Rescue Pets…Try it and You’ll Like It!

Rescue Pets…Try it and You’ll Like It!

After 15 years+, I lost both my beloved dogs in 2010. Since then, I have rescued 3 dogs. Here is my story.

CoCo- I was at a foreclosed home and the family had 4 puppies plus the mother dog. They offered me a puppy. I said I would take a female but there was only one and were keeping her. Ok, never mind. So the cash for keys was done and I was leaving when the little girl ran down the street with the female puppy and her mother’s sweater. She said “Here take her as we cannot move into an apartment with all these dogs and she will sleep better with the sweater”. On our way home, I stopped at the pet store and bought her a collar, pink coat, toys, blankets and a pink carrier.

So I brought CoCo, an adorable ball of red fur, home to my family and they loved her. She was only 4 weeks old but so healthy and just the best girl ever. She is 2 yrs old now and an adorable red Chihuahua mix.

Tootie- Her mom and dad were both 8 years old Chihuahuas and the owner bred them twice a year and sold them out of her backyard. I picked out Tootie and said I would come and get her in 6 weeks. Three weeks later she called and said she was getting rid of them so come and get my puppy today. I brought our tiny pink dog carrier, lined with a baby blanket and a teddy bear stuffed animal that was huge compared to her. She was so tiny that she fit inside the palm of my hand and I have small hands.  I brought her home and she loved CoCo from the very first day. CoCo still thinks she is her mother and it is so cute. These dogs lived with 5 kids, 4 adults, 3 other dogs and a 4 month old boxer puppy that could have killed any of the Chihuahua puppies with its big feet plus they kept them in the garage. This was a rescue!

 Gidget- Gidget was almost dead when I found her. She weighed 3.5 lbs, had a horrible breath, filthy dirty, but just as sweet as could be which told me she had not been physically mistreated.  11 adults, 5 kids, 11 dogs not including this puppy. They left this puppy and said they didn’t want her! I had to keep her on the property for 1 week, but we went by twice a day to give her food and water and gave her a nice robe and blanket from inside to keep her warm as it was winter time. A week later, I took her to my daughter and it was love at first site. We gave her a bath, bought her a new collar, soft new bed, toys and good puppy food. The vet told me she was almost dead, 4 months old and should have been about 8 lbs instead. The vet said that her bad breath was an indicator that she was about 1-2 days from dying as the body starts shutting down. He also said she should have been about 8 lbs instead of her underweight 3.5 lbs and keep in mind I did not take her for shots and worming for at least a week so she was likely about 2.5 lbs when I found her.

Below. after her bath, she took a long nap in her bed, wrapped in baby blankets and wearing a pink coat. I think she felt safe at last and it must have been wonderful having a soapy bath too.

Today- We love them all three and I cannot image our lives with them. They are so devoted to each other, play, fight, part of our holiday picture taking events, and fill our lives with love and happiness. All they ask for is good food & water, new collars, toys and chewies, soft dog beds, walks, and lots of hugs and kisses. I love taking pictures of them and post on my blog frequently. When I bring them home new collars or dresses, they are like girls getting a new outfit as they get so excited. Yeah….new collars and clothes!

I cannot imagine our lives without these 3 girls. Could I have bought a purebred dog instead…yes I could have. Thank goodness I did not. I got a purebred Chihuahua, a purebred Wired Hair Terrier, and a Chihuahua mix. Wonderful, adorable, sweet, healthy, and loveable pets which make our home complete.

Some people are looking for a specific breed; the rescue groups and the pounds are full of them as well as many mixes too. They all make good pets so you should be able to find the one you want. They give them their shots, have them neutered or spayed so there is no issue with puppies later.

If you are thinking about getting a new pet, please check the Humane Society, Rescue Groups, or the local pound. Sometimes a person has to give up a dog or a cat as they have to move into an apartment or convalescent home. My mother got a rescue dog, a Lhasa Apso that a senior citizen brought in. She left a note saying she loved her but was sick and could not care for her anymore. My mother got a wonderful pet, “Jelly Bean” and it helped her cope since my dad had just died.

There are so many dogs and cats that need homes. Please open your home up to one or two or three like me.

Here are just a few of the numerous links to rescue groups in San Bernardino / Riverside County. Just Google it and so many places will come up.

Adopt a Pet.com

San Bernardino County Animal Shelter Pet List

Lhasa Apso Rescue

Pet Harbor

B.A.R.C.

Y.A.P.S

All Breed Rescue

*And if you find yourself in need of help with shots or even alternative placement, call one of these places and they will assist you.

**Also, if your pet is lost, these animal groups will assist you in the search.