Sept 13th 2010  

Dear Cathie,
How can your heart feel heavy and empty all at once?  That is how we feel about the passing of our beloved Gorden.  He came to us three years ago.  His first family was unable to keep him - they were getting old. They could not afford his care and felt that he was "slowing down."  The brought him to their vet for euthanasia, feeling that this was their only option for 12 year old Gorden, who had a (very treatable) heart condition.  God bless their vet for seeing the life in him and urging them to relinquish him.  She promised to try to find him an adoptive home and apparently all they asked was not to be told if he had to be put down.  The vet contacted you.  I still have the e-mail from you ("Wonderful Yorkie In Need of a Home") asking if we were interested in adopting a senior Yorkie.  That picture of our golden boy sitting up and begging did it, and Gorden came to join our pack of seniors.  It was love at first sight for Gorden and Mimi (or Mr. and Mrs. Bellyrubbins as we used to call them).  Gorden always amused us with his tricks - he could sit up, beg and cry on command!  He had a little bit of a Napoleon complex - he liked to let "Gorden's girls" know who was the boss.  The medication for his heart condition cost about $7 per month (okay, the yearly echocardiograms cost more than that, but Gorden was more than worth it).

After Mimi passed away (too soon, too soon) this spring, Gorden slowed down a bit - he spent more time sleeping on his hassock and less time wanting to prove that he was "the man."  Our wonderful vet was kind, but clear - Gorden's great big heart was growing too large for his little body.  He was happy, though.  On his last morning (on what would have been my parents' 58th wedding anniversary) Gorden went out for a little walk and sniffed the air.  He came in, got up on his hassock (with a helping hand from us) and walked over the bridge to meet Mimi.  His passing was so easy.  We were there with him, thanking him for being such a good boy and promising him that we would see him again.

Cathie, I cannot begin to thank you for trusting us with this wonderful little man!  He was a delight, and we would not have missed a minute with hm.

(Cathie, I think you already have the picture we call "Gorden's Snowy Beard."  You might want to use that for the Rainbow Bridge, but here is the picture of Gorden begging that made us decide that we were going to be his!)

TAZ

IN MEMORY OF TAZ –April 14, 2000 –October 9, 2010

Hi Cathie- Thank you for the offer to put Taz on the Rainbow Bridge portion of the Yorkies, Inc site. ....  I wanted your readers to know that there is always hope with a LS dog, Taz is proof of that.  

Today he was taken to Final Gifts for cremation and we picked a lovely wooden urn with his photo and brass plate so that he can come back home to us.  I keep wondering when it will actually sink in that he is truly gone?  So very sad but glad he will be honored on the Yorkies, Inc site.

Warm Regards,

Cindi & Mike Ingalls
10/12/2010

I had wanted a toy breed, specifically a Yorkshire Terrier, for awhile and when our Standard Schnauzer, Bogie passed on, I began the search for the perfect “Yorkie” to fill the void of not having a dog. After months of looking I found a breeder in CT that had 2 young males she was willing to sell. Mike was not as sure about having a smaller breed but was open minded and said we could go look. When we went to see both dogs, it was clear that Taz chose us‐he never left our side and stole our hearts immediately. The breeder commented on the fact that he seemed to not be able to tolerate dairy products so we were careful to not let him have any dairy foods. Although a typical bouncy puppy, Taz never seemed to eat well and was very fussy so we took him to the vets numerous times but they could not seem to pinpoint the problem until in the Fall of 2000 he began to have seizures and after extensive testing we were given the news that he had Liver Shunt disease. Our vet recommended euthanizing Taz but we could not give up on the pup that had now become our “child”. Mike immediately began researching the disease and found a Professor of Surgery, Dr.Krahwinkel, at the University of TN, that created a procedure that could possibly save his life. It could be his only chance for survival so we drove 22 hours to have this particular surgeon that created the liver shunt “ring” perform the operation. They told us he was the worse case he had seen but we knew in our hearts Taz was a fighter. He survived but Dr. Krahwinkel told us to take him home and to always remember that every day would be a gift with Taz.

We never forgot those words and for 10 years we dedicated ourselves to giving Taz the best possible care never knowing how long he would be with us. We felt uncomfortable leaving with anyone if we went away so he traveled everywhere with us‐making friends wherever he went. He loved people (definitely more than other dogs), was always happy and greeted us each morning as if he had not seen us for a week and not just for the night.

