Shamrock Rescue Foundation newsletter spring/summer 2021

Spring/Summer 2021 Newsletter shamrockrescue.org

Lulu enjoys a ride with her new family. Read about her adoption and those of other Shamrock dogs starting on Page 7.

Second chances for those who need them most

Your Donations At Work Thank you for supporting our mission to give second chances to those who need them most. The support of our generous donors has allowed us to save dogs who are in dire situations and provide medical treatments, food, and shelter until forever homes are found. 100 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to the rescue and care of the dogs. Since our last newsletter, we have successfully placed 40 dogs, rescued 51, and cared for over 60. We know that when times get tough for people, they also get tough for animals. We thank everyone who has donated time, goods, and money to help us help these most helpless souls.

As a rescue, we are often inundated with heartbreaking stories of neglect and abuse, which can be overwhelming. While we are unable to save them all, we are grateful for your support, which allows us to save those that we can and help them find the love of the happy homes that they deserve.

A heartfelt thank you.

Meet Parker. He’s got quite a story. Page 4

Charice & Ron King | Founders

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Rescue Spotlight

Name: Reece Age: 5 years Breed: Akita Gender: Female (spayed)

Name: Teddy Age: 9 years Breed: Chow Gender: Male (neutered) Teddy was one of dozens of chows found at a puppy mill in Missouri. After being treated at National Mill Dog Rescue in Colorado, he and another chow, Jack, came to Shamrock Rescue. Jack has found his home with another puppy mill survivor, Rosie, in Seattle, but Teddy is still looking for his. This boy seems much younger than 9. He’s a goofball who likes to roll around on his back – very un-chowlike behavior, that – and prance like a pony. He adores food, likes to take short walks (He’s got some bad arthritis in one front leg) and laze around. He has charmed everyone in his foster home and we’re sure he will charm you, too. Teddy isn’t very sure about other dogs, so he’d probably do best in a home where he is the only one.

Reece was found along Ortega Highway in Riverside County and brought to Animal Friends of the Valleys in Wildomar. Although this shelter isn’t super close, we have taken several dogs from there because they are so easy to work with and really care about getting the animals in their care into the best possible homes or rescues. The rescue coordinator had nothing but praise for Reece, who got her name because she is “so sweet.”

When we saw photos and videos of her we decided that she deserved a chance. She loves everyone she meets, especially those with two legs. She does find with many dogs her own size but wouldn’t do well in a home with small critters. She’s smart, goofy, and very playful.

We just love this girl.

Name: Lolly Age: 10 years Breed: Chow mix (maybe with spitz?)

Gender: Female (spayed) Lolly’s shelter picture was so sad and pathetic that we couldn’t bear to leave her there. She is blind, but that doesn’t stop her from being one of the happiest, most easygoing girls we’ve had the pleasure of getting to know. She gets along great with other dogs and enjoys pack walks with her foster family’s other dogs. Everyone who meets her falls in love with her. Her happiness is infectious.

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Update: Stew and Lou, home together Stories by Maryanne Dell, Rescue Coordinator and Adoption Counselor In our last newsletter, we introduced Stewie, the chow mix who had found his home in Dana Point, and Oso, another chow mix who was on a fosterto-adopt visit at Stewie’s home.

That visit never ended, and Stew and Lou, as Oso is now known, are best buds in the best home.

They’ve had some medical issues, but they have wanted for nothing as their owner, Liz, has the true rescue spirit and has ensured that they are comfortable. When Oso needed a pacemaker to regulate his heartbeat, he got one. Stew’s bad back also receives special care. We’re so happy for Stew and Lou, and wish them and Liz a wonderful life together. We’re so happy that these two have found happiness in a wonderful home where they want for nothing and are enjoying the life both deserve to have.

Stewie, at top, rests his paw on Lou’s head as the two travel to Lake Tahoe for a few days of fun.

We think Stewie really likes his brother.

Saving Parker Parker with Hedy, the wonderful rescue coordinator at Camino Pet Hospital in Irvine. His jaw likely will remain crooked.

