Letters

Letters from our adoptive homes and visitors....

Subj: (no subject)
From: LowRain525
To: NMSDRA

I don't know if you remember that I emailed you a few months ago about my cat being diagnosed with a portasystemic liver shunt but I wanted to thank you for your information on this.

My cat had the surgery [June] and is doing quite well now. She's been weaned off of her medications and presciption food and is 'normal' for the most part. She did suffer some neurological problems but seems to be doing very well with that too. Not too sure about how much her eyesight was effected but she now shows very good signs of seeing and gets around like her normal self again.

I was very surprised and disappointed that I couldn't find much data on this disease. My vet didn't even know that much about it either! Your page helped me get a better understanding on it and when the surgeon vet talked about the surgery and all, I felt like I knew a little more of what he was talking about. Thanks again!

Lorraine

Subj: Reflections
From: Marlarge
To: NMSDRA

Marsha, I am alittle more experienced and wiser now than I was when I first contacted you last year. I was interested in Mandy, and my heart still goes out to her, but you said you were afraid to put her in my home with a Lhasa Apso. I was very hurt and rejected, but that was my ignorance! I have since become a part of Meredith Coley's Shihtzu and Furbaby Rescue in Jacksonville, Fl. and have rescued a dog, transported a dog, done a home visit and a present have a Lhasa that was rescued from a Humane Soc. in such bad shape that they could not take care of her. My husband and I brought her home almost two months ago, and with the help of our wonderful Vet have gotten her well enough to go to her new home next Saturday. I have had a chance to see the interaction between the different dogs we bring into our home, and have learned a great deal, by trial and error. No, Mandy should not be in my home, and there are times my dogs need a rest from the others I bring in, so I send you my apologies for any negative feelings I had at the time. My first love was a Maltese and I will miss her till the day I die, but I have learned to adore the Lhasa Apso breed, their spunkyness, tenacity, and love they bring, in a different way, than the Maltese. I have kept in contact with Sandy and if I can help in any way with rescue in Florida she knows she can count on me. It has been a very rewarding experience, and I think God wanted me on the rescue/foster end of it, rather than adopting. Please give Mandy a special hug for me, and I am here if there is a small dog in need.

Thanks, Carole Large

Subj: Ads
From: pross@southeasttexas.com (Patti Ross)
To: malteserescue@malteserescue.us

It's comments from you that make our jobs worthwhile!

Your work is admirable, and you are to be commended!

Sincerely,
Patti Ross
Webmaster
Media Management & Design, Inc.
694 Forrest Street
Beaumont, Texas 77706
(409) 832-9869 (phone)
(409) 832-1525 (fax)
pross@southeasttexas.com

Subj: Blonchen
From: melisabarrickbaldwin@yahoo.com
To: malteserescue@malteserescue.us

Dear Marsha,

Thank you so much for keeping us informed about Blondchen's progress. We are thrilled that she has found a forever family, and one with such a long history of patience toward less than ideal canine behavior. I hope Blondchen, like Winnie, will find this family to be the perfect balm for her aggressive tendencies, and will lose the need to express herself with biting. It sounds as if the environment, within the family and surrounding the house, is lovely and calm. We are so grateful that Blondchen has been given this chance to have yet another family love and appreciate her special gifts.

Marsha, we have you to thank most of all... your gentle and knowledgable guidance were invaluable to us in every step of our decision making process. Both our beloved little dog and our darling son are enjoying vastly improved circumstances this spring because of you and your tireless efforts. Thank you!

With all best wishes and much gratitude,

Melisa, Wesley and Jack

Subj: Re: Tomorrow
Date: 5/1/06 05:31:29 PM Central Daylight Time
From: LLand52
To: NMSDRA

Marsha,

Life is good with the babies. They have added so much to our household. We have a family outing to Petsmart tonight to get STUFF. I will eventually get pictures to you. Casper sleeps on my pillow,Candy at the end of the bed and Fat Cat on the far side. Casper likes to be where I am. You were right. Candy is a little more independent and they love love love to run up and down the stairs. The cats just sit in amazement and Abby looks out for them.They sleep all night and don't even get up until after I do. Maybe they're waiting on Charlie to get up and finally decide it's not going to happen so they go find Mom. Nick has discovered they are a chick magnet--all the girls want to hold Casper.I don't know what we did without them Thanks is not enough.

Lisa

Why we require a fenced yard...these dogs are too quick for you to watch them without one !

Subj: Re: Yorkie App. Beaumont, Texas
Date: 2/27/06 06:30:28 PM Central Standard Time
From: UTdance
To: NMSDRA

Yes, we have a fenced yard. My husband and I were in the front yard with the two of them. Normally, they stay with us. Danzy saw another dog and took off after it. One of our neighbors does not have a privacy fence, he has one that is basically just wood beams that run horizontally, and they took off through there, that area leads to Major Drive. By the time we got around there, it was too late. I believe that once Danzy got around there, she didn't know where she was. One, when she takes off, she goes full blast, she doesn't know what a trot is, and two, she has no clue what a car is. She has only been in one. We live on a cul-de-sac street. So even if a car would have come by, it would have been slow. This way, she didn't even have a chance. The one thing that we are thankful for out of this entire nightmare is that she had to have been killed instantly. Robbie checked for breathing and for a heartbeat. There was very little bleeding. The entire episode was horrible. We can tell this past weekend, that Kirby has really missed her.

