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Rescue Care

Caring for a Rescued, Adopted Yorkie

Overview

Maybe you are thinking about adopting a Yorkshire Terrier, or maybe a rescued Yorkie is already part of your family. If so, that is fantastic. 

It is a gratifying and rewarding experience to take in a dog that is just waiting to be loved by someone who can show him that the world does not have to be so bad. 

Yet, this does not come without some challenges. 

This section on rescued Yorkies will include:
  • Facts about shelter dogs and adoption rates
  • Introduction to some adorable rescued Yorkshire Terriers
  • Tips and advice when caring for an adopted Yorkie

Facts About Shelter Dogs

The number of dogs that are in shelters is staggering; about 3.9 million dogs enter shelters each year. 

Of those, about 25% are purebreds. The average age of a shelter dog is 18 months old.

Sadly, over 1.2 million dogs are euthanized each year. Kill-shelters only hold dogs for 72 hours before putting them down. 

Fortunately, there are lots of no-kill shelters and rescues that will hold dogs indefinitely and work to both foster them and find new, adopted homes. About 1.4 million dogs are adopted each year, and 600,000+ are returned to their owners. 
The number of dogs that are in shelters is staggering; about 3.9 million dogs enter shelters each year. 

Of those, about 25% are purebreds. The average age of a shelter dog is 18 months old.

Sadly, over 1.2 million dogs are euthanized each year. Kill-shelters only hold dogs for 72 hours before putting them down. 

Fortunately, there are lots of no-kill shelters and rescues that will hold dogs indefinitely and work to both foster them and find new, adopted homes.

About 1.4 million dogs are adopted each year, and 600,000+ are returned to their owners. 
Obtaining a Yorkshire Terrier from a shelter or rescue group can be a wonderful way to bring a Yorkie into your home that just needs a loving family. 

Despite popular belief, only a small percentage of shelter dogs have behavioral issues severe enough to limit re-homing. 

Common reasons for a dog ending up in a shelter include owner surrender (financial burdens, unable to physically care for the dog, moving to a new home that is not pet-friendly, feeling overwhelmed with pet ownership, having allergies, etc.), and lost dog scenarios. 

Also, the majority of dogs are healthy; 80 - 90% have no serious health issues that would affect ownership. 

In regard to behavioral issues such as biting, most shelters and rescues do not re-home dogs with a bite history.

A good portion of rescued dogs will have some behavioral quirks; this is often due to living through harsh conditions, abuse, neglect, and other events that leave an emotional scar. However, if a Yorkie is matched well with his new family and certain care guidelines are followed, the adopted Yorkie can thrive.

Meet Some Adorable Adopted Yorkshire Terriers

This is Lacy Blue
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Lacy Blue found her new forever home with Cheryl Fisher of Bonney Lake, WA. This beautiful Yorkie is now 5 years old. 

She was adopted at the age of 4 and 1/2 years, from an online listing looking to re-home her, and the location was just 3 blocks away. This poor little girl was living in a small crate in the corner of a dark room; and the house was quite chaotic with 4 young toddlers, 2 teenage children, and 2 other dogs including a large German Shepherd. 

This Yorkie did not have any previous vet care and appeared to have never been properly groomed. Cheryl saw right away that Lacy Blue's teeth were in very bad shape; several were loose and about to fall out, and many were black with decay. 

Cheryl did not let this dissuade her. Along with her daughter who works as a veterinary nurse for Banfield Pet Hospitals, costs were figured out. 

Through an offered veterinary insurance plan and with careful budgeting, a complete exam, a de-worming, puppy shots, and then dental surgery was performed. Eleven teeth were extracted. 
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Home and resting, right after the extreme dental extractions
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Recovered and very happy, 
going for her daily walk 
Transitional adjustments: We asked Cheryl about the transitional period and about any adjustment issues (this is in her own words, but edited by us to condense and clarify):
"When I brought her home, she was very sweet and quiet and seemed to appreciate my quiet home and her new comfy bed. I could tell she was a little fearful, but I held her, loved her, and told her I was MaMa. She seemed to understand. She adjusted very well over the next 2 weeks while I set up her vet appointments.  

I immediately trained her to go to the glass sliding door when she wanted out to do her business. 

She could not chew and would try to swallow her kibble whole, so I learned I had to soften her kibble food with water.

I had her spayed a few months after the teeth extractions, and soon she was a healthy, happy, very energetic companion.

Lacy and I walk at least 1.5 miles every day and she even has a stroller for the times I want to do a 4 mile walk. She loves to be outside. She is good in every way, very loving to all people, and not a barker. 

