STRMN Shih Tzu Rescue of Minnesota

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 ~

Angel
February 2013

This is our little Angel, she was with us just a little over four years, and we got more love from her than we could have ever given her.

She was the most loving little girl, and we will and, miss her terribly.

She was diagnosed with cancer, and we could not bear to see her suffering, and now she is free of the afflictions of this world, we will never forget her...

John and Norma

Chutney & Lilly
February 2013

In Memory of Lilly
We lost out Precious Lilly on December 18th from congestive heart failure. We adopted her seven years ago from our group and she has been a constant and faithful companion of ours and of Chutney's (our other older rescue dog). She was over 14 years old the vets thought. Lilly had been a stray that came to the group from Arkansas, and she was fostered by Debbie. Lilly attended many events with me especially Barnes and Noble wrapping sessions. We will miss her sweet presence in our lives.

In Memory of Chutney
Scott and I had to say good-bye to our best buddy Chutney today, just over two months since we lost Lilly. Chutney was 14 ½ years old, has been slowly going downhill, and he got progressively sick over this weekend. The vet thought it was either heart failure or an immune disorder fighting his body and organs. We adopted Chutney eight years ago from our group and Martha was his foster Mom. I still remember her coming to the door with her smiling face holding this adorable little Shih Tzu that we immediately fell in love with. Chutney and his brother were owner turn-ins from a family in Shakopee. He also attended many STRMN events with me over the years-Lilly was his best buddy, although he seemed to rally a little when Hannah joined the family! Melanie and her staff at Mission Hospital were very kind and compassionate to us as we said good-bye to our sweet boy.

Scott and Diane

Patches
March 2013

In memory of Patches

Our precious Patches passed away on Saturday, March 23rd due to complications with his Liver. We rescued him July 2011. Everyone loved Patches - he was friendly to every dog and person he met. He loved going for car rides (especially to the DQ), playing with his toys for hours, and snuggling in his dog bed. His little dog sister, Lucy, is also very sad that he is no longer in her life. His health began to go down-hill at the end of February where he was hospitalized for 4 days. After being released from the hospital we brought him home to continue the care. However, his liver was just not functioning properly. It was incredibly hard to say good-bye to my snuggle buddy, but it was in his best interest. He’s at peace and pain free which brings us comfort.

I would like to acknowledge the wonderful care he received from the BluePearl Pet Hospital in Eden Prairie and the Roger’s Pet Clinic.

Regards, Jennifer, Scott and Lucy K.

Misty
June 2013

To Misty

It’s been almost four years since we first met.
The joy you brought to me, I’ll never forget.
A bundle of fur both gray and white
You brought me love and were such a delight.
I looked in your eyes so big and brown
The love that I felt, I thought I would drown.
I had dogs before, but none were like you
A beagle, a black lab, but ne’er a Shih tzu.
You and I got along right from the start
And from the beginning you were part of my heart.
Too soon you have left me, it hurts oh so bad.
But thinking about you, it makes me so glad
That we had these four years with one another
I would never have traded them for any other
Dear Sweet little Misty, I loved you so much
Still can’t believe I can no longer touch
Or hold you close and kiss your head
And tell you I love you But now instead,
My tears they come and my tears they go
But in my heart I truly know
The love we had for one another
Will never be like any other.

Max
December 18, 2006 - July 30, 2013

As I write this, I still can’t believe our “good boy” Max is gone. Max’s very short life of 6 ½ years found him with our family when he was 1 1/2 from Shih Rescue of Minnesota. When the rescue allowed us to adopt Max, they didn’t realize the life changer he would be for all of us, but especially for our other dog Annie (a 6 year old, repeatedly bred puppy mill dog who was too scared to embrace love). Max’s willingness to love all showed Annie it wasn’t so bad to sit on Daddy’s legs every night on the couch, or hang out with Mom each day in her work from home office.

