Baxter

Neuter That Boy - GRated

GoD and DoG

Rosie may become a prosthetic poodle

RACINE - If you don't look at her back half, Rosie looks like any other miniature poodle - cute, petite, with bright brown eyes.

It's her back legs - just like her back story - that are horrific.

Rosie was seized July 23 by the Hot Spring County Sheriff's Department and an anti-cruelty group in Rockport, Ark. She was one of 34 dogs rescued from an unscrupulous breeder's filthy trailer.

The Malvern (Ark.) Daily Record reported, "Many of the dogs were in poor health, covered in feces and urine, and living in cages that in some places were stacked up to the ceiling of the residence."

Rosie - who'd been bred to produce litters of puppies - had arrived with a skin condition, fleas and an ear infection.

Besides all of that, she had a special problem, says Dr. Brian Ray of Belle City Veterinary Hospital in Racine. She had a congenital problem: kneecaps that slide in and out of their joints.

Because that was never surgically corrected, and in view of her caged existence, her hind legs are now horribly twisted. Ray called her problem a "severe grade 4," with 4 being the highest level. She cannot defecate or urinate without soiling herself, and hobbles around on her rear knees.

"The amazing thing is, they bred this dog. Can you believe it?" said Mary Palmer as Rosie was being examined Wednesday. She said Rosie's case was being used to prosecute the breeder.

Palmer is president and founder of Northcentral Maltese Rescue, a Racine-based nonprofit. She accepted Rosie from the Arkansas anticruelty group which had too much on its hands without having to deal with Rosie's special medical problem.

Palmer plans to find a way for her group to pay for whatever comes next. She knows it will likely get very expensive but said, "It's in rough shape, but this is a happy little dog.

"You can't save all of them, I understand that," Palmer said. "But there are some that come along that touch your heart so deeply that you can't turn away.

"We're just jumping in with both feet."

The "both feet" metaphor is ironic considering that Rosie is highly likely to lose two of hers to partial amputation of her deformed limbs.

What comes after that could get very interesting. Joining Ray Wednesday in examining Rosie was Doug Reichert, a licensed prosthetist with Reichert & Kelsey, Kenosha. They are considering having Reichert make Rosie two prosthetic, removable legs.

At one point Rosie tried to thank Reichert for his concern with two air-licks toward his face.

Reichert has never done prosthetics for a nonhuman before, but he thinks he could help. After amputation, he told Ray, "If I have a femur, that's all I need."

If they choose that route, the dog's prosthetics could be something like the leaf-spring prosthetic feet that South African runner Oscar Pistorius has, Reichert said.

Another option being pondered is to get Rosie a cart - essentially replacing her useless rear legs with wheels. By day's end Wednesday, after talking to a cart manufacturer, Ray was leaning toward trying that first.

"If we can avoid surgery it would be best," he said.

"I think it would be the quickest route to having her running around and having some fun."

Posted in Local on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 5:25 pm Updated: 7:34 pm. | Tags: Belle City Veterinary Hospital, Northcentral Maltese Rescue,

Shag-Ra & Phyllis - The Miracle of Love

Northcentral Maltese Rescue

Cherry Blossom & Pepper - ADOPTED!!

My friend Renee (located on Mississippi Gulf Coast) has rescued two poodles. If I recall the story correctly, the owner died and heirs were going to put these two sweet ones to sleep to “rid themselves” of the problem. The real estate agent and my friend intervened. She is trying to find a new home for them; meanwhile, they are living with her. I’m her backup in case she needs help or a place for them to be for short period. They are both seniors and are healthy. One is the mother, the smaller one, and her name is Cherry Blossom. Her son is Pepper. We think they are about 11 and 13. They have been together for life and need to stay together. They love each other very much. They are housebroken and have adorable personalities.

Please pass this information along so we can find these two precious ones a home for their remaining years.

