.... Click HERE for more pics & stories.

Tue, 27 Aug 2002 16:01:36 -0400 - from Amy

mag,

Below is from a home who adopted Penny, our NH special needs girl. She has degenerative joint disease and has trouble using her hind legs well. She is on supplements and a diet to help with this. This new home has a pool for her physical therapy!!! Please post these pictures!! Thanks, Amy IMPS Maine, NH and VT

Well hello all, just thought I would drop you a line to let you know how Penny is doing. She is doing well, we just got back form the docs and he says she does need to shed a couple of pounds. She has a little trouble once in awhile with the step coming back in but other than that she is doing fine. Attached are some pics that you are free to use on the web if you want. Thanks again for all the help finding Penny. Please stay in touch.... Tom
P.S. sorry my camera is not the best but you get the picture lol complete pun intended!!!

Thu, 29 Aug 2002 07:24:50 -0400 - from Amy

mag,
Below is a story about a rescued MinPin. He was not an IMPS dog, but adopted as part of an animal control seizure by one of our volunteers in northern Maine. I will send a couple photos along in another mail. Can you post this for us?
Thanks, Amy

Hi, Amy.

You asked about Sawyer, as if to tell his story to those who had not yet heard it. It'll be long; I'm a novelist. :-)

My sister in FL introduced me to Pins 10 years ago, and I was always almost smitten enough to get one myself. Then last year over Thanksgiving, while I was in Tampa for the holiday, we did rehab on two fosters (she does a lot of fostering on post-surg babies and I'm a massage therapist; it was a right-place-right-time situation for both the puppies and for me) and I was hooked. After what we went through with Forrest Gimp (hip surgery) and Ruby Tuesday (broken jaw healed shut, surgically rebroken and that's when we got her), and checking the IMPS ( www.minpinrescue.org ) page every morning--and falling in love about 20 times a day--I knew I had to have a MinPin of my own. I got home and kept checking the IMPS pages, sometimes three or four times a day. Amy and I emailed back and forth about several dogs, but things didn't work for whatever reasons.

A woman named Edith, in New Sweden, Maine, had set up a half-baked "shelter" for animals, and it got way out of hand. Someone finally turned her in in February 2002. They found 29 dogs and 7 cats in such filthy conditions that the rescuers had to wear haz-mat suits and respirators to go in. The animals had been abandoned and abused. They had no food or water. Several had severe medical conditions; several were found dead in cages, or locked in the house. It resulted in a felony animal abuse arrest. (I don't know where that case stands at this moment, but I'd love to be on the jury.)

The animals ended up at the humane society shelter in Presque Isle. A friend called to tell me she'd heard there was a Min Pin and sure enough: Sawyer appeared out of the blue--believe me, there aren't many Min Pins in Aroostook County, Maine! Or people who know they're not actually little Dobermans (grrr).

He was a rescue dog; he didn't have a name. He was "the Min Pin." One night he was on my lap while I worked on the computer and I looked down at his little face. I'd known his nose was a little out of joint, but at that angle it really showed up. I said, "When your grandmother gets home from Florida she'll take one look at you and say, 'Your nose sure does lean off toward Sawyer's barn!'" And Sawyer he has been ever since.

His breath was wicked bad, and he still had all the reproductive equipment; I made a vet appointment for neutering and teeth cleaning.

Sparing you the incidental details: he has a puncture in the right front quadrant of his hard palate that's about 1cm by 2cm--basically, that whole quarter of the roof of his mouth. Both nasal sinuses are exposed. Maybe it's a birth defect (yeah, right). More likely, he looked like lunch to a much bigger dog in that New Sweden inferno, and his palate got punctured and his muzzle broken by some hound who was hungry enough to go after a fellow. Sawyer is a tough little man, lying like a dishrag on my lap as I write this. He lived. (He's twelve and a half inches tall and weighed less than nine pounds when I got him--and he'd been in shelter for a week then, eating everything in sight. He's hovering between 11.5 and 12 now, and he thinks he's dreadfully undernourished.)

It's not a probability that he'll eventually aspirate food into a lung, but the possibility is high enough to warrant concern. The vet who did the neutering and dental work (cleaning and the extraction of the upper right canine, as well as a small molar on the lower right that was so loose it almost fell out when she touched it to clean it; he was also missing four other teeth) frankly stated that she was out of her league in trying to repair the puncture. She suggested Tufts or Cornell.

That sounded like real money, of which I am most certainly not made.