I hope this gives you the information that you need.

Thanks, Tisha

I am questioning regarding adopting an abused Maltese. I would like to discuss that with you.

Hi Michelle,

I am Jean Ensor of the National Maltese and Small Dog Rescue Alliance.
I am assuming that your concern about abused dogs is whether they will be aggressive?
Many rescue dogs come from puppymills where they are used until they can no longer produce. Some are abused more than others but all suffer some emotional traumas. This usually exhibits itself as a frightened, timid dog with no confidence in itself or humans, and no experience with new pleasant things. These little dogs respond extremely well to love and patience. Some need to be pushed a little to accept love and attention, and some need time to themselves until they get used to new surroundings and now and then thereafter.Some will always have some of their fears but all basically love people and want to give and receive it. Rarely are these dogs aggressive in the sense that they would attack. And surprisingly, almost none are fear biters.

Other rescue dogs come from abusive private homes. The above applies to them as well. But some of these have enough self-confidence to be defensive when threatened and could bite in such a situation. We do sometimes get a "normal" dog in rescue but even they need time to adjust to new situations.

The dogs are kept in rescue homes and evaluated for temperament. Although they are somewhat different when they are in a home of their own, we do our best to tell prospective adopters everything we have observed about a dog's behavior and we try to match the dog with the family. Finally, even the best natured dog may growl or bite if they feel threatened, are hurt, or are approached when eating. If these were not your concerns or you have any others please feel free to ask.
Thank you,
Jean Ensor

National Maltese and Small Dog Rescue Alliance
www.malteseall.com

Subj: Gracie
Date: 1/30/06 08:29:15 AM Central Standard Time
From: vickikthomas@hotmail.com (vicki thomas)
To: malteserescue@malteserescue.us

Marsha,

I just wanted to let you know the transfer on saturday went well. Gracie is just perfect. She fits my life like she has always been a part of it. I have taken her to work with me yesterday and today and she is just doing so well.

I cannot thank you and the rescue group enough for all the work and help you gave me. If I can ever be of any help just let me know. Thanks!!!

Vicki

Subj: Big Dog
Date: 1/20/06 08:39:31 PM Central Standard Time
From: rhondahammons@mindspring.com (rhonda hammons)
To: malteserescue@malteserescue.us

You are not going to believe what has happened to us! We had a golden retriever dumped in our neighborhood and he has taken up here on my front porch! He's beautiful and affectionate, but huge! We need small. I called the Atlanta Golden Retriever Rescue tonight. They are going to try to come tomorrow to get him. I'm keeping him overnight in the garage since we are expecting to get down to 24 degrees tonight.

Isn't it funny, a dog is dropped in our lap, but the wrong kind! We just could not make him happy and he's too big for our small family. He's so big I think I'd need to have a huge tractor-trailer to haul him! Even with seven passenger seating, my Town & Country just won't do it! :-) I'm thankful there is a rescue close by and I know someone will make the perfect parent for him. I would have never thought of rescue for him had I not gone through the process with Garbo.

I imagine we would have not known better and called the pound. (Actually, with our hearts for animals, we probably would have left it to someone else to make the call. I can't stand the thought of having that on my head!) So, in a way, another life has been saved thanks to Maltese rescue and my now knowing what rescues can do -- a very, very large life at that! HaHa!

Good luck with the babies. I know you will find a good, loving home for them. Please keep us in mind in the future. Also, please call on me if there is anything I can do to help the group.

Sincerely,
Rhonda Hammons
rhondahammons@mindspring.com

Subj: Maltese Rescue
Date: 1/5/06
To: Sandraperezard@cs.com

We have received your email and wanted to tell you that we do not adopt to families with very small children as it is dangerous for the children.

I am a Grandmother and I take every precaution with my smaller Grandchildren and the dogs. The dogs are gated off and they are not allowed in the area where my Grandchildren play. The Grandchildren are not allowed in the dog area until they are at least 3 years old unless they are being held.

Many people do not know that dogs carry in their bodies Ecoli, Staph, Strep, as well as many other germs that can injure a young child. Simple Round Worms are known now to cause blindness in small children.

We try to encourage families with small children to wait to adopt until the child is past the age of putting things in their mouth.

My vet gives this example. The dog goes outside to use the bathroom, they accidentally step in feces. The grass cleans off the feces but the germs are still in the crevices of their paws. They walk into the house and spread the germs on the floor. The child drops a cookie where the germs are and then eats it. The child now suddenly experiences diarrhea for an unknown reason and becomes ill, or gets a strep throat infection, or worse.

I hope you understand that it is because I love children and would worry about your baby that I ask you to wait until your child is older to adopt.

Marsha

Subj: Re: Maltese Rescue
Date: 1/5/06 10:43:40 AM Central Standard Time
From: Sandraperezard@cs.com
To: NMSDRA

Thank you so much for your insight, we have a pekingnese and marble floors in our home with berber upstair and in the bed rooms. I know many precautions are required when small children are involved in everything they do, being a lawyer and my husband being in the medical field we see many, many tragedies on a daily basis.