The minute anyone met Max, they immediately thought that he really liked them. The only thing they didn’t realize was is that they were not special, it was Max who was special, with his love for all. Always happy, always ready to make you smile, and always ready for a treat - especially his favorite treat, hot dogs - that was Max.

In October, 2012 when Max wasn’t himself - no energy, sleeping all the time - his vet noticed his kidney BUN counts were high. When treated with antiobiotics, it seemed to go away. Unfortunately about two weeks before he passed away, he slowed down again. This time the kidney disease had taken control. Within a week of being officially diagnosed with kidney disease, Max passed away at home - with his Daddy, Momma, and best friend Annie, by his side. We can only hope that Max is waiting at the Rainbow Bridge when we come to join him one day.

IN LOVING MEMORY

Dusty Mae

8/15/1998 - 9/16/2013

Dusty Mae spent the first seven years of her life in an Oklahoma puppy mill. But that didn’t stop her. After years of abuse, malnutrition and each day wondering what was going to happen to her she came into rescue holding her head up high. She was on her way to becoming the princess she was always meant to be. Dusty was an outstanding little girl who gave me eight glorious years of love - she had a mind of her own and I wasn’t going to change it when she wanted something. I would call her and say “’Dusty, come to Momma” and she would put her head up in the air and walk away (I smile now as I think of her doing this). And of course she had a hearing problem, it was called “selective”. Each night she would wait for her treat, but I would have to bring out 3 or 4 kinds till she found the one that suited her. Dusty was everything that anyone could ever want in a devoted friend, she never did anything wrong, she was my little DIVA. Dusty fought kidney disease for many months, never once giving up the fight but in the end her kidneys gave out. The day she died she sat on my bed doing of all things, cleaning her paws. She is sadly missed more than I can comprehend and will be forever in my heart.

- Donna

2013 thru 2016

IN MEMORY OF WINSTON
September 2014

When I brought you into my life I thought I was saving you. Little did I know that you would save me from myself most most days. I have been so blessed to have your little spirit be a part of my life for the last 6 years. People laugh when I say that you have been my longest, most committed, least complicated relationship;however, it is true. You became in immediate member of the family. Everyone fell in love with you.

You were my steadfast grounding force with an overflow of unconditional love. You were my trusted little shadow. May your gentle spirit be with me always. I am going to miss your sweet little fur face and that unwavering devotion. Be at peace my sweet, sweet little boy. I love you, Winston

Angela

IN MEMORY OF BANJO
May 2014

We lost our beloved Banjo to congestive heart failure in May 2014. This little charmer was rescued along with his nephew, Izzy, after their owner died. Martha told us they were a package deal and we wouldn’t have had it any other way. Banjo liked nothing better than to relax on our porch swing during the summer. He’d fall asleep and snooze and life was good. Even though he lost his eye sight 3 years ago, every morning he would wake up raring to go, happy and in search of his favorite carrot toy.

He will be missed, but we are so grateful to have had him in our lives.

Jane and Gregg

IN MEMORY OF MAX
April 2014

Max was a very special gentle “giant”. His heart was as big as the outdoors-a place he loved to be wandering in.

Found as a stray dog in a highway ditch, he came into rescue, and soon there after, in to a wonderful, happy new life!
Jean, his Mom and owner, loved him, and treated him with great respect and in a spirit very much like Max’ own spirit.
Max adored her, his home, and yard-which included a lake and lots of woods to explore with Jean.

He could often be found sitting on Jean’s lap while she watched TV, but if anyone came for a visit he would jump off, run to get one of his toys, and dash to the door to welcome you…tail wagging fast and furious!

Max always felt that any person was someone who would, of course, want to meet him, so when he saw someone approaching him while on a walk, he would stop and wait anxiously for them to come and talk to him and give him a pat or two. Everyone loved Max!

He was a great representative for Shih Tzu Rescue of MN, and came to several Pet Expos as our ambassador and greeter!

Early in 2014 Max was diagnosed with Lymphoma, and lived a very short time after that.

Today he is wandering the streets of heaven, greeting, visiting, and looking for lost toys!