Adopt Me

Tiara Topknot Take 2

Emie and Sunny - Looking for Loving Home Together

Location Racine, Wisconsin: Emie and Sunny are a bonded pair of 4-5 yrs olds. We are spay and neutered. We just got our teeth all cleaned and sparkling too. We weigh about 7 & 8 pounds respectively. We have had a pretty rough year. From living in a loving home to a drug home, life was not always so good. Even though our Mom had problems she loved us enough to get us to rescue. We have been through so much, but are still as sweet as can be. We love to snuggle and cuddle and be close. We give kisses, just want to be loved. Sunny is very aware of any dogs that appear on TV and he will run to the tv and bark at them to tell them to get out of his space. Our foster Mom says that she cannot believe how well behaved we are. Although things have been kind of crazy we are still pretty much housetrained and do enjoy going outside and do really well on a leash. We just got a bath and new hair cuts so we look and smell pretty good now!!

Please call Mary if you would like to give us a forever home. 262-633-9371

Dog Whisperer on Puppy Mills

Dog Whisperer on Puppy Mills

Murphy

Looking for a forever home.

MURPHY NEEDS FOREVER HOME

I am a foster mom to rescued Maltese dogs. I do this for Northcentral Maltese Rescue. At the moment, I have one permanent foster, Rosie, who is blind but otherwise healthy, and then Murphy.

Murphy was left him in a shelter in New Orleans and rescued by a tender-hearted young girl who adopted him. She brought him to her grandmother who released him to me and Maltese Rescue.

Murphy is a jewel. He has a sweet disposition, is very devoted and bonded quickly with me. He is healthy, likes to take walks, and is very good on a leash. He enjoys snuggling and sleeps very close in bed with me at night. He has been fully vetted and weighs about 13 pounds. The vet says he is about 5 to 6 years old, a Maltese, maybe a little mix. He’s a little shy occasionally and probably would enjoy the company of another easy-going dog to play with (not a dominant one) or would do well as only dog. He is housebroken but does need to be taken out on a timely basis.

Application to adopt Murphy is made through Mary Palmer, Northcentral Maltese Rescue. For more information or go to the website at http://www.malteserescue.homestead.com/ or call Mary Palmer at 262-633-9371

Celebrate Earth Day With Our Pets

DOUBLE CLICK IMAGE ABOVE TO ENLARGE AND SEE ALL.

Source: http://www.gocomics.com/cathy/2009/04/19/

Jasmine, the Mother Theresa Greyhound

Jasmine, the Mother Theresa Greyhound

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Bogart - One Happy Puppy

Located in the Milwaukee Wisconsin area: Bogart is a 7 month old 5 1/2 pound Maltese. Born in a puppy mill, Bogie is free from a sad future there. He is happy and learning what it is like to run and play. Bogie is neutered, current on shots and ready for a bright new future. He needs a home that can keep up with his puppy energy and a buddy would be nice who is close to his age and energy level. Bogart is working on his housetraining so will still need a little help in that area. Please call Mary if you are interested in opening your home to this little bundle of love. 262-633-9371

Cuba - The Social Butterfly

Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Cuba is a delightful little 7 months young Havanese. He loves to play, he loves to leap in the air and he is a social little butterfly too. Cuba came from a puppy mill but he's already forgotten that life, or lack of life. He's just so happy to be free. He loves to play with his little foster sister Mindy and to cuddle with his foster parents. Cuba is one perfect little angel boy, oh except when he sleeps then he tends to snore. Cuba is doing quite well on his housetraining, he still has an accident now and then but he's only been working at it for a week now, shouldn't take too much longer before he completely understands the process. Cuba is neutered and current on his shots. He weighs 9 pounds. If you're looking for an Angel, no need to look further. Please call Mary at 262-633-9371

Mindy the Pom

Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Mindy is a 6 month young Pomeranian. She came from a puppy mill and is so excited to be out! She weighs a whopping 4 ¾ pounds. Mindy is a playful little girl, she plays with her foster brother Cuba, when she's not interested in playing with Cuba anymore she has no problem telling him to back off, she may be petite but she doesn't let that stop her! On the softer side, she is a cuddler and will brighten anyones day. Mindy is spay, and current on her shots. She is working on her housetraining at this time, but is still a pup so training will have to continue.

