Because Of You Chihuahua Rescue

Do you have a "Because of You" success story?  Updates, new pictures, etc...then send them in and we will get your adopted rescues page updated! (Please allow up to one week for updates)

  Written by Gabe's mom, a BOYCR board member.

Gabe came into the world on February 4^th, 2007.    His birth was somewhat unusual.   His mother was owned by a lady that breed Chihuahuas for money.   I don’t know this lady but I have no kind feelings for her what so ever!   She brought the mommy dog to an emergency clinic because she was trying to give birth.   One of the puppies was coming out of her but, was too big to be born in a natural way. 

The doctor at the emergency clinic recognized immediately that the mommy was going to need a C-Section if he was going to be able to save her and her two little boys.  When he informed the owner, she told him that she could not afford the operation.  The Doctor gave her a number to call to see if she could get a loan for a pet emergency.   She qualified for the loan but, told the Dr. just to “put them all to sleep”.  She just didn’t want to be bothered.  The kind Doctor had a heart for animals and could do no such thing.  He had the owner surrender the dog to him.  She willingly did so and went on her way as if nothing had happened.    The Doctor then delivered the boys knowing he would receive no money for this service.  Mommy and babies were healthy and happy to be alive.

Barb knew this Doctor and had been informed of the situation.  In a selfless effort to help, she told everyone she came in contact with about the puppies and their momma.  They all needed forever homes and Barb made it her mission to help.  She had been to see the dogs and was doing everything she could to help find them good homes. 

For some reason, after hearing Barb talk about the puppies I felt like I HAD to have one.  I even considered taking both boys if they were both still available when I went to the clinic.   The mommy dog got adopted right away.  (That is unusual since the mom’s are usually the last to find homes.) I already had 3 dogs of my own but, could not get these puppies out of my mind.

I finally decided that I was going to take one or both of these babies into my home.  By the time I got to the clinic, one of the puppies had been adopted by one of the nurses at the clinic.   I had them go get Gabe and bring him to me.  I was in love instantly.  He is the cutest dog and has the most fun personality of any dog I have ever had.   He is so full of life. I can’t imagine not having him in my world.   If not for Barb, and her desire to save these dogs and to make sure they all got loving homes, I would never have known about Gabe.

Barb’s love and devotion to this cause is stronger than any passion I have ever seen.  Not long after that event Barb took Valiente and Pedro into her heart and home.  That experience touched her heart so much that she started “Because of You Chihuahua Rescue”.  She truly loves all the dogs that come into the rescue and works very hard to give them a good life until she finds them a forever home.   I am truly blessed to know Barb and feel it an honor to call her my friend.  She has dedicated her life to saving these innocent creatures from lives that are sometimes so horrible you wouldn’t even be able to imagine.

I beg anyone thinking of paying a breeder for a dog, to look into rescue.  Somehow these little souls know they have been saved.  They love with an intensity you will not find in any other living being.  They need our help!  Many come to the rescue abused and starved.  They don’t even know the basics of life, let alone how to run and play and be loved. Please take the time to check out rescue.   You too can experience the joy of owning one of these loving creatures.   I know you will be glad you did.

Angel, now Josi, is living the good life with Tom and Alice. Josi couldn't have asked for a better family to love her. Because of You gives many thanks to Tom and Alice for their generous donations for the Chihuahuas!

Just wanted to say thank you from me for allowing us to adopt Josiphene. She has become very devoted to me

 The Lehew's are our newest "foster flunkies"...after applying to adopt our rescue, Diego, they decided to foster Hope as well. Hope was a little special needs girl and we knew the Lehew's had the time and know how to help Hope along her road to rehabilitation. See what they have to say about their newest family members...

Hi Barbara
I am sending you a picture of the babies. They are doing great! My husband has kind of taken over Hope. She goes with him when he visits the neighbors, goes to bed when he does, etc. Diego is doing great. He has started running around the house, jumping on the couch and bed. If I cant find him I just have to go to the bedroom. He likes to get under the covers :) He actually will growl at the cocker, Murdock, if Murdock gets too close to his food. It's really funny. They play alot and are a great addition to our family. We love them very much.

Michael and Kendra Keelin couldn’t be happier with their new family member. They opened their hearts and home to a little ten-year-old girl named Tillie. Now affectionately referred to as Til Til. Age didn’t matter to the Keelin's...Tillie stole their hearts!

I am sending you the newest pic of Til in her scarf and leg warmers!  She is  such a sweetie and has recovered fully from her hernia surgery.  She is as bossy as ever, and we love her so much!!  Thank you for trusting her to us!

