STRMN Shih Tzu Rescue of Minnesota

Rescue, Rehabilitate, Rehome

Your donation will help

STRMN rescue a Shih Tzu

in need. You may make a

tax deductable donation to

STRMN at P.O. Box 46562,

Eden Prairie, MN 55344

or through our secure

Paypal account. (You do not

have to have a Paypal

account to make a donation)

Shih Tzu Rescue Of Minnesota
P.O. Box 46562
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
www.shihtzurescuemn.org

RESCUING SINCE
2007!

2024 RESCUE REUNION

The 2024 STRMN Rescue Reunion
Photos are
now available!

CLICK HERE

Visit the STRMN YouTube channel for delightful videos featuring adopters, foster homes and board members.

MEET AND GREET
OUR AVAILABLE DOGS

First Saturday of every month
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Petco Southtown location
7995 Southtown Dr.
Bloomington, MN 55431
(next to the MacDonald's)
[Click HERE for Directions]

THIS IS A MEET & GREET ONLY. WE DO NOT ADOPT OUT DIRECTLY FROM THIS EVENT.

[LEARN MORE]

In Memory

STRMN Shih Tzu Rescue of Minnesota

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.
You are his life, his love, his leader.
He will be yours, faithful and true,
to the last beat of his heart.
You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion."
~ Author Unknown ~

2023 through Present

>> VIEW MORE >>

Darling Sophie said “goodbye” to us in March 2023.

We will forever be grateful to you for introducing us to our beautiful Sophie. We cannot say enough about

Rik and Andrea and the organization for all you do. Sophie never forgot Rik and Andrea, her foster

parents.

Sophie was a few months shy of her 12th birthday when she came to us, and a few months past her

16th birthday when we said goodbye. She was well known throughout our neighborhood from her walks

twice a day. She never met a person or a dog she didn’t love. If ignored she would look so sad, as if to

say, “what is wrong with me?”!

We were so blessed to have her in our lives. We miss her every day but are so grateful for all the time we

had with her. It felt as if we had been with her for her entire life!

Kamel and Patty

SOPHIE
March 2023

My dear sweet Nicholas went peacefully over the rainbow bridge on May 10, 2023. What joy he brought

to my life and to many others he met along his 14½ years. Nicholas was a happy dog and at only 12 lbs,

he fought hard for life. He lived life with a heart murmur and when his heart stopped during a routine teeth

cleaning, he fought for 5 days in intensive care to recover. Since then, he has survived cancer, multiple

teeth extractions, a spinal nerve injury, and pneumonia. You would never know all he went through

though. He was so happy. You would just look at him and he would wag his tail. That always made me

smile. Eight weeks ago, Nicholas went into heart failure. We tried heart medication, but his little body

was just worn out. It was his time.

As a certified therapy dog, Nicholas brought comfort and happiness to my mother and others in memory

care for many years. On the weekends, he enjoyed going to Mary's cabin and visiting with her furry

family. His calm and gentle nature made him a favorite in the neighborhood. He especially loved my

neighbors, Karen and Kermit, who where always ready with loving arms and the best treats. Recently,

Nicholas discovered bully sticks - and loved them! which was a surprise to me because he only had six

teeth left. But his favorite activity (and mine) was the daily routine of long walks around the neighborhood

or on trails, prancing along, sniffing everything, and greeting human or animal with a wagging tail. He was

such a blessing.

Nicholas was a quiet dog and not particularly fond of big crowds or loud noises. If friends were over, he

would greet them (tail wagging) then often disappear for hours and I'd find him snuggled up in a blanket

somewhere quiet. But with me, he wanted to be around, by my side, on my lap, in my bed. He was my

buddy. Gentle, loving, intuitive, and the joy in my life. Oh how I miss my sweet Nicholas. Rest in peace,

little buddy, until we meet again.

NICHOLAS
May 10, 2023

When we adopted Paige on April 13, 2016, she had had a pretty rough start in life. The fosters said she

had been in three homes prior to them and she was only 2-3 years old. She had neurological/cognitive,

emotional (fear of men & loud noises) and physical issues (head shaking, didn’t do stairs or get up on

hind legs) but we were open to having a special needs dog and we had another Shih Tzu mix dog she

could model after. Paige did pretty well keeping up with her in her herky-jerky walking style.

