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!
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.

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In Memory
Copyright © 2008-2024 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 ~
2020 thru 2021
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IN MEMORY OF MAISIE MAE
January 2020

Sweet and spunky Maisie came to our rescue in May, 2019.  She was 12 years old.  Maisie’s owner had a massive stroke and could no longer care for her.   One of our hospice foster moms, Tina Todd, took Maisie into her heart and home.  Maisie’s last year of life was filled with lots of attention, treats and love!  As her foster mom would say, “She is spoiled rotten!” 

After developing some lung issues, Maisie crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on January 21, 2020 with Tina at her side loving her right to the end.
IN MEMORY OF COCO
February 2020

Coco came into rescue late winter of 2010.  From the very beginning, she was a sweet and gentle girl.  A wonderful family, the Carrolls, met Coco and fell in love with her! She was adopted on April 30, 2010.  It was a match made in heaven.  Coco had a wonderful new family that included two children.  Coco acclimated very well to her new family and became an integral part of their lives.  Coco greeted them each day when they came home from work or school.   She loved to cuddle with her people on the couch or in bed at night.  Coco became known as the “best dog in the neighborhood’ and everyone loved her!  Coco, we will miss you.  Thank you for being such a wonderful dog who brightened all of our lives with your wonderful personality and spirit!  Thank you to the Carroll family for giving our Coco such a wonderful, loving home.    
IN MEMORY OF REMY
February 2020

Remy was less than a year old when he came into rescue the spring of 2005.  His family did not have time for him as there was a new baby in the house.  Being a puppy meant that Remy was a bit too much work for them!  Remy just needed a family who would teach him how to be a good dog and love him.  And, boy did Remy hit the jackpot.  Scott and Shaun met Remy and feel in love instantly.  Remy made himself a part of their family.  When Scott became ill and was confined to a wheelchair, Remy never left his lap.  He was a devoted pet who loved his family!  Remy lived to be 16 years old.  He is now in heaven with Scott and we just know they are happy to be together again.
IN MEMORY OF BROOKE
March 2020

We adopted Brooke in 2011 when she was 6 years old.  She was our first dog and Martha helped us adapt, answered questions, and took care of her when we were gone, for which we will be eternally grateful.  We met so many friends in Shih Tzu Rescue of Minnesota.

Brooke came to us timid, gentle, and shy.  She LOVED to be loved on and she was spoiled in our home.  She walked several times a day and loved the neighborhoods.
Brooke passed on Sunday, March 17, 2020. 
She didn't suffer, at least not much.  At age 14 she had been getting frailer, didn't want her walks, trouble with the stairs, grew more incontinent, just wanted to snuggle and have her ears rubbed.

We had to make the hard choice to humanely let her go so her quality of life would not be compromised anymore. 
I thought my heart would break, it was so hard.  She was such a sweetheart!

We stayed with her, we were rubbing her ears, which she loved.  I don't think she was even scared. 
Of course we are heartbroken, as is Jada, Brooke’s best friend.  They were inseparable.
Carol and Ken
IN MEMORY OF PIPPA
June 2020

Pippa had four homes.  First a puppy mill, then with a family who diligently worked to cure her mill health problems, but could not keep her. then as a foster with Diane and Scott and finally a forever home with me for four years.  Yet through all the transitions she was a little Shih Tzu-Poodle mix who was cute as a button and sweet as could be.

She could demolish a squeaky toy in 10 minutes and put all her toys in a straight line across the living room. We never figured out why she did it but it was fun to watch. She took three trips to Upper Michigan sitting up high in her car seat watching endless trees.  She hated her new raincoat the first time but once she figured out it kept her dry in pouring rain would wait patiently by the door with it on.

She aged very quickly after age 12. She developed dementia and heart disease, stopped playing with toys, and spent much of her day wandering through the house, getting trapped behind furniture, or sleeping. But she never lost her voracious appetite and became very cuddly, wanting to be held and comforted. We realized there was no joy in her life anymore and with tears and love we reluctantly decided to let her go.

She will always hold a special place in our hearts and we believe she is now romping with all our other past pets, cats and dogs, across the Rainbow Bridge.
IN MEMORY OF MOE
December 2017 (Posted July 2020)

Moe was adopted by Jim in 2013 and lived happily with him until he died in December of 2017. They would go for long walks and hang out in the screen porch together! Moe was a “good dog” and faithful companion!
IN MEMORY OF PORSCHE
February 2020 (Posted July 2020)

Porsche was adopted by MaryAnn in July of 2010 at the age of 4 years old. She lived happily with MaryAnn and her Japanese Chin Sophie, for many years. She was much loved by all who met her. She was her shopping, riding, and sleeping companion and her Best Friend! She was the sweetest dog! She crossed the rainbow bridge on 2/20/20.
IN MEMORY OF MOMO
June 2020