Michael & Kendra

Dear Barbara & Rescue Friends:

Sending you some photos of little Zoey, the teddy bear girl I adopted in November, 2008. Having just run into Petsmart to pick up cat food for my two Ragdoll cats, adopting a dog was the last thing on my mind. And a Chihuahua...? I didn't even think I liked Chihuahuas! Besides, I hadn't had a dog since I was a child, being a cat person myself. I work also.

Well, that all changed as I pondered this little eleven year old dog, surrendered to a shelter when her elderly owner had to go into a nursing home. She was confused, a bit timid and cute as a bug. She needed a home without children and mine are grown. Every obstacle was overruled....I work....she's trained to a pee pad. I have cats....She was in a foster home with cats (and dogs) and did fine. For some reason, I had to take her home with me. I was assured that if it did not work out, I could call Because of You and they would find her another home. So, I gathered her up, bought supplies and headed home.

Well, I just want you to know how well this older dog has adjusted to the household. She is the sweetest little thing and bonded quickly to me. She gets along with the two cats, although she dislikes Ziggy and keeps him at a distance. He loves to play and she won't have any of it. But she'll sleep by Nigel, the other one. She will use the pee pad if she needs to, but usually is fine til I get home. I've learned to live with a "baby gate" that goes up when I'm gone that keeps her in the large tiled or wood floored rooms. (Carpet is a lot like grass to her, so she can get confused if not monitored.) She fiercely guards the house and lets anyone who comes to the door know it. But she settles down once guests are in the house.

Enjoy the pictures. Know that she's happy and well cared for. Best wished in your work.

Maribeth Govin
(and Zoey, Nigel and Ziggy)

Barbara,

Thank you soooooo much for Weezy. We love her so and enjoy every minute with her. You make a big difference in our sometimes sad world. A difference of love to share.

Kathy

Hi Barbara

 I am sending you a couple of pictures if the “kids” and wanted to let you know how they were doing.

Diego is doing great.  He has put on weight and we certainly don’t see his ribs or spine anymore.  As you can tell from the picture he is not a big fan of cameras but normally that tiny tail is held high and wagging.  I am still the only person he seems comfortable being held by but he has bonded with our cocker spaniel wonderfully.  They enjoy sitting on back of the sofa watching everything that is going on outside, but when it comes to the serious stuff, like food, Diego rules the roost.  When it is time for bed he will run and jump right in the middle of the bed, dive under the sheet and cuddle up next to me.  It’s a good thing we have a king size bed!  He loves to curl up on the couch with me while I watch TV and is always covering me with kisses.

Hope, our sweet little crippled girl, is doing great.  Someone… (Barbara) got her to where she liked ice cream and I can’t help but smile when I hear her collar jingling as she is running across the living room headed to the kitchen when she thinks I’m trying to have some without her.  I still think she must look at the other dogs and wonder why they walk so “funny”.   She loves to go for rides in the car and if I can’t take her then her adopted “grandma” comes to get her to take her for a drive.  Her grandma is the lady that lives next door.  She came with me the day I picked the dogs up from you and fell in love with them instantly.  The last thing I do at night is pick her up and take her to bed.  Like her brother she sleeps right next to me.  You can tell from Hope’s picture that she is getting a bit of gray hair but I guess we all do that as we get older.

I can’t begin to tell you how much joy these two precious dogs have added to our home. What I can tell you is that for as long as they live, or at least as long as I live, they will know nothing but love.  Thank you again for everything you do.  You are certainly one of God’s angels here on earth. 

Love,

Cathy Lehew

Hi Barbara,

Sadie is doing great with us. She is definitely a Daddy's girl. Her favorite place to sleep is on Phil's chest while he sleeps in his favorite brown chair. Lol. She has been tailgating at her first OU football game and even has an OU jersey to wear. We call her Sadie Bradford. Lol. Her favorite game is to chase squirrels in the back yard. She would be on squirrel patrol 24/7 if we'd let her stay outside.

Penny

Barbara,

She is doing very well,  and such a loving young lady.  She had got to where she was hopping on three legs (especially when moving fast) more than I thought she should.   So we had here knee worked on over Christmas.  She has healed well and is walking more on all fours.   Trying to keep her weight in check, but she does like to eat.  But she is no heavier than when we got her.   I brought her to Pet’s Mart with me one Sat. in hopes of seeing you there, but we came much earlier than when you were arriving.   I will try to catch you one Sat soon.   I love the newsletters and there isn’t a month that goes by that I don’t read about one that I think is cute enough to join our family, but I need to wait until our old little guy goes to heaven.  He will be seventeen in April. 

Thanks for checking up on us and for the work you do for these little guys and gals. 