“I know this is desperate my friend is sitting with this adorable little dog that was hit by a car in Barstow, animal control is outside the vet and will not agree to the $1800 surgery to reconstruct the jaw. Any chance you or Rescue could take it on?”

When an urgent PM like that pops into your inbox, what can you do but jump in response? We did. Animal control in Barstow agreed to turn the little black and tan dog over to Shamrock, and the vet who originally talked with animal control

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agreed to keep him and do the surgery to fix his jaw, which was badly damaged. Many generous donors stepped up to help with the cost of the surgery and subsequent medical care.

Twenty days later, two Shamrock volunteers drove to Barstow and brought Parker to Orange County. After spending some more time at our vet, until we were absolutely certain his jaw was stabilized, Parker went to his foster home The first thing he did was crawl into his foster’s lap. He’s learned that outdoors isn’t scary, cars are not going to jump out and hit him whenever he turns a corner, and the smells out there are actually pretty good. He’s learning what is and isn’t appropriate to chew and where the bathroom is.

Parker sustained multiple injuries to his jaw as well as to his left eye. His eye has completely healed, and while his jaw likely will always be crooked, it’s healed, too. His smile is endearing, if a little lopsided. He’s ready for his forever home,

Parker at his foster home. and we’re sure he’ll make someone very happy.

We’re very grateful to everyone involved in Parker’s salvation. Without the donations of time, energy, and money given by so many, Parker wouldn’t have had a chance. Now, at only 3 years of age, he can look forward to a lifetime of love.

Thank you to our fosters Our fosters are special people who open their hearts and homes to dogs in need.

These special people provide not only care and shelter, but love and a home. While these may not be permanent homes, they are safe havens for dogs who would not do well in a kennel environment.

Fosters give of their time, energy, and often money.

They also give love — so much love — to creatures who often have never known it before. We are eternally grateful for all they do.

Teddy, left, and Peaches are both seniors who are enjoying life in their foster homes while waiting to be adopted.

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Annie takes her job of monitoring things at her home in Wyoming seriously.

Annie the wonder dog

By Maryanne Dell, Rescue Coordinator and Adoption Counselor We received this email from Jane, who with her husband, Sulo, adopted Annie in 2018. This lucky girl went from shelter dog to the wide open spaces of Wyoming, where she’s made herself right at home.

“I have a story about Annie. Annie will hit her paw on the door when she wants to come back into the house. Sometimes she hits her paw and when we go to the door she will run into the yard and want to play, so we run with her for a while.

“A few weeks ago this pattern changed a little.

She would hit the door, run into the yard and when we went out she would go to the side of the deck and stand there. This went on many times.

“She then started digging by the side of the deck, something she has never done. One day Sulo went to sit outside and called me out to ask if I smelled natural gas. I didn’t. He retired from a

natural gas company. He called the company and they came out and, sure enough, there was a gas leak and it was where Annie had been trying to tell us. She is our wonder dog!

“We are all doing well.”

With Annie to watch over them, we’re sure Jane and Sulo are doing well, indeed.

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Recent adoptions

We have been fortunate to have placed many dogs in new homes recently. Here are their stories.

Lulu’s owner could no longer care for her. She was scared and uncertain at first, but soon learned that she could make friends. She’s settled into her new home quickly and is being spoiled in the manner she deserves.

Oliver had an unfortunate incident with another dog at home and wound up in the shelter. Only a rescue could get him out, so we did. He’s just a big ol’ baby who likes to nap and hang out with his people – and that’s exactly what he does.

Madigan, formerly Patches, has one of the cutest faces we’ve seen. He had some seriously bad skin, but love and a great home are helping to heal it. Madigan enjoys trips to the beach with his mom, lots of fun dog toys, special food, and a bed three times his size.

Cheeto waited a very long time for his forever home. He needed a special person who understood that, like many dogs who are abandoned, he required a home where he could acclimate on his own time and in his own way.

He’s got that now, and we are so happy that he finally does.

