A year and a half ago during the Thanksgiving Holiday, while many people were preparing for festivities and family gatherings, a little soul sat behind bars afraid, alone and confused. We don’t know her history prior to being in the shelter. One might not dare imagine the life she had. She was running out of time and her chances of immediate adoption from the shelter were slim. She was an elderly white Peke thought to be blind and deaf and in her teens. Her nails were so long and grown into her paw pads that she could not walk without pain. When she did attempt to she would walk in small circles. She sat bewildered and in excruciating pain from the rotting teeth in her mouth. If she had and appetite, the pain kept her hesitant to eat.

Our rescue was contacted and this little dog found hope when Patti in LI had pulled her that day. One person volunteered to foster her from another Peke rescue organization, as our fosters were filled. The transport began and along the way, the little soul who had lost hope was touching the hearts of everyone she met. Because the transport was at a moments notice and during a Holiday, she stayed in CT with Mary Martin Michaels for a couple of nights and from that moment on she was known as Li. She was then transported to RI to stay with Judy for a couple days until she reached her foster destination in Massachusetts.

Everyone was thrilled that she was safe until we were told that the group felt Li Li was not adoptable and recommended we Euthanasia her. The peke rescue organization that had her felt she was too old, her veterinary care would be the thousands due to her poor health and no one would want this dog because “she was too ugly”. Before anyone knew what had transpired our group was contacted by a Dachshund rescuer located in Mass. Lin, whom we have worked with in the past, (and still do), notified us that she had Li Li. She offered to emergency temp. foster for us. In utmost urgency the search for another foster home began.

During a time of reverence for all that we have to be thankful for, Li Li then found the answers to her prayers, as Sandie Hellman opened her home and heart to this little dog. Once again, Li Li was being transported. She traveled through Mass. Into NJ, up through PA, to NY …thanks to the transporters Lin, Nick, Gwyn, and Paula (PK) who took time out of their busy schedules to get Li Li into safety. Paula wrote the following about Li Li….

There was something special about this little girl, “too ugly to save”. Those awful words will forever haunt me. I remember when I was going to pick her up, I didn’t know what to expect. How could any dog be THAT ugly???? I don’t think I’ve ever referred to an animal as ugly, no matter how unattractive it may be. Then Gwyn pulled in and I looked at Li Li. She could have used some orthodontia, but she was darling! Gwyn was sobbing, hating to hand her over, and going on about how sweet she was. I finally got Li Li out of Gwyn’s arms and into my car where she settled in, looking at me with confusion on her little face. All this had been so much for her- all these strangers and all these car trips. I called Sandie to let her know we were on our way and she asked “How bad is it?” Of course, she was expecting some monster also. I told her she wasn’t going to win any beauty contests, but she was very sweet looking. She was a little angel during the trip. I kept reaching over and petting her and talking to her. But by the time I reached our meeting place, I realized that she couldn’t hear very well- if at all. I spent only about an hour with Li Li, but in that short time, she found a special place in my heart. That was her gift. It wasn’t her physical beauty; it was her ability to touch you in a deeper and more important way. I am so grateful that this little old girl, who some shallow, insensitive person felt had no worth, spent the end of her life being loved in the way she so deserved. I am so happy to have had the small part that I did in helping her to her new life``` Paula (PK)

Li Li’s life changed that moment she was in Sandie’s arms. She received vetting and it was found that her prior health conditions were over-exaggerated. Monies were sent from those who heard her story to help in the cost of veterinary care. Through proper veterinary attention, love, and security, Li Li’s health was stabilized and her new life began.

From the moment I picked her up from Paula, I knew she was something special. She had that look about her that just stood out from all the rest. She sat on my lap all the way home and when she walked in, she took over. Not in a mean way, but in a matronly way. She never had to adjust like most rescues when they first arrive. The next day I took her in to see my vet and she told me that in her opinion she had a tooth that may need attention in the future but as far as she was concerned, it was best left alone at the time. Li Li was put on an antibiotic to make sure that she wasn’t coming down with kennel cough or something. But, she did come down with a slight case of it and the antibiotic took care of it. But the circling lessened and I thought maybe she had had an inner ear infection started, that the meds had helped. She was always an energetic dog and walked miles when out in the yard as if she was so glad to have freedom.

As time went on, when I received inquires about her in regards to rescue, when told of her age, no one seemed really interested on adopting her. But that was just fine with me, in fact I was known to discourage a couple inquires about her and directed them toward other available dogs... Something inside told me her place was here. I even told Marian I didn’t think she should be moved. She had become as attached to me as I was to her. She was always behind me no matter where I went if she could get there. Only a gate kept her away. She had a way about her that told others, “Hey, that’s my food bowl” but when push came to shove, she always backed down and let them in. But mostly she was respected by the other dogs, and they backed off. Only Jasmine pushed the issue. Eventually she found it hard to get up from a down, so I would help her up and away she would trot.