Anything that can be done to prevent even one incident should be done. I hope you find the right family for your friends and may GOd bless. SIncerely
Sandra Perez Ard.

Subj: A Texas Maltese's first Snow Day
Date: 12/7/00 06:21:21 PM Central Standard Time
From: pfeifferl@dteenergy.com (Linda J Pfeiffer)
To: malteserescue@malteserescue.us, maltese_rescue@webhometown.com

Hi, Marsha and Jean:

Demi just experienced her first snowfall the other day. I opened the door to let her out first thing in the morning. The pavement was covered with only a 1/2 inch of snow. She normally just skips out the door with gusto, but this particular morning she stopped dead in her tracks with only her front paws on the snow and wouldn't move any further. It was so funny and so cute. And then......the wind blew her tail. You know how Maltese are about the wind messing with their tails. She turned to go back in the house. I had to give her a little butt a pat out the door.

Demi and Bob are quite an item, much to my dismay. She is definitely Daddy's girl all the way! She loves me, but adores him. She washes his face morning and night from top to bottom. I turn green with envy! I keep threatening to get another rescue.........all for my own. He continues to tell me that I shouldn't bother because he's a dog magnet and it'll end up being his baby anyway.

Demi is just a joy and if it's possible, we love her more and more everyday. She's got more personality than I've ever know a dog to have! She's incredibly happy, innocent and full of fun! Dooley still grumbles at her, and tolerates her. Demi is oblivious to his cool demeanor!

God bless!

Linda

Subj: Maltese Rescue Site
Date: 11/22/00 09:12:49 PM Central Standard Time
From: elrod53@netzero.net (elrod53)
To: malteserescue@malteserescue.us

Ms. Ardoin:

Just a quick note- I know you must be a very busy lady! I just had to tell you how grateful I am that there are people like you in this world. I've been going through your site off and on for the last few weeks and I'm just bowled over by what you encounter in a rescue and what you are able to achieve as an end result.

My husband and I are proud to be owned by 2 maltese girls, Candy and Crystal. They have worked hard to train us to be exactly what they want us to be! My girls are so lucky to have come from very loving homes that I personally know. They've never known fear or pain.

You've given me much cause for thought . . . and as a result, my husband and I are going to fill out an application to be rescue volunteers. We presently live in Las Vegas (I missed the show!), but we hope not for long. When we move back to the Northwest, we will go through the application process to foster rescues.

While we fiind ourselves at the beginning of the holiday season when many are embracing the "holiday spirit", you embrace that spirit all year long when you care for God's creatures with such love.

May God bless you and yours and all the world's creatures; Merry Christmas!

Cheryl Cooper

Subj: Sami
Date: 10/27/00 10:28:25 PM Central Daylight Time
From: Chottsie 1
To: NMSDRA

Marsha, I write to Renee quite often about our little Sami and the wonderful joy that he as brought into our life. I realized now why we had to wait so long get our final approval and find just the right dog. It was just meant for us to have Sami. I didn't know whether or not she had let you know just how happy Sami is with his new surroundings. Little did I know when I had goal to work with Sami to use Pet Therapy that I woud be the recepient of his healing charm. I missed place the email for the National Maltese and Small Animal Rescue. I woule lilke to watch out for another dog that may be ready for adoption. Please send the address it to me.

Subj: Cushing's disease web site
Date: 10/24/00 11:46:29 AM Central Daylight Time
From: mailbox@teleservinc.com (Lori Coutts Fraase)
To: malteserescue@malteserescue.us

Hi,

I just wanted to thank you for a very thorough and helpful website. My dog (not a maltese) has been diagnosed with Cushing's and I came across your website while researching on the web.

Your site has been tremendously helpful and I just wanted to say thanks!

Lori Fraase
Minneapolis

Subj: Misty's Story
Date: 10/11/00 09:53:33 PM Central Daylight Time
From: royalty@iprimus.ca (Gloria Royal)
To:malteserescue@malteserescue.us (Marsha Ardoin)
File: Mistysofa.jpg (17146 bytes)
DL Time (24000 bps): < 1 minute

Hello Marsha, I am sending this message to you to let you know how happy we are with our rescue girl, Misty.

On August 1st, 2000 my husband and I were in Branson, Missouri on vacation. We drove to the home of a wonderful rescue person, Jean Ensor, to pick up Misty and bring her home to Canada with us.

She was so frightened of being with new people and had many issues that puppy mill dogs have to work through. She rode home on a pillow on my lap in the car for the two days journey. I think that really helped with the bonding process.

We have now had Misty for 2 and 1/2 months and she is the most delightful little girl. We love her with all our hearts and it is so rewarding to see her confidence build and to have her realise that this is her "forever" home. She has bonded 100% with me. We have never regretted for one minute taking on the responsibility of a rescued dog. If more people knew how loving and grateful these little furkids are and how they respond to love and caring, I'm sure that they would also want to take advantage of the good works that the members of the National Maltese and Small Dog Rescue Alliance do on a daily basis.

Thank you so much for allowing us to have Misty in our lives!

