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!
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
Copyright © 2008-2025
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 ~
IN MEMORY OF POPPI
January 2017

On Saturday, November, 5, 2016, Poppi, our sweet Little Lion,
transitioned into living energy at the UMN Vet Hospital.
Beginning in September, Poppi's long-standing level-3 heart
murmur elevated to a 5 before his heart failed just two short
months later.

Poppi wasn't with us for long, but the depth of his imprint on
our hearts is immeasurable. He was our first Shih Tzu, and a
very old soul. Although we already had a house full of love
and excitement with two dogs and two cats, Poppi made
everything MORE exciting and MORE special. Having been
told that he had never been heard to bark, Poppi found his
voice on the third day. He loved barking at his brother Hank,
as Hank barked out the window at other dogs, almost as
much as he loved going on car rides and going for walks. He
never met a tree he didn't like and need to fully investigate,
and propping himself up out the car window with his short
little legs and the wind whipping through his hair clearly made
him feel ALIVE.
Although we never knew exactly how old he was, 10, 11, or maybe 12, Poppi embraced every single
day. It was almost as if he was experiencing puppyhood all over again, except this time with his
brother Hank, his sister Sophie, and my husband and me. We were all along for the ride, and we were
all under his spell, and somehow, in 13 months time, Poppi became the heart of our already long-
established "pack."

His physical absence was and still is incredibly painful, but we feel and experience his life-loving
energy every day, and know that his spirit remains with us forever. He even helped bring us his
successor, Herbie, a three year-old Shih Tzu we recently adopted through STRMN. Thanks to Poppi,
we now know that we never want to be without a Shih Tzu. They are truly magical creatures, and for
us, Poppi was the most magical of all. The joy he brought was worth every single tear, and we would
do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Thank-you, Jeri, for providing Poppi with exactly the loving environment he needed before coming to
us. Thank-you, Ann, Debbie, Kristi, and STRMN. You are truly doing God's work. Thank-you for
bringing us these sweet, loving, funny and mysterious angels! What an honor and a privilege it has
been to get to love them...
IN MEMORY OF ROXY
May 2017

Scott and Diane fostered Roxy, who was a beautiful, young
Shih Tzu/Cavalier Spaniel mix.  Unfortunately Roxy came into
the world with some health issues. While in foster care, she
was in pain a lot of the time and initially we could not figure
out what was wrong.  Our vet suspected it was
Syringomyelia, and the veterinary neurologist confirmed it. 
Syringomyelia is very common to Cavalier Spaniels.
Syringomyelia (SM) is an extremely serious condition in which
fluid-filled cavities develop within the spinal cord near the
brain.  It is also known as "neck scratcher's disease",
because one of its common signs is scratching in the air near
the neck. SM is rare in most breeds but has become very
widespread in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and the
Brussels Griffon.  Roxy was adopted by Bob and Carol in
spite of her illness. They took great care of her, but her
condition got progressively worse and they ultimately had to
euthanize her, two and a half years after adopting her.  They
were wonderful adopters and took great care of Roxy during
the short time they had her. Roxy loved spending weekends
at their lake place and she was greatly loved by Bob and
Carol.   She was a sweet girl who did not deserve this health
condition, but she brought joy to all of us during her short life.
2017 thru 2019
IN MEMORY OF JAZZY
May 2017

Jazzy came into our lives as a shy, meek, and needy little
creature.  She left as a self-confident and fun loving little dog. 
Through the 2 ½ short years with us, she became an integral
part of our family.  She loved her daily walks, car rides for
errands, visiting friends, camping and going to the horse barn. 
She loved barking and growling at the horses while perched
in her car seat. Evenings were Dad time with trips up to the
hardware store and slow walks on the path.  On the
weekends, she slept in late and after breakfast would softly
bark and growl and demand a car ride to a nearby golf
course-she knew her routine and how to make it happen.

Jazzy was the ultimate lady with impeccable manners.  She
never begged for food and or jumped on a piece of furniture
without first getting permission.  Alas, she took her duties as a
protector very seriously and had strict security perimeters.
Jazzy’s personality, companionship and spirit will not be
forgotten but, continue to be sorely missed.
>> VIEW MORE >>
IN MEMORY OF LADY AND MAGGIE
July 2017

Maggie, a beautiful red Shih Tzu, was rescued from a local garage
where she had been kept as a breeder.  At age 3, she had already
had 3 litters, and the owner did not want her anymore.  She was
spayed and soon after that made an appearance at PetCo and was
“discovered” by who would be become her new family:  Bob and
Paul!  Maggie immediately bonded with them and wanted to move in
right away.  She even gained a new sister named Lady Di who was
5 years older!  The 2 became best friends and were often found
curled up together.   Bob and Paul faithfully returned with Maggie
and Lady most every year for our STRMN Rescue Reunion, giving
us a chance to reconnect and see what delightful girls they were. 