Enter IMPS, via my sister in Tampa and Katie, whom I certainly hope to meet someday, for she's been so very instrumental in things going Sawyer's way for a change! What we need is a veterinary surgeon who specializes in soft tissue reconstruction on toy breeds, with a special affection for Min Pins, who'll cut us a break on the money part of it. Like this guy is just going to drop out of the clouds, right?

Right. And he's in Tampa. What he said to my sister after he saw the xrays was "I'm really excited about doing this surgery." And he gave us a cap price: one surgery or two, it won't exceed that price. It's still a lot of money (think the better part of your IRA contribution for the year) but his normal fee for this kind of work would be in the six-to-eight grand range, if you just pulled into his parking lot in your pearlescent white Mercedes and your alligator shoes.

So maybe Doc gets to write an article for the Journal of Veterinary Medicine; maybe he's got a heart as big as Texas; maybe both. All I know is Sawyer is on his way to not having a diet so restricted that it amounts to Iams mini-chunks and Milk-Bones, period. (Doc took him off the pumpkin in short order; nothing soft. So now I am spared the sight of Sawyer blowing little pumpkin-snots out his nose after his breakfast. This works for me, although he did like his One-Pie squash awfully much.) He's on his way to not having to yawn 500 times a day (I'm not exaggerating much) to equalize the pressure in his ears, or, when that fails, to digging and digging and digging at his ear with his foot, trying to change how it feels in there. No more puppy breath from hell due to collection of food particles in the puncture and the resultant sinus infections.

My sister's coming up in September and she'll take him back to Tampa with her. They see the doc in early October, and he'll make his decisions about surgery. I go down the 16th of November, and will bring him home with me in early December. (Just how I'm going to survive almost two months without him is still open for debate.)

Until then, he's my little man: bouncing off the walls and snuggling in my lap; barking at the wind and sticking his nose into my armpit in bed. He goes to work with me, and about half of my clients want him up on the table with them while they get their massages. He's the best Pin in the world, just like every Pin is the best Pin in the world, in a world where Pins are the best dogs.

Copyright 2002 by Nanci Little

Thu, 29 Aug 2002 08:22:45 -0400 - from Elaine

Hi Mag, here are some pictures for the site, this is an event Nikki, Buddy and Princess had attended in Branford, CT. The first picture is of the booth and the second is the pins meeting each other if you look closer you can see the famous Maggie.

Here is a picture of Phyllis.

Here is a picture of Maggie and her mommy, I had the pleasure of meeting her and her mommy she is a dream pin, now I know it was hard to give up this girl, and she very very happy.

Here are two fosters Max and Mitsi they worked they were big hits and very well behaved. They don't act their age at all they act like puppies. This pair is going to make someone very happy.

Mon, 2 Sep 2002 15:03:05 -0400 - from Amy

mag!!

This is too cute and worthy of the web site, don't you think? :D
Amy
I should have mentioned that BOTH dogs are IMPS rescues!! One was last winter and the other this summer.

Hi Amy & Dee,

Just wanted to show you two what I have learned recently. It's quite simple and I don't know why I didn't think of it before.

Ready?

Here it is.....

DO NOT LEAVE THE DOGS ALONE IN THE HOUSE WHERE THEY CAN GET TO THE BRAND NEW BAG OF POTTING SOIL

Check out the pics! Hehehehe!! You have to laugh at this. I was speechless when I came back home and peeked through the door. Oh well, it cleaned up well and all is back to normal. After all... have a look at pic # 3... how can you stay mad at these faces?

Take care!
Paul, Danielle, Drake & Titan

Tue, 3 Sep 2002 17:09:02 -0400 - from Amy

Hi mag!!

Just loaded these! The one with Colby looking like she is on the edge of a major ledge is totally an optical illusion!! I am not one for heights and this is NOT like it looks!! LOL!! Funny how on film it looks like she could back right up and fall off the cliff!! YIKES!! We took these Labor Day weekend hiking. It was not a big mountain, but a good hike anyway and a beautiful day!!

Thanks!! Amy

Tue, 10 Sep 2002 15:02:19 -0400 - from Elaine

Hi Mag, please post these picture of shadow my special needs foster. My hubby is very attached to him. He said out of all the dogs I foster he will miss him the most. So I promised my hubby we will be very picky. Shadow is actually pushing himself tight into Andy.

Shadow, is enjoying a belly rub.

How could anyone hurt this baby?

Look into his eyes you can see his soul. He has earn a couple of nic names MR. cuddle bug and his grandma calls him bat man.

