Wedding of Buddy & Muffy

Wedding of Buddy & Muffy

Michael

FOR THE UPDATES ON MICHAEL'S STORY GO TO
NORTHCENTRAL MALTESE RESCUE WEBSITE (click link)
Michael is doing great and has been adopted. Read all about it.

My name is Michael, I am named after the angel Michael. I want to tell you my story and hope that you can help me be all that I was meant to be. I am about 1 1/2 yrs. old. No one really knows my birthday but that is what I hear them saying.

I can't tell you who it was, but someone threw me out on the streets in a small town in Kentucky. I was really hungry and scared. I did not know anyone and it has been really hard for me to run or walk because you see my back legs where not right when I was born. My knees where turned around backwards. I could not walk on my feet like my sisters and brothers could. My knee joints did not stay together either, so I had to learn to move, as best I could. People laughed at me because I was all humped over.

Because my legs where so bad I could not push myself up like other dogs do so that I could walk proud like a real dog does. I got so hungry, and fleas and ticks started to bite me really bad. Then one day someone picked me up and took me to a place that was not so nice. I heard them say I have three days before they would "put me to sleep" if no one came to get me. But gee they did not even answer the phone when people called, it would just ring and ring. What if it was someone for me? But, I don't think so, no one wanted me.

On the second day a very nice lady stopped in to see if she could help any little dogs in the pens. She took one look at me and I had to wag my tail it was so nice someone spoke softly to me. I was sad when she left. What I did not know is she went home to find out if someone could or would help me. She was calling all over the United States too.. She is so smart, she called the nice people at Northcentral Maltese Rescue, Inc. way far away in Wisconsin. And you know what? She came back the very next day and took me out of that place. I was so happy all I could do was give her kisses and wag my tail. The rescue asked her to take me straight to a veterinarian. I have never been to one of those you know. I was so happy, just happy, happy, happy. They took blood from me and checked me all over.

Then I started to feel not so good. I heard them on the phone to the rescue lady in Wisconsin. They told her I had a disease called Parvo and that I was very sick. I was so afraid when I heard the veterinarian tell the lady that he thought they should just put me to sleep because I was so sick. Because my legs where so bad, because I was so thin and in such bad condition. He did not think I would survive. Then he hung up. The next thing I heard was "the rescue wants us to try for 4 days to save this little guy". Well I showed them, I got better in three days after getting all the meds they could get into me. The nice people from the rescue called everyday to see how I was. Then after a few days they did an operation on me, a neuter.. I don't care, I am alive and feeling pretty good.

The next thing I know I am in a car and headed to Wisconsin. I am going to my new life!! I am scared, but I think I am in a safe place. And then I am in the arms of a rescue person who is telling me it will be all right that my life is starting now. She took me home and gave me a bath, I was not too crazy about that, don't think I ever had one before. She took all the ticks and fleas off of me too. Then we went to see another Veterinarian. They have been so nice to me here. I have been here for about ten days now. They gave me an operation on one of my legs. The nice people who work here carry me around all day, what a treat!

Today I get the other leg operated on. They say I will be fine and running like other dogs soon. The problem is now the rescue has this big bill to pay. They say if allot of people send in just a little bit of money it will help to pay for all of this. My bill is about $3,000!! I know it is allot, but I am so sweet, I am worth every penny I promise.

I have come so far, on the street, in a high kill shelter, parvo, and now these surgeries, please will you be part of the team that made this possible? Please send in a donation, no matter how large or small. Thank you from the bottom of my tail wagging heart. Michael
Donations can be made on our website, http://malteserescue.homestead.com/ or you can send a check to:

Northcentral Maltese Rescue, Inc.
% of Trudy Peischl
110 Scenic Lane
Ellensburg, Wa 98926

Dog Rules

1. The dog is not allowed in the house!

2. Okay, the dog is allowed in the house, but only in certain rooms.

3. The dog is allowed in all rooms, but has to stay off the furniture.

4. The dog can get on the old furniture only.

5. Fine, the dog is allowed on all the furniture, but is not allowed to sleep on the bed.

6. Okay, the dog is allowed on the bed, but only by invitation.

7. The dog can sleep on the bed whenever he wants, but not under the covers.

8. The dog can sleep under the covers, but only by invitation.

9. The dog can sleep under the covers every night.

10. People must ask permission to sleep under the covers with the dog!

Eddie's Wheels on Today Show

Oprah Show About Puppy Mills

If you haven't seen the Oprah show about puppy mills, you can download it here. They need very special homes with people who will protect and love them. For information on adopting them, please go to Hearts United for Animals For more information about puppy mills go to Prisonersofgreed.org

Chimp Haven

Whether born in Africa or born in a cage, each of the chimps at Chimp Haven, located near Shreveport, Louisiana, has spent decades in medical labs. Each has contributed to the understanding of polio, Hepatitis and HIV. They've done their job. Now they are free and they are home.