Paige loved to bark at train whistles and bark/attempt to chase after people on bicycles. Despite her

many issues, Paige was very sweet, loved to play with toys especially squeaky ones, loved to eat, was

super cuddly and loved to be held. Her favorite times were sitting on “dad’s” bed which she considered

her bed and at bedtime when she cuddled up and always had to sleep touching you! Her nicknames

were Sweetums, Sweet Baby, Sweetie Pie and Peege!

As she aged her back legs often would collapse but she was a trooper and usually bounced right back

up and persevered. She relied mainly on her front paws to support her but over time they grew more

weak until they too gave out and then she had much difficulty walking and quite diminished quality of life.

We were so sad to lose her on May 6, 2023 but take comfort in the good life we were able to give her

and she deserved for seven years. Rest in peace and no pain sweet little Paige.

PAIGE
May 6, 2023

How can you possibly put into words the character and personality of an angel?!

Maddie was that and so much more. She was a wonderful mama to several pups in her early years.

When she came in to rescue one of her sons, Murphy, came with her and was adopted by his foster

Mom. Maddie was then adopted by her neighbor, Sally! The Mother son duo were always seen together

walking the neighborhood and greeting the neighbors. Until just a few months before her death she was

still bossing him around, rough-housing, and grooming him. They loved each other so much.

When Sally battled cancer, Maddie was her comfort and support. She was her dear companion until

Sally passed, and then she came to live with Murphy and his Mom so she could stay in the neighborhood

and a new forever home could be found. After several months another miracle occurred: Carolyn, a

former adopter of STRMN dogs, lost her own dog and became “dogless”. Always in our minds as a

fabulous, compassionate adopter, she stood out to us as a perfect home for Maddie-and an easy

transition to a quiet, peaceful forever. After a call to Carolyn, she was interested, and the rest is history.

Maddie found a beautiful, kind, new Mom and home! She continued to get a few yearly visits from

Murphy and also met up with all her friends at our annual Rescue Reunion… but mostly luxuriated in her

new home with Carolyn. She lived her life full of personality and silliness! She was a cuddler and lover,

but also could be playful with her toys and other dogs. Maddie always enjoyed her walks and meeting

her neighbors. She was social and so very sweet, and she had the most gorgeous fur and coat! Thick

multicolored fur that shone from the daily brushing Carolyn provided as their personal bonding time.

Just 4 months ago Carolyn noticed a lump on her abdomen and took her into have it examined. It proved

to be a mammary tumor that was cancerous with an aggressive form of cancer. Within these last 4

months the cancer began to fill her organs and finally Maddie made the decision to quietly get into her

cozy bed and pass on into heaven. I am sure Sally was waiting for her there and she will be waiting for

all of us who loved her so dearly. Maddie touched so many lives and to each one she was so special. It

has been said that there is pain because of how much you have loved, and the grief so many feel at the

loss of Maddie just proves she was loved so much. We all look forward with hope to the day we will see

her in heaven again, and we take comfort in knowing she is with so many others that knew and loved

her.

MADDIE
2010 - 2023

Louie has been a courageous fighter his entire life. He arrived in rescue when he was 1 year old, and his

first weeks were shockingly downhill. He had a terrible struggle with irritable bowel syndrome that was

brought on by the stress of leaving his home. He stopped eating and drinking completely because of the

discomfort from IBS. At the emergency clinic he was put on IV fluids. The staff tried anything and

everything to get him to eat, but he refused. Louie’s weight dropped drastically: normally a 15# boy, he

slipped to 9# ! Everyday his foster mom Martha was able to drive over and sit with him in isolation for 1-

2 hours. He would get held, comforted, and talked to in hopes he would feel less stress and calmer.

Martha would coax him to eat with a variety of treats and food to no avail. When all hope seemed lost, on

day 6 in emergency, she and Debbie brought over a can of chunky chicken. Sitting on the floor with him,

he slowly ate a big chunk! Then another---and we all cried, staff included! That was it, but it was a

start, and on day 7 he was allowed to come home to lots of tiny meals filled with lots of nutrition. Louie

blossomed into a sweet, timid and quiet boy. He seemed to always look to his person(s) for confidence

and positive reinforcement. He loved his walks and held his head high as he walked next to you; and

proudly marked his path as if to show the world he was here to stay!