Mindy is a sweet confident little girl anyone would be lucky to have her in their life. Please call Mary at 262-633-9371

Bruser - Loaded with Puppy Fun

Located in Milwaukee Wisconsin, Bruser is one of the most adorable puppies you will ever see. He is loaded with fun puppy energy and loves to be held and give puppy breath kisses. Bruser is a Maltese/Yorkie mix, he is neutered, current on shots appropriate for a 12 week old pup and Micro chipped.. He will not last long so please don’t wait to get your application in. Please call Mary at 262-633-9371

Tina - Just a Puppy

Located in Milwaukee Wisconsin, Tina is one of the most adorable puppies you will ever see. She is loaded with fun puppy energy and loves to be held and give puppy breath kisses. Tina is a Maltese/Yorkie mix, she is spayed, current on shots appropriate for a 12 week old pup and Micro chipped.. She will not last long so please don't wait to get your application in. Please call Mary at 262-633-9371

Shasha - Pretty As A Princess

LOCATED IN MUSKEGO, WISCONSIN: Hi, my name is Sasha. My foster mom gave me that pretty name and I know it very well. I am approximately 4 years old and was recently rescued from a puppy mill. Luckily, I am in good health. I have been spayed and am up to date on all my shots. When I entered my foster home, I was a frightened little girl who didn't trust humans at all. In fact, I feared just about everything. Oh...how my life has changed since then. In the last several weeks, my personality is really beginning to blossom. I am trusting humans more and more. You see, I had never experienced a kind human touch until now, and I really like it! I love being petted, pampered, and massaged. I also feel very secure with other small doggies around me. I snuggle with them while sleeping, & we play together when I'm awake! I weigh only 7 pounds, but am a very good eater and must be careful not to overeat. Plus, I have learned to go potty on a pad like a good little girl. I am adjusting nicely to my new life outside of a puppy mill, and what a wonderful life it is! My tail just won't stop wagging...I am so happy!

Guess what? My foster mom thinks I'm as pretty as a Princess. Just see for yourself! Yes, I really do feel pretty in my new red dress. But, I'll let you be the judge!

My new forever home must be a family who will have patience with my progress, show me the compassion, love, and the understanding that I deserve. These are the things I will need in order for me to continue to blossom into the loving little Maltese girl that I was meant to be, and will be, when the right family comes along to adopt me. Could that family be yours? Please call Mary at 262-633-9371 for more information on how you can adopt Sasha.

Pete Shows Us How to Skateboard

"The Oz Man" - Little Ozzie - Looking for New Home

Located in Orange County, California; Meet little Ozzie. We call him the "Oz Man". This little boy is 18-months-old. He is full of love, and life. He gets along well with the other fosters, and even enjoys snuggling with a few of them. He loves to lay, and play, in the big bed with his foster mommy. He's a good boy, from a good home, which the original owner, sadly, has health problems. So she made the, very hard, decision to surrender him.The "Oz Man" is fully vetted. He's doing well with housetraining, but will need a little extra attention, in that area. Whomever adopts this sweet angel,will be VERY lucky, indeed. Please call Mary at 262-633-9371 if you are interested in this little angel.

Loving Life and Smiling - Cagney Waits for a Home

Location Milwaukee Wisconsin. Did someone say play? I'm an expert! Cagney may have spent the first seven months of his life in a puppymill but that has not dimmed his zest for life. He's an adorable 8# Maltese with personality plus. He's a curious, smart, happy, fun-loving puppy who will make a wonderful addition to your home. This little bundle is neutered and current on his shots. Cagney gets along great with other dogs and people and loves to play chase in the yard. Being a puppy, Cagney is still working on his potty training skills. He needs a home with an active playmate. Cagney's love of life shines through. Just look at that smile!

Please call Mary Palmer at 262-633-9371 for more information on how you can adopt Cagney.

