Rescues

The Potomac Valley Pekingese Club, Inc., is a Pekingese breed club to promote Pekingese welfare, and rescue in the VA, MD, and DC areas.

^{PHOTO
BY JON BARRETT}

Tinkerbelle, our club's

Ambassador to Senior Wonderland,

has an important message for you!

Please read the article below

about our dear Senior Pekes!

"A good man will take care of his horses and dogs, not only while

they are young, but also when they are old and past service." -- Plutarch

(PVPC borrowed this statement from the rescuers of "Patches".)

"Patches" got ADOPTED recently! Congratulations to All involved,

and our very best wishes to Patches!"

(See her photo on our 2008 Adoptions Page, but see our rescued Pekingese

below who are available, or soon to be available, before you go there.)

Senior Dogs Want To Be Loved, Too!

By Susan Brittain

It is a known fact that human nature draws us towards newborn babies like no other category of human beings does. It is no different when it comes to our attraction towards puppies.

The level of anticipation and excitement one feels when purchasing or adopting a puppy or very young dog is difficult to put into words. But let’s take a few minutes and reflect on one simple, but important issue: what about all those middle-aged and senior dogs who for one reason or another are finding themselves without a home? Do they not deserve the same love and attention given to their younger counterparts?

Like with just about anything in life, there are preconceived notions and misconceptions about opening one’s home and heart to an older dog. The most frequently heard comments are that an older dog can’t be housebroken, that emotionally it’s too difficult to get a senior dog because more than likely it will be with its new family for just a couple of years, or that a senior dog will need extensive and costly medical care.

Within our PVPC family, we have and continue to rescue Pekingese of all ages. The younger ones typically get adopted quickly, while the older dogs remain in foster care for months and sometimes become a permanent member of their foster family because no one applies to adopt them.

In this article, we would like to present a different perspective with regard to adopting a middle-aged or senior dog.

First of all, let’s think about the joy we get from having a dog in our lives. Second, let’s consider the fact that we experience that joy whether the dog is young or old. A young dog is like a toddler who goes through the terrible twos stage of life for many years. We don’t all have the stamina and energy necessary to keep up with all that exuberance; neither do we all have the patience required to housebreak a puppy and teach it proper manners. Simply put, taking care of a very young dog is a lot of work!

Housebreaking a dog of any age is the responsibility of its owner. When dealing with an older dog, one advantage is that the dog may have some residual memory of having been housebroken before. So, if the dog is let out often enough, it will learn what it’s being asked to do a lot faster. The bottom line is that housebreaking an older dog can be done.

Losing a beloved dog is a terribly painful ordeal and the sense of loss we experience takes a long time to get over. Unfortunately, due to a variety of diseases and illnesses, we lose dogs of all ages, not just senior ones. It seems unfair to make the assumption that it is only the older dogs that get sick and end up costing their owners extensive amounts of money. Many Pekingese live well into their teens and require modest healthcare expenditures. There are few veterinary procedures that a dog might need during its life span that are of an extraordinary nature.

It is my biggest hope that after reading this article people will have a different view of middle aged and senior dogs and that at some point in their lives they will consider opening their hearts to one and reaping the innumerable rewards that come with saving an older pooch.

None of us know how long we are going to live or how long our dogs are going to live. Therefore, why not give an older Pekingese a chance to enrich our lives for whatever time it has left? The reward is one that people might find surprising.

SPONSORSHIP ALERT!

OUR SIR BARKLEY HAS AN UPDATE ON HIMSELF!

Find o

Hi, my name is Barkley. I was found running down a street in Philadelphia, with kids chasing me, throwing rocks at me. This wonderful lady talked to me gently for over 30 minutes to get me out from under the car where I was hiding and trying to be safe. She took me to her vet. I had a hernia removed, was neutered and all my shots were done. She said I am sweet, but one of her other dogs has decided that I need a new home.

I am insecure and my foster mom is working with me. I am not ready for adoption yet, but the rescue group is taking donations/sponsors to help pay for my trainer and vet bills. They are doing all they can to help me since I was very abused and neglected. They want me to be able to overcome my insecurities so that I can have a happy life.

I have already made some real steps! I brought a toy to my foster mom so she could throw it for me. I am also getting better about being around other dogs and not being afraid. I love to go for walks! Those are the best!

If you are interested in sponsoring me, please send any donation to Susan Brittain (information below). My bio will be updated soon.

Potomac Valley Pekingese Club
c/o Susan Brittain
P.O. Box 220952
Chantilly, VA 20153-0952

YOU ARE SO WELCOME TO SPONSOR BARKLEY!

FIND OUT HOW! JUST CLICK SPONSOR!

SPONSOR ALERT!

Thomas' update is below, (Yeah, me too!)

Thomas

MARCH 18, 2008 UPDATE: THOMAS HAD HIS INJURED EYE REMOVED RECENTLY. HE SHOULD FEEL FINE SOON AND HE WON'T HAVE THAT EYE CONTINUING TO CAUSE HIM TROUBLE. WE HAVE TRIED TO SAVE IT, BUT IT WAS CAUSING HIM TOO MUCH PAIN. HE IS OUR NEW MEMBER OF THE "ONE-EYED SWASHBUCKLER CLUB!"

