RTDCA

(Click on the picture to preview)

RUSSIAN TOY RESCUE

Many people have the compassion of saving a dog that has had a tough life, so they gravitate to a rescue group when looking for a pet. Breed Club Rescues are usually the preferred place to start looking for a specific purebred pet; shelters seldom have a selection of dogs of a particular breed and almost never have time to teach manners, evaluate temperament, or treat minor illnesses and are not usually aware of the nuances of breed behavior. A breed club rescue would have more experiences with the breed specific issues.

The Russian Toys placed in rescue groups may have traveled many routes to their new destination. Some Russian Toys were purchased by families on a whim, families that did not understand the temperament or the needs of such a small energetic and sometimes noisy pet. Others could have lost their homes when an owner became too old or sick to provide the necessary care or when a family's lifestyle changed because of job loss or divorce, and still others might have been picked up as strays or turned in by owners who wanted freedom from the responsibility of dog care. Some go directly from a home into rescue; others come by way of shelters.

Fortunately our breed is still rare and true Rescues are just not found today, but keep in mind that an older puppy or young adult can make excellent choice for today's busy household. Contact any of our breeders to see if they might have any older dogs available including retiring Champions.

We would like to share with you
the touching salvation story of one Russian Toy.

April 11, 2010, Sasha Izotova, a 17 year old Ukrainian student , found a Russian Toy in the courtyard of her school. These photos were taken at the place where Sasha found him.

The dog had something wrong with his back legs and he looked awful. Sasha brought it home the same day. Her parents refused to accept a dog in their family since they already had two cats. Despite this, Sasha decided to do everything she could for the little dog. She went to the vet the same day and on her way she called her girlfriend asking her to adopt the dog until she could find a new home for him.

The vet decided that the dog is young, not older than 4 years. He suggested rest, peace and good food before they started examining his blood and making x-rays.

(in the house of Sasha's friend, on April 13th.)

Sasha was not receiving any support from her parents at first. But she needed money for dog food, medicine and visits to the vet. She decided to find some help on Internet. The same day she posted pictures and the story of this dog on one of the local forums. Several people responded to this small dog tragedy. Ukraine is a poor country and people have low incomes, but still some people tried to help Sasha the best they could. Some brought her small amounts of money, others food, clothes and vitamins.

(April 14th)

Sasha checked all available websites made for placing ads about lost animals, but was never able to find the owners of the poor little dog.

During the first three days the dog was scared and didn’t allow anyone to come close. Sasha asked her friend not to bother him and to let him rest.

Three days later, he began barking loudly and to eat better. For the first time in three days he had a poop although he was peeing a lot and unusually often.

Sasha continued begging her parents to allow her to take the dog home.

April 25. Sasha once again went to the vet. The doctor found that the bone of the back leg is broken and improperly fused. In order to fix it he would need to make about 10 surgeries. Sasha decided to leave everything as it is and not to torment the dog who had already suffered enough. In addition, he was diagnosed with ear mites, atopic dermatitis, and inflammation of the thyroid and testicles. The doctor gave him a few shots and prescribed some medicines for home treatment.

May 2. Sasha's parents finally allowed her to bring the dog home. They could not remain indifferent to all the care that she has shown to this animal. On the same day she brought him home the family began to debate over its name. Each one of them made his suggestion. But Sasha insisted that his name will be King Hennessey. Obviously, she had more right to name him the way she wanted to. Hennessey was accepting Sasha only and was growling at her parents, trying to bite them if they got too close to him or to Sasha.

(in Sasha's house)

May 22. Sasha found that Hennessey responds to commands ‘COME’ and ‘GIVE A PAW’. By this time Hennessey had already made friends with her mother, but still feared and was getting nervous close to Sasha’s father. Perhaps he had a bad experience with a man in the previous life.

(Hennessey and Sasha)

(Hennessey loves when Sasha sleeps with him)

In just two months after Sasha found him, Hennessey, gained weight, became very sweet, playful and basically looked like a normal dog. And only his broken leg keeps reminding about his sad past...