Sadly, Maggie had a heart murmur that developed into a very bad
heart condition.  Shewas not able to handle too much excitement.  
Maggie’s medications stopped working and her little heart just
started to give out despite the excellent care of the Brooklyn Park
Pet Hospital.  In the prior year and half, Lady developed a
neurological disorder where she was unable to control her walking
and movement.  She also developed early onset dementia.  Lady’s
time was getting close and Bob and Paul knew she only had a
month or so left given that her bad days were outnumbering her
good days.  They all went to the vet together and Lady was at first,
having a good day, sticking very close to Maggie out of concern- and
protecting her.  Then things changed, she lost control on many
levels, had an anxiety attack, followed by a seizure and had to be
sedated.  She too, ending up crossing the rainbow bridge the same
time as Maggie.  The girls were side by side at the end in the arms
of Bob and Paul.  On Saturday, July 1st, 2017 Maggie and Lady
crossed the rainbow bridge leaving us all too soon.  

It was an incredibly tough day to lose both of their beautiful dogs
who brought so much joy to all those that met them.  
IN MEMORY OF SUGAR
September 2017

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved
Sugar.  Sugar was seven years old when she came into our family's
life and from day one she added a sweet spark to our home.  That
spark ended in May of this year (2017), just one month shy of her
thirteenth birthday.  Sugar's favorite activities were going for long
walks and being near her family.  She loved to lay on the living room
ottoman where she had a clear view of all of us to ensure that she
did not miss anything going on in our home and she regularly made
us all laugh with her adorable and funny expressions.  Although she
was only a little over seven pounds and did not traditionally look for
food beyond her own, she would literally jump for joy when grandma
would visit.  Sugar discovered early on that grandma would often
bring her signature pumpkin bread on her visits and it was Sugar's
favorite, once turning up her nose at grandma when she had the
nerve to bring banana bread instead. 

Sugar was our family's first and only dog and it is hard to put into
words how special she was to all of us.  She brought a warmth to
our home and her love was unconditional.   Although we knew
adopting a seven year old dog would result in less time together, her
passing only six years later was difficult and still unexpected for us. 
Sugar had such a pep in her step - almost to the end of her life - that
we wishfully always thought of her as
younger than she truly was. 

Many thanks to Shih Tzu Rescue of Minnesota and, most
specifically, Diane, for allowing us to have Sugar in our lives.
Although sad, we rest easier knowing that Sugar had a wonderful
life with us and we feel so fortunate to have had her as a part of our
family.  She will forever be in our hearts.

Randy, Sonya and Sophia
IN MEMORY OF BRANDI
November 2017

Brandi – Foster fail and adopted by Charlotte and Warren Stout –
By now most of you know the story of Brandi, the foster Warren
and I removed from a very disturbing environment in February
2015.  Brandi was 12 1/2 years old when she was rescued.  She
came from an abusive environment where she had lived for at
least a year before coming into STRMN.  Prior to that details
about Brandi are sketchy.  All we knew was that Brandi came to
us a damaged little girl.  During her initial vet check Dr. Hansen
found a thick produce rubber band had been wrapped around her
upper and lower jaw which prevented her from opening her
mouth more than a quarter inch.  She had bruises on her throat
and chest consistent with blunt force trauma.  Her dental exam
indicated a mouth full of abscesses resulting in several teeth
being pulled and a fracture in her lower front jaw.  The fracture
was a direct result of the severe abscesses around her lower
teeth from incisor to incisor.  The abscesses moved into her bone
degrading the integrity of her jaw bone resulting in the fracture. 
Brandi amazed me every day during her time with us. For all she
had been through she chose to trust, snuggle and show signs of
love and contentment with us humans.   She spent the last 2 ½
years with us in an environment that allowed her to be
comfortable, content, happy and just be herself. 