Many hearts have felt his loss, but he made them much richer from his 12-14 years on earth-8 of them with Jean, his loyal Mom and best friend.

IN MEMORY OF WILLIE OLSON
March 2014

Willie’s life had lots of ups and downs, but ended in pure happiness and peace. He was removed from an abusive home along with 26 other Shih Tzu. No one wanted to adopt this little boy from Animal Control, so our rescue took him in. He had been so abused that his spine was curved making his hips and shoulders disfigured and out of place; he was a fear biter, had seizures and other medical issues, and had never been house trained. On top of that, he was about 11 years old. His foster Mom thought she would have him the rest of his life knowing he would be hard to place. Even though she had to carry him to a telephone pole a block away every few hours so he would go potty (this was the only place he would go!), he became very special to her. A miracle occurred when after only 3 months, Julie and Cory applied to adopt Willie! They wanted to adopt a dog no one else would take: an older dog that was special needs! Both of them had hearts as big as the sky, and love that they poured out for this little 7# guy. He was spoiled and cared for for like he never been able to experience before. He had dozens of little “babies” that he would carry around and hoard in his dog bed. He learned to love lying with Mom and Dad on the couch and in bed, and surprisingly enjoying walking about with his odd gait in the sunshine and grass. Sadly he lived only 4 ½ years more, but he died in peace having learned what love really was all about. Thank you, Julie and Cory for making him a part of your family-YOU are just a special as Willie was!

IN MEMORY OF MARKIE

February 2015

Julie and Cory Olson are known and recognized by STRMN

as a “Hospice Home” for Senior Shih Tzu.

Markie is one of those dear ones they gave a loving home to

the last 9 months of her life. Markie was 14 and retired from

a life of show dog and breeder.

She was a beautiful, calm, sweet girl who loved being with

Julie and Cory and the rest of the “old gang”.

She was never in pain, and chose to leave this earth in a

peaceful way with Julie’s tender arms around her.

IN MEMORY OF BUTTONS

March 2015

Buttons was a special boy rescued from a puppy mill: A

freezing ice storm sweep through the breeding facility, which

was vacated by the owner. Only a few of the dogs survived

after being left alone for 1 week!

Because of the abuse he suffered under a man, it took him a

long time to bond with men, but seemed to have great loyalty

and love to women.

He was a joy to his foster Mom and greatly loved for 8 years

in his forever home with JoAnn and Ken.

He loved going on walks and exploring the yards, but his

favorite pastime was finding your “lost” slippers and shoes,

and relocating them around the house!

Button Boy, be a sweet angel in heaven and please wait for

us at the Rainbow Bridge!

Rosie never looked back at her awful puppy mill experience. She decided to live her life with a happy,

playful, attitude. There was no squeak toy that Rosie didn’t call her own! Rosie gave so much in the

almost 8 years I had her as my own. She taught so many of my foster dogs how to walk nicely on a

leash, how to sit politely for dinner or a treat, so many things that good dogs need to know. Most of

all, Rosie gave everyone she met her quiet, unconditional love. She died in my arms on April 22,

2015.

I will be forever grateful for my little Rosie Posie. She is one of the doggy loves of my life! Thank you

Rosie! We love you so very much!

Debbie and Cookie

IN MEMORY OF ROSIE

April 2015

In July, 2007 a sweet, lively little girl named Rosie came to me as a

foster dog. Rosie was rescued from a puppy mill in Arkansas. She

had been a mommy many times over during her first six or so years

of life. She came to me with mammary tumors that continued to

plague her for the rest of her life. While I was fostering Rosie, my

mother passed away. My mom really loved Rosie and my Shih Tzu,

Lucy. So, in honor of my mom I adopted Rosie as my own. It was

one of the very best decisions I have made in my life! Rosie spent

the first few years with me learning what dog life SHOULD be like.