In the spring of 2009 Taz began to cough a lot and his breathing was somewhat labored. We took him to the vets and after many tests he was put on an inhaler for his breathing and Lasix for fluid he had on his lungs. We were able to keep him fairly comfortable this way and our vet did not recommend any surgical procedures for fear that he would not come out of the anesthesia. In September of this year he went to the vets and had routine blood work done. Dr. Rich called and was excited to say it all came back normal‐he knew all the health issues Taz had been through and good news was always exciting!

On October 9, 2010, a beautiful Fall day, Mike took Taz for his morning walk and then to the groomers. We received the devastating call that he had a heart attack and died while there. It was the call we were not prepared for, our “little fighter” was gone.

God Bless Taz‐forever you will live in our hearts. You will always be our # 1 Son. Mike & Cindi Ingalls

JOEY

Good Evening Cathie,
Just wanted to let you know that our little Joey has passed on today. Our vet had told us that it would just be a matter of time. We spoiled him as much as possible the past 3 weeks. He just really just got to a point where it was time. The kids and us all got to say our goodbyes this morning before we took him in. I don't know if he enjoyed the first 7 years of his life but I know he enjoyed the 7 years he had with us. It doesn't seem that long ago that you called me and told me about a little pup in upstate New York that only had till the next morning to be rescued or he was going to be put down. I still remember me and Marguarite leaving that night driving in a snow storm to get him. I remember you telling me he didn't like men because he had been tormented by a man and his sons. I was like great I'm going to pick up this dog and he's not even gonna like me or let me touch him LOL. As soon as he was in the truck with us and we headed home he got up off of Marguarites lap and came to me and cuddled up against my leg. I was amazed, and he stayed there the entire ride home. Although he was extremely leery of men he never once showed it with me. He did get a lot better with men but was still very cautious right to the end. Joey and Benny quickly became best buds and even though Joey was the old man Benny was always there to stick up for him. Joey tolerated all the others TOBY, SPARKY,SHELBY,FENWAY,BRISTOL, and ZEUS (and a few fosters as well along the way) but Benny was his best friend. The last few weeks Benny must have known Joey was sick because he would not let Zeus or Bristol near him he would snap at either if they tried to bother Joey he was just acting as a protector. It is so strange how they know. I can tell Benny knows something is wrong that Joey is gone and he does seem sad. Joey will be greatly missed and I thank you for bringing Joey into our lives.

10/9/2010
Scott

Faith

Dear Faith, We miss you. Two weeks have passed since you left us.  That Sunday we took turns holding you, never wanting you to feel alone.  We tucked you into bed when we left.  We got home and there you were just as we left you, all snuggled up in your bed.  Were you waiting for us to leave that day?  In the end it was your kidneys that failed you, not your loyal, loving, trusting, faithful spirit. We only had you in our lives for 15 months but with the lose we feel it is like forever.  We remember the Friday night Kerri brought you to us after just having all your teeth removed.  You were on antibiotics twice a day because some of your teeth were abscessed, and the infection had spread to your bone.  We originally wanted a “younger” dog because our Tiny was getting older but we instantly fell in love with you, you were the perfect addition to our family. With us you learned people make pretty good (comfortable, warm) cushions to sleep on, walking in the grass is fun, walking around the block and sniffing everything was even more fun, and sleeping in front of the fireplace is a great place to be when there’s not a human to cuddle with.  We’ll never forget you jumping over the cracks in the sidewalk, your yellow harness and leash (which is why I’ve kept yellow flowers in the house, makes me feel closer to you), your little tongue sticking out the left side of your mouth (you had no teeth to hold it in), walking through the snow like a trooper despite a nicely shoveled path, chasing and barking at the neighbors with your distinctive little puppy bark, and when you learned how to go up and down stairs we were so proud. We learned from you how much love, joy, hope and faith we have in the world, that trust can be relearned after years of neglect, that a 4.5 pound yorkie leaves a huge emptiness in your heart when she leaves and when you add another dog to your family you don’t divide up the love you had for one and each gets half, you instantly grow more love for the new one. Faith, Faithy, Lovebug and  Foofoo face no matter what we call you in one way or another you’re always with us.  September 11, 1995 – March 15, 2009