Brandi suffered a stroke last week and crossed over the Rainbow
Bridge 11-17-2017.  Our hearts hurt but we know she is now pain
free and romping with Sallee (Another STRMN Rescue) who
passed in April 2016.  This is what STRMN does; rescue and re-
home these sweet dogs so they can spend their final years
happy, well cared for, and secure in the knowledge that they
won’t be abused or starved.  We miss Brandi and Sallee so much
but feel so blessed that they shared their lives with us.  Keep up
the great work STRMN Volunteers.
The day we picked Brandi up
Rubber Band around mouth
After some TLC and
her first grooming
IN MEMORY OF MIMI
February 2018

I first saw Mimi at age seven, when my daughter sent me an e-
mail from the STRMN website, and later met her and her foster
Karen, at the Petco "Meet and Greet". I was drawn to her self-
assured manner and innate charm. At that time she was twice
her ideal weight. Karen already had her on a regular exercise
schedule and an appropriate diet. We continued that pattern by
walking a mile a day and eating healthy food. Within a few
months she weighed in at 15 pounds! We both loved our daily
walks, going in the car, and visiting a small park, where she
loved being with children, and swinging on a "porch type" swing
while sitting by my side, with her long hair blowing in the wind.
She enjoyed her daily grooming routine. She also loved the
backyard where we spent many wonderful days.

Mimi was quiet and a deep thinker. I will always remember her
steady gaze toward me with gratitude in her beautiful eyes.

Diane Turnbull was very active in Mimi's adoption, as was Karen
Blalock, who got her going on the right track to good health,
while providing her with a beautiful home. Mimi and I loved their
visits, and my heartfelt thanks go out to both of them for all they
did for her. They are cherished friends. Mimi passed away in
October 2017 at the age of 12 ½ years from Cushing's. She will
always live in my heart. Every Shih Tzu lover knows the meaning
of that.
IN MEMORY OF BOGEY
March 2018

Bogey was adopted by Jody in 2005.  He was found wandering in
a woods in Wisconsin.  The shelter in WI. was going to euthanize
him after being held for several weeks.  He came to his foster
home and soon thereafter, Jody fell in love with him….he really
became “her heart dog” and they were inseparable.  They took
long walks together throughout the paths near their home.  They
attended the Rescue Reunion quite faithfully each year.  Jody
died in December after being diagnosed with brain cancer, and
Bogey was lost without her.  He also passed within a couple
weeks.  We all rejoice that they are together once again in
heaven. 
IN MEMORY OF MABEL
March 2018

Mabel came to rescue from a puppy mill in Missouri.  She was
very unsocialized and timid.  She often could be found cowering
in the back of her kennel to get away from strange people and
noises.  Slowly over time she became more confident and learned
to trust one person at a time.  Her bright, happy personality
appeared, and she discovered squeaky toys, walking in the
outdoors, and chasing anything that moved!  She picked her
perfect home with Molly, in Rockford, MN., and the two really
became as one.  Molly biked often with Mabel in the attached
cart behind her; they loved playing along the beaches of nearby
lakes; and lounged together at home.  Everyone in town and
neighborhoods loved Mabel and her happy bounce along the
sidewalks.  She was adored and is truly missed in our hearts.
IN MEMORY OF DIGGER
January 2018

Digger, one of the oldest Shih Tzu dogs that has ever come into
rescue, passed over the Rainbow Bridge on January 23, 2018.
Because Digger was a “super senior”, at 18 years old, he was
placed with his foster mom Jeanne as a hospice dog, not eligible
for adoption. Digger turned 19 on July 1, 2017.

Digger was given up to us by a couple who cared for him since a
few weeks old, but because they wanted to travel, they did not
have time a dog-a member of their family- anymore!  His entire
family unit abandoned him.

Digger easily became the favorite dog among the residents at his
senior apartment building!  He was walked three times a day in
all weather and loved to be outside--often rolling in the grass! He
wanted to greet every person he saw but tended to ignore other
dogs. Digger was really a great companion that always had to be
near Jeanne. He liked to cuddle and readily slept on the bed.

Soon after Digger arrived, he developed eye problems which
required several medications. He did not like to be touched
anywhere on his face, especially near the eyes. A neighbor kindly
helped many, many days getting Digger medicated. After he
recovered, Digger was much livelier until we noticed his gait
became awkward, slow, and painful.  He was given shots to help
out by STRMN volunteer Sandra, but markedly slowed down in
late 2017.  He began sleeping most of time. Feeding problems
and accidents occurred. Dr. Yuill from MNPets felt Digger was
suffering from kidney failure, and it was time to let me leave us.

