It has long been my philosophy that anyone involved in any aspect of a certain breed should be involved in rescue, whether it is showing in conformation, obedience, or as a breeder. Even before I got into showing dogs, I was involved with rescue, volunteering to do reference checks and home visits for different rescue groups.

My eyes were completely opened in 2002 when I received a desperate call from a transporter in Missouri. She had seven Maltese who were being released from a puppymill and she said that I was her last hope – everyone else was full. It took a full week for me to coordinate, along with my good friend, Diane Garner, a place for all of these babies, but we did it!

First stop was my wonderful vet, Dr. Troy Acree of Midwest Veterinary Hospital in Midwest City. All of them needed dental work done, and to be spayed, and he graciously accepted all of these kids, and gave a wonderful discount. Seven Maltese turned into seven Maltese and six shih tzu "thrown in for free" by the miller at the last minute! We had our hands full! But, with the help of some wonderful volunteers from Texas -- including Diane and our transporter, Bekye Walker -- all of the kids were vetted and sent into rescue to find their forever homes. Some special kids came in this group, including a love I kept for a while due to her special needs.
Saffron (left), or Saffie, as we call her, had only one eye. We will never know Saffie’s "real" story, and what happened to her eye. But, Saffie is truly an angel and is the epitome of love toward everyone with whom is blessed to come into contact with her. She lives today in Wisconsin with Bekye. People often wonder where our American Maltese Association rescue dollars go. THIS is where it goes. AMA paid for most of the expenses of these Maltese. They are now living out their lives in forever homes and no longer know the feeling of hunger, thirst or wire floors. They sleep in beds and go for car rides and eat from clean dishes and drink clean water. They are loved.

Another wave came from the mill in 2003, but this time, there were only three, and with the help of the Tulsa Poodle Club, these three girls are now living out their lives with forever families.
Maggie (left) was in this second group. Maggie weighs about 15 pounds and she only has three teeth, but Maggie is slowly learning to trust – and to love. She has a beautiful coat, and a tremendous need for companionship.

And this is only a small part of the rescue story. Rescue happens every day of the week, and probably every hour of every day. Rescue is not an EASY thing to do, but a necessary one.

I am very pleased to have been asked to serve as the Rescue Chair for the 2005 AMA specialty in Kansas. If you have any items or money, you would like to donate, please contact me!