| "Saving One Dog Won't Change The World But Surely, The World Will Change For That One Dog" ~Author Unknown |
| About The PA Shih Tzu Rescue (The following is a press release from the Lancaster Newspaper, November 29, 2004) |
The Buehlers have three grown sons and have 3 rescue dogs of their own. Their motto is "PLEASE consider
saving a life rather than a buying a puppy. These little dogs know they have been saved and are forever
grateful."
Why Shih Tzu rather than another dog breed?
"We've both always had and loved dogs. Over the years, we've had many small breeds; but when we got our
first Shih Tzu from an ad in the paper 10 years ago ,we were hooked because of the their easy-going, low-key
personalities.
The Buehlers have no special training in rescuing Shih Tzu. Additionally, the Buehlers give unconditional love
to these abandoned dogs, whether it is gently teaching a dog to be re-housetrained or the detailed interview
process of a prospective adopter. They are all stressed no matter what the circumstances of their need to be
re-homed. The next most important ingredient is patience. We usually crate all new dogs for a day or two, so
that they feel secure having their own space," she says.
"The importance of fostering cannot be overstated. We evaluate the dog, and their personality. So, we can find
just the right home for them because no one leaves here until we have what we feel is the perfect home. We
also make sure that they are housetrained before they leave. Since they need plenty of TLC, we try to only
have one foster at a time.
Rescuing Shih Tzu is no small task. It takes time - a lot of time - and money. Some people are just made for
this type of caregiving. The Buehlers are one such example.
"Many times people tell me that they know there is a rescue for greyhounds. But, (they) weren't aware that
other dogs had rescue groups. There is a rescue for virtually every breed, and the best source to find these
groups is www.petfinder.com," says Peg Buehler.
They pay for the major expenses of bringing these dogs back to health in order for these dogs to be adopted.
And, the Buehlers spent many hours reassuring these dogs.
"The first trip for all dogs is to our vet, who always takes care of us as quickly as possible. All dogs are
neutered or spayed; have all shots updated; dewormed, microchipped, and have any other needs taken care
of. In addition to that, they are all groomed. We have had dogs that needed surgery for mammary tumors,
hernias, an eye removed, and many other problems."
The Buehlers pay all expenses. "We do have an adoption fee, and sometimes that covers the vet expenses. But
even then, we still have food, treats, shampoo, supplements, toys, collars, leashes, and any other items that are
needed, not to mention gas for all the driving involved."
The screening process for adopting a rescued Shih Tzu is extensive. "We have an application asking for vet
and groomer references along with a personal reference. After checking the references, a home visit is also
required to meet the people and learn about them to assure a good match for them (and the dog)." Buehler
says.
"For this reason, we keep all adoptions within 60 miles of our home because of the time involved in doing
home visits. We do not adopt to families with children under six years of age; that is our biggest reason for
owner turn-ins. Small dogs have no other defense mechanism than to bite when they're being mistreated."
saving a life rather than a buying a puppy. These little dogs know they have been saved and are forever
grateful."
Why Shih Tzu rather than another dog breed?
"We've both always had and loved dogs. Over the years, we've had many small breeds; but when we got our
first Shih Tzu from an ad in the paper 10 years ago ,we were hooked because of the their easy-going, low-key
personalities.
The Buehlers have no special training in rescuing Shih Tzu. Additionally, the Buehlers give unconditional love
to these abandoned dogs, whether it is gently teaching a dog to be re-housetrained or the detailed interview
process of a prospective adopter. They are all stressed no matter what the circumstances of their need to be
re-homed. The next most important ingredient is patience. We usually crate all new dogs for a day or two, so
that they feel secure having their own space," she says.
"The importance of fostering cannot be overstated. We evaluate the dog, and their personality. So, we can find
just the right home for them because no one leaves here until we have what we feel is the perfect home. We
also make sure that they are housetrained before they leave. Since they need plenty of TLC, we try to only
have one foster at a time.
Rescuing Shih Tzu is no small task. It takes time - a lot of time - and money. Some people are just made for
this type of caregiving. The Buehlers are one such example.
"Many times people tell me that they know there is a rescue for greyhounds. But, (they) weren't aware that
other dogs had rescue groups. There is a rescue for virtually every breed, and the best source to find these
groups is www.petfinder.com," says Peg Buehler.
They pay for the major expenses of bringing these dogs back to health in order for these dogs to be adopted.
And, the Buehlers spent many hours reassuring these dogs.
"The first trip for all dogs is to our vet, who always takes care of us as quickly as possible. All dogs are
neutered or spayed; have all shots updated; dewormed, microchipped, and have any other needs taken care
of. In addition to that, they are all groomed. We have had dogs that needed surgery for mammary tumors,
hernias, an eye removed, and many other problems."
The Buehlers pay all expenses. "We do have an adoption fee, and sometimes that covers the vet expenses. But
even then, we still have food, treats, shampoo, supplements, toys, collars, leashes, and any other items that are
needed, not to mention gas for all the driving involved."
The screening process for adopting a rescued Shih Tzu is extensive. "We have an application asking for vet
and groomer references along with a personal reference. After checking the references, a home visit is also
required to meet the people and learn about them to assure a good match for them (and the dog)." Buehler
says.
"For this reason, we keep all adoptions within 60 miles of our home because of the time involved in doing
home visits. We do not adopt to families with children under six years of age; that is our biggest reason for
owner turn-ins. Small dogs have no other defense mechanism than to bite when they're being mistreated."
LANCASTER COUNTY, PA - "We had decided to get more
involved in rescue but were very clear about not being able to
foster because it would be too hard to give the dog up when the
time came," says Peg Buehler, Ephrata.
"Shortly afterwards, we learned of a dog at a shelter, who was
going to be euthanized unless someone picked him up in 24 hours.
There was no one else available, as there is a severe shortage of
volunteers. So, we thought, 'Well, we could help just this one.'
And, the rest is history."
"We decided to become more involved in rescue after 9/11. We
felt the need to make a difference in the world, and we work with
the thought that 'saving one dog won't change the world - but
surely the world will change for that one dog.'"
involved in rescue but were very clear about not being able to
foster because it would be too hard to give the dog up when the
time came," says Peg Buehler, Ephrata.
"Shortly afterwards, we learned of a dog at a shelter, who was
going to be euthanized unless someone picked him up in 24 hours.
There was no one else available, as there is a severe shortage of
volunteers. So, we thought, 'Well, we could help just this one.'
And, the rest is history."
"We decided to become more involved in rescue after 9/11. We
felt the need to make a difference in the world, and we work with
the thought that 'saving one dog won't change the world - but
surely the world will change for that one dog.'"
| Foster parents - Shih Tzu style By Wendy Komancheck, Special Features Writer |
| Gracie |
| Ernie |
| Mandy |