The Journey

When you bring a pet into your life, you begin a journey - a journey that will bring you more love and devotion than you have ever known, yet also test your strength and courage. If you allow, the journey will teach you many things, about life, about yourself, and most of all, about love. You will come away changed forever, for one soul cannot touch another without leaving its mark.

Along the way, you will learn much about savoring life's simplep leasures - jumping in leaves, snoozing in the sun, the joys of puddles,and even the satisfaction of a good scratch behind the ears.

If you spend much time outside, you will be taught how to truly experience every element, for no rock, leaf, or log will go unexamined, no rustling bush will be overlooked, and even the very air will be inhaled, pondered, and noted as being full of valuable information. Your pace may be slower - except when heading home to the food dish - but you will become a better naturalist, having been taught by an expert in the field.

Too many times we hike on automatic pilot, our goal being to complete the trail rather than enjoy the journey. We miss the details - the colorful mushrooms on the rotting log, the honeycomb in the old maples nag, the hawk feather caught on a twig. Once we walk as a dog does, we discover a whole new world. We stop; we browse the landscape, we kick over leaves, peek in tree holes, look up, down, all around. And we learn what any dog knows: that nature has created a marvelously complex world that is full of surprises, that each cycle of the seasons bring ever changing wonders, each day an essence all its own.

Even from indoors you will find yourself more attuned to the world around you. You will find yourself watching summer insects collecting on a screen. (How bizarre they are! How many kinds there are!), or noting the flick and flash of fireflies through the dark. You will stop to observe the swirling dance of wind blown leaves, or sniff the air after a rain. It does not matter that there is no objective in this; the point is in the doing, in not letting life's most important details slip by.

You will find yourself doing silly things that your pet-less friends might not understand: spending thirty minutes in the grocery aisle looking for the cat food brand your feline must have, buying dog birthday treats, or driving around the block an extra time because your pet enjoys the ride. You will roll in the snow, wrestle with chewie toys, bounce little rubber balls till your eyes cross, and even run around the house trailing your bathrobe tie - with a cat in hot pursuit- all in the name of love.

Your house will become muddier and hairier. You will wear less dark clothing and buy more lint rollers. You may find dog biscuits in your pocket or purse, and feel the need to explain that an old plastic shopping bag adorns your living room rug because your cat loves the crinkly sound.

You will learn the true measure of love - the steadfast, undying kind that says, "It doesn't matter where we are or what we do, or how lifetreats us as long as we are together." Respect this always.

It is the most precious gift any living soul can give another. You will not find it often among the human race.

And you will learn humility. The look in my dog's eyes often made me feel ashamed. Such joy and love at my presence. She saw not some flawed human who could be cross and stubborn, moody or rude, but only her wonderful companion. Or maybe she saw those things and dismissed them as mere human foibles, not worth considering, and so chose to love me anyway.

If you pay attention and learn well, when the journey is done, you willbe not just a better person, but the person your pet always knew you tobe - the one they were proud to call beloved friend.

I must caution you that this journey is not without pain. Like all paths of true love, the pain is part of loving. For as surely as the sun sets, one day your dear animal companion will follow a trail you cannot yet go down. And you will have to find the strength and love to let them go. A pet's time on earth is far too short - especially for those that love them. We borrow them, really, just for awhile, and during these brief years they are generous enough to give us all their love, every inch of their spirit and heart, until one day there is nothing left.

The cat that only yesterday was a kitten is all too soon old and frail and sleeping in the sun. The young pup of boundless energy wakes upstiff and lame, the muzzle now gray. Deep down we somehow always knewthat this journey would end. We knew that if we gave our hearts they would be broken. But give them we must for it is all they ask in return.

When the time comes, and the road curves ahead to a place we cannot see, we give one final gift and let them run on ahead - young and whole once more.

"Godspeed, good friend," we say, until our journey comes full circle and our paths cross again.