She does have issues with large dogs. I can tell she is afraid of them and tries to protect herself by barking and lunging at them. I keep her safe on a leash and sometimes just pick her up if we encounter one.  

We are both homebodies, and only travel to visit my daughter once every couple of months. She does well with my daughters 2 Yorkie-poos and 3 giant cats; mostly she just can’t be bothered with them and hunkers down in her favorite spot at my daughter’s house.  

She is a wonderful, perfect companion to me and we snuggle up every evening together. Life would be very lonely without her".
This is Munchie
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This little cutie pie found his forever home at the age of 5 years old, with June Cleaver, whose sister's work in rescue brought the two of them together. 

June's sister was part of a rescue team that saved this Yorkshire Terrier and others from a breeder who was keeping her dogs in small crates and only letting them out to go to the bathroom, and to eat once per day. 

She hand-picked this Yorkie for June, and this Yorkie's life changed dramatically for the better. 

Since the breeder only spoke Spanish, this little guy did not understand English. Health-wise, his teeth were in bad shape. As a 5-year-old adult dog, he had some milk teeth that were still retained and the decay was quite severe. 

Fortunately, the veterinarian did amazing work and only one adult tooth was not salvageable. 
Transitional adjustments: We asked June to tell us a bit about what those first few days of being in a new home were like, and how her adopted Yorkie adjusted (this is in her own words, but edited by us to condense and clarify):
"I took one look into his eyes and it was love at first sight for me, but he instantly had diarrhea all over my shirt. The second time I held him, he vomited, and he was sick the third time was well. So in the first ten minutes of knowing him I changed my clothes three times. 

Once he was empty, I took him and a blanket to a reclining chair where we sat for days watching TV. The first day he was scared stiff as a board, then suddenly the next day I could tell he was thinking 'this is kinda nice being snuggled in a comforter in a chair watching TV'. 

It took months for him to completely understand me.

I used a belly band the first week or so when I had to leave him alone. Potty training was easy once he started understanding English commands and grass was not scary after all. 

Also I am letting his coat grow out and would like him to have the floor length.  

I think Munchie loves me just as much as the dogs I raised from puppies. He is definitely more attentive to me and insists on cleaning my entire face daily, arms and legs sometimes as well. I have never had a dog who used his tongue so much. 

He freaks out when I leave his sight. He doesn't like any other person to hold him either."
And this is Isyss
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This Yorkshire Terrier was re-homed at the age of 8 years old.

She was with her previous owner from birth to 7 years old; however, the owner, who had a 1-year-old toddler and planned on having more children, placed this sweet girl up for adoption. She thought that this Yorkie deserved a home where she could get more attention lavished on her. Well... she was right!

Diana and Dennis Morrison of Kingwood, Texas found her after searching the RescueMe site for 6 months. 

Diana already had a 2-year-old Yorkie, another female named Mattie Marie. Isyss would be a good match, because she had had 2 litters during her first 7 years, and could be a mother figure to the younger Mattie Marie who was in need of a playmate. 

Like many rescues, this Yorkshire Terrier had quite severe tooth issues. Due to lack of proper feeding and lack of dental hygiene in her first home, 15 teeth had to be removed. She is now doing fantastic. 
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Mattie Marie (now 3 years old) and Isyss (now 8 years old)
Transitional adjustments: We asked Diana to tell us a bit more about bringing a rescue into a home with an established Yorkie, and her thoughts on adopting rescues (this is in her own words, but edited by us to condense and clarify):
"After living with two Yorkies, I could never come to the same conclusion that Isyss' former owner had, but am so thankful that she did.

Believing in dog psychology, we brought Isyss into our home correctly. Our existing 2 yr old Yorkie, Mattie Marie, was a dominant female, so this was important. We searched for our rescue for many reasons, one of which was to settle down our existing Yorkie and have a playmate. 

We still, one year later, have to remember to share our attention with each dog as equals. Yorkies are an extremely smart breed and know when the scales dip in one direction. Observing their mannerisms and cunningness is art in itself to watch. Their ridiculously accurate time clocks never cease to amaze me.

Since we had her dental issues fixed, her bad breath disappeared. She loves walks on the trails, warm baths, and company.

We also have stayed in contact with updates and pictures to the original owner, who appreciates it so much.

If I ever add another dog to our family, it would definitely be a rescue.

It does not matter what the dog has been through before entering your life. They don't live in the past. What matters is the quality of life you, as an owner, will provide for your rescue. 

The most important thing I have learned with a Yorkie rescue is that dogs come into our lives for a reason. Once you discover that reason, your life will never be the same. It is an awesome experience I am privileged to have experienced."
Thank you to Cheryl, June, and Diana for allowing everyone to meet their wonderful rescue Yorkies and letting us learn more about them. Next, we will go over advice and tips on taking in and caring for an adopted Yorkie. 