Perhaps one day Misty will be able to have a little furry sister or brother, we'll keep you posted!

Gloria & John, Ontario, Canada

Subj: Re: Bob/Rob
Date: 10/5/00 09:41:46 AM Central Daylight Time
From: bunnifer4040@yahoo.com (Mary Francis)
To:malteserescue@malteserescue.us

Hi - Just an update on Rob...Huggy is not the word for him. If he could get in my nose or ear, I think that he would. He is so funny. We were just out playing in the yard and he was flying with that tail held high. He looks so happy and I kept thinking that we need to video this and send it to you. He just blossoms every day.

I just love him so much and feel like I have had him forever, and even more fun, he seems to adore me right back. I can not go or do anything without having on me or by me. He just gets more beautiful each day too. You know, I had thought that eventually that I would want another, but with the 3 cats and Dietrich, I spend a lot of time petting everybody. Besides, I have no more room left on my lap as I type this. He is very in tune to computer time and sits in my lap.

He is a wetting fool on those pee pee pads. He has not wet once on anything (including the yard) since he started using them. I always keep all my animals on everything until they die because this is such a moist climate and we do not have hard freezes to kill worms, heartworms and stuff in general.

By the way, he actually growled at Howard!! It was a total shock because he never makes a sound. We cracked up. What joy he has brought to us. Thank you again.

Bunnie

This is off one of my lists and a prime reason for NOT leaving dogs out unattended. We wanted to share this sad happening with you in hopes it might save someone's baby

Dear List;

A friend has just lost her little Maltese under very tragic circumstances. The maltese( who was 6 pounds and a rescue dog) and the Bichon were in the fenced in back yard when a stray german shepherd which has been in the neighborhood for a month jumped the fence and killed the little maltese. Barbara heard the Bichon give an unusual scream, and when she went outside, saw the shepherd jump back over the fence, and her maltese was lying on the ground. She called the maltese, who got up and staggered toward her and then collapsed. She picked her up and took her inside, but while she was on the phone with the vet, the maltese died.

----Original Message-----
From: kheft@aol.com [mailto:kheft@aol.com]
Sent: Sunday, August 20, 2000 9:45 PM
To: MalteseForum@egroups.com
Subject: [MalteseForum] My Little brag Captiva

While there has been so much decision regarding retired Ch. going to loving homes. With the continuation of love and care, I want to share and give my heartfilled thanks to the many breeders who select just the right homes.

Vivian Brownlee so choose Captiva to join my family even though she is a active 11 year old darling. I was fortunate to transfer ownership to my name and enter her in our Veterans Sweepstakes in her class. In my heart she will always be Vivian's girl and hears daily updates.

I want to thank Judy Hunter for handling Tiva, Thanks Judy ! ! I applaud with great appreciation each and every breeder that with careful considersation in the betterment for the breed allows their loved ones to go to loving homes for the rest of their life.

Hugs, Katie

I received this email and wanted to share with you....talk about enjoying their little pooch !
This baby was in a shelter one minute and flew to Texas to be with this family the next....she is one lucky little girl !
I have asked Wayne to send us Lane's science experiement to put on the sit....sounds like interesting reading

Hi!! I thought I would drop you an e-update on Snowy. She is at 10#'s and full of fun. She goes for her twice daily walks and loves to meet all the joggers and the other dogs out for their walks. She has yet to meet another being she doesn't like. We have invented several "games" including fetch, walkies, and (my favorite) "run around like a greyhound". We do that game in the backyard. She just runs in figure 8's or circles as fast as she can and I pretend to try to "grab" her. I can't ever catch her, but then, I don't really try as that isn't part of the game and she moves like lightning. When we go out in the early morning and she see's something strange, (like the barbeque pit my neighbor put out for the trash pickup or when the neighbor across the street put sheets over her plants for an overnight freeze), she stops and makes little growly noises and always wants to walk the other way. When a house in the neighborhood gets TP'd she refuses to go within a half a block. (We have a couple of houses with teenagers in them and TPing seems to be the thing to do periodically.)

Lane did a science experiment for her 2nd grade class called "Do Dog Noses Smell Better Than People Noses".

She went all around the neighborhood and interviewed dogs and their owners and performed a little experiment that scientifically proved that dog noses work better than people noses. She took 1st Place over the whole school including all grades!! Snowy helped.

You should see Snowy try to be "buddies" with the Greyhound (rescued) that lives next door. Talk about David and Goliath! Its a hoot. When I'm laying about in the evening, Snowy comes and lays down on me and makes little whiney noises if I stop petting her. I guess she has ME trained well.

We are going to e you some pictures when the next roll of film goes in for developing. She had such a lovely coat of fur until the last visit to the groomers. Turns out I failed in my attempts to keep her coat fluffy enough and the lower layer got matted down. She had to get a "Boot Camp" haircut! All except her fluffy tail and the fur on her head. It is growing back ok although she seemed embarassed to be seen in public the first few days after her trim. I got one of those steel combs to use on her and she won't have that problem again.

Enough for now. I'll send those pictures soon. She is such a cute doggy and everyone knows her and says, "Hi" when we pass them on the street.
Thankyou for finding her for us.