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Recent adoptions

Bear was found in north Orange County in September, then turned into Orange County Animal Care, the county’s shelter. He was adopted, then returned 10 days later. Shamrock got him from the shelter, and soon he went to his forever home. He loves walks around the neighborhood and is a total part of the family.

Mr. Chow was given up by his family in Arizona, and a rescuer there asked Shamrock if we would take him in. We said of course. He was scared and unsure about just what had happened to him, but as the weeks went by he relaxed and became the goofball he is. He lives in La Canada Flintridge now with his friend, Zoey. They have a huge yard in which to run and play.

Nema and Tashi were looking for a home after their owner died. The people taking care of them contacted the Tibetan Spaniel Club of America Rescue & Health Trust, which finds homes for needy Tibbies. The rescue coordinator contacted us, knowing Shamrock had placed several Tibbies in California. Nema, left, and Tashi are delightful dogs who weren’t with us long before they were adopted and driven to their new home in Minnesota by their new mom, who is absolutely in love with the two, who this year learned what winter is all about. They’re glad warmer weather has arrived.

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Princess Rose was in the shelter in Stockton. A rescuer in the area got her for us, and, despite — or maybe because of — her being a senior, she was adopted right away. She’s deaf and blind, but that hasn’t stopped her from settling in with her 15-year-old dachshund brother.

Dolly, front, and Fanny are senior Tibetan spaniels. Both lost their homes when their owners died. These sweet girls deserve to live the rest of their days in comfort, surrounded by love.

And they will. They were adopted by the same couple, Fanny in 2019 and Dolly earlier this year. We’re overjoyed that the girls are home for good and have become friends.

Atlas was at OC Animal Care. Thanks to a couple of dedicated volunteers, Shamrock was able to spring him and send him to his new home in Idaho.

Ziggy, like many Tibetan spaniels, was listed as a Pekingese at the shelter. But as soon as Maryanne met him, she knew he was mostly, if not all, Tibbie. He’s the most darling, sweet, loving little man.

He adores being a homebody and following his mom from room to room.

Peekaboo is a longtime Shamrock dog. When we got him, no one could get near enough to put a coat on him – certainly not someone he had just met.

Yet his new owners can dress him because he has learned to trust. And he loves them.

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Recent adoptions

Heath was so pathetic we had to save him.

Dumped in a park, he then spent three weeks in a cold shelter before we learned about him and got him to safety. As if that wasn’t enough, he got sick right after we rescued him and had to spend a weekend at the emergency vet. It took him awhile to regain his bearings, but love, good food (He just adores his Just Food For Dogs!), and a comfy place to rest helped. But, although he would wag his tail when he saw one of his favorite people, he always looked so sad. Then, just before Christmas, Angela and her mom came to meet him. Well, he lit up for them and wouldn’t leave their sides. So the next day Heath went home. And we are so, so happy to finally see a smile on his face. Welcome home, Heath (now Bruce)! You so deserve all the love you can get.

Benny was at Orange County Animal Care looking for a savior. Shelter staff believed he had been hit by a car and had a fractured pelvis.

We rescued him and took him to our vet. When we posted about him, a friend offered to foster him while he healed. (Fractured pelvises heal with several weeks of cage rest.) While he was recuperating, a friend told us of a lovely family looking for a dog. We got in touch and arranged for them to meet Benny after he was cleared by our vet. It was love at first sight, and Benny went to his new home the day after Christmas. We are so grateful for gifts like being able to help dogs like Benny. Not only is he all better, physically, but he also is enjoying a new life in a new home, where he will never again have to worry about being on the streets.

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Kona (formerly Carmel) went to her new home just in time for the holidays. A scared, shy dog when we got her out of the shelter, she’s learned to be part of a loving family.

Scout (formerly Cloud) needed major surgery to fix a hernia on his rear. He’s such a tiny guy (just 2 pounds!) that we felt he needed a boardcertified surgeon to do the work. Generous donors helped us get the surgery, and after caring for — and falling in love with — him, his fosters knew they had to adopt him.

Sammie isn’t hampered by having only one eye.

When he went to his new home in Los Angeles, he immediately jumped onto the couch and made himself at home.