MoMo was transferred to our rescue from a shelter in Texas after he was found as a stray.  At that time the vet thought he was about 14 years old but a beautiful dog and very active.  We did not want to leave him behind so Julie and Corey, our foster home for “Super Seniors” and hospice,  welcomed him in to their home.  He passed away at 16 years of age.  Mo enjoyed his days walking the neighborhood greeting everyone and enjoying the treats they generously gave out.  He so enjoyed being outside checking out the toads, turtles, and other critters that passed through.  He had the biggest heart, and made life with Eddie, his foster brother, so full!  Julie and Corey loved the big licks he gave across their faces-even when he said goodbye at the end.
IN MEMORY OF CASEY
June 2020

Casey was one of those “FREE” dogs you see listed on Craigslist.  It turns out his owners discovered he needed some major surgery and did not want to take care of the necessary care, so they gave him away.

Even when I picked him up I could see he had trust issues: he was growly, and on occasion snappy, when you reached out to him.  I attributed that to pain, possessiveness, and abuse….which proved to be true in later months. 

The initial vet visit led to Bladder Stone surgery, which led to removal of a tumor and anal gland, which led to Xrays and ultra sounds and more testing…finally resulting in a somber diagnosis of cancer that had spread into the abdomen.  I opted for no treatment other than staying in my home and spoiling him with lots of affection and care.  The cancer was aggressive and spread quickly with Casey never exhibiting pain or discomfort until he stopped eating and began to wobbly walk.  I administered pain meds for 2 days before I made the decision for him to leave this earth and go be healthy again in heaven.  He was a trooper until the end, gazing into my eyes and giving lots of kisses.  He took lots of time and attention during his 6 months with me, but he was worth every minute, bringing joy into my world.   I got to watch him develop into a cuddly, snuggly, kissy boy!   I know he loved having that “lifetime” of love!
IN MEMORY OF Jack
August 2020

Jack came from a puppy mill in Arkansas. He went to a breeder in North Dakota that wanted to use him as a show dog, but he was too timid and shy. Captain Jack was adopted on 9/11/2011 at the age of 3 years old by Caryn and Brian. He had a shih tzu sister Lily who he adored. He was a gentle, loving downstairs family room regular who loved to lay in his Packers dog bed. He loved car rides and laying out on the deck or the yard. Jack had another sister Gilly Mabel who was adopted in July 2019. Jack had a couple days of seizures and he passed away in Brian’s arms on August 11, 2020. The vet thought it was Cushing’s Disease or his liver. You will be missed forever Jack, you were the best little boy. Until we see you again, our hearts will always love you!
Caryn and Brian.
IN MEMORY OF SOPHIE
October 2020

We said goodbye to our sweet, loving girl and sassy diva, Sophie this morning.  She had congestive heart failure and lymphoma, and her time had come to cross The Bridge.

Olivia gave her one last love, and Matt and Rob were by her side giving her love until she was gone.  She's up running with Spiker Doodles now.  Thanks for being our pup!  Sleep sweet our sassy princess!
Kaela & KoKo
September 2020

We were so fortunate to have adopted two Shih Tzus through STRMN. Our first, Kaela, was quiet and very reserved. It took several months for her to come out of her shell and begin to trust us. Then she showered us with love and affection for 11 years, having been adopted at about four years of age. A beautiful, red-colored coat with darken muzzle, she became the love of our life.
A year later, just before leaving for the sunbelt for the winter, we went to the meet and greet at Petco to say goodbye to Kaela’s foster mother. Lo and behold we saw this little tan and white perky pooch, who we later learned originated from Thailand. We can’t imagine her, let alone any dog or other creature, being crated and shipped alone from there to the United States. KoKo, then called Fahzy, was fostered by Kaela’s foster mother. KoKo grabbed our attention, and we adopted her as well.

These two sweet little girls have given us so much joy over the years, enhanced the quality of our life, and offered structure to our lives. We had two wonderful reasons to get up in the morning and get out. They put us on a schedule, walk times, feeding time, play time and sleep.

Sadly, Kaela had experienced significant medical issues, which were being treated. Following a recent serious injury, we made the difficult decision to ease her pain forever. Just a month or so ago, KoKo was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and was being medicated. Then, the very same day Kaela was humanely euthanized at the animal hospital, our veterinarian discovered a mass in KoKo’s abdomen. An ultrasound revealed an inoperable cancerous tumor. Four days after euthanizing Kaela, KoKo followed her sister over the Rainbow Bridge. They have left paw prints on our hearts.
IN MEMORY OF STEWIE
November 2020

Stewie came to STRMN on 5/19/2012 with other dogs from 
Indiana.