Read about this wonderful and interesting facility, located near Shreveport, Louisiana, on their website at: http://www.chimphaven.org/. Also, read the article by Angela Hill, WWL TV in New Orleans about her visit to this facility. Her article and a video are here: http://www.wwltv.com/local/stories/wwl042808mlchimp.acb61205.html

Molly

This is Molly - a sweet little lady who probably has gone through much in all her years. A couple of years ago, she came to Maltese Rescue when her forever mom had a stroke. The relatives dropped her off at a shelter with no information about her, not even her name or age. I became her foster mom, and this is what I wrote about her then:

• Molly is a very sweet little girl with a great disposition. She's a gentle creature, likes to play and run with me and gets along well Poppy, Tashee, Juniper and Pal. Her mom had a stroke and went into a nursing home. The family turned Molly over to the local shelter who contacted Northcentral Maltese Rescue. She had some health issues which were corrected (thanks to Maltese Rescue). She obeys the commands of sit and stay and enjoys walks on a lease. Initially, she seemed like a little old lady, but the years began to fall away. Now she skips through the house like a young girl. She is more joyful every day, but she is waiting - waiting for her forever mom. It's as if she knows her present situation is temporary, and she wants her very own lap. She's saving her kisses for her mom.

Then she was adopted, but unfortunately her new dad died and her mom was not able to keep her because of finances and because of her health problems. So Molly has been back with me the last few weeks to join our other five Malts again.

At first Molly wasn't too happy here this second time, and I wasn't too happy either because she would bite me. Things have settled down now. No more bites. I've learned that she may be a little hard of hearing so must be approached gently. I've also learned that she decides where she will sleep at night and that's that. I don't try to move her as she does not want to be bothered. I guess being a senior gives one certain privileges.

My vet was kind enough to give her an annual, shots, and blood test at no charge. Molly received a glowing report on her blood tests except her thyroid is a little low so she's on medicine for that. She also has tumors on her tummy. She weighs about 10 pounds and loves to eat often but small amounts.

Although she hobbles along like the little old lady that she is, she also is becoming more and more frisky and on occasion runs through the house with all the others and with me. I see history repeating itself as she becomes more joyful.

I think she needs more individual attention than I'm able to give with five others in the household along with my being gone four days a week to work. My husband is retired and so tries to spend time with her. She likes hanging out with him. I thinks she needs a strong bond with at least one constant and consistent person in her life. She has been bounced around too much. Keep her in your prayers.
____________________________________

Molly had surgery later in 2008 to remove mammary tumors. After than she continued to decline, becoming more and more feeble. She tried her best to follow my husband around like always, but it became more and more difficult. I picked her up one night to comfort her, and in a little while, she died in my arms. We were so sad for her. I pray that she is with Poppy and Teddy, running like the wind, free and healthy.

Talking Dogs

If I Didn't Have Dogs

Author Unknown

I could walk around the yard in safety.
My house could be carpeted instead of tiled or
laminated.
All flat surfaces, clothing, furniture, and car would be free of hair.
When the doorbell rings, it wouldn't sound like a kennel.
When the doorbell rings, I could get to the door without wading through fuzzy bodies that beat me there.
I could sit on the couch and my bed the way I wanted, without taking into consideration how much space several fur bodies would need to get comfortable.
I would have money...and no guilt to go on a vacation.
I would not be on a first name basis with the veterinarian, as I put his yet unborn grand kids through college.
The most used words in my vocabulary would not be: out, sit, down, come, stay, and leave it.
My house would not be cordoned off into zones with baby gates or barriers.
My house would not look like a day care center with toys everywhere.
My pockets would not contain things like poop bags, treats and an extra leash.
I would no longer have to spell the words:
B-A-L-L,
F-R-I-S-B-E-E,
W-A-L-K,
T-R-E-A-T,
R-I-D-E.
I would not have as many leaves inside my house as outside.
I'd look forward to Spring and the rainy season instead of dreading the mud season.
I would not have to answer the question: 'Why do you have so many animals?' from people who will never have the joy in their lives of knowing they are loved unconditionally by someone as close to an angel as they will ever get.
How empty my life would be!