After a full recovery Louie found a fabulous quiet and respectful home with the Gillies. He was Sharon’s

little buddy, and soon a little sister, Tacy, joined him from STRMN rescue as well! They became

inseparable. They played together, and as they aged, they slept together, often napping in the sun or in

the garden.

A couple of years ago Louie had another small bout with IBS and Sharon made a frantic call to Martha as

he began to “fade” and loose weight again. Martha ran over with that same can of Chicken, and as he

sat in her lap he slowly reached out once again and took a chunk from her fingers! Lots of cuddling and

talking later he began to eat more, and soon he was on the road to recovery!

It is suspected Louie suffered a stroke in December. His body was contorted, and he was in a lot of pain.

At close to 15 years of age, Sharon made the painful decision to let him go on to heaven on Dec. 13,

2022. Louie left a wonderful long lasting impression on their family, and also on so many in STRMN.

Martha says he was one of a kind---a heart dog---very, very special!

LOUIE
2007 - 2022

Bentley, In loving memory.

Bentley was a small dog with a big dog spirit. When he came into my life he was shy and not sure about

the world. My dog Skylar, a Border Collie/Retriever mix, quickly showed Bentley that the world was a fun

place! They became best buddies. We went on hikes in the woods, played fetch, and they cuddled

together often. When Skylar passed from cancer, Bentley was sad and lonely. Unexpectedly, a yellow

lab rescue came into my life - Indie. Indie was very shy and scared of the world just like Bentley was

when I adopted him. Bentley showed Indie that the world is a good place and he helped her get

comfortable and confident. Bentley loved to hike like a big dog, scrambling over roots, rocks, hills,

crossing streams and whatever we encountered. When I moved to the North Shore of Lake Superior, he

quickly adapted to running along the shore chasing waves. He loved winter and his blue coat. He'd go on

snowshoe adventures and followed along in our tracks. He never did appreciate swimming, although he

waded into the lake. We hiked in Sedona this last March and he was a trooper. He had a bit less energy

after about 3 miles or so, and loved riding along in a backpack. Bentley loved music too! He would

always come and lay in the living room when my husband and I played guitar. When he was afraid of

thunderstorms, classical music calmed him. Sadly, his kidneys and heart failed and we had to say good-

bye. He had 14 1/2 years and was a blessing to me for 13 + years. I am grateful for the time we had

together. A quote I saw the other day is appropriate for my feelings "The source of one's joy is also the

source of one's sorrow". Run free my sweet and spirited Bentley.

From Bentley's foster Mom: Originally Bentley was named Johnny and he was a handful of fear when he

arrived at my house. He was even what you call a Fear Biter. We worked with professional trainers to

ease him slowly into a more confident, happy boy. Bentley was fostered for over 9 months in my home,

and because he was with me so long we developed a strong bond. I was only able to give him up

because Mary was the perfect "substitute" for me. Her continued love and support for him led Bentley

into a fabulous companion and friend. Thank you for all you gave him Mary! I know he will always be

your soul mate.

BENTLEY
August 2023

Wally - Adopted by Jeff and Sheila

Wally went to doggie heaven on July 31, 2023. He was 13 years old. Wally was a wonderful companion

and friend. We only heard him bark once in the 6 years he was with us. On walks, he would ignore

other dogs, even those who were barking and lunging at him. He looked straight ahead, kept walking,

and wasn't distracted at all. He loved to cuddle with his "mom" during the day and with both "mom" and

"dad" in bed at night. We found his warmth to be very comforting. At the end, he had a stroke, had

trouble seeing, was deaf and suffered from advanced doggie dementia. With all that, he remained loving

and attentive. We miss him a lot. Wally was very special.

WALLY
July 31, 2023

Bingo

Bingo came into rescue at age 7 in 2013. He became

a regular at our STRMN reunions! Even in old age he

came in his stroller, perking up at every voice he

recognized. He and Carol were inseparable. She

gave him the best and most complete care for him as

he aged.

Sometimes the “toughest cookies” are the hardest to

say goodbye to, and that was the case with him.