Virgil and I were the foster parents for Stewie.  Martha’s
notes said that Stewie "loves everyone (esp. men!)--a
cuddler."  We loved all our prior foster dogs, but Stewie was
special. We were ready to be “foster failures” by adopting
another dog to be a companion for our alpha female Shih
Tzu, Bitzi.  Stewie was such a sweet little guy !!  He would sit
in anyone’s lap who came to visit us, but he definitely
preferred “Papa Virgil”.  Stewie and Bitzi were good
companions for each other.  They played together a lot when
they were younger, and continued to be associates as they
aged.
Stewie had been pretty healthy and he kept his trim little body nicely.  Last summer he had a case of
colitis, which cleared up but came back again.  About three weeks ago he was acting different and he
seemed in pain.  Our amazing Vet, Dr Holly, saw him and ordered an ultrasound and found a mass in
his intestine which was cancerous.  We had had a foster dog who was a similar age who swallowed
an object and had surgery to remove it from his intestine. but didn’t live through the surgery.  We
knew we didn’t want to lose Stewie that way.

Stewie was at home with us in hospice/comfort care for about three weeks.  We had time to love on
him and cuddle and enjoy our sweet little guy.  We had time to prepare for the end.  On Saturday
morning we saw how uncomfortable Stewie was.  He hadn’t eaten for two days, he was so listless and
we knew it was time.  Fortunately our Vet, who was off that day, came in to the clinic and helped us
say good-bye to our Stewie.  So peaceful an ending.  Stewie is in a better place with no scary noises
and lots of empty laps to enjoy.
He is at peace and so are we.

Sue and Virgil
IN MEMORY OF SYLVIA
October 2020

Mendal and Sue Mearkle were blessed to be the forever
parents of a beautiful ShihTzu mix gal who was renamed
Sylvia.  She came into  STRMN on April14th, 2015 from the
Golden Value Humane Society where she was named Zara
after she had been transported with several other dogs from
Alabama.   We had no history on Sylvia, so we never knew
her real age or anything about her previous life .  With the
Vet’s discernment we decided to say she was 6 years old. 
Sylvia brought us great joy in the past 5 ½ years.  She loved
to play with her toys, chew on her bones, sleep in her doggy
beds, brown rug and Mendal’s window sill.  She loved our
deck, winter, spring or summer, and she enjoyed being in the
yard when we were outside.  Sylvia loved the snow and
would bury her head in big mounds of snow, but never came
up with anything. 
She was always ready to “GO” for a walk, a car ride, shopping, DQ, Scruffy Lake, the Levee Park, the
Covill Park and any other place we suggested.  We fostered several other dogs after we adopted Sylvia.  
For the most part, she took it in her stride, but secretly I think she was glad when these intruders finally
found their own forever home.    In late June of 2020 Sylvia started to have seizures.  Later she
developed CHF and an enlarged heart.  She was on heart medicine and we hoped she would improve
and be with us a while longer.  Unfortunately, all her coughing and other issues led to a collapsed
trachea.  She looked and sounded miserable.  So on October 10th, 2020 Sylvia went over the Rainbow
to doggy heaven.  We miss her so much.  She brought us great joy in the 5 ½ years she was with us,
but we are confident Sylvia knew she was loved and cherished by us forever.
IN MEMORY OF KATIE
December 2020

Our little Katie was 15 years old when she crossed the
Rainbow Bridge. We were lucky to have her as part of our
family for 10 years. She was a quiet loving dog. My first
memory was that she did not need to be on a leash. We
never had a dog that never left our yard. And she never
barked. She loved being at the lake, riding in the pontoon.
She was so gentle with our grandkids. She had a fear of
thunderstorms and fireworks. We exhausted every remedy,
thunder jacket included. She was our perfect little Katie and
we miss her.
Joleen and Curt G.
IN MEMORY OF JACKSON
March 2021

Jackson was a very special dog. He had a cute personality, like when he threw his head from side to
side when he was excited to eat or after a bath he would run around the house. He would always invite
guests into our house with a nod of his head saying “come on in” and would greet us at the door with
such excitement. Jacky was a good listener and gave us comfort when we were sad. He loved a good
pet, treats, nap, and being outside with the wind in his hair. We had Jackson for 5 and a half years, he
was part of our family and he can never be replaced. We miss him everyday. Rest in peace buddy!
IN MEMORY OF REGGIE & SADIE
April 2021

On April 18th 2021, we had to say goodbye to our dear sweet Reggie. He had been diagnosed a year
ago with congestive heart failure and eventually could not walk far without coughing. His regular walks
were replaced with evening car rides, head out the window, enjoying all the smells with the breeze on
his face. Reggie was an especially handsome boy with a gentle demeanor and soulful big brown eyes.
He was a mama’s boy but adored by his whole family. Reggie loved going to the cabin for golf cart and
pontoon rides, his stuffed toys and his two human brothers. Reggie pranced into our lives in 2007 at
one year of age escorted by his wonderful foster mother, Martha. We are grateful to her and STRMN
for the 13 wonderful years that Reggie was with our family.