Fri, 13 Sep 2002 08:41:55 -0400 - from Amy

mag,

Below is from the lady who adopted Spencer, one of the "Texas Four" that Cookie sent to New England. Spencer was a stray in Texas. He now has an awesome home in New Hampshire!!!......... Thanks, Amy IMPS Maine

We are all doing fine. The dogs still chase each other throughout the house and outside is almost like a race track. Spencer can twirl around ( with a treat) and is learning "High 5". We all like to sleep late under my quilts. Spencer loves to go riding in the car and does Samson. only Spencer does not want to leave the car -- I have to carry him out. You should see the three of us in my camaro. Hot Dogs!!!!!

My adult kids spoil them rotten, as I do and the people who live upstairs.

Those two dogs love to walk, and walk and walk and walk...... but they get excited when we do get home.

My son lives down the street and the dogs are learning where he lives (which is across from a park).

Spencer and Samson give me great companionship and even more LOVE than I could ever imagine from two -- four legged friends !

Thank you for bringing us all together.

Love, Becky, Spencer & Samson

Mon, 7 Oct 2002 09:37:56 -0400 - from Elaine

Hi Mag, Shadow my foster has learn to help with the house hold chores. See him right in front helping with the towels.

Look at him how could someone abuse this baby.

He loves to dress up in sweaters.

Here are Nikki and Buddy being lovey dovey.

Here they are - I think they could all be models, don't you...

This little boy is going to make somebody very happy he is snuggle bug. Shadow has been to three class all ready he has had many break Throughs, we take one day at a time, he is learning life is good.

Shadow, loves with all his heart and lets you know he try's to get as close as he can to you. So who ever wants to be his mommie and daddy has to be able to return his love.

Sat, 12 Oct 2002 16:29:40 -0400 - from Amy

mag, below is from Nanci, an IMPS volunteer in Maine, whose dog Sawyer had to go to Florida for surgery on his deformed/kicked in jaw. We posted him on saluki before his surgery (Click HERE to read that post) and this is a post-op report....................................

Thank you for your positive energy and prayers directed Sawyer's way! I just heard from Janice, and our little man came through the almost-three-hour surgery with flying colors. Dr Hay harvested skin from the inside of the cheek to graft to the roof of his mouth to close the hole (and he agrees that it was undoubtedly an injury, not a birth defect). The doc didn't think a feeding tube was necessary, so that's going to make post-surg care a LOT easier for Jan, especially with three other curious little ones running around wondering why Sawyer's getting so much attention! He'll probably stay with Dr Hay tomorrow night, and then be able to go home on Friday. WHEW!! Now I can look forward to getting him home again! A looooong time until November . . .

We trained him to "yawn" (as you can see in the photo) so that people who might need to get a glimpse of the injury might see it without anaesthesia. Worked out pretty well.

Jan says they tell her he's doing well, barking, wants to be held, all those things; they're going to keep him at least tonight and see how he is tomorrow.

We are so lucky to have Jan there, with her experience with post-surg pins -- and Katie, and Dr Hay, and IMPS, and and and!!! Things happen for a reason; these reasons are all for Sawyer. Dr Hay's first words when he saw my little man were, "What a beautiful pin!"

That's my boy!! :-D

He did fine for 6 days with his first surgery, then bit through the flap (I thought it was a graft, but it was a flap) and when he started sneezing on his food Jan called the doc. "Bring him in," and it turned out there was a tooth that had to go to make the whole thing successful. Tooth's gone; he comes out of anaesthesia ready to rock and roll. "Never saw such a strong little dog," says the vet. "It took three of us to hold him down just to get a mask on him to sedate him to take a look." Twelve pounds of hell; that's my boy!! He's one tough little guy.

And yes, I'm going nuts without him. My clients are hounding me about when he's going to come back and greet them at the door--sniff their pantlegs -- lie on their butts again. "November 16th I fly down," I say, "and we'll be back in business on the 9th of December." I only worry that I'm going to have to get him a dog! He's down there in Tampa with my sister's three puppies, and I worry that his life as a massage therapy dog will seem awfully tame when he gets home.

We'll see. For now, he's healthy and ready to go wherever his next journey leads him. 34 days and counting until I see my little red man again!! Hard, hard, hard.

Wed, 6 Nov 2002 12:14:22 -0500 - from Elaine

Hi Mag, here are some pictures to post on Shadow's adoption. He is going to be the only furkid in the house. The are a perfect match

=====
Elaine, Princess, Nikkie , Buddy (Dob-e IMPS rescue)
Imps volunteer CT

Tue, 12 Nov 2002 08:14:04 -0500 - from Elaine

Hi Mag here are picture for the site of our booth at the CT. Pet expo.