Angel, left with her owner, Joanne, and Charley found their homes because of another Shamrock dog. Joanne came to meet Jack, a Tibetan spaniel looking for a home, as did Ron and Julie, Charley’s mom and dad. Jack wasn’t quite the fit for either, but because we really liked all of them, we matched them with Angel and Charley. Both homes and the pups are very happy with the situation, and we’re very happy for all of them.

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Jack, left, and Teddy at the National Mill Dog Rescue facility in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

From Puppy Mill to Forever Home

By Maryanne Dell, Rescue Coordinator and Adoption Counselor At the end of 2020, word went out to the chow rescue community that 14 chows and chowhusky mixes had been taken from a puppy mill in Missouri. (What better way to end such a weird, mostly awful year?) The dogs were being cared for by National Mill Dog Rescue at its Colorado Springs, Colorado, facility. But rescues would be needed to take some of the dogs who didn’t find homes through NMDR, as more chows at the property still needed to be saved.

We love chows and love to save them, so we said we could take two, as we had fosters for both.

NMDR didn’t just house the dogs; it provided medical care, behavioral assessment, play groups and more as the work of coordinating transportation and deciding which rescue would get which dog went on.

Shamrock and two other rescues coordinated to get seven dogs to California. The dogs went

to a boarding facility in Palmdale on January 25, and on January 26 another volunteer and I drove there to pick our two up and take them to our veterinarian.

Amazingly, most of the dogs taken from the Missouri site were calm, good with other dogs and people, and fairly relaxed. One of them, 5-year-old Jack, had the most worried look in his eyes – the same look my chow mix, Fly, would get when something wasn’t going right with his world. I wanted to remove that worry from Jack’s face.

Without a guarantee which dogs we would get – and willing to take whoever came our way – I requested Jack and Teddy, 9. Teddy is a bit older and arthritic, so my natural bent toward dogs with special needs kicked in. We got both. My vet, who is used to grumbly, growly chows (who don’t like strange places, especially those like

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vet offices that can be stressful) called to tell me how wonderful they are.

“I don’t know where you got one, let alone two, really friendly chows, but these guys are amazing,” he said.

They are, especially given their lives prior to December. I don’t know if they are so easygoing because they were treated well, despite no doubt being used to breed far too many times, or if they were just shut down from lives lived in cages. But now they had a chance at a normal life as someone’s pet.

Jack is already well on the way to that end.

Renamed Sunny, he is living in Seattle with Rosie, another puppy mill survivor, and Michael and Brenda.

Teddy is still looking for his forever home, and we hope he will find it soon. He’s with a foster in San Diego, so no more kennels for him. And no more puppy making. That’s all been taken care of.

If you’d like to learn more about Teddy, please contact us at 714-270-4187 (call or text) or shamrockrf@gmail.com.

Thank you for helping Our donors are too many to mention by name, but we want you all to know how much you mean to us and how grateful we are for your support.

Most of the dogs we take from shelters have issues. Some are medically fragile, like Braveheart, the little Pomeranian mix whose left rear leg was missing all of its skin and was infected. Thanks to your generous donations, we were able to amputate his leg, neuter him and clean his teeth (the last much needed, as most that remained just fell out).

Some have behavioral issues, like Senge, the scared-to-death Tibetan spaniel turned over to a rescue in Hawaii whose volunteers were at wits’ end. He wouldn’t let anyone near him. He wouldn’t eat. He growled, a lot. So we arranged to have him flown to the States, where lots of consistency and TLC are bringing him out of his shell. He won’t be ready for a home for quite some time because we want to make sure he is comfortable with everyone before putting him in yet another new environment.

We couldn’t help dogs like this without your help, Every dollar you donate goes straight to the dogs: to their medical care, food, boarding if needed, training, and other needs. Other things we do, like producing this newsletter, are done for free because we believe in what we do.

We believe that animals deserve better. Being dumped in a shelter because they’re too old, too sick, or are misbehaving isn’t fair. We believe each deserves happiness for whatever is left of their life. And if they are at the end of that life, we believe they deserve a kind voice and arms of love when it’s their time to leave.