Wayne, Deb, Lane, and Snowy.

Peke and Heartworms

Subj: HW+ Peke
Date: 3/28/00 02:39:37 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: pekenpug@netins.net (Sue Vicente)
Reply-to: pekenpug@netins.net (Sue Vicente)
To:malteserescue@malteserescue.us (Marsh Ardoin)

Hi Marsha, A while back you sent me your protocol for treatment with ivermectin. Well, Bichita, my 12 yr old shelter Peke with an enlarged heart, got a negative test for microfilaria and also a negative for adult worms last week after three months on the ivermectin treatment. She's had no adverse side-effects as far as I can tell.

Meanwhile, Bichi is doing fine. She has stopped coughing, and she seems to be enjoying life. She's an A-1 cuddler.

Thanks again for your help. I'll keep you informed.
Sue Vicente
pekenpug@netins.net

Lucy

** This is from a lady who applied to adopt one of our "Special" kids, Lucy **

Subj: RE: Maltese rescue and Lucy
Date: 3/27/00 08:50:38 AM Pacific Standard Time
To:malteserescue@malteserescue.us ('malteserescue@malteserescue.us')

Thank you so much for your prompt reply. After speaking to you Saturday, I thought of little else other than Lucy all weekend. I also had an extensive conversation with my fiancee about his feelings about adopting Lucy. It just made me fall that much more in love with him (if that's possible). He expressed heartbreak when reading about Lucy and the fury he feels towards the person/persons capable of such cruelty. I believe you can expect a check from him soon.

With regard to my pet therapy, often people express their wonder at how I can go to nursing homes & hospitals with all the suffering and sadness sometimes witnessed as they could never deal with it and all I can think of is how anyone can NOT do it. I feel the same towards you...I don't know how you deal on a daily basis with the knowledge that people can be so cruel and inhuman. But I know you must feel the same as I do about pet therapy...how can you NOT do it and thank the Lord that you do. I suppose God infuses each of us with a certain amount of strength for different circumstances. I admire your strength and hope to help in my own small way by adopting Lucy (or should that not be our fate...another angel of yours). It never occurred to me that you might have other Maltese dogs as small, if not smaller than my Mollie. So I would definitely be interested in hearing about them.

Bless you for your big heart and unselfish soul. I look forward to hearing from you and whether or not you believe a visit for me to see Lucy is appropriate.

Snuggles

** This is an example of the kind of homes our Rescue's get...**
......Makes me want to pack up and go with them
Subj: Snuggles
Date: 3/13/00 07:35:49 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: RandSat6
To:NMSDRA

Dear Marsha,
Things here are going great! I could not have wished for a better puppy! She's everything I had imagined and more! Snuggles cuddles with me through the night and wakes me with kisses in the morning! After we head outside to tend to our business Snuggles is more than eager to eat her breakfast and then have an intense play session!

I never knew that I would fall in love with her so fast, but she has definately captured my heart as well as everyone elses (including Daisy's)!

I will try and reach you tomorrow. I can't thank you enough for my little girl, she's just perfect!

Sarah

Jenny

Subj: Jenny
Date: 1/27/00 07:29:50 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: butryn@surfree.com
To:malteserescue@malteserescue.us

I took Jenny to Doggy Daycamp today. They gave me a button that says "My Dog is at the Ram's Superbowl Party While I'm Stuck at Work." They are having a football cake from a dog bakery. Some of the dogs are getting painted.

I hope she has lots of fun. They have a lot of staff there so I think she will get lots of attention.

Ann

Sunday

Subj: RE: How is Sunday doing?
Date: 1/22/00 09:00:24 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: samrob@fbtc.net (Sam Robinson)
To: foxstone@ria.net ('Sharon Pearson')
CC:malteserescue@malteserescue.us (Marsha (E-mail)

How we all love Sunday!!!She is using the pads and going outside also. She loves to go for walks and many neighbors stop us to find out what kind of dog she is. She looks different than Boomer. She is so petite.

She sleeps with John almost every night. occasionally he is away and since Sam doesn't want her to sleep with us I usually sleep on the floor with her. Feel like I am camping out.

She loves to be near us. In the morning John gets up early for basketball . She comes in bed with me because Sam is already up. When I get up I put her in bed with my daughter Anne. Boomer is doing good with her. When his arthritis is not bother him -he plays with her. Sunday loves to play with small toys. John enjoys her playfulness.

Boomer is still King as he rides to school with John. That's his own special time.

Her coat is coming beautifully. She has gained weight and is up to 5#. I just weighed her. We are all so glad we found her. She is a wonderful addition to our home.

Thanks for inquiring. If we ever finish the role of film - we will send a picture.

Madison

Subj: We love our new little boy
Date: 1/13/00 10:54:40 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: JLDINNEEN@aol.com
To:malteserescue@malteserescue.us

Marsha thank you so much for referring us to Jean in Missouri...We now have Madison and we couldn't be happier he is just precious as soon as I get pictures of him on the computer I will send you one.

Thanks again
Loretta and Jim Dinneen

Biscuit
From:PrfEnglish
To: BrendaHTX
CC:NMSDRA

Hi Brenda!