Prayer for Animals

Hear our humble prayer, O God, for our friends the animals, especially for animals who are suffering; for animals that are overworked, underfed and cruelly treated; for all wistful creatures in captivity that beat their wings against bars; for any that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry; for all that must be put death. We entreat for them all Thy mercy and pity, and for those who deal with them we ask a heart of compassion and gentle hands and kindly words. Make us, ourselves, to be true friends to animals, and so to share the blessings of the merciful. (Albert Schweitzer)

Do You Remember Love?

(Click image to enlarge.)

Do You Remember Love?

Do You Remember Love?

Watch this beautiful video, filled with wisdom,
from a Franciscan dog, no doubt.

Animals are God's Creatures

"Animals are God's creatures.
He surrounds them with his providential care.
By their mere existence they bless him and give him glory.
Thus men owe them kindness.
We should recall the gentleness with which saints
like St. Francis of Assisi or St. Philip Neri treated animals. "

* * * * *

"It is contrary to human dignity
to cause animals to suffer or die needlessly."

Source: Seventh Commandment, Catechism of the Catholic Church

Missy, the Party Girl

Hi there! My name is Missy. I was rescued from a shelter in Vicksburg, Mississippi. I'm not sure why I was not wanted by my people. They just dumped me off one day - it really hurt. I could not understand because I'm a lady and lots of fun. No one knew my name or anything about me. They said I was extremely neglected by my people. This is what I looked like. I'm so embarrassed.

Anyway, I was lucky 'cause this nice lady drive over 200 miles to pick me up and took me her home with her. She was my foster mom with Northcentral Maltese Rescue. She called me Maggie. (I've had so many names but I answer to anything as long as I am called with love.) After grooming, my foster mom found out how beautiful I am. Of course, I knew I was beautiful all along.

I received lots of medical care through Northcentral Maltese Rescue. I had some skin problems as well as coccidiosis from being in the shelter. After these problems cleared up, I was spayed and had dental work. I had very bad teeth because of neglect. All my shots were brought up to date. I'm grateful that I tested heartworm negative. Ughhhhh!

Actually, I'm more than lucky. I'm blessed because soon I went home to my forever mom and dad. They are sooo good to me. I have lots of energy, love to party and take walks. Life is wonderful, and I'm very happy.

Don't I have beautiful eyes? I'll melt your heart.

Gypsy & Pal

I bent over.
They walked towards me.
So slowly. So sick.
I reached out, touched them.
They licked my fingers.

I picked them up.
They were trembling.
Their eyes were full of questions
but not without hope.

I gave them all the love I had.
They trembled more at this new thing.
So unsure. So afraid. So sick.

In time - they no longer trembled.
In time - love made them whole.
They gratefully surrendered to my touch
and forgave the human race.

God does the same for us.
He bends over,
picks us up, gives us love
and makes us whole.

But it is he who does the forgiving
and we who do the surrendering.

Gypsy top, Pal bottom,
two months after rescue.
In these pictures, Gypsy is well.
Pal is still very sick.

I'm a foster mom for Northcentral Maltese Rescue. This is a short story about Pal and Gypsy, my first rescues. It is a story of rebirth, for them and for me.

* * *

Pal and Gypsy were rescued from an abuse and neglect situation on September 11, 2003, by Northcentral Maltese Rescue, Inc. They were very frightened and very sick. Gypsy had been used for breeding purposes for years, and both had been made to live outside. They did not know what it meant to be loved and to be touched and held with kindness.

Their medical conditions were serious. Both had eye and skin infections and were covered with fleas, parasites and open, bleeding sores. Their hair was shaved to the skin to remove the filth and matted hair. Neither had ever had any medical or dental attention nor any flea or heart worm prevention. Pal was diagnosed with heart worms. (He was sick for months, had treatments and recovered.) Their teeth were in horrible condition, and the smell was worse. Gypsy especially was very thin and frail. When she was spayed, her uterus was found to be infected. There is no doubt that both would have died within the year if they had not been rescued.

In spite of their conditions on September 11, 2003, that sweet Maltese spirit remained. When I first greeted them as their foster mom, they came to me and licked my fingers. I shall not forget driving them to the animal hospital that day. I cried all the way. They climbed into my lap and went to sleep, occasionally looking up as if to ask, "Are we safe now? Are we going to be o.k.? Who are you? We are so tired."