Going for a walk was a wonderful part of the day. It was actually fun

to have your paws touch the green grass! So many good smells and

people to meet along the way. Sleeping on a soft bed was so much

better than a wire cage. Good food and treats to eat. How good it

felt to be healthy after some much needed veterinary care. Doggy

companionship with a special Shih Tzu friend named Lucy and later,

Cookie, who were her constant companions. Most of all, the love

and care of people who treated her with respect and love. Rosie

was finally learning what it was like to be a beloved pet instead of a

puppy mill momma.

Verdell

Penny

IN MEMORY OF PENNY & VERDELL

May 2015

Penny and Verdell are 2 Senior dogs Julie and Cory took in

to their home as STRMN Hospice Dogs. They adopted them

both to keep them loved and secure for the rest of their lives.

Unfortunately it was not for long. Penny came at age 14 in

Aug. 2014 and lived until April 2015; Verdell came to them at

age 14 in March 2014 and lived until May 2015. They

experienced all kinds of wonderful love and care such as

Midnight Snacks, comfy dog beds, and sleeping with Julie

and Cory. They will always be remembered for bringing joy

and touching many lives as Senior Dogs.

The Olson Hospice Care Center is vacant now, but STRMN is

sure they will soon find another needy soul that can fill the

void left by Markie, Penny, and Verdell.

IN MEMORY OF VIOLET

May 2015

In July of 2006, 3 little puppy mill girls were sent to our

rescue. Violet was 1 of these 3 “Flower Girls”.

Of the 3, she had the most medical needs. Besides routine

vaccines, she needed care for her eyes, ears, and 2 knees

that needed to be surgically repaired.

She was 6 years old and was a petite 8#. After her 2nd knee

surgery, Judi and Jim adopted her so she could join Daisy,

another flower girl they had adopted just months earlier!

She was a precocious little girl who made sure everyone

knew she ran the show!

Violet added much laughter and joy to her home: sleeping

under her blankets and covers, tossing and pouncing on her

toys, and purring when someone comes to visit!

Judi, Jim, her foster Mom Martha, and many others in

STRMN miss her greatly-and we look forward to seeing her in

heaven one day at the Rainbow Bridge!

This would now be a place where they would listen and relate to each other through trust and support.

Elway became part of a new community with friends like Lokie and Nate who brought peace to his

heart, teachers like Sam, Buddy, Bo and Cajun who showed him how to be himself. People he could

trust taught him that humans can trust and respect him. Elway became one of the happiest dog I ever

met. He was known all over the Lake Harriet area as he "shopped" and visited! He pounced and

bounced and jumped and danced. He felt a serenity and contentment that was provided by a

community that believes in learning from nature and teaching ourselves. A community that builds trust

respect loyalty and love by practicing and teaching exercise discipline then affection....and he finally

found a home with a real family. A family that asked, "what do you need?" rather than "what do we

want?". Unfortunately as the children were leaving for school one day, Elway bolted out the door, ran

out into traffic, was hit and killed instantly. It breaks my heart, and always will, that he could not live a

long full life after he had gone through so much to get to the point where he could be happy and

respected. I will never stop loving you...........

~Martha

IN MEMORY OF ELWAY

December 2015

Elway was one of the most handsome ShihTzu I have ever

seen! He just loved life, and learned to love people again

after STRMN gave him a second chance. Like so many

other canine babies, he was purchased and was given

expectations without nurture, protection or direction. Like so

many do, he became fearful, aggressive, traumatized and

was almost put down. While being fostered at my home I

fell head over heels for him. I worked with Max from "Your

Dog's Best Friend" training and learned the techniques and

boundaries Elway would need. He made great strides while

with me, but one day something snapped and I got bit quite

badly. Although I wanted to have him stay with me, I knew

that the best place for him was in a trainers' home where he

would get 24/7 training and reinforcements in correct

behavior. So, on he went to live with Max.

IN MEMORY OF GLORY

July 2016

Martha, of Shih Tzu Rescue (my neighbor), would often walk

past my house with foster dogs she had. I am sure she was

thinking one would catch my eye after losing my own dog

suddenly. One day she came walking by with “Glory”. I looked

at her and it was love at first sight. I knew she was the one.