~ Crystal Ward Kent

Meet Winter - Ready to Love a Family

Scottsdale, Arizona: Meet Winter,the handsome little love bug who is just full of love to give to the perfect family. Winter is between 4 and 5 years-old. He is initally a little shy and takes a little time to warm up to new people and new situations. Once he does though, look out! Winter is still learning the doggy door but is fully potty trained and has had zero accidents in his first week with his new foster family. Winter would do well in a family with no other dogs or one with dogs who are quieter. He's a good boy, and loves nothing more than being held. He'll wrap his paws around your neck, and nestle his little head on your shoulders. But more important he will wrap himself around your heart. He is current on shots and neutered. Please call Mary Palmer if you think your heart needs some warming from Winter. 262-633-9371

Waking Miss Daisy

Spencer Is Looking for a Home

LOCATED IN SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA: Spencer is a very happy little guy, with a terrific personality. He was in really bad shape when picked up in Phoenix as a stray. His ears were full of dirt and a serious ear infection. The vet estimates that he is approximately 9 years old; he is a little hard of hearing as a result of his previous ear problems, but this does not take away from anything he does. Spencer is neutered, has had a dental, is up to date on his vaccinations. He looks and feels like a totally different dog than when he was picked up. His tail is always wagging and he gets along well with his other doggy brothers and sisters, although he is not quite as rowdy as they are. He is perfect on the potty training and would do great either in a home as an only dog or a home with other quiet dogs. If you are interested in a great companion please call Mary at 262-633-9371.

Maltese In A Box

Tinkerbell - Give This Girl Your Heart and A Home

Located: St Charles Illinois. My name is Tinkerbell. My story has a pretty rough beginning. I was one of 125 dogs living in a little house with just one human. Someone came and took all of us away. I went to a vet and he said I had a really bad heart problem. My tummy was swollen and I was not feeling well at all. Then I took a long ride to Wisconsin to a place called rescue. They took me to a vet who said my heart was just fine, but I was full of parasites. They gave me some medicine and wow did I start to feel really good. Today I am 4 1/2 pounds of puppy energy. They think I am about 11/2 to 2 yrs old, and boy oh boy do I love life. I have so much energy that I need a home with someone who can keep up with me. Take me for walks, and play, play, play. Don't get me wrong I LOVE my cuddle time too. I love sleeping in a human bed and knowing I am safe. I would really like a buddy, but one that is young enough and has enough energy to play with me. Unfortunately I lost the hair on my ears and part of my tail because of the trauma to my system from those nasty parasites. There is some fuzz starting to grow back, I do look a little silly right now but then I am a silly little girl. Please call Mary (262-633-9371) if you want to adopt me, I would be so happy

Sweet Tessa Looking For Her Forever Home

Located in Racine, Wisconsin; Tessa is a 1 ½ yr old female. She has been spay and is current on all of her shots. Tessa is a Maltese /Shih Tzu Mix we believe. She weighs about 7 ½ pounds of bounding energy. She will win anyone over with those huge sweet eyes. Tessa was picked up as a stray, limping in the cold. When no one claimed her at the shelter she was transferred to Maltese Rescue needing veterinary care. While we suspected she had a broken leg we were surprised to find that the leg could not be repaired. Tessa had to have her rear leg removed. Now, here she is just a few weeks since her surgery and she is running like the wind. She does not know she only has three legs. Shhh don’t anyone tell her. She is a snuggle bug. But so full of energy, so a home with enough energy to keep up is necessary. Please call Mary for more information about Tessa. 262-633-9371

