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]

RESCUING SINCE
2007!

In Memory

STRMN Shih Tzu Rescue of Minnesota

Website Developed and Maintained by Website to the Rescue

"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

>> 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