Thomas is a male Pekingese who was turned over to us by a caring shelter. He is a sweet boy who gets along with other dogs and cats. He is a soft, friendly, adaptable Peke. He can be "growly" if you surprise him from the side he can't see, but a soft word settles him down. He is a big Peke, 18 to 19 pounds. He is about six years old, a happy and strong Peke who is ready for adventure. His fur was extremely matted and full of fleas and he had to be shaved down completely, but his hair will grow back out into a beautiful parti-color. Thomas likes to go out on the leash, gets in and out of the car on his own and will snooze during car rides. He gets along with the other dogs, and the cat in his foster home has become his best friend! He will stand on the cat's back, the cat will rub against him and he will groom the cat's fur. Thomas He just seems to like everyone. If he doesn't want to be disturbed, he will let you know. Sometimes, he just wants to be comfy by himself. He loves to "get comfortable" in his bed at night -- rolling around and grumbling as he settles in. Then, he's quiet for the night. He snores a little bit, and it's very cute. Thomas rarely barks, quietly observes the neighbors, and pays no attention to cars and people passing the house. When he does bark it’s a clean, mid-range “woof woof.” And, bummer: He’s really worthless at helping with vacuuming - just flops on the bed and watches. Thomas has eye problems that have been evaluated by a veterinarian Opthamologist. It looks like he may have been bitten by another dog, and it caused eye damage to his left eye. He is blind in that eye, but he sees just fine out of his other eye. He'll need eye drops in that eye for life. Thomas has skin allergies. (He may be allergic to autumn/fall!), so he has been put on the Hill's Z/D diet (easily available at the vet). He went NUTS when he smelled the food. His foster mom said you would have thought he had a butcher shop dumped in front of him! He loves his new food. It should help his allergies and make him so much more comfortable. He's also doing better now that the leaves are not falling anymore. Thomas is a fun, fluffy, happy boy! He loves to jump around in the morning, running up to his foster mom with his happy face. He likes being held, petted, roughed around, and snuggled. He follows his foster mom around the house, and loves sitting in her lap, gazing up at her face. What a devoted guy! He plays with his toys, and is a well behaved Peke. Thomas is so deserving of a wonderful home. Could it be yours??

If you are interested in Thomas, please email: Lifesgrand@earthlink.net. For an application, please email: haveninhim@aol.com.

Find out how to help with his medical expenses, click SPONSOR!

JAKE

Jake is a very sweet 1-1/2 year old male Peke. (He'll be two in July.) He is still afraid to be outside on a walk, where he must have gone through some trauma before he came to us. He is doing better as his foster mom continues to hold him, and then put him down so that he learns walks are fun. He is underweight at 11.5 pounds, but we can take care of that! He loves to play with his foster brother, Symba, and is very affectionate with his foster mom. He will need a lot of physical attention and love in his new home. He is making progress on house training, too.

Jake will be neutered in May, and then will be ready for adoption.

If you are interested in more information or an application, please e-mail haveninhim@aol.com.

Find out how to sponsor Jake, click SPONSOR!

MAGGIE

Maggie wandered up to someone's house after being on her own for some time. She was thin, 8 pounds and full of parasites. She could not absorb any food at all. She is doing GREAT now, has been treated with antibiotics and special meds for her stomach and is doing so well.

In spite of all she has gone through, Maggie is an incredibly sweet girl. She loves everyone and loves to be held, and enjoys laying on her back and having her tummy rubbed or brushed. She has dry eyes and needs Cyclosporin in her eyes, and they are improving. She does have some vision trouble, but still gets around fine.

We think Maggie is about 5-6 years old.

Find out how to help with Maggie's vet care, click SPONSOR!

If you would like to find out more about Maggie, please e-mail Haveninhim@aol.com.

Starlight

STARLIGHT is a 10-pound, three-year-old female, who is being fostered in Virginia Beach, VA. She is shy, and bonds to one or two people. She needs an experienced owner who will understand her need of being a special little girl. She is not aggressive, but is afraid of strangers. She has been spayed and had eye fold reduction surgery and is now recovering. She is up-to-date on all her shots. She will not be available to families with children or to first time adopters.

If you are interested in finding out more about Starlight, please contact haveninhim@aol.com.

Find out how to sponsor Starlight, click SPONSOR!

Cross-Posts

are shown below:

FYI:

"These are Pekes who belong to another rescue organization and are featured on our website as a courtesy."

URGENT *** HARRY CROSS POST *** URGENT

FOSTER HOME NEEDED! Harry is an absolutely HANDSOME white Pekingese. We believe he may be around 2-3 yrs. old but we weren't supplied his info. He was left at shelter a little under the weather but he recovered quickly.