Bingo always had a mind of his own, and he could

jump or squirm out of any barrier or room so he

could look for snacks and toys and anything to play

with! He is deeply missed each and every day.

BINGO
October 2023

Sammy and Bear

We adopted Sammy and Mr Bear at the same time as we felt Shih Tzus were better in pairs. Sammy,

age 4, was really shy and seemed to be afraid of men. Ken took him under his wing and did everything

for him, feeding, brushing, taking him on walks. One evening Sammy jumped up in Ken’s lap, curled up

and went to sleep. He slept have about ½ hour and when he woke up he was shocked as to where he

was, but after that he was Ken’s buddy. Mr. Bear didn’t like to walk very far so we took a baby stroller

with us on walks, Mr. Bear loved to ride in it and we stopped traffic as they expected to see a baby and

not a black puppy. Sammy was to proud to ride in it. Mr Bear died of cancer in Dec of 2020, and Sammy

went blind in 2021 and died of heart failure in January of 2023. I miss them every day and the house is

too quiet.

Jane D.

SAMMY & BEAR
Posted: October 2023

It is with heavy heart that I inform you that our very special Louie suddenly crossed over the rainbow

bridge on 10/12/23.

Louie loved going for walks, he loved to cuddle, and go for car rides. He would often sit on the back of

the furniture, I think so we would be at eye level. When not sitting on the back of the furniture, he’d be

cuddled up next to one of us on the couch. He loved his family and being with us. He had a lot of toys,

but he had his favorites and his favorites would go to bed with us every night.

I want to thank you for giving me and my family the opportunity to love him these last 10 years. He has

meant the world to us and we are so very sad and heartbroken that he is no longer with us. We will

miss those big brown eyes, his beautiful tail, and that tongue that was often hanging out. He was a very

handsome good boy. He was our little buddy. He was our best friend. He was a member of our family.

We will miss him terribly.

“We loved you your whole life. We will miss you for the rest of ours.”

Sincerely,

Darla, David, Danielle, and Dakotah K.

LOUIE
October 2023

Thanks to Shih Tzu Rescue of Minnesota, Cota was rescued

from a home in North Dakota where he was left outside year

round. At age 2 he was adopted and lived a princely life to

age 16. In his later years he spent the cold months in Florida

where he loved his walks and looking out the lanai. He was a

joy to all!

CODA
Posted: February 2024

MUFFIN
Posted: March 2024

We got our sweet Muffin July 15th, 2015 at the age of 5

years old through Shih Tzu Rescue of Minnesota. She gave

us so much joy. She wasn’t one to give kisses, and definitely

had a mind of her own. She loved her walks and meeting

people, and she also traveled with us. She always was there

to greet us when we got home from shopping or wherever

we had been, even for short periods of time.

We had our little girl for just 9 years, and she will be missed

for a long time. The house is extremely empty without her.

We want to thank Diane and the rescue for all the

exceptional things they do to find forever homes for these

wonderful dogs.

Mary and Rich H.

KANDI
Posted: April 2024

Kandi, was a fun loving girl, that had a tail that never stopped moving! She was our “happy girl”.

Although she lived in a house with no children, she loved kids, and whenever kids would walk by our

house she was always quick to join them for a walk or play time. Halloween was her favorite time

of the year, she would get her “Witches Hat” clipped into her hair and she would sit by the door

waiting for the kids to come; and after the years the kids would refer to our house as “Kandi’s

House”. Kandi’s constant companion was Tucker, Tucker is the calm to Kandi’s storm and sass.

Kandi is missed by all who knew and loved her, and especially Kari. Ward, and Tucker!

CHIPPY
Posted: May 2024

In Memory of Chippy March 13, 2024

Chippy came to our rescue as a one year old pup in March 2013. I knew he was special, and had a

very hard time letting him go and not adopting him myself. He was adopted by Sara Hallquist.

They were the perfect match and he was her furry companion for many years. Sadly Chippy

passed away in March 13, 2024. Sara gave Chippy such a good life: he was on the go, paddle

boarding and going on all kinds of excursions and adventures. He even had his own instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/chippstagram

Sara said this: "I am thankful that his last hour was with me. He has been such a blessing and a

gift to me. The pain and grief is immense, but I would not trade it for anything as he brought me so

much joy."