Sadie (previously Mercedes or Cede) came to our family as a retired breeder mama when she was
approximately 7 years old to join Reggie who was similar in age. She delighted us with a tail that never
stopped wagging and her hilarious vocalizations and snuffles. If you needed a partner on the couch or a
lap buddy for homework, Sadie was your girl. Her special interest involved anything edible- in the house
or out (*rabbit poop). Sadie passed away a year before Reggie suffering from the same heart
condition. While it has been so painful to lose them, we know it is outweighed by the joy they brought
to our home.
IN MEMORY OF LOUIE
August 2021

Louie came into rescue July of 2013 after being found wandering city streets.  The Vet thought he was
about 2 years old.  Louie was a handsome little guy and loved his people and his toys!  He was bouncy
and playful!  His tail wagged constantly.  Unfortunately he had a dark side that did not like too many
strangers.  The Perro-Jarvis family adopted him and handled this issue beautifully.  They welcomed
Louie into their home and he became the love of their lives, providing constant companionship, vibrant
energy, and unconditional love.  It was a devastating shock when he died suddenly in August 2021 of
what was suspected as a ruptured tumor on his spleen.  Thank you Lavonne and Don for fostering him,
and thank you Beth for accepting him, caring for him, and most of all loving him every minute of his life!
IN MEMORY OF NAULA
October 2021

I adopted Naula on my birthday 2/28/12.  She was 7 yrs Old.   I knew when I saw her on the Shih Tzu
Rescue Web Site she was the one.  Naula was so timid.  It took Naula a couple of days to realize that
she had the run of the house.  She would follow me wherever I went and loved being outside.  She had
a few accidents but I expected that.  She enjoyed a couple of small dogs in the neighborhood, but if 
she didn't like them she would come over  to sit in my lap.   She didn't like Hot weather and thought
she was going to melt if it rained.  Those little paws of hers did not like water.  She enjoyed playing
with squeaky toy and loved her belly rubbed.  She only liked the tiny greenies for a treat.   She met her
sister Emma Rose at the Shih Tzu picnic.  Emma is on the right.  Neither were very sociable, but it was
a fun day for them.  Naula  developed Congestive Heart failure which over time was very hard on her. 
She went to the Rainbow bridge on 9/17/20, where she will be out of pain and will be able to play, until
we meet again.

Barb M.
IN MEMORY OF ABBIE
November 2021

Abbie was released to STRMN on November 4, 2016.  I heard about Abbie via a friend and contacted
the rescue.  I met Abbie and then adopted her on December 1, 2016

Abbie needed little time to acclimate to my home.  I worked days and when I got home she was ready
for a ride in the car!  Our first December was spent driving through the community looking at the
Christmas lights.  Abbie just loved riding in the car!  Once the warm weather came, if we were not
taking car rides we would be pounding the pavement on long walks and trips to the park.  The outdoors
was Abbie’s favorite place to be!  Abbie was a stubborn little girl who could hold her own.  She could
be so sweet and the next minute I would be counting to 10.  She was never overly interested in other
dogs.  Abbie always got attention where ever she went but largely ignored it.  She knew what she
wanted and had an amazing ability to convey it.  The words I would use to describe her are loyal,
loving, sweet, affectionate, beautiful, a finicky eater and a creature of routine/habit.

On November 24,2021 with the aid of MN Pets, curled up on her favorite couch at her normal nap time
with me by her side, we said our final good byes.  Showing no acknowledgement that another person
had arrived,  Abbie departed this world in peace and without pain.  She is missed terribly and has left a
huge void.  If there is any regret on my part, it is that the time we had together was too short.
IN MEMORY OF CODY 
8/17/06-11/24/21
Cody came in to our family in 2010 at the age of 3 years 10 months. Cody came to us with only his first
name, but he soon had a middle and last name. He was Cody Lee Trevena.

Our youngest child Torie had just finished kindergarten, our son Tanner was going into 4th grade and
our son Ryan was getting ready to start his senior year when Cody came into our lives. Cody watched
"his kids" grow up, loving his time with each of them and they loved him! Cody made his goal of living
to see Torie start her senior year of high school.

Dogs are special, but Cody was extra special. He had beautiful silver-gray hair with white paws. He
pranced when he walked. He was a very calm dog except when it stormed! He didn't like baths, but
was okay with showers. He didn't like walks but loved to lay in a sunny spot on the carpet and to
snuggle with his family. He didn't like to be alone which worked well for us since one of us was always
around.
You were the BEST DOG EVER! We are thankful to the Shih Tzu Rescue of MN for bringing you into our
lives. You were loved. You are missed.