Because Of You Chihuahua Rescue

Our dedicated Volunteer's go above and beyond! Thank you for all you do!

[Member since - February 2007] Growing up Barbara never had pets. She remembers that her parents were not about to have a dog in the house, or any animal for that matter. She was always an animal lover and would spend summers at her grandparent’s farm. Barb had a special love for the horses. As an adult she wanted to live in the country and have animals, so she did just that. Barbara had horses and many dogs and cats over the years, animals that the city folks did not want and would bring to the country and dump. They would find their way to her and she would take them in.
It was not until she moved to Oklahoma City in the late 90's that she had Chihuahuas. Back then she had no idea that there were puppy mills, back yard breeders or breeders who used dogs as "livestock" to produce, over and over! Barbara was just introduced to the worst of mankind, a few years ago. That’s why the rescue was created… she swore to save as many of the unwanted and homeless Chihuahuas as she could. Barbara believes it is a calling and she has devoted her entire life to saving these Chihuahuas. Barbara could no longer work full time to make money! She looks back and marvels at all the money she has wasted. She will tell you that she doesn’t spend money on "stuff".  "Stuff" means nothing to me anymore, she just wants to save dogs!!!!!!!! Barbara is lucky to have a husband, Alan, who also cares about the dogs, and is very tolerant of the barking and jumping on him! They share their home with the rescue dogs and their own 4 Chihuahuas. There are no cages at Barbs house, the dogs have the freedom of the house and can go outdoors whenever they choose. As a matter of fact, the whole house is set up around the comfort of the dogs! There are more dog beds than people furniture.
It is often a sad and depressing task that she has taken on, but when she sees a happy new dog parent, and a happy dog, she knows it is all worth it. When they get a starved or sick dog and watch them become healthy, she is grateful to be given the chance to save a life! Barbara’s most joyful days are when she gets pictures or updates from previous adopters.

 [Member since - February 2007] Dr. Rispoli is a major part of BOYCR. Without him and his dedicated staff, the amount of sick, injured and abused chihuahuas that come into our care would be far less. Dr. Rispoli's generosity allows BOYCR to help even more chihuahua dogs in need.

[Member since - July 2007] Susie has been volunteering with various humane societies for the past 15 years.  When her children were ages 10 & 8, she took them along with her to Pets & People Humane Society in Yukon to help out there as well.  Her son, Matt worked with the dogs while her daughter, Abby enjoyed spending time with the cats.  She was a volunteer with P&P for 5 years and then took a break to go to work part-time at a party store in OKC.  After a short break from going to the shelter every day, she started fostering cats & kittens with Ms. Kitty's Cat Rescue.  Susie loves those kitties too!  Later on, she started rescue transport (on her days off) traveling back and forth to the Tulsa area on a weekly basis.  She also volunteers with All About Animals Rescue, Inc. and Schnauzer Rescue of Tulsa, watching for Schnauzers in need in surrounding shelters.  On one occasion, she transported two little Chihuahuas from the Broken Arrow shelter back here to OKC for Barbara and the rescue.  She mentioned to Barb that she also loved the breed and had a couple of Chi's of her own, a Miniature Schnauzer, and a Pomeranian.  That started Susie wanting to rescue, transport, and foster for BOYCR.  Susie is supported by her wonderful husband, Bill, of 30 years and they enjoy riding their Harley Davidson motorcycle in their spare time.

[Member since - ] Connie grew up with dogs and cats.  Their German Shepherd, Sheba, and a Chihuahua, Chico, were the family’s first pets.  Another addition came with a Siamese cat, Su Ling.  Her family always had dogs and cats from that time on.
Her husband Rodger on the other hand never had pets when he was growing up. Their first pet was, Guess, a Chihuahua of course. They named her Tina but sadly realized after having two children, Candi and Tony, that Tina was not comfortable with young children in the house.  They were fortunate to find an older couple who adopted Tina.  Connie and her family then adopted a long haired German Shepherd, Holly, who spent her entire life with them.   
When the children became older they decided it was time for a Chihuahua again.  This time it was a good home and Dino was there to stay.  Then there was Buster, a scary-cat Min Ping, a parakeet named Meanie because he was not the sweetest guy. All the pets had passed on when they took in a rescue, Ranee, a Chihuahua mix.
Connie, now a retired Accountant, started searching for another Chihuahua but there were so many!  She came across Barbara’s web site and still could not decide when she noticed that Barbara was looking for foster homes.  Barbara visited with Rodger and Connie, they were approved as foster parents and Barbara came bringing with her the first two fosters Faith and Friday.  Connie found her new career.
Ranee is getting old now, can no longer hear, is blind in one eye and losing her sight in the other but she is so tolerate with the foster Chihuahuas. Any fosters that are, well let’s say rambunctious seem to know they need to treat Ranee with care.
In addition to fostering Connie loves to garden, Rodger enjoys hunting, fishing and riding.  They have since adopted Coco Puff from Barbara, who is Rodger’s special little girl.  Now remember this is a man that never had a pet in his life growing up.  It goes to prove it is never too late for pet companionship. The love gets shared both ways.

 [Member since - ] Patsy's interest in, and affection for Chihuahuas, began in 1962 when she brought home an 8 week old puppy. Patsy named him Pedro. He was a little fawn ball of energy, and was the beginning of her involvement with a lot of activities including training and showing in obedience competitions. He earned the right to add CD to his name, and was now officially a Companion Dog. He was Patsy's companion for almost 18 years. His descendants lived with her for 7 generations. In May of 2002 she added her first rescue dog, a 7 year old long coat, named Breezy. When Tiger and Ginny, the last of Pedro's family, left Patsy in 2004 she added Lilly and Ricky, another rescue dog. Now there is Bitsy, the cutest little ball of fur you ever saw. Patsy's help by volunteering to work at the various adoption events, hoping to see them go to good forever homes.