GO TO RESCUE NOW!! HE IS ALREADY PAST 72 HOUR TIME LIMIT! A call comes in from Dallas Animal Control @ Forney Road and within an hour, a DFW Tzus & More Rescue volunteer arrives at the shelter to transport Taylor to vet. Stay tuned for updates on Taylor.