I recently adopted my second Maltese after losing my first to congestive heart failure. I adore these dogs! Both maltese I have owned have been sweet and friendly, and very loving and loyal. They have alot of energy and like to play, but will also sit in your lap. Both of mine have been very smart and very curious. They do take some care if their hair is long, but I keep mine in more or less a puppy cut. They don't shed.:)

When I come home, my little Biscuit does a little welcome dance and has no interest in food or going outside until I pick her up and cuddle her for a minute. :)

As for the adoption itself, I found Maltese Rescue and Marsha a joy to work with. I especially appreciated that Marsha listened to me and visited with me and helped me find a dog that was appropriate for me and my situation. After Biscuit came to live with me, she kept in touch and has always been available when I needed advice or had a question.

IF I can give you any other information, feel free to write to me!

Kathryn Roosa

Hi Brenda and Jennifer,

Marsha wrote to us and told us that you wanted to hear from some adoptive parents of Maltese. That's us. We adopted Skye in June of this year from Jean Ensor of Sarosomo Rescue. She was about a year old and had come from the puppy mills in Missouri. Skye has been a wonderful addition to our family. We have two other Maltese, one Shi Tzu, and a Poodle. The Poodle was also a rescue.

Five dogs may seem like a lot to some people, but I tell them that we don't have fifty pounds of dog when totaled. That still puts us well below those with one large dog. We also have two sons, who love all of the dogs.

Rescues are wonderful, they have had such a tough life and seem to appreciate every little thing. Do expect an adjustment period. It may take them awhile to become comfortable with you, but each day you will see progress. Skye is really coming along. She must have been mistreated and backs away when I'm standing. If I'm sitting or laying down, she can't get close enough. She has only been with us about five months.

The Poodle took a whole year to totally adjust. Today you would never guess that she was five years old when we adopted her. She had belonged to an elderly woman who had passed away, no one in her family wanted this wonderful little girl.

At times you will feel bad that you missed out on the puppy year, but it is only because you love them so much. The first year with the rescue is like peeling back layers to reveal a great treasure inside. There is a layer of fear, layers of abuse, confinement, and neglect. As each layer melts away a new part of your rescues personality shines through. In the end you'll have a wonderful companion, and have had an experience that is equal to none. It will tear you apart every time you think about how many others are still in shelters, puppy mills, or tied in someone's back yard. You'll find yourself trying to persuade others to adopt a rescue instead of getting a new pup.

Let us know what happens. Feel free to write if you have any questions. We would love to hear from you.

Dennis, Kim, & the Girls
Struthers, Ohio
http://members.aol.com/NKE3/index.html

From: jngraff@en.com (Jeff & Nancy Graff)

Well, after reading Dennis' amazing words, Nancy and I aren't sure that we can even come close, but here goes! Needless to say, our lives changed dramatically when we picked up Ellie in New Orleans this past May. The love you feel just can't be put into words, and as Dennis mentioned, watching this beautiful baby slowly shed the fear that she once knew, is truly wonderful. In five months, she is full of personality, bouncing all over the house. And watching her interact with Jack and Lulu is great, especially when she wants to play. She still has a few ghosts to conquer, but they are slowly going away day by day, week by week. She is just an amazing addition to our family, and just when you think you can't love her more, the next day comes.

Jeff & Nancy

Subj: Adopting a Maltese
From: MANDMCHAI
To: BrendaHTX
CC: Sarosomo, NMSDRA

Dear Brenda,

Lili is my second Maltese I have rescued. She flew in by air in May and became mine instantly. She was only about 10 months old but she needed love so badly. I could see it in her eyes that she felt safe with me. At first I was really concerned that she wouldn't get along with my Mimi (another rescue at 3 1'2) who is a 12 1/2 year old 5 pound Maltese. You see, Lili was supposed to be, as told to me by the previous owner, 6 1/2 pounds, but she is almost 11 pounds! A puppy wants to play and doesn't understand that it hurts if you jump on another who is half your size. After a while I learned to let Mimi defend herself (with my close watch) and though Mimi sometimes gets pounced on she can take care of herself.

I even have noticed Mimi's tail wagging during these bouts so I have come to the conclusion she enjoys a good fight!!! They are like night and day by their looks and sizes but they are both beautiful and sweet. Lili craves love and has curled up in my lap many times. She loves to play but she still has the bad habit of finger nipping and ankle biting. I realize,though I am trying to stop this, it is from past neglect and she is trying to get my attention the best way she knows how. I tell her "no bite" and that is helping for she gets petted when she stops.

Lili has come a long way since I got her and she is getting better and better. Nothing a lot of love can't cure. Our best times are in the morning first staring at me to wake me up, then patting me with her front paw when the staring doesn't do the trick. She finds it safe to lick me in the face while anyother time of the day that to her is a nono. She nuzzles close to me and tries to get Mimi awake who is not at all happy with that and assumes her attack mode. Before going out they both get their hugs and kisses and the special tummy rubs and forget about war until later.

I got my first Maltese, Maggie, as a puppy. I lost her about a year and a half ago. I cannot tell you how wonderful she was. She was a human dressed as Maltese. I got holiday cards addressed to Marsha and Maggie. Everyone loved her. I still cry everyday because I miss her so much. I had her over 13 years.

