We lost an old friend and gained a new friend today...

[Richard Crowe]

We had to euthanize Holly's best friend and our darling cat today. We had him for twelve years and he was wonderful. He came down with mass-cell cancer and his life was no longer happy because his hair was falling out in clumps and he couldn't hold down his food - even a prescription diet.

However we found a new friend, a rescue Maltese, whom we are fostering for the American Maltese Rescue. The poor girl was covered with fleas and ticks and had burrs all over. She was found wandering the streets of Riverside CA. The vet has determined that she is pregnant with two puppies.

She looks terrible but, she is not the first rescue we have fostered. Judy has cleaned her up and we will provide a safe and loving place for her to have her puppies and when the puppies are weaned, we will find a loving "forever" home for the mom.

We will keep the puppies (we shudder to think what cross breeds they might be) socialize hem and find loving homes for them also. I am placing a picture of this sweet mom to-be in her dirty condition. I will place some more pictures after she has received the CROW TLC.

Perhaps someone out in Doodlekisses land might be interested in a small sweet dog after she has and weans her puppies.

[Richard Crowe]

Day Two with Sweetie.

Judy has bathed her and cut away the matts. The American Maltese association had brought her to a vet and she was given Advantage and is on some antibiotics for the sores induced by her scratching and biting at he fleas and ticks. Judy has bathed her and trimmed her to get rid of the terrible stained coat, dead ticks, fleas and burrs. She is a sweet dog but, is terribly frightened of being alone and howls. She is friendly towards me but, had bonded to Judy.

Judy was the West Coast Coordinator for American Maltese Rescue when we were raising and showing Maltese. Now that both Judy and I are retired from both our real-jobs and the "job" of raising Maltese;, we just foster a rescue every once in a while.

I always take a "before" picture when we get a rescue to show the sometimes terrible condition they are in and to compare it with the dog's looks "after" a period of Crowe family TLC.

Our three Maltese are not sure of the newcomer but, Holly, as always is loving to her. Although Holly is frightened of big dogs, she just loves little ones.

Even though we still have our three Maltese and Holly, we really miss our cat who was so loving and social. Having Sweetie with us and caring for her keeps our mind off the loss.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Delete Comment I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your cat. I know you will all miss him.
Thank you so much for fostering this homeless mom-to-be and giving her puppies a chance for a good life. There is nothing anyone can do to help homeless animals that is more important or worthwhile.

[Kai Doodle (Kathy & Keith)]

So sorry about you cat. What a lucky puppy to have you to take care of it.

[Adina P]

I'm so sorry about your cat, Richard.

What a wonderful thing you've done to help a doggy in need :)

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

I am sooo sorry. I have had a pet who had cancer too. It is so wonderful of you to do what you are!

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

Sorry for the loss of your cat, and how sweet that you could rescue a poor dog and her unborn pup's. Best of luck with the pups and Mom and finding them there forever homes.

[Kyoko]

I am sorry about your cat.....
Thank you for caring for the new friend, an dneew life to be.....

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Dear Richard,
You and Judy are wonderful human beings to take in a rescue especially while your heart hurts at the loss of your cat. I wish there were more of you both out there that would open their hearts and home to foster and rescue.
Join us in the Foster Group. We can swap stories about our fosters.
Adrianne

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Oh Richard, I am so sorry about your cat. I hope your sorrow is eased by caring for your rescue pet. I will look on your page to see her. I am embarrassed that it was my town where she was dumped.

[Linda,Yankee & Finn]

So sorry to hear about your cat. It is wonderful what you are doing for the poor puppy. I hope she finds a wonderful loving home.