We loved you….Lauren & Robert

Romeo & Trinket

We lost both our beloved Yorkies last week - Romeo on Tuesday, March 10th and Trinket on Friday, March 13th. They were members of our family for a little over 3 and 2 years, respectively. Romeo came to us just before Christmas, 2005, via craigslist. He had been rescued from a "puppy mill" in Texas to then live his next year or so in a crate in his "rescuers" home.  We first met him while he was being groomed prior to our adopting him. (We had gone an hour early to check things out -  and are we glad we did!) He was so bedraggled and his nails were at least 2 inches long. We brought him home on the Saturday before Christmas and on the following Monday, he saw the vet. And, on that Tuesday he had all his teeth removed. They were so bad he was almost septic. He, also, had mites so bad that they cleaned his ears while he was in surgery, fearing that it would be too painful for him to endure otherwise. And from then on, he thrived. He was our "little bear". His food had to be soaked in water, drained and then microwaved for 11 seconds. We didn't spoil him - MUCH. He slept in our bed and stayed close when he was awake. He loved going camping and lying in the sun. And then, in September, 2006, Cathie called needing a forever home for Trinket. We picked her up on a Thursday, and then went off camping on Friday. She and Romeo bonded on that trip and were together all the time after that. They always curled up together, back to back, like the Yin/Yang symbol. They had their own baskets to sleep in, but she always managed to crawl into his during the night. Then, on March 5th, both of them were sick. Romeo was having difficulty breathing and Trinket had some intestinal stuff going on. Off to the vet - Romeo's xray showed an enlarged heart and fluid in his lungs. He was placed on Lasix and had to return on Tuesday for a cardiac ultrasound. She was placed on Flagyl for 4 days. She seemed to be doing better by Sunday and spent her time checking on Romeo. He was still having a tough time breathing and was very weak. She wasn't eating but was drinking plenty of water. On Tuesday, the 10th, Romeo had his ultrasound. And the prognosis was poor. As the doctors were preparing to call us with the news, Romeo passed. His 13 year old heart just couldn't keep going. Trinket still wouldn't eat and by Wednesday was getting weak. We thought that she was pining for Romeo.  We started her on Nutrical on Wednesday night and started Clinicare liquid nutrition on Thursday. Friday, she was no better so we again called  the vet and we took her in on Friday afternoon. Her xrays were negative but her bloodwork was awful. She was in renal failure. The doctor tried and IV but there was no improvement. So  we had to make the decision that we dreaded. And then she, too, was gone. At least we know they are together with our beloved Collies, Zack and Ruby. They brought so much joy into our lives. We'll always miss Romeo scratching at his plate at every meal. And Trinket, never walking in a straight line - always in circles - unless she was on a leash. We truly believe Romeo guided us to get Prince on Thursday. He has filled a place in our hearts. He is very different from them - so he makes us laugh. And he keeps our Sheltie, Travis, occupied.                 Romeo and Trinket will forever be in our hearts.

Sonny and Carol Levine 

LuLu

Oscar

Cathie and Sue-

 I know you said when I was ready I could send a tribute about Oscar for the Bridge page….I am ready.  Here goes-