They stayed several days in the hospital and then came home. The work began. Both were on medications for a long time and had frequent baths with antiseptic shampoo to assist in the healing of sores on the body. I scheduled follow-up visits to the doctor, and they went back to the hospital for a few days. Gypsy had her dental work and was spayed. Pal began his treatments for heartworms. The treatments continued for months and are very hard on a dog. Some do not survive. All their medical expenses were paid by Northcentral Maltese Rescue.

Along with their medical problems, they both were emotional wrecks. Gypsy had no socialization and would attack the other dogs in the household. I could tell that someone had loved Pal at one time, but he was deeply wounded. I spent hours sitting with them, talking to them and holding them, which was difficult with Gypsy. She did not know how to be held and stiffened like a board.

I saw emotional improvement every day in both of them. It was so gratifying. Finally after two months in rescue, Gypsy wanted to be in my lap all the time and would fall asleep in my arms. Their personalities began to emerge. Both were more and more affectionate. I found that Gypsy was a real party girl and loved attention. She had a flair about herself. She was a live wire with an upbeat spirit. Pal liked to play fetch and was the sweetest little guy. Gypsy was well and full of energy, but Pal rested and slept lots because of the heartworm treatments which often made him sick. He still had a ways to go.

Then a miracle occurred. On November 22, 2003, Gypsy was adopted and picked up by her forever mom. Her new mom had seen Gypsy's photo on the rescue's website, made application for her and was approved. She lived in Illinois but previously had planned to be in my area on the Mississippi coast in November. It was a story-book ending, although it was tough on Gypsy for a few days and a long time for me. Gypsy is now a beautiful, spoiled princess, loved and adored by her mom and grandparents.

Gypsy, April 2004

(Gypsy went to Rainbow Bridge on 11-22-10)

And Pal? Today Pal is a happy, energetic, and healthy boy. He is a very good boy. He is affectionate, smart and devoted. He loves to play fetch. In fact, he could play fetch for hours. He likes sleeping next to me at night, snuggling close, and playing with his friends and his dad. He's an easy-going fellow and a survivor as well. He's my Pal. My husband and I adopted him in the spring of 2004. Have you ever seen a sweeter face?

The website of Northcentral Maltese Rescue, Inc.: http://malteserescue.homestead.com/. Please visit their site. They would greatly appreciate donations (which are tax deductible). All funds go to the care of the dogs and their medical expenses. Board members are all volunteer. Adoption is made by application and careful screening for the perfect home for each dog. Those ready for adoption are posted on the website. There is a great need for foster parents to care for these little ones until they are adopted. An application for fostering is also on the website.

SOURCE: Our Lady's Little Scribe at http://littlescribe.blogspot.com/

The Faces of Northcentral Maltese Rescue

Things You Can Learn From A Franciscan Dog

Pause at the open door, embrace the day, and then go forth with zest and supreme happiness.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Stop often to contemplate Sister Bug and to inhale the smells of God's earth.
Greet Brother Squirrel and falling leaves with gusto.
Allow the experience of fresh air, Brother Sun, and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Take naps and stretch before rising.

Run, romp and play daily.

Eat with zeal and enthusiasm.

Be loyal.

Lift up your face to the heavens and make joyful noises.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.

No matter how often you're scolded, run right back and make friends.
Be liberal in bestowing kisses and affection; let people touch you.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Source: Our Lady's Little Scribe

My Poppy

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body. Yes, that’s what my husband Tom and I learned the day Poppy came into our lives and hearts. It was Tom’s birthday, December 18, 1996 , one week before Christmas. I suppose our actions that day might be explained by the season and the birthday. My husband says that it was the hand of God.

We were in a festive mood as we decided to go to the Edgewater Mall for lunch and Christmas shopping. As always, upon entering the mall, we stopped at the pet store to look at the puppies. It was not that we wanted one - we simply liked to look at them because they were so cute.

On this particular day, a little white one caught my eye. “Look, Tom,” I said to my husband, “there’s your dog!” For weeks I had had a picture of a little white dog on our refrigerator. I had been referring to him as “Tom’s dog.” One of the employees overheard my remark. “Would you like to see him?” she asked. The puppy was beckoning to us, standing on two feet and waving his front paws. “Oh, yes,” I said, eager to hold this sweet little furry ball. So the young woman gathered him up and led us into a little room, appropriately called the “Love Room.” We didn’t know it at that moment, but our fate was sealed.

