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
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RESCUING SINCE
2007!
2025 RESCUE REUNION

The 2025 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

CHUCK AND DON'S (BLOOMINGTON LOCATION)
8537 Lyndale Ave. S.
Bloomington, MN
[Click HERE for Directions]

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

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RESCUING SINCE
2007!
In Memory
Copyright © 2008-2026
STRMN Shih Tzu Rescue of Minnesota
All Rights Reserved

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 - 2024
>> 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
SAMMY
Posted:  July 2024
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 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