As you see all three of my babies were different. They came to me three different ways. Maggie always had love from her beginning, Mimi was abused and it took time but she learned to trust men and children, and Lili had been neglected and responds to being held and loved on an hourly basis. Maltese are special dogs that are smart, sweet and loving.

Let me hear all about yours when you get one. I know you will have wonderful stories to tell.

Marsha

Subj: Re: Would like to hear from people who have adopted Maltese
Date: 10/28/99 06:40:22 PM Pacific Daylight Time
From: PALMGIRL98
To:NMSDRA

Hi There ,
I would go to the end of the earth for my Maltese.....They are so very bright but so very demanding....Almost like having a child...HOW WONDERFUL IS THAT? I have two and enjoy every moment....Owners of these precious babies must know what a commitment and honor owning a Maltese is !!!!!!!!!!

I AM MY CHILDRENS MOM,

JUDY,

Calvin and Hobbs' Mother (Mr. Hobbs is from Southeast Texas Maltese Rescue. (Marsha Ardoin)

Name: Anne
E-mail address: Annesdanz@aol.com

Comments:

I was very lonely and depressed after the death of my dear husband. I too found Rescue on the Web and asked to adopt.
I was soooo lonely I cried all the time. Thanks to Rescue my prayers were answered that very next day. Oliver came into my life and he is a loving little guy. I don't cry or feel alone anymore. He's follows me everywhere in the house ( I am retired) and goes with me in the car shopping. Oliver loves to sit on my knee as we drive and always, always so happy to see me.

I sometimes hold Oliver like an baby and rock him he loves it. Oliver's past parents were good to him and I entend to be even better.

Thank God for Rescue and all those who helped me with a bad sadness and a total lonely feeling. Bless You All!

Oliver is my "New Love"and I feel great!

Subj: Maltese Application
Date: 10/22/99
To: sanmiguels@excite.com
BCC: Sarosomo, Kheft

Marsha,

We have received your application and wanted to tell you that we do not adopt to families with very small children as it is dangerous for the children.

I am a Grandmother and I take every precaution with my smaller Grandchildren and the dogs. The dogs are gated off and they are not allowed in the area where my Grandchildren play. The Grandchildren are not allowed in the dog area until they are at least 3 years old unless they are being held.

Many people do not know that dogs carry in their bodies Ecoli, Staph, Strep, as well as many other germs that can injure a young child. Simple Round Worms are known now to cause blindness in small children.

We try to encourage families with small children to wait to adopt until the child is past the age of putting things in their mouth.

My vet gives this example. The dog goes outside to use the bathroom, they accidentally step in feces. The grass cleans off the feces but the germs are still in the crevices of their paws. They walk into the house and spread the germs on the floor. The child drops a cookie where the germs are and then eats it. The child now suddenly experiences diarrhea for an unknown reason and becomes ill, or gets a strep throat infection, or worse.

I have been meaning to put something on our new website to warn families with small children as I have a ton of reports but I haven't found the time yet.

I hope you understand that it is because I love children and would worry about your baby that I ask you to wait until she is older to adopt.

Marsha

________________________________________________________
Reply:

Subj: Re: Maltese Application
Date: 10/22/99 05:42:09 PM Pacific Daylight Time
From: sanmiguels@excite.com (SKYRYMAR)
To:malteserescue@malteserescue.us

I am very thankful for your email. I had no idea about the strep and those other illnesses you listed. I have totally changed my mind about adopting a dog. I think we can wait till our daughter is older:)

Again I am very appreciative for your email.

Thanks,
San Miguels

Princess Snow White

Lenore contacted rescue when her other dog passed away and left Snow White alone in the house. Snowy couldn't get over the loss of her long time friend. She greived and could no longer stand to be alone as Mom had to work. We began looking for a new home for her with a stay at home mom, when Karen called looking for a baby. We told her about Snowey, age 10, deaf, and now having terrible adjustment problems. Karen's heart went out to her and asked Lenore if she could adopt Snowy. Lenore and Karen met and decided to let her try going with her.

__________________________________________________________
UPDATE: Subj: Re: PRINCESS SNOW WHITE
Date: 10/7/99 10:54:14 PM Pacific Daylight Time
From: lenorehc@email.msn.com (lenorehc)
To:malteserescue@malteserescue.us

I spoke for quite some time to Karen last week. It sounds as if Snowy is having a very good home. Her small poodle has taken to following Snowy around. Snowy follows Karen around during the day but has become very attached to her fifteen year old son and sticks to him once he's home from school. She even sleeps in his bed. They seem to like her very much and said she's starting to eat well, wags her tail, etc. She had her checked out thoroughly with the vet for heart and other worms etc. and the vet said that if she hadn't told him that Snowy was 10 years old he wouldn't have guessed it because of her excellent condition. Of course, I already knew that she was in good health.

It is such a great relief to me that Snowy has such a good home and a new lease on life. I don't know how much longer either of us would have lasted as things stood.

Thank you for making all this possible.

Lenore

This is from a lady who we helped find a dog. Alex was an owner surrender because of house training issues. We are happy that Alex is adjusting to his new home and is now house trained.