Debbie J. Smith

Hi Barb! Jazzy is currently still in my bed, that little dog loves her nap time. :) We just went to the vet last week to get her teeth cleaned, so that is done for the year. She is doing really well. The vet said she was in excellent health, so that is always good to hear. We have just been doing our regular thing lately. Hanging out, playing chase (she loves me to chase her), and running errands together. She LOVES car rides. She has become an expert at getting right into her doggie car seat and staying PUT the whole time (which we had to work on a little bit). We celebrated our one year anniversary of when Jazzy came to live with me this month too! I got her some special treats for that. I'm planning on going on vacation for a weekend in February and Jazzy will be going with me. She went to San Francisco with me last summer and we are planning on returning there. I will attach some pictures of Jazzy on her great San Francisco vacation from last summer with my boyfriend and I and some other more recent cute ones. Jazzy is my little angel dog and I am so grateful for the work that the rescue does because it brought us together.
I have collected a bag of beanie babies to be made into toys for the dogs and Jazzy and I will bring them the next time the dogs are at the Edmond Petsmart.

-Lacy (and Jazzy)

Hello Barbara,
Little Joe is great. My husband and I receive so much love and enjoyment from this little guy. No regrets at all for adopting him. He gets along great with his sister Maggie. She is a medium size dog (sheperd mix.) They play, chase each other in circles around the table. Joe Joe nips at the back of Maggies ears and Maggie loves it. It is so much fun to watch them play. I have recently started letting Joe sleep with us at night. He has does real well to go outside the doggie door, or go on his potty patch and papers. So I have pretty much quit crating him at night. He likes sleeping under the covers. My step daughter that lives in Okla City told me she saw you and the dogs in the car a few days ago.  God Bless you for what you do
Thanks for the news letters. I will try to send a donation in a few days, I know every little bit helps.  Thanks for inquiring about him, I love him dearly.    

Pat and Jeff Horn

Hi Barbara. Trixie is doing great. She is the sweetest loving pet. Trixie is so much part of our lives. I have a "nick name" for her, sugar boogers. She loves it. Our family has two other dogs as well, a yorkie and we recently adopted a westie (we think). Trixie loves to mother the two of them. She loves to sleep and eat and play after she has had a good nap or when she gets excited to see us when we get home. She has gotten a little fat this winter because she doesnt really like to go outside. Its to cold. Lol. Trixie loves to get up in bed with me after going outside in the mornings and after eating her breakfast. She rolls over and lays on her back with her legs up in the air, and she loves it under the covers. Sometimes she likes to put her head on the pillow as she lays on her back. We love her! All of our friends say she is the sweetest dog they have ever seen and spoiled rotten. You should see how she mothers the other 2 dogs. It is so sweet. They all sleep together in their house with blankets and a cushioned pillow. Flat Rotten. I will try to send some pictures as soon as I can. Thanks for asking about her and please let Kim know how Trixie is doing for me.  Thanks. Shannon  PS  Trixie still does her trick of setting up on her back legs. She loves to do that so that we will pick her up and hold her. She will do that trick with anyone that comes over to the house to get the most attention. Even in large crowds, she will get out in the middle of the room where everyone is watching and do her trick. She also carries a squeaky toy to the middle of the room and squeaks her toy so everyone will be interupted and put their eyes on her. It is awesome and so cute.  We love her.

Shannon

I just wanted to send you an update and let you know that Joee (Ricky Ricardo) is doing amazing. I took him to his first vet appointment on 2-6-10 for his parvo booster and he did absolutly great. He's the best lil boy and I love him sooooo much I appericate you letting me adopt him. My other chi, CiCi ,she just loves him to death and I believe Joee loves her just as much. I have attached some photos of Joee and CiCi. I will keep all the lil chihuahua's in my thoughts and prayers.
 
Thanks and God Bless
Nikki

Bentley is doing great!  He and my other Chihuahua, Ella, are best friends.  They are constantly together.  He has really come out of his shell and is such a sweet and friendly dog.  Not at all scared like he used to be.  He’s even gone to a few horse shows with Ella, my daughter Kenzie and me.  He LOVES to travel in the car!  I’m very thankful for him.  He was a perfect fit for us!  I took some pictures for you below…but they’re sideways!  I’ll make a point to take some more soon!  Keep up what you’re doing saving these precious dogs!  Thanks again!

Kristen

Hi Barb,
I've been meaning to let you know how Scruffy is doing.  He has brought more zest into our lives than I can tell you.  He is now the boss of us all.  I don't think he was a year old when we got him.  More like 6 months.  He was 3.4 lbs when we got him and now he has just about doubled his size and weighs 6.1 lbs.  He and Roxie are very close and PePe just tolerates them both.  PePe, however, has gotten more exercise since we got Scruffy, than he has in his lifetime here.  So all are healthier!!
Nancy