Another Tucker

Located in New College Pennsylvania; Tucker is a wonderful little Maltese. He has been in my foster care since February 1, and is an absolute joy to have in our home. Tucker is a 5 year old, neutered Maltese and weights about 12 lbs, and could stand to lose a pound or more. He loves to go on walks, and will walk well on a leash. He gets along well with other dogs, but would prefer a home without other dogs or a home with a submissive dog, just like him. Tucker loves to cuddle up on the sofa next to me or rest on my lap, and most of all at bedtime he wants to crawl into bed with us and our two other dogs. Tucker seems to prefer woman over men and children, but would do well with a man in the household who took his time getting to know Tucker. Tucker is 98% potty trained, but needs to be fed and walked on a regular-daily schedule. I take Tucker out frequently during the day to remind him it is potty time. We haven’t had any potty incidents since he has been in my care. Tucker has been to obedience school and understands basic commands such as: Sit, Stay, Come, Leave it, Shake, Dance and is extremely eager to please. Tucker will certainly be missed in our home when he goes to his Forever Home, as he has been my constant shadow since the day we met. He is without a doubt a bundle of joy, and would be a loyal, playful and wonderful companion to his Forever Family. Please call Mary at 262-633-9371.

Rocky Needs a Home

Located in Lowell Indiana: Rocky has not had an easy life. He was part of a family with his siblings, but because of bad times they were relegated to an outside porch in crates. A wonderful friend came along and convinced the family to put them into rescue. Rocky is a sweet soul and loves to play. He is house trained, neutered and current on all of his shots. He is 3 years old and loves to cuddle. He would like to become part of a loving family who has time to let him know what family life is all about. Rocky had to be completely shaved down when he came into rescue. He was so badly matted that he had trouble walking. His hair is growing out now and he is going to be a very handsome boy. If you are interested in a great companion please call his foster mom in Indiana. Alice 219-696-3258 Or Mary 262-633-9371

Russell & Macy - Will You Be Their Forever Mom?

Located in Blairstown, NJ: Russell & Macy - We were given up for adoption because our mother is in a nursing home with terminal cancer. We are 8 years out and have been together since we were 5 weeks old. We are looking for a forever home with lots of love and no young children. We have settled in quickly with our foster mom and love to follow her around the house. When she’s sitting we enjoy being on her lap or right next to her. Don’t think we’re old, we love to play. We enjoy giving kisses and love to snuggle. We are good with other dogs and cats. Russell is 7 pounds, neutered and current on shots with a recent dental. Macy is spayed, up to day on shots and dental, and is a whole 5 pounds.

These dogs will not be separated, but ONLY adopted together. If you are interested in adopting this loveable pair please call Mary at 262-633-9371You will find more of our avaliable dogs on our website . http://malteserescue.homestead.com/

Trixie Is Looking for a Loving Home

Located in Germantown, Wisconsin: Sugar and Spice and all things nice. That’s Trixie!

Trixie is a sweet, spunky little 7# Poodle-Maltese mix who spent the first years of her life as a breeder in a Wisconsin puppy mill. She was freed from that life just after her second birthday. It was discovered that she had hip dysplasia so she underwent surgery to correct this and is now doing great. She also has been spayed and brought up to date on her immunizations. Trixie gets along very well with other dogs. She loves to run and play tug of war with the dogs in her foster home. She enjoys chewing on bones and you will usually find an assortment in her bed. Due to her start in life Trixie is still cautious around people but is improving every day. She loves to sit next to you to be pet and will roll on her belly in delight. She is completely potty trained if kept to a schedule. Trixie needs to go to a loving home with another playful, well-trained dog.

If this little girl captures your heart please call Mary Palmer at 262-633-9371.

Northcentral Maltese Rescue: http://malteserescue.homestead.com/

Tucker is Looking for a Home

Located Kenosha Wisconsin: My name is Tucker now. You know I never had a name before. Really I don't even know it is my name or what a name even is. You see I am out of a puppy mill. I am only 3 1/2 yrs old. I have not had much of a life before rescue. It has been about 1 1/2 months since I left the place that use to be my home. It was cold and not a nice place to be. No one ever scratched my ear or rubbed my belly. No one ever told me I was cute or that I was a good boy. I am still a little afraid of people, because I have never before had any human be nice to me. But today I am doing so good. I will wander around the house with the other dogs, and go outside when we are called. I still have not learned about housetraining completely, but I am smart and they say I will learn. I know when we come in from outside if I go straight to the big white box in the kitchen with the other dogs I will get a carrot for being so good. I love carrots. I get to sleep in a real bed with my foster mom, and I love that too. I have to wear a belly band until I learn that house training thing. I have been neutered and have had all my shots and even my teeth cleaned sparkling white. I sure look good. I need a home that has allot of love,a home with another dog in it to help me learn all that a little guy like me has to learn. Please, how can you look at this face and not want to cuddle me and teach me how to be a real dog.