Care Tips for Rescue Yorkshire Terriers

Taking care of a rescued Yorkie will entail many of the same important care guidelines for Yorkshire Terriers in general, however several of these elements will need to be stepped up a notch. 

In addition, all Yorkshire Terrier owners may want to review this list, since quite a few of these tips are applicable with dogs obtained in ways other than rescues and shelters. 
1) Have essentials set up and ready before your Yorkie comes into your home. 

Be prepared by having all of the fundamental basic supplies that you know you'll need.

Some will play a huge role and here is why:

Playpen. This is one of the most important items to have. Many rescued Yorkies are not housebroken, or at least are not used to your home's layout and the schedule that you will create for them. Until that time, keeping the Yorkie in a comfortable, fully set-up indoor pen is the best way to confine messes to one area.

Also, it is very common for rescue dogs to feel shy or afraid. When a pen is set up the right way it offers the security of a 'den', which is instantly recognized by canines as a safe place. 

Canine orthopedic bed. Many rescues have spent months or years under harsh conditions, and this often means hard resting and sleeping surfaces. This can be terribly wearing on elbows, hips, and the back. 

It will be time to provide proper cushioning for rest and sleep. The bed will also help pull together the 'den-like' quality of the playpen, offering a place of comfort and safety. 

Pee-pads. Within the pen, lay down pee pads. The entire pen will consist of the bed, toys, and food & water bowls. Any other surfaces should be lined with pads. Since dogs rarely soil their own belongings, most of the pee and poo accidents will end up on the pads. 

Proper grooming supplies. It's incredibly rare for a Yorkshire Terrier previously living in a shelter or rescue to have healthy skin and hair. Months or years of having little to no grooming, and with most shelters having to cut costs on their own supplies by buying lower quality products in bulk, often means that bathing will require top-of-the-line products. 

We recommend:
  • An effective oatmeal and aloe shampoo, and a super luxurious conditioner that will help restore coat health.
  • A hot spot spray or skin rescue lotion for any sore, red, irritated areas or areas with thinning hair.
  • A daily leave-in spritz which will moisturize the skin and offer a layer of protection from contact friction and weather-related elements. 
  • Paw wax to help heal dried, peeling, or cracked paw pads. 
  • Nose butter to restore dried noses. 
If there are no underlying skin infections or other skin and coat conditions, by using these soothing products for all areas that may have suffered neglect, there can be marked improvement within 4 weeks. 

Healthy food and snacks that are good for sensitive stomachs. The Yorkshire Terrier breed already is very sensitive to food; one of the biggest culprits are artificial additives that can really do a number on them. Grains can also be rough on a dog that's been fed less-than-ideal foods. 

Many rescued Yorkies have suffered malnutrition, so taking time to carefully choose what you will feed for meals and treats is more important than ever. 
Below are some of our recommended products to help care for and restore a Yorkie to good health. If you do not see the images, try doing a re-fresh. And if you are visiting us from your phone, you may need to turn it horizontal to see all of our picks. 
2) The Environment, Vibe, and Expected Interaction

It is human instinct that you'll want to mother your new adopted Yorkie. All that time of needing a new, loving home... and finally he's there, and all you want to do is hold him, baby him, and never let him go. 

If your new Yorkie is receptive, that is wonderful; But, a newly re-homed puppy or dog may not be ready for that yet. Depending on what the dog has seen and lived through, it can take a while to get settled in. 

The most important thing is that you have him safe under a loving roof. His journey to you is complete. Allow him plenty of time to gain his bearings, and realize that no harm will come to him. 

Here are some tips that can help:

Everything should be approached in a slow and gradual manner. A shelter may be able to tell you about some phobias or fears that a dog has; but, in many cases, you will just not be able to know until a situation presents itself. 

So, with any tasks or activity that you do with your adopted Yorkie, assume that he will need to become slowly accustomed to it. Some rescued dogs have never stepped on grass, navigated steps, or even had a proper toy. 

When applicable, show your Yorkie an object, allowing him to touch and sniff at it. Many things will be a first. Never push him to do anything, but allow him to take small steps in his discoveries. 

It is suggested to allow your Yorkie to first become used to the household and yard. This can take 1 to 2 months. Then, you can extend his knowledge of the world to other areas, such as taking walks in new places, visiting stores with you, and essentially exploring new locations.

Be ready for the most common fears. While each rescue dog is unique, common fears and phobias include other dogs (particularly larger ones), loud noises, car rides, being held by strangers, walking on ground level with lots of foot traffic, and being in areas with lots of other people. 