She gave me over seven years of joy. She loved to sing, was so

sweet, and a great little cuddler. The last few years she

developed an eye disease, went blind, and soon lost her

hearing. But, she still enjoyed life, pranced down the sidewalk

and greeted everyone. Her best friend was Martha’s Shi Tzu,

Gracie. Martha lost Gracie to heart disease, and right after she

died Glory developed dementia and some other issues, and

soon joined her BFF/Gracie in heaven. My love and heart will be

forever “Glory”.

On June 20 she saw a chance to get away from my loving protection, and bolted away like a bullet.

She was missing overnight, and although found the next day, I was on my way to go to a convention.

Her foster mom, Lorna, was pet sitting and we immediately took her to the Vet as it seemed all was not

right with Willow. The Vet determined that during her “adventure” she was probably hit by a car and

possibly bitten by an animal. Her lungs and liver were damaged and she was already full of infection.

We took her to the emergency vet, where I asked them to do whatever they could to save her. She

stayed overnight, but on Wednesday I was told that Willow could not survive a surgery due to her

damaged lung and low blood pressure. I told the vet to let her go. I did not have a chance to say

goodbye, but she was so loved. The memories of our short time together will be cherished in my heart

forever. I have her paw print and tags.

I want to thank the wonderful people at Shih Tzu Rescue of MN. For all their help, and hope to welcome

another pet in the future.

Kathy

IN MEMORY OF WILLOW

August 2016

On April 9, 2016 an adorable little Shihpoo named Willow came to

live with me. After an adjustment period she had picked her favorite

spots in my home. She loved the couch, looking out the window, on

the bed, and any sunny spot. It took her about a month to bark, and

I didn’t know such a big bark could come out of such a little dog! It

seemed like she was protecting me when friends entered the house.

I felt we had finally made a connection.

Willow was a very sweet dog and seemed to catch on to my likes

pretty quickly. I was definitely in love with this adorable dog that had

entered my life. She loved her walks in the park, sniffing every blade

of grass, and meeting new canine friends.

Even though Sassy had constant diarrhea, she was always a happy, playful, sweet girl. Her personality

matched her beautiful face! Most days, Sassy went to work with Tiffany and everyone at Blue Pearl

loved her! She was the Blue Pearl mascot! The Blue Pearl doctors did all they could to make Sassy

well, but she was a very difficult case. Sassy had less than a year with her wonderful family. Then her

body could just no longer heal. We lost Sassy less than a year after she had come into rescue.

I would like to thank sweet Sassy for the joy and doggy love she brought to both me and Cookie when

we fostered her. She was one of the sweetest dogs I have ever fostered! I also need to thank the

wonderful Clymer family who gave Sassy a home and family with lots of love!

Debbie

IN MEMORY OF SASSY

August 2016

Sweet, sweet Sassy came into rescue the summer of 2015.

Our rescue knew Sassy was ill when we took her into rescue.

But, after lots of vet visits we found out Sassy was very sick with

Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Our rescue worked with Blue

Pearl Veterinary Partners to help Sassy with her illness. On

one of our many visits to the clinic, Sassy and her foster mom,

met a wonderful person named Tiffany Clymer. Tiffany works at

Blue Pearl and fell in love with Sassy the minute she met her!

Tiffany and husband Brian, along with their daughters

MacKenzie and Riley and dog, Paddy adopted Sassy.

I thank you for allowing me to adopt Pepper in 2012 as we developed a strong bond. Pepper was the

queen of my home and my life revolved around her. Pepper as you may remember had very loud snorts

and snores; my home is definitely quiet without her sweet noises. Pepper was 2 months shy from

turning 11 years old. Even though I had her for half of her life, I feel as if I had her for her ten years of life.

My heart has never felt so heavy as it has this week without my beautiful shih Tzu.

Keep up the great work that you're providing to these beautiful creatures. They make their way right into

the center our hearts. I hope to work with you again soon.