Digger was beloved and is so greatly missed. He was a super
dog.
STRMN would like to warmly thank Jeanne for fostering Digger
until his end of life.  She made sure the last year of his life was
filled with love, encouragement and care.  I am sure he will never
forget her!
IN MEMORY OF ALICE
April 2018

“Our hearts are broken. Alice Paul Walker Bevacqua-Flatequal left
this world and said goodbye to her suffering on April 3, 2018.
Alice had many claims to fame, including being featured on the
Ellen Show with her photo "Alice Kisses Ass," as an unlikely
animal friendship. She was also the first ever Ms. January in the
Shih-Tzu Rescue of MN calendar. More importantly, she was the
most loving and thoughtful four legged I've ever known. She was
a fabulous sister and support dog to her sister Mabel. She always
knew when to drown your face with her slobbery tongue. She
always appeared to know what you were saying to her when you
needed her advice. And she tolerated all the cats that occupied
her space over the years. She loved car rides, wind blowing in
her face, and eating cat poopies, deer poopies, dog poopies, and
all the other poopies. Most of all, she loved hugs and pets from
her mommies. I can't imagine feeling sadder, and I can't imagine
loving any four legged more. She was a light in our everyday.
And we will miss her forever.”

Alice was the first dog rescued by STRMN in 2007!  She originally
came from Wisconsin and found her forever home with Maria and
Jessica in Mankato.  She could not have chosen and more loving
and supportive home to live!
IN MEMORY OF BUTTERCUP
August 2018

Buttercup came to us from Shih Tzu Rescue of Minnesota in
2010.  She was 3 years old.  She had been a breeding female
from a quality breeder in ND and had suffered a tubal ligation so
could not have any more litters.  The breeder contacted STRMN.

When we adopted Butter, we were told that she loved to lick, and
while being groomed had licked her groomer to death.  That sure
was true!  Butter never put her tongue away and would lick
anyone who would pet her even up until the end.  When we were
in the vet's exam room when we put her down, she licked my
arm constantly as if to say "goodby".
Buttercup had a joyful personality, loved to play and have fun, and loved to chase her squeeky toy. 
She would also cuddle her human friends closely - she loved the warmth of touching.

She was a wonderful companion to her older Shih Tzu sister Rosie.  Rosie had separation anxiety and
when Buttercup joined our household, they quickly bonded and could not be separated.  Rosie's
anxiety immediately went away.

Buttercup at age 11, was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure at the U of MN vet hospital in
January 2018.  The vet team told us her condition was terminal and that she had less than one year to
live.  She maintained her joyful spirit until just a week before passing.

In the last week her breathing became very labored.  At the end of that week, she sat in front of us,
looked at us intently, as if to say "please help me".  We knew it was time to say goodby.

We miss our Butter.  Every day was an adventure for her and she brought joy to our hearts.  We know
that she has brought her charm to doggie heaven and we look forward to be reunited with her one
day.
IN MEMORY OF Max
November 2018

“Our sweet dog Max unexpectedly went to heaven last night
(11-23-2018). He captured the heart of our children,
grandchildren, Mary Kay consultants and Directors who visited
our home, friends and neighbors. We loved him so. Our hearts
are breaking at his loss. The cute little things he did every day,
the snuggles he constantly gave us, and the loyalty he always
showed. Max was a rescue dog and although we rescued him to
have a better life...he filled our hearts with joy. There is an
empty space today.” 

Marsha and Gary
“Our hearts are breaking...and so is his puppy cousin...Cooper's. He was an amazing dog and will be
hugely missed. He had unconditional love for all of us.”  --daughter Tiffany

Max came in to Shih Tzu Rescue  in 2011 at age 4, and the next 7 years at Marsha and Gary’s were
the best he ever had!  I was privileged to be able to not only foster him, but to dog sit when Marsha
and Gary travelled.  He opened my eyes to unconditional love and sweetness.  He loved toys, his dog
bed, and wanted to be with you all the time.  I never met a dog who loved his walks more!  Even his
snoring will be tremendously missed!  I look forward to heaven when I can meet up with him again!  
~Martha
IN MEMORY OF TY,  Companion of David and Ron
August 2019

Ty was a sweet little boy, always gentle. On Monday August 12,
2019 at a visit to the Vet, Ty died in my arms. He gently nudged
my arm with his nose and at that moment he left this world. We
had thought we were going to have to put him to sleep because
he was so ill but he knew it was time to go and chose that
moment to leave us on his own.  Although it wasn’t his intention,
his loss has broken my heart. He always was my “Little Boy” and
truly was a gentle soul. We didn’t know how old he was but we
were fortunate to have him for nine years. He touched my heart
like no other dog because he had special needs. Although, every
night he would bark to let me know he wanted to sleep next to
his Dad. I miss those nights so much. He imprinted on my heart
and will always be my loving boy.
IN MEMORY OF GUS
August 2019