 Oscar was the best little dog going.  He was old- tired-messy and alone when he was found roaming the streets of RI but that soon changed when Cathie and Sue took him in, cleaned him up, loved him and nursed him back to health. He was ready to find a home.   Wayne and I first saw Os at Sue and Chuck’s the summer of 2002- Wayne fell in love. Oscar came to him and rolled over for a belly rub.  Yorkie thru and thru.  Wayne was hooked.   I did not want a dog.  I was a cat person.  I did ask Sue about Oscar and she said he was already promised to a family and he was going to them the following Friday. I called Sue the Thursday before Oscar was headed to that home and asked her to call me if the home did not work out.  I had a feeling…That Sunday Sue called me and said the home did not work for him and he was coming back- did we want him?  I said yes and then started my love affair with Oscar, Yorkies, Yorkies Inc. and Cathie and Sue.  Oscar was a good little dog.  He was sweet and gentle and lovable.  He was an old man- in years and behavior- but he still had a love of life and us.  We loved him so much it hurt.  It hurt more, and certainty a different type of hurt, when he lost his battle with cancer and passed away on September 25, 2005.  He will always be in out hearts.  I think of him every day and still cry for him.  If I could only hold him one more time.  Just one more time.  I am no longer only a “cat person”….I am now a “Yorkie person”- so is Wayne.  Because of Oscar Wayne and  I have re homed 2 other Yorkies from Cathie and Sue- Harry and Chloe.  We adopted another Terrier type, Gus, on our own.  Oscar knew and lived with Harry and Chloe but we got Gus a month or so after Oscar left us.  I have no idea why I went to petfinders.com and found Gus.  I think maybe Oscar sent us to him.  Gus was in a shelter- in RI- old (13) tired and messy just like Os.  These two dogs are so similar in so many ways it’s uncanny.   I think Oscar knew I needed another dog to “care” for and mother.  Gus is that guy.  It helps me to be with Gus since I lost Os.  Oscar must have known that.  Even when he is gone he is still looking out for me.  I really believe that.  I believe he is my angel- he was on earth……..no need to stop being my angle once he goes over the rainbow bridge right??  It is his job and he does it very well. 

Thank you Cathie and Sue for giving me the love of my life.  Thank you for all the work you do and for continuing to bring these wonderful dogs to us……..next time you get another “Os” you know who to call…..we’ll be there without hesitation.

With love and thanks-

Lynda and Wayne Fitzgerald

(The attached photo is my favorite one of Oscar.  He was so cute and sweet and this picture shows that.  Look at the way I am looking at him….I was in love with this guy.  Sue and Chuck took this photo and I am so grateful they did.)

Sherman (Eddie)

   My little Sherman went to the rainbow bridge today.  His seizures had become worse, but we were working on controlling them with medication, and seemed to be making progress. 

  However, he started having difficulty breathing.  The vets were concerned that it might be pneumonia (from aspirating during a seizure) or a PTE (blood clot to the lungs).  The PTE occurs often in dogs with Cushing’s.  He was hospitalized and put in oxygen yesterday.  We had hoped he would get better, but was showing no improvement and actually getting worse, even though he was in oxygen.  He would do OK for a while, and then have really hard times struggling to breathe.  The vet said that she didn't think he was in pain, but that when these episodes happened, he became very frightened.  They felt strongly that, since oxygen and other medications were not helping him that it was in fact the PTE.  So, I held him, kissed him and we helped him slip gently off to the bridge. 

  Thanks so much for allowing Sherman to be a part of my life.  He was such a joy, and such a little love.   He taught me what the term “yorkie’ttude” was all about.  He once put a 70 pound pit bull in its place!  After that, we nicknamed him the Sherminator J.  He loved giving kisses, falling asleep on my lap, and dinner time!   Everyone who met Sherman loved him.  He was with me such a short time.  I am so sorry I didn’t have more time to show him how much he meant to me.

 Debbie

  Eddie was rescued this past winter 2004 when he was found abandoned in a snow bank. He was estimated to be between 10-12 years old.  He was diagnosed with Cushings shortly after coming into rescue and we knew that he would need a very special home. Debbie was that home! She is a very dedicated vet tech from RI and has helped us with her knowledge in the past. Debbie asked us to be that special home and we were thrilled that Eddie, whom she renamed Sherman, was going to get everything he needed until the end. Debbie loved and cared for him and saw to his every medical need. We thank Debbie for "being there" for Sherman and for us.  

Napoleon

Napoleon was a  little Pomeranian who I lost  two days after Christmas this past year. He was a "re-homed" retired show pom and quickly went from shy little guy to my best little buddy! (I brought him everywhere!) I used to call him my "little ball of sunshine" because just  looking at him would make me and anyone that saw him smile. We were inseparable. I feel so lucky to have had him in my life, although the time was so short.  His loss was devastating to me and I'll always hold a special place in my heart for him.  I would like to thank my sister Cathie from Yorkies Inc. for finding Napoleon for me and also being there for me on that  tragic night I lost him. I don't have children and he was my " baby". Cathie understood this better than anyone and that really helped me deal with my grief. I have since been lucky enough to have two new poms in my life, Pippin and Pia.  They are adorable and spoiled rotten...especially by their  "godmother" Cathie!

Kim, Keith, Pippin and Pia