Margaret

IN MEMORY OF PEPPER

August 2016

I lost my dear friend Pepper Sunday the 28th. Pepper was having

increased belly breathing Friday. An a x-ray showed both her heart

and liver were enlarged. As a result of the abnormal heart Pepper

was in heart failure. I tried to help remove the excess fluid from her

lungs with diuretics over the weekend but she progressively

declined. Sunday I was cornered to make that decision to stop her

struggling. Affiliated Emergency Vet Services were very empathetic

and kind in helping me through the process. Pepper passed in

peace and was no longer struggling to breathe.

Sadly, it wasn't to last. In April of 2016, she stopped eating, and blood tests showed she had an

incredibly high ALT count (liver enzyme). An ultrasound showed her liver to be enlarged. Her ALT did

come down but Emma was never quite the same. We got her eating and feeling good again, but a few

months later she again stopped eating. Neither our vet nor the critical care vets we took her to were

able to determine what the problem was. When the meds worked, she felt great, but the length of time

between needing to tweak them became shorter and shorter. Although she still wanted to go for walks

and play, she began having some periods of discomfort, and the day came when she looked at me and

said, "Do something". We had her put down the next day and our hearts were broken. She was only

11.

Sweet Little Emma! You brought us so much joy and we love you and miss you. We weren't able to be

your people for nearly as long as we would have liked, but we'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Sue and Tom

IN MEMORY OF EMMA

October 21, 2016

We were thrilled to officially welcome Emma into our home on July

27 of 2015 (Thank you STRMN and Sue and Mendal), and what a

blessing she was to us, with her one blue eye and one brown!

Happy, playful, and just full of life! She loved to be outside and go

for walks, kept us busy throwing her ball for her, and entertained us

as she threw her squeaky toys around and buried them in a blanket

or under a throw rug. She was our great protector and kept us safe

from neighborhood squirrels, rabbits, garbage trucks and school

buses.

IN MEMORY OF SUMI

November 2016

Fostered by Scott and Diane

Carlo and Norma lost their precious Sumi due to heart failure in the

summer of 2016. She is the first of our foster dogs that has passed

away. Sumi was adopted in 2011 from Shih Tzu Rescue of

Minnesota and she had been a constant and faithful companion to

Norma and Carlo. She went on numerous road trips with them and

liked to camp in their RV. Sumi was easy going and loved going for

long walks and accompanied Carlo and Norma almost everywhere

they went. They said she never had one accident and she would roll

over to have her tummy rubbed as long as you were willing to do it.

Sumi came into rescue with two other dogs. They had not been in a

good situation because of the owner’s abusive boyfriend. All three

dogs were doing very well in their new adoptive homes, until Sumi

got sick last summer and passed away. Carlo and Norma have

recently adopted another dog from STRMN named Zeus and he

loves his new home with them. I think Sumi is looking down and is

happy that they found a new companion to keep them company,

because she is so dearly missed..

IN MEMORY OF ZEUS

November 2016

Zeus was one of a kind! Even in his senior years his sparkling,

funny personality shined each day. He began each morning and

each arrival home with his signature "Zeusy dance" of rolls, flops,

bounces, and shimmy's. In between he was a happy boy on a walk,

or next to you on the couch. He was the type of dog that made you

a better person: you found yourself caring and giving more love and

affection than you ever thought possible. His beautiful red coat

attracted everyone's attention, and he was always very receptive to

human touch and compliments. Zeus had lots of little health issues

in his 14 years, but he seemed to just keep wanting to live life to the

fullest--even with his big move to North Carolina! Love has a way of

doing that. He was always treated like another family member by Bill

and Sharon. He was Bill's close companion. A sudden seizure late

at night was too much for Zeus to overcome and he left this earth to

join so many of his buddies in heaven.

Bill and Sharon, thank you for loving him so very much for these

many years. Cathryn and Martha had the privilege of loving him for a

short time in our homes too, and he was indeed one of a kind.

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