Silky Terrier Rescue

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Silky Rescue

Why is it that my heart is so touched whenever I meet a dog lost in our noisy streets? Why do I feel

such anguished pity when I see one of those creatures coming and going, sniffing everyone,

frightened, disparing of ever finding its master?

- Emil Zola

Thankfully in Canada there are small numbers of Silkys, so we do not have a lot showing up in shelters or being

abandoned. But, it still happens from time to time and every one is one too many. Usually through no fault of their own, dogs are abandoned because it was"too much work" to feed and care for them. Or, perhaps the owners left it alone for 10-12 hours at a time, and were then disgusted that the dog "wouldn't house-train". Ownership of a dog is a commitment. There IS work and sometimes frustrations. You wouldn't drop off your kid to a shelter if he mis-behaved (at least I hope not!), so why do it to a helpless dog? At least the kid wouldn't be put down if no-one adopted him within 3 days!

<<<<< One of our rescues: Taffy

When we do get a Silky into our hands, our first priority is have it vet-checked and any emergency treatment given if needed. The dogs are bathed and groomed. Then the dogs receive their innoculations and are spayed or neutered.

The dogs then stay with a volunteer for an assessment of their temperament and personality so that we are better equipped to place them in the right home. We do ask adoptive families to donate a minimum amount of $200.00 back to Silky Rescue to help offset some of the expenses.

Now, due to recent requests from people who seem to think that adopting a dog through Rescue is a cheap way to get breeding stock......

ALL dogs are spayed or neutered prior to being placed in their new homes. There are NO exceptions to this rule.

Why on earth would anyone want to breed a rescued dog in beyond comprehension. Just because a dog "appears" to be a Silky, is NO guarantee that the animal is even purebred. We usually know nothing - or very little - about the background of rescued dogs.... so obviously we know nothing about their genetic makeup. And NO reponsible person should ever want to breed a dog without being aware of what the bloodlines are behind the dog/s concerned, and what the health risks are. Just because a dog is healthy itself, does NOT mean that - if bred - it's pups won't inherit problems.

So, if you are reading this page because you wanted to breed... seriously rethink your reasons for your decision to do so.

Also, we seem to be getting a large number of people who are wanting puppies, or very young adults. We may occasionally see a young Silky in Rescue, but for the most part they are adult dogs and often seniors. Requests are also made for obedience-trained and house-trained dogs. Again - if somebody has gone to the work of obedience-training their dog they're less likely to get rid of their dog. House-trained is more likely, but even that is not guaranteed. These dogs are turned over to Rescue because their owners can't be bothered anymore, or occasionally, because for some reason they can't keep them.

They need people who are prepared for a little extra time to settle a dog in and in some cases teach the dog that not everybody feels neglecting or abusing a dog is acceptable behaviour. They need love and kindness and understanding. They need someone who wants to give them a second chance and love them just as they are.

This Silky needs a home......

My name is Connor. I am a Silky Terrier or a Silky cross. I have had two other owners before I came to Tiny Paws. My first family gave me up when I was six months old because they had no time for me. My last family couldn't keep me. I am a year old and weigh a 13 ½ pounds.

I am a typical Silky Terrier who loves to go, go, go! If I do say so myself, I'm a very agile, upbeat boy who needs lots of activity, both mental and physical.

My foster mom says I need some R & R (no, not Rest and Relaxation but “Rules and Regulations”).

My last family said that my favorite activity was “running away” but I just got neutered so that might help; but then so would a secure fence and keeping me on leash.

Oh, yeah, I have to go to obedience school too but I'm really smart and catch on quickly. By investing quality time in teaching me those Rules and Regulations, I will reward you with many years of being a wonderful addition to your family.

My foster mom says that my new family should not have any young children (even though I like everyone including kids) but she says the entire family has to commit to me being part of the household and ... here we go again... needs to be able to understand and enforce those darned “Rules and Regulations”. Hey, I liked getting away with making my own version of the rules and regulations.

I love to play with people (I play ball and tug with great fervor); I love it when I can play with other dogs; I love car rides and walks; I like men; I love my toys and most of all I love having attention paid to me! But I can be really demanding and noisy to ensure that I get that attention exactly when I decide I want it.

My foster mom says I have to calm down and I'm learning that I can't go at 100 miles an hour with everything. She says that when I get going I can be like the Energizer Bunny stuck in overdrive.

Let's see what else can I tell you about me? I get along with other dogs and I like to sleep in bed with my humans (and even burrow under the covers so I can get really close). I like being brushed and combed but not the clippers on my ears. I am a very high-energy guy and love to run and play. I like to give kisses and I'm so very cute! I even know how to sit on command when I can pay attention - my foster mom says I have the attention span of a flea - how rude of her)! Oh, and I can dance!!!

My foster mom says I am a wonderful, loving, happy little dog but I do have a couple of behavior quirks which include the aforementioned barking to get attention and barking when I get left alone.

I'm dog door trained but I sometimes lift my leg inside if I can tell that another dog has peed in the house before me. My last owners said I was house broken “but only in his own house”.

I need lots of attention and exercise and need someone who understands me. I need a family that has experience with dogs and who will give me lots of love plus consistency and training. I'd love to go hiking, running, agility, anything! And I dream of a big fenced back yard so I can play outside with my toys and my family.