We miss you Chippy!

Tanya, Brian and Truman Van Beeck

SAMMY
Posted: July 2024

Sammy Steen (9) of Chanhassen, MN passed away at his home on June 25th, 2024 surrounded by his

loving human family.

He was the second oldest of 3 dog brothers in his adopted home. He was proceeded in death by his

previous owner, and two uncles (Teddy and Rudy Steen). He is survived by Jill Steen-Botros (mother),

David Botros (dad), Ann Steen (Mimi), Doug Steen (papa), Matt Steen (the uncle he never liked), and

2 Havanese brothers (George Douglas and Henry).

Our hearts are empty as we write this. He was an amazing one of a kind dog.

On June 25th Sammy passed away unexpectedly in his mom’s arms. He only suffered a few minutes

before crossing the rainbow bridge. He had been diagnosed with CHF, but had a clean work up 2

weeks prior at the vet. Losing a pet is always difficult but we were expecting at least 2-4 years more

years with him. Sammy passed in the car on the way to the ER in his mom’s arms and his Papa next

to him.

Sammy had a love for food. His favorites were: McDonald’s French fry’s, carbs of any type, chicken,

and bananas. He was also often cranky when there was food around that was not being shared with

him. His begging screams could be heard miles away. We miss the begging and the first meal without

him was too quiet.

Sammy was a sweet and loving 9 year old purebred shih tzu that was learning how to be a dog the

moment he was adopted 11/01/22. We are forever grateful for his foster Debbie. Without her, we

would have never known the shih tzu that we needed so badly in our lives.

At each vet check up, the staff could not believe the progress he had made. Up until the day he died

he was independently climbing 3 sets of stairs, potty trained, and loving anyone that would walk by.

He was a loving boy who just wanted to snuggle and be a loyal companion to his humans.

His gorgeous hair was maintained with nightly pampering of brushing and teeth cleaning (he had very

stinky breath). His favorite things were: Carbs , boat rides, car rides, and spending his days with his

Mimi. He loved sharing pancakes with his Papa at breakfast, and wedding planning with his mom’s

fiancée.

He is deeply missed by his family and those who were blessed to meet and spend time with him.

We have confidence that we will be reunited with him one day. Until then… tears will be shed, our

hearts will learn to heal, and the sweet memories we have will remain imprinted on our hearts

forever.

HERBIE
Posted: August 2024

Herbie, adopted by Tom and Jeanne in October, 2015 and passed away in July, 2024. He was

approximately 12 or 13 years old.

Nine years ago, Shih Tzu Rescue of Minnesota brought Herbie and our family together. He was a

“one in a million” dog, and has been a constant source of joy. He was a world class cuddler and

fierce protector. Herbie had a great imagination, much like that of a little boy. In his mind he took on

criminals and wild animals. The only thing stopping him then, was a leash. There's nothing stopping

him now.

Unexpected heartbreak: Our finest furry friend, Max, passed

away peacefully today at the veterinarian’s office after

discovering he had severe and incurable heart failure.

He was born somewhere around 14 years ago into a tiny

body but had the heart of a lion (with the spirit of a cranky

old man who wanted you off his lawn). He had a prodigious

ability to lounge, making himself cozy whenever something

soft presented the opportunity. He loved whatever we were

eating and asked for it incessantly by snoring at us. He

made us laugh several times a day.

If there was any one thing he loved more than food, it was

Nancy. He would wait for her by the door, allowing all other

humans to pass until his beloved appeared. Then, he often

followed her around so closely his chin would get clipped by

her heels. We often joked that if Max was a compass, Nancy

was his true north. (Witness Max in his happy place on a

“walk” below.) Max was again in his happiest place in his

final, peaceful moments, well fed with ample treats and in

the arms of his favorite human.

We’re going to miss that tiny beast.

MAX
Posted: November 2024

Patches, our sweet girl, had an adventurous, kind, and playful nature. She made many cross country

road trips, loved camping and hiking - including being carried while she saw the sights, and kept

careful watch over our children as they grew. She is deeply missed and celebrated!

Thank you STRMN for matching us together - it was a beautiful decade and a half of licks, snuggles,

and chortles!"

PATCHES
Posted: August 2024