Please call Mary at 262-633-9371 to see if I am the dog for you.

Northcentral Maltese Rescue: http://malteserescue.homestead.com/

What A Wonderful World

Sophie

Sophie is darling and demur, a quiet, devoted and very sweet little girl. She’s perfect. She likes to play and run. She faithfully follows her foster mom, always wanting to be near. She gets along well with other Maltese in the home and adjusts easily. She is house trained and will signal when she wants to go out by standing by the door. Sophie was born on 10-3-01. She was AKC registered by her prior owners and had five litters of puppies. She weighs 7.3 pounds, has had her annual shots, her dental and is spayed.

I am Sophie's foster mom for Northcentral Maltese Rescue. If you would like to adopt her, call Mary Palmer, Northcentral Maltese Rescue, 262-633-9371.

(On February 15, 2009, Sophie was adopted and has gone to a wonderful new home with a great mom and dad. She also has a big sister, Missy. See Missy's picture on this page.)

Nikki

Nikki came to me as her foster mom through Northcentral Maltese Rescue in June 2005. Sadly, she had to leave her home because her mom had a new job, requiring travel, and could no longer take care of Nikki. She was quickly adopted by a friend who has spoiled this little princess.

When Nikki, was my foster, this is what I wrote about her before she was adopted:

Nikki is adorable - a beautiful little girl - as you can see. She is very tiny and so sweet. A Maltese angel. She has excellent manners and a very gentle spirit. She loves to snuggle and sleep on my lap and is very compatible with Poppy, Tashee, Juniper and Pal. Tashee seems to really enjoy having a sister, and the two have become very good companions, sharing my lap and affection. I have enjoyed having her with us and will miss her greatly when she goes to live with her forever mom. She deserves the very best!!

And she's unforgettable.

The Odd Couple

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Poppy

Dear Poppy went to rainbow bridge in May 2008. I have not been able to write about his last days on Poppy's Page because of the great sadness my husband and I continue to feel about the loss of our dear Poppy. I have wanted to make a great tribute to Poppy for all the joy he brought to us and others. Perhaps the following paragraphs, from an e-mail I wrote to our closest friends, will describe some of our thoughts and feelings during Poppy's last days.

From the e-mail -

Dear Ones:

I am overwhelmed right now with great sadness and sorrow. Tom and I are going through difficult times, and we cry lots. I suppose I just need to write about it - to express my grief. I have scheduled Poppy for Friday to put him to sleep. He is our first Maltese. This afternoon, after work, I decided that I would take him outside for a walk, wanting to give him something that he always enjoyed. How he used to love his walks, going at a fast trot. He loved to explore the neighborhood and visit with other folks on our rounds. He always greeted others, humankind and doggies, standing on his hind legs, waiving his paws in the air. He was always very outgoing and friendly.

So this afternoon we began to walk. I didn't put a lease on him because there was no point. We walked very slowly side by side, going the route we always took. I didn't let him walk a long way before I picked him up. We stopped at the house of one of his friends, a dear lady who also has a Maltese dog. He was so pleased to see her, and she gave him many kisses. Then we walked slowly home again.

Poppy brought unconditional love and total joy into our home. He has been a ladder for me to God, and I shall be eternally grateful for the gift of his presence in our lives. So many good memories. How adorable he was as a puppy.

Poppy has a liver problem and has lost lots of weight, down from 15 pounds to 6.3. He has gotten much worse the last ten days. He eats well but his body is not using the nourishment. Nothing we have tried has succeeded in giving him quality of life or helped to stabilize his health. Please pray for Poppy and for Tom and me.

Love & Prayers, Ouida