Note: This little guy is being adopted out by Tiny Paws Dog Rescue Canada. For contact information, please follow this link: http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=8664032

Letters to a Dog

January 6

Dear Dog,

I saw you today for the first time, just a couple houses from my own the

school bus stopped to let out your kids, and your mom opened the front door

to let you run out and greet them. You are a wiggly, bouncy, and happy

little puppy with a full belly and a shiny coat. Your kids grabbed you up,

hugged you, held you and toted you inside. Your tail was wagging the entire

time. I thought to my self, how sweet, what a way to end a long hard day. I

spoke to your mom this evening and she said that they got you from the

Animal Shelter, and the kids named you Lucky.

March 10

Dear Lucky,

I saw you today as I always do on my way home from work. You were already

outside to greet the kids today, which seemed a little odd. The little girl

got off the bus and shooed you away, she appeared to not want you jumping

on her. The boy got off the bus and gave you a quick playful pat on the

head, then smelled his hand and brushed you aside. You looked confused and

sad, as you went to lie by the porch. You curled up in a tight ball on the

cold ground and let out a huge sigh. My heart felt heavy that day.

March 21

Dear Lucky,

I saw you today, I was headed home and the kids got off the bus, walked to

the house, and you ran out as far as you could on your heavy chain to let

them know you were there. The little girl ignored you, the little boy told

you to be quiet, when you barked for his attention. My neighbor commented

that they needed to do something with your barking because you keep them up

at night. You had a bucket of water and a bowl of food, a relatively nice

dog-house, but your eyes were sad and empty. I shook my head and let out a

huge sigh.

April 30

Dear Lucky,

I worried for you today. You look thin, your chain heavy on your neck, your

coat is dirty and falling out, you don't get up to do much anymore. Your

bucket is turned over, and I have not seen your food bowl for a few days

now. I spoke to the neighbor and asked about you. He said you still bark at

night and he saw the man of the house throw something at you the other day

as he scolded you. I shook my head in despair as I went back into my house.

June 4

Dear Lucky,

My heart sank today, I was headed home and you weren't in your yard. A

large part of me hoped you got away, another large part of me was

frightened at all the other possibilities. I asked my neighbor about you,

and he said your family went on vacation and sent you back to the Animal

Shelter. I shook my head and cried for you as I went into my house.

June 5

Dear Dog,

I went to the shelter today, I found you huddled in the back of a cage that

had a bucket, a bowl of food, and a blanket for you to lie on. You looked

up at me as if you knew me, and my heart broke as I read your card. They

did not even care enough to give them your name and the card simply said,

male, neutered retriever mix. Owners did not want.

I cried when a gentleman from the kennel said, "That's a sad one there. He

came from here you know, last Christmas. Guess they just got tired of him.

He's too frightened, no one will adopt him."

I went to the counter and told them I would be back tomorrow and please

don't do anything just yet. They all kind of nodded like they heard that

one before.

June 6

Dear Dog,

I brought you home today. You were scared and untrusting, but a small part

of you somewhere allowed you to wag the tip of your tail when I told you

that you were a good boy and that I loved you.

I gave you a new name, " Happy", because you aren't and I hope that someday

you will be. You had an accident on the floor, and when I came back to

clean it up with paper towel you slunk down and whimpered as if the hand

was coming for you. I tried to choke back the tears when I thought of what

you must have gone through in the past six months. I reached out and patted

you and your eyes closed and your body went limp at such a gentle gesture.

"We're going to be alright," I told you. I showed you your food and you ate

voraciously, and you marveled at the treats and toys I got for you.

December 25

Dear Happy,

Good morning my best friend! You woke me, as always, popping out from under

the covers on your side of the bed, licking my face to tell me it was time

for our walk. We went through the living room and you sniffed what Santa

left for us. I hugged you and said, " Last year you were a Christmas gift,

now this year, these are all yours!"

Your coat is shiny, your belly always full, and even though we found out at

your first vet visit you had heartworms, you are healthy now. As we went

out for our walk, we saw your old family in the front yard, they look at

you each time as if they recognize you in a way, but you don't give them a

second glance. --- Then I believe both our hearts stopped as we saw the

children emerge from the yard holding a small playful puppy.

"Isn't she just precious? We got her from the animal shelter. Hope this one

works out, the other dog we got from there was so much trouble."

I sighed and refrained from pointing out that you were not the trouble. You

looked up at me as if to say, " Thank you mom." I kneeled down and

whispered in your sweet ear, " No, it is I who thank you."

"DOGS ARE LIKE CHILDREN; THEY ACT LIKE THE PEOPLE WHO RAISE THEM"

Author Unknown

M.L.S.T.C. Silky Rescue Contacts:

Debby Nelson hopeparksilkyterriers@canada.com

Cheryl Sutton skyknightkennels@execulink.com

If you would like to open your heart to a "second-hand Silky", please fill out the form below

to be put on our waiting list.

First and Last Name:

Full mailing address including City, Province and Postal Code:

Email:

Phone number:

Tell us about your family, kids, etc.:

Have you ever owned a Silky before? If so, tell us about it:

Do you currently have other pets? Tell us about them:

Have you owned other dogs before? If so, where are they now?:

Tell us about your home and yard:

Will the dog be alone during the day? If so, where will he be kept?:

When you go on holidays, who will take care of the dog?:

Describe what you are looking for in a dog:

If you have anything you'd like to add, please do so:

If you are looking to adopt a Rescue Silky in the U.S., you are welcome to go to our U.S. counterpart site by clicking on the Link below:

http://members.tripod.com/~SilkyRescue/

No image or text may be taken off this site.