If you’d like to help, please see Page 15. We remain indebted to everyone who cares.

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Goodbye, dear friends

By Maryanne Dell, Rescue Coordinator and Adoption Counselor “Not the least hard thing to bear when they go from us, these quiet friends, is that they take away with them so many years of our own lives.”

John Galsworthy, English novelist and playwright Some take mere days when they leave us, these old dogs who come into our rescue, only to slip right away because they are too sick, too battered, too neglected for too long to be able to share years with anyone. Some are so worn out that all we can do is help them take the next step in their journey.

Knight was such a dog. A big guy, probably Newfoundland and who knows what, he was found wandering in Riverside County. His lower jaw held a golfball-size tumor. “Untreatable,” the note on his shelter records read. “Untreatable,” our vet verified after examining him. That left just one choice. So, on a Monday afternoon in February, I held Knight Knight, this poor, sweet dog who was in so much misery because someone, somewhere, decided he wasn’t worth the effort, and let him know he was loved, he would always be loved, as he crossed to heaven.

Neither Chloe nor Athena got years, but they did get months with their wonderful fosters, Cheryl and Mark.

Chloe was the bravest little girl. When we got her out of the shelter last summer, we had no way of knowing her kidneys were barely functioning.

She hated getting the fluids she needed administered under her skin via a needle – hated it so much that her fosters and I decided the stress Athena Chloe might do her in before her failing kidneys did. We decided to let her have whatever time she had doing what she loved: going for walks, playing with her toys, eating the select foods she enjoyed, and loving and being loved. She wormed her way tightly into all of our hearts and stayed there for nearly seven months. Then one day her kidneys, which had managed to keep going till then, just stopped. But our love for this happy little girl never will.

Just two weeks after Chloe earned her wings, we lost Athena. Tiny Athena also lived longer than we thought when we got her. Just 2 pounds, she looked like she wouldn’t make it a week at first. But the

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15-year-old tiny Chihuahua mix with no teeth and ears so ragged it looked like someone had chewed on them fooled us all. But in February she decided she had had enough. We sent her on to join Chloe, Knight, and all the other beloved dogs waiting for her at the Rainbow Bridge.

Jasmine – sweet Jasmine, who likely had had more litters by age 6 than any dog should, ought to have had years to give someone.

Her fosters, Carol and Danny, and I Jasmine certainly hoped she would. But then the biopsy of the masses that had been removed from her mammary glands came back: stage 3 mammary cancer.

Stage 3 basically means a life span of only a few more months. We could have let her spend those months enduring more surgery, chemotherapy, possibly radiation — and not knowing until it happened whether any of that would make her sick. Plus, none of it would save her life, only prolong it for a couple of more months.

Those weren’t good odds. So we opted to give her a happy life – you’d never know from her that she was sick – until she was unable to be happy. She went to the Bridge in Danny’s arms, wagging her little stump of a tail until the end.

Fly free, all of you. You mattered. Maybe not to the people who originally had you, possibly used, abused, and certainly neglected you. But you mattered greatly to us.

Welcome home

These are just some of the many dogs given a second chance by Shamrock Rescue Foundation. With your generous assistance, we can provide care, nurturing and rehabilitation for dogs like these who otherwise would not have the opportunity for fresh starts.

Then we find forever homes where they can be safe for the rest of their lives. Thank you for helping, and for continuing to help, us to help them.

This year, you can deduct up to $300 in charitable donations from your income tax, even if you don’t itemize.

DONATE ONLINE: shamrockrescue.org PAYPAL: shamrockrf@gmail.com DONATE BY MAIL: Shamrock Rescue Foundation 13882 Hewes Ave., Santa Ana CA 92705 MORE INFO:

714-270-4187 | shamrockrf@gmail.com

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Currently Seeking Forever Homes ... Click the picture (if viewing the digital version) or visit www.shamrockrescue.org to learn more

Adoption pending!

Teddy

Parker

Peaches

Cinnamon

Reece

Bear

Lolly

Amos

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Kenny