If you feel you could FOSTER Harry before Saturday, please e-mail:

Linda Maxwell: haveninhim@aol.com

Lin

SANDY CROSS POST

Hi,, my name is Sandy and I'm almost five years old. Right now, I'm living with a wonderful family. Their other female dog and I do not get along. I need to be in a home where there are no other female dogs. I'm up to date on all my shots and I'm also house-trained. My family loves me a LOT, but they want me to have a home where I won't have problems with another female dog. They're afraid I'm going to get hurt. I am only 13.5 pounds, so I'm not big. I just had a summer cut, but my hair will grow longer. I look like a little lion now. Aren't I cute?

If you are interested in finding out more about me, please contact:

Linda Maxwell at haveninhim@aol.com.

(She tries to answer her e-mails by the next day.)

Honeybee CROSSPOST

Approximately 3 years old and a tiny 9 lbs., this little girl has the sweetness of honey and the darting energy of a bee! She loves to get up in your face to snuffle and give kisses. Honeybee has endless curiosity, but is more than a bit shy of men. It takes her a few days to feel them out and then she comes around. With other dogs, it's different - she seems to prefer the males to females. She is interested in cats, but not overly. She is missing one of her eyes now, but that doesn't get in her way at all. Honeybee is crate-trained, but isn't very fond of it - she is much happier with free reign of the house or just gated in a larger area

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For information, Please e-mail Donna at: Donnaschob@aol.com Honeybee is being fostered in Frederick, MD.

The Rescuers Creed

I promise I will take your unwanted animals. I will heal their wounds, their diseases, their broken bones. I will give them the medical attention they need and deserve. I will nurture their starvation, and give them a warm place to sleep. I will spay and neuter them, vaccinate them against the diseases that can harm them. I will treat them and honor them. I will buy them toys, blankets, balls, and teach them to play.

I will speak softly to them. I will try to teach them not to fear, not to cry, not to fear, and not to hate. I will whisper sweet, kind, gentle words into their ears, while gently trying to stroke their fear, their pain, and their scars away. I will face their emotional scars and give them time to overcome them. I will socialize them, potty train them, teach them to be obedient, show them dignity, and hold their paws, and stroke their ears if they have endured too much and walk them over the Rainbow Bridge, but most of all I will teach them Love.

- Author Unknown

You'll Always be Mine

There I sat, alone and afraid,
you got a call and came right to my aid.
You bundled me up with blankets and love.
And, when I needed it most, you gave me a hug.
I learned that the world was not all that

scary and cold.
That sometimes there is someone to have

and to hold.

You taught me what love is, you helped me to mend.
You loved me and healed me and became my first friend.

And just when I thought you'd done all you do,
there came along not one new lesson, but two.

First you said, "Sweetheart, you're ready to go.
I've done all I can, and you've learned all I know."
Then you bundled me up with a blanket and kiss.
Along came a new family, they even have kids!

They took me to their home, forever to stay.
At first I thought you sent me away.
Then that second lesson became perfectly clear.
No matter how far, you will always be near.

And so, Foster Mom, you know I've moved on.
I have a new home, with toys and a lawn.
But I'll never forget what I learned that first day.
You never really give your fosters away.

You gave me these thoughts to remember you by.
We may never meet again, and now I know why.
You'll remember I lived with you for a time.
I may not be yours, but you'll always be mine.

- Author Unknown -

Pope John Paul II:

'Animals Possess A Soul'

Pope John Paul II declared in a public audience in 1990 that "also the animals possess a soul and men must love and feel solidarity with our smaller brethren". He said, too, that they are the "fruit of the creative action of the Holy Spirit and merit respect," and are "as near to God as men are."

The Pope went on to say that, "animals have the breath of life and were given it by God. In this respect, man created by the hand of God is identical with all living creatures. ... The existence therefore of all living creatures depends on the living spirit/breath of God that not only creates but also sustains and renews the face of the earth."

Pekingese Rescue and Adoption

in the Virginia, Washington, D.C., and

Maryland area

As difficult as it may be to believe, Pekingese often face neglect, and even abuse before they are saved by Rescue. Some of these dogs have lost one or both eyes to injury, or neglect, and other medical problems are often addressed by our rescue volunteers. Some are gentle seniors who have outlived beloved owners, and surrendered to shelters by disinterested family members. Others have escaped from less than secure homes, and are not reclaimed by their owners. The ones that reach our rescue are the lucky ones, and deserve every chance to live out their normal lives in a loving home. As you browse through our photo gallery, give some thought to a perky senior, or a slightly handicapped little Peke. The reward we realize in rescue is watching these ‘orphans’ blossom into great pets! They are so grateful for the love of an attentive home.

If you are looking to adopt a Pekingese, your first step is to fill out an Application to Adopt.

Click here to go to our Applications.

Potomac Valley Pekingese Club would like to thank Colonial Animal Hospital (www.colonialvets.com), Veterinary Vision of Virginia, (www.VetVisionOfVA.com), both of Springfield, VA, and Acredale Animal Hospital of Virginia Beach, VA, for their outstanding support of our Rescue Program. Colonial initially treated all of the Fairfax Animal Shelter Pekingese. Without the above dedicated professionals, we would be hard-pressed to carry out our mission.