No adopted dog, or any other dog for that matter, should be forced to be socialized to elements that elicit extreme fear, unless it is something that will be part of the dog's daily life. So, it will be important to find a balance. What do you want him to get used to? And what is best avoided?  

He may be able to become slowly accustomed to visiting the dog park and playing in a gated off area for small breeds, but will never do well when near your neighbor's Lab. That is okay. He may learn to feel at ease when your best friend comes to visit, but will never be relaxed if you bring him to another house that's filled with children running around. That is okay too. 

Clingy behavior is common as well. Most rescues suffer badly from separation anxiety, so you'll find that given the choice of being home alone or out with you, he'd choose you. 

And you can help make this easier by keeping him in a comfortable carry sling like the i'Pet Hands-free Reversible Small Dog Sling Carrier, which is super cozy and keeps a Yorkie right by your hip. 
Or, if you bring him to a crowded area, consider placing him in a small pet stroller like the OxGord 3-Wheeler Elite Pet Stroller
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Munchie, rescued at 5 years old, tends to sleep more than his owner's previous dogs.
Photo courtesy of June Cleaver

Dental Issues with Rescued Yorkies

You may have noticed that all three featured Yorkshire Terrier rescues here have had serious dental issues. 

Lacy had to have 11 teeth extracted, Munchie had milk teeth still retained in his mouth as a 5-year-old and had one adult tooth removed, and Isyss had to have 15 of her teeth removed.

This is not uncommon at all for rescue dogs. The Yorkshire Terrier breed is already prone to tooth decay. If a Yorkie does not receive proper at-home dental care, chances are that his teeth will eventually rot. Infection can set it, which can cause sepsis. Either way, neglected teeth will loosen, and they will fall out. 

All owners need to take focused care of their puppy or dog's teeth. You can never go back in time to make different choices. 

Here are some important tips:

1) When you first bring an adult Yorkie home, do not just assume that his teeth are okay. Isyss is a perfect example of this; her previous owner had her for 7 years and cares enough to want to receive photos of her in her new home; but, the Yorkie had severe tooth decay. 
So, have the veterinarian perform an oral exam to check for any current issues. When a tooth is decayed, the two options are a root canal or extraction. Most owners choose extraction. 

Any infections will be treated with antibiotics. And once any dental issues are taken care of, you can start with a clean slate.

2) Taking proper care of any Yorkie's teeth is a 4-step plan of attack on plaque. You should:

Brush the teeth daily. Use (1) a quality paste that dogs love like vanilla or chicken flavor. Be sure it is non-foaming, effective in fighting plaque, and made in the USA along with (2) an appropriately sized canine toothbrush or finger-brush that easily fits inside your Yorkie's mouth.

(3) Use a plaque-fighting, water supplement that kills bacteria both in the bowl and in the mouth. And (4) be sure to give your Yorkie one effective dental chew per day, such as Greenie's Teenie (for dogs 5 to 15 lbs.) 
Below are some of our recommended products to help keep your Yorkie's teeth clean and healthy. If you do not see the images, try doing a re-fresh. And if you are visiting us on your phone, you may need to turn it horizontal to see all of 4 of our top picks. 

Are You Ready to Foster or Adopt a Yorkie? 

If you are considering adopting a Yorkie, but are not quite sure yet if this would be right for you, you may wish to first foster a puppy or dog. 

This is a great way to help shelters that are overflowing. And you can see how you feel about helping a dog that may need some extra TLC. You'll want to contact your local SPCA; they can get you in touch with rescues in your area. 

If you know that you are ready to adopt a Yorkie, a good place to start is also your local SPCA and all shelters located near your home within a reasonable driving distance. You can ask to be placed on a waiting list for a Yorkshire Terrier. You may be asked if you would accept a Yorkshire Terrier mixed dog; and mixes can be excellent canine companions as well.  

 It can take anywhere from 1 week to over 6 months; so the more shelters you contact, the better. 

A Final Word

Bringing a rescue dog into your home can be a wonderful rewarding experience. However, this is not for those who expect things to always be easy. Or for those on a very strict budget. 

You also need lots of patience, and a natural attitude to roll with the punches, and to easily love an animal flaws, quirks, and all. 

Most dogs in need of adoption just need some time to adjust, and then will pay you back ten-fold for the love that you gave in opening up your home. 

yorkie-being-held-by-child-
Full list of supplies for Yorkies - What you want to have and why. 


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Best beds for Yorkies - How a bed can help in several ways, and what to look for. 

woman-holding-yorkie-pup
Best snacks for a Yorkie- Finding tiny treats that are beneficial to a Yorkie's health.

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