Our dear Gus passed away on Friday Aug 23rd.  Earlier this year
he was diagnosed with Cushing's disease, and a few months later
he developed a cough.  The doctors discovered that his heart
was extremely enlarged and pushing on his trachea causing the
cough.  Gus' is deeply missed by all of us, but mostly me, as he
was definitely a Mama's boy. We were so blessed to have him in
our lives for the last 3 years.  Although stand-offish at first, he
came to tolerate and enjoy the company of our new STRMN boy
Benny.  Thank you to Jessica for fostering this wonderful little
guy!
IN MEMORY OF WALLY
November 2019

Wally joined our family as a rescue and hospice newcomer.  Like all Shih-Tzus, he bonded instantly and immediately selected a place of honor and authority next to my desk. He loved to be with me as I gardened and diligently followed as I weeded and planted, never straying from the property. He had a charming tongue. He died after too short a time at one year and we buried him in the garden that he called his own.
IN MEMORY OF GRACIE ROSE MINSKE
November 2019

Gracie Rose, a.k.a. “GG”, was more than a dog... She was our instant best friend when she joined our family, 14 years ago. She was the best addition to our family when we rescued her at 1 years old. She grew up chasing Luke & Maddie around the house, “playing” with fish at the cabin, and sunbathing by her favorite tree in the front yard. GG was full of love and sweetness, with a little bit of sass! She loved everyone & made it her mission to become friends with every dog and person. Although she was accidentally hit by a car as a puppy, she was the fastest dog in the neighborhood. So fast that, when she would “run away” in the backyard, we had to call the whole neighborhood outside to help catch her! She was our little stinker. GG attended the Shi Tzu Rescue reunion every year with Anne, where she got to see many friends-especially her foster Mom, Martha-- & meet new friends! She was full of excitement and joy, especially on our fishing boat when she could see the fish swim. GG loved everyone and every animal. When she starting slowing down in her elder years, she enjoyed cuddling on the couch with Anne & Wayne, taking walks in her stroller, and going for car rides. GG was much more than a dog; she was our best friend.
IN MEMORY OF JUSTICE GALLOWAY
November 2019

Justice came into our rescue in 2009 at the age of 7, and died at the age of 16.  He really could have been a show dog because he had the most beautiful conformation, walk, and demeanor!  He carried himself proud and regally!  He was a happy, happy boy, and just loved everyone.  Settling into his new home, he loved to take naps in the cat hammock; and went from bed to bed to wake everyone up in the morning!  As he aged, he did so gracefully.  His muscles, joints, and bones were failing him, so Laurie carried him everywhere the last weeks of his life.  Heartbreaking as it was it was decided that he needed to go on to heaven where he would be strong and whole again. He went to sleep peacefully in Laurie’s arms at home with Mark and Ben sitting close.. We know his head and tail are high again and he is prancing around happily with his sister Rosie and all the others he knows there! 
All of us, including Martha his foster Mom, look forward to holding him again someday.
IN MEMORY OF IZZY
November 2019

Not Gone, Just Not Here………………in Memory Of Izzy

Our Izzy came to us from STRMN one day, and nothing was, or is the same, ever since.  She taught us about love in so many ways.  Despite her challenges, she exuded patience, courage, playfulness, but most of all, love. Her zest for a simple walk, in spite of very poor vision was remarkable, bursting out in a full run at any time!  We'll never forget her passion for the outdoors particularly.

We said good bye Nov. 29th, 2019.  Izzy lived 19 years……….never to be forgotten. 

We love you Izzy, Phil Terri Maggi...  You're not gone; you're just not 'here....

Thank you Diane and Scott T. for everything, we will see each other again, I am sure of that...
IN MEMORY OF SOPHIE
August 2019

Sweet Sophie was blessed to come into our rescue and find a forever home. She had been surrendered by a family with health issues who could no longer care for her. March of 2016 Sophie was adopted by Jen & Steve who wanted a companion for their dog, Max.  Sophie was loved and cared for in their home until she developed a tumor and died a short time later in August 2019.  Sophie loved little children because she had been raised with children in her first home.  She loved to chase her balls, but she never seemed to bring them back to her masters.  She enjoyed long walks, sitting on laps and sleeping in bed with her people.  She was a friendly dog, but felt it was her duty to protect her family from intruders when the doorbell rang.
Sophie brought joy to all who knew her.  She is missed by many.