We sat on a small bench in this small room with this small Maltese puppy. I held him in my arms while he licked and wiggled. Love grew. It filled the room in the presence of his energy and excitement. My husband and I laughed. We were transformed, charmed and fascinated by this little one who obviously adored us. How could we resist?

I put him on the floor for a better view. He continued his earlier dance, standing on two feet and waving his front paws, all as if to say, “Take me, take me.” Tom and I began to cry. “I’m in love,” my husband moaned. “I’m not leaving without him,” I sobbed. At that point the puppy, overcome with emotion himself, deposited a lump on the floor, but that did not break the spell. “Oh!” we said and laughed. “Look at what you did.”

Suddenly, reality hit. “Tom, we have to stop a minute and think about this.” I knew we were being carried away by our feelings, not by a decision made beforehand. Did we really want the responsibility? Did we really want this dog?

We left to go to lunch, begging the pet store manager to hold the puppy for us until we came back. I do not recall much discussion during lunch about the pros and cons of purchasing a dog. I only remember our laughter and a joy that filled our hearts. I also remember the ride home that night, a puppy in a box and a car full of puppy food, bowls, cage, bed and other so-called necessities.

Poppy was not named immediately, but the name became obvious as he continued to dance and hop around on his hind legs. The hopping and the white hair reminded us of popcorn popping so he became Poppy.

Within about 15 months, Poppy had a brother named Juniper. Juniper was a planned baby, and we visited him and his mother soon after he was born. He was a little fellow, smaller than my hand, named after one of Saint Francis’ friars, Brother Juniper, who was said to be a lovable clown.

Then one day we received a call from the owners of Juniper’s mother. Would we like to have her, they asked? The answer, of course, was yes, and soon we had a daughter, Tashee. Later, along came Pal. He was our foster, but we adopted him. Recently, Rosie, another foster, came to live with us. She is a senior lady who is almost blind. She probably will remain as a permanent foster. So now we have five Maltese dogs in our home.

The Maltese is a very affectionate breed, and they are perpetual puppies in many ways. Ours always want to be with us and a part of any gathering. They are our children, and I sleep entwined with Tashee and Pal and sometimes all of them. Yes, I know. The book says do not sleep with your dogs, but sometimes it is best to ignore the advice of books.

ADDENDUM: In 1996, when we bought Poppy from a pet store, we knew nothing about the fact that one should not buy dogs from pet stores, as they are supplied by puppy mills. We knew nothing puppy mills nor all the evil and horrors that exist in these places. Our story about buying Poppy is the perfect example of how folks are suckered into buying dogs from pet stores. (They wrote a song about it: "How much is that doggie in the window? (arf! arf!)? The one with the waggley tail? How much is that doggie in the window? (arf! arf!) I do hope that doggie's for sale.")

Poppy is from a puppymill in Missouri. Of all of our dogs, including fosters we have had, Poppy is the most unhealthy. His legs are deformed and he has weird blood test results which point to serious diseases but yet the diseases aren't developed - just funny symptoms. He has problems with dry eyes and now he has glaucomo. His little paws are always dry and crusty. He is the most friendly of all of our dogs and very sweet. I worry about him more than all the others, especially his sight.

My husband and I love Poppy more than I could ever say and would never take back our decision that day when we bought him but in no way do we advocate buying from a pet store or puppy mill. Go to a reputable breeder. Or better still, adopt a rescue. As I write, there are 437 Maltese available for adoption on Pet Finder. http://www.petfinder.com/ Give one of these sweet, innocent dogs a forever home!!

Poppy's Mom

I am a Catholic and a member of the Secular Franciscan Order. It is from this perspective that I will write here about our beloved Maltese dogs and other related subjects.

As a Secular Franciscan, I have promised "to live all the days of my life the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Secular Franciscan Order by observing its rule of life." Article 18 of our Rule states:

• "Moreover they should respect all creatures, animate and inanimate, which bear the imprint of the Most High, and they should strive to move from the temptation of exploiting creation to the Franciscan concept of universal kinship."

Everyone is familiar with the little man standing behind the bird bath - that fellow known as St. Francis. There is more to St. Francis in his relationship with animals and all of creation than this nice garden decoration. This point will be developed through other posts from time to time.

To bond with a dog is to know joy, laughter, affection unlimited, touch, love, the end of loneliness and always forgiveness. Always forgiveness. To share life on this level with one of God's creatures is, for some, the beginning of understanding of God himself. For all these things and more, I give thanks for Poppy and the day he came to live with us.