Buddy came to the pet expo the first day. He is the red one, this is a dog that had no social skills and would charge at young boys. Well he let the kids pet him and clime allover him and he just loved it.

Nikki, came the second day she was the bested she would put her paws up on the donation jar when people came over they love it.

My kids and I would like to thank "Science Diet" for their generous donation to feed our fosters here in CT. And a very special thanks to a young gentle man (did not want his name mentioned) out of Manchester CT. for the sweaters to keep our pups warm.

Sat, 16 Nov 2002 08:04:02 -0500 - from Amy

Here are a few photos for the web site, mag!!

Thanks so much.

Lindsay and Keegan (formerly Lucky) is of him in his new home with his new pal!! Keegan/Lucky was dumped at a shelter. I can't imagine why because this little dog is just the nicest boy!! And a VERY pretty red MinPin!! They are all very happy as you can see!!

Next is Roscoe for the Howlaween contest. We submitted late, so he didn't win, but would have if we had gotten it in on time!! LOL!! He doesn't care what I do to him!! Silly dog.

Then we have Joy and Lots Howling. Joy is our little trouble dog who is getting professional training. This is her with the trainer's Chihuahua, both howling at something!!! And the other one is of the trainer's kids and Joy in front of a beautiful tree!!

Thanks for posting these!!!

Amy

Wed, 4 Dec 2002 14:09:35 -0500 - from Elaine

Hi my name is scrappy I am an AKC register "minpin" just over a year old. My foster mom calls me a "hunt puppy mill dog" you see I am from "petland" and yes they have me listed on papers as a minpin. Well enough about that. My foster mom has ask me to write to you all she is in need of volunteers to help me out, you see I am not yet posted on the site I am not consider adoptable as of yet. I really would like to have a home to call my own but I have such a fare of people and hands that I will bite. I have come a long way foster mom has been working with a behaviorist and has me in doggy social classes to help me. I have come a long way I do sit on command and I also know "DOWN" now but "whats" that "stay" thing all about I am a puppy and want to run and run and run. Foster mom said I am in need of visitors to come over or I can come visit to learn that people are good, I am really trying to be good but I stress very easy. I have included a couple of pictures of me so you can see how beautiful I am and how much I love to play with my Buddy. Buddy is my best pal he taught me how to up and things we work with me when foster mom practices teaching good doggy manners. If you live in Connecticut and would like to visit me e-mail my foster mom at chi855@yahoo.com.

Tue, 7 Jan 2003 13:41:40 -0500 - from Amy

Hi mag!!!

Here are a couple "baking" photos!! Teehee. It was wicked cold up here in Maine one day and I got the wood stove really stoked!! The dogs just couldn't get enough. It just "melts" them!! :D

Thanks, Amy IMPS Maine

Wed, 8 Jan 2003 16:37:22 -0500 - from Amy

Hi mag,

Some photos for the site.......

One of Roscoe's troubles has been his "lily white" skin. His feet simply freeze if temps are below 20. He wants to run with the other dogs, but ends up holding one and looking terribly pathetic and we have to carry him against his will until we put him down just to freeze again. So, we bought some booties!! He managed the WHOLE walk this morning. While a little distressed at the indignity of it all, he never had to be held and trotted along the whole way!!! I think in a few days he will be used to them and manage just fine. He does look DAPPER in his lovely burgundy Apache River coat and his Mutt Luks!!!

Tue, 28 Jan 2003 18:49:05 -0500 - from Donny and Leni

Grover and Spike have been "bros" for 3 weeks now and you can see how well they get along with each other. They play, eat and sleep together all the time. I'm not sure who is really the shadow of the other one! We really couldn't have asked for a better family fit!

Donny and Leni

Wed, 7 May 2003 08:53:23 -0400 - from Elaine

Here are some pictures of Scrappy-Doo and Elaine's mom :-)

Fri, 16 May 2003 14:16:14 -0400 - from Amy

Hi mag!!

Here are some photos of our MinPin Fun Day. IMPS folks from ME and NH came to "party" and raise money for IMPS. We raised $478 in only 2 hours!! We had contests and games and raffles and the dogs played and had a ball!! We rented a local Doggie Day Care for the two hours. There are photos of Nina and Phoebe and Nina with the other geriatric dogs she adopted, Mikki and Buddy (from Florida).

Enjoy!!!

Amy IMPS Maine

Jack amd Jess

Jack and Rocket's butt

Little Jess getting a belly rub

Mary and RRRRocket

Mikki

Shirley's lap

NOTE: There are many more pictures from that day...
Click HERE to see them all.