From: Teresa.Johnson@Gadzooks.com

Hello, Just a note to let you know how Alex and Cuddles are getting along. They are doing just fine and Alex is adjusting well. He has been so sweet and has added another big part to our family. We could tell he was nervous for a couple of days but has come along very well. He had a hard time go up and down the stairs at first but is doing them nicely now. Made a couple of mistakes in the house the first few days and seems to be adjusting to being in the house and going outside when needed. He likes for me to hold him sometimes like I do Cuddles. I will be holding Cuddles and Alex will sit there looking at me like he is waiting for his turn. I will put Cuddles down and Alex will jump up to be held. Yesterday, my husband and I went to work on our condo, that we lease out, and took Alex with us. I was working on one of the downstairs bathrooms, taking wall paper off and sanding, and Alex would sit right outside the bathroom door. Every once in a while he would come in and check on me, give me a couple of kisses and go back and lay at the door way. Then after we got home, my husband and I sat in the hot tub for a little while. Alex would jump up like he was trying to jump in, give me a couple of kisses and then go lay in the grass by the hot tub.

He has just been wonderful and I want to thank you for allowing him to become part of our family. Thank you and have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING,

Teresa

Mikki was in a shelter in Houston, Texas listed as a Terrier Mix. I saw that he was a cute little Maltese and notified Sheryl that he was there. He was so pitiful, shaved to the skin, sad eyes and had heartworms. None of this mattered to Sheryl as she rushed up to the center to adopt her new little boy....this is an update on how he is doing....

Subj: Re: Mikki
Date: 11/23/99 06:08:12 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: sdillard@na.cokecce.com
To:malteserescue@malteserescue.us

Hi Marsha. Mikki is doing great! He's a wonderful dog and loves to be pampered. Of course we've spoiled him rotten. His hair is growing out and looks good, real pretty white with a little tan down his back and on his feet.

He's put on a few well needed pounds and looks real good. He knows when it's time to eat and if I don't get his food ready fast enough he scoots his bowl around making noise.

He's very playful and we have a good time watching him play catch all by hisself. He grabs his toy, throws it, then goes and gets it. It took him a while to get used to my other dog Barkley, but now they're buds. He chases Barkley all over the yard and they play together every time I let him in the back yard. I have to be picky about when I let him go out to play cause Barkley ends up soaking him in slobber and he usually requires a bath afterwards.

One of Mikki's favorite things is when one of the kids leaves a cereal bowl unattended on the kitchen table. He jumps up there and has a nice sweet milk meal. Right after I got him I found him on the table helping himself and I figured out right quick to clean off the table as soon as everyone has finished.

He loves to go out on his leash. All I have to do is show him and he heads for the door. He and my four-year-old son like to go out after dark and fight over the frogs! Mikki thinks they're play toys and Matthew wants to put them in his bug barn and keep them.

He went thru his heartworm treatment just fine and seems to be doing real good. He's due back for a follow-up so we'll go in next week. We're all very happy with him and he seems to be pretty happy too!! Thanks again!!!

Sheryl

Subj: Re: Congratulations !!!!
Date: 12/4/99 10:48:42 AM Pacific Standard Time

Marsha, We are so happy and excited. Nikki has her signed papers and check for the flight off to Jean. They have been overnighted.

Wednesday is the big day and she is wanting to run out and buy everything for that little dog. I told her to wait so I could get him some things too. She said she has to wait to name him when she gets the first look at him in person. She said he has to look like his name and it will probably hit her as soon as she sees him.

Thanks again Marsha for everything. You made my daughter and me very happy. A THOUSAND Gold Stars for you. You made our Holiday Season a happy one. God Bless You Always

Lisa's Mom adopted Blake and Bailey a year ago from us. She applied for Bailey and when she found out I had his brother she decided to adopt both. It has been a perfect union and Blake and Bailey finally have a wonderful Mom and Human Sister that love them very much, something they never had....Love !

Blake and Bailey are doing so well. They are little bundles of joy and mischief. Blake especially likes my dogs and we visit often so he plays and wrestles with my lil Joey. They sleep in the bed with my Mom at night and snuggle up under the blankets. They love sitting on the back of the couch looking out the window at the neighborhood - it is the most adorable sight you'd see. I took a pic of them up there yesterday and will send as soon as I scan.

You can count on Christmas pics for sure. I'll take some of them alone, in their Christmas sweaters and with my crew.

Lisa
lisab@rconnect.com

Subj: BLAKE
Date: 12/10/99 05:25:39 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: Attitash1
To:NMSDRA

Blake is becoming a dog. He is much more trustful, gives a bit of himself, and is also becoming a dog snob. When he first came to us he was following the big kids (dogs) around the yard and distant from us. Now the big kids come in the house and he looks down his little nose at them.

He has gained weight and is a little over 6 lbs, He also now eats adult dog food. No longer does the little guy try and bury his food, he eats it.

He plays jumps up and down, chases his tail and what a manly bark! He looks great I owe you some pictures,and again my thanks for what you did for him .

Thanks again,
Tracy

Return to the Maltese Rescue Home Page

Return to the Maltese Rescue Home Page