The morning she crossed the bridge, I sat on the floor longer than usual with her not knowing it would be my last few moments with her. I went to the kitchen to get a cup of coffee and intended to go let all the dogs out. When I returned, she had just laid her head down and went to sleep. As much as it hurts, at least she went peacefully. I only wish I had not gone after that cup of coffee!!! We laid her to rest under the pine trees out back with my other departed babies and went and got the best flowers from my garden. Luckily the drought had not claimed my stargazer lilies. I put them across her stone with her name on it as I do all my kids that cross the bridge. In my mind, there’s no other one that so deserves of the best than Li Li. In my opinion she represents the reason rescue exists. When I think that rescue is getting me down as we all have those days and I’m tempted to quit, her face reminds me that she and those like her are the reason rescue exists!!!! And the reason we should all hang in there, even on those bad days.

In great sadness on July 30th, 2002, Li Li peacefully laid her head to rest and is being held in the arms of an Angel until she is reunited with her Angel on Earth who showed her true compassion and gave her happiness and the gift of love. Li Li was the epitome and essence in the meaning of rescue. ``Marian

No matter what was said of her or what her previous life was all about, the last 19 months was the best and it is ** Sandie** that she will be waiting for at the Bridge.`` Paula

If I’m tempted to quit rescue, her face reminds me that she and those like her are the reason rescue exists. `` Sandie

Back in February of 2002 I saw Bobos picture on the NEPR web site. At that time we already had three Pekes but I wanted to get this little guy. There seemed to be something special about him so I emailed my application. The process went very smooth and a couple weeks later Wendy and I met Bobo and his transporter in Binghamton, NY. I was a little surprised at his size, 18 or so pounds but he was such a handsome boy. Clean well groomed not a hair out of place and friendly but just a little aloof which was understandable. On the way back to Albany we made a few rest stops and I remember that he led me around the rest area,lol. We went where he wanted to go. I recall NEPR mentioning he was an alpha male and it was showing already. He was something. The introduction to our other three went as well as could be expected. We've been through this three times before and know it takes time. Over the next few months I spent a lot of time getting to know him and gain his trust. He was no pushover. No licky licky for him. He was all boy. Strong, confident, independent and just a little stubborn but he had a weak spot, toys. Anything that squeaked and those pink rubber balls were his favorite. We played for hours and over time I became his special person. Once I tried to play wrestle with him trying to put him on his back but he wouldn't have nothing to do with that and he let me know it. One loud bark at me almost as if he was saying NO,lol. He didn't like any kind of rough play. As time went by he wormed himself into our hearts. Funny how they do that. He was my big guy. I use to call him Bobo the Hobo,lol. He loved going for a ride in the car. I took him whenever it was possible. One time at the drive thru at Burger King Bobo was setting next to me at attention waiting for his french fry and the young girl at the window asked,"is that a dog", geeze, kids. He was always well behaved with people we met tail wagging all the time. I could go on and on there's so many fond memories of Bobo. The one word that best describes Bobo is content. He was content for the the five years he was with us. A problem with his kidneys developed during his last year. I've read 15 1/2 is a better than average life for a Peke but that was of little comfort. On June 28 2007 at 10:45 AM I lost a friend, companion and my big guy. Paul

Quimby came to us as a foster but luckily decided to stay and give us 4 wonderful years of love, loyalty, joy and companionship. We were so blessed to have had him and know that he is our angel now. He is dearly missed, and always in our hearts.

Daisy Mae was I’m sure, a much loved and cared for Pekingese the first 13 years of her life. Then her whole life changed in the worst way when her owner died. The family had no interest in Daisy and dumped this beloved pet in a shelter. January of 2005 did not start out as a Happy New Year for Daisy. But NEPR did rescue her from the shelter. In April of 2005 Daisy came to live with me because her 1st foster mom, Marian was taking in another Peke with problems. Daisy, after her medical problems were taken care of, was a happy content girl. She liked to spend her leisure time chasing the squirrels, gardening and napping. She fit right in with my other two Peke girls and named her self the defender of our home (she barked at all who enter). Daisy became ill on a Friday afternoon in April. She passed over The Rainbow Bridge on April the 20, 2006. I'm sure her 1st mom was happy to be with Daisy once again. Daisy was only with me for one year and three days, but I hope to see her waiting for me some day with all of my other fur babies. I still miss her and planted daisies in the garden that she so loved to spend time in

Precious came into rescue at the age of 15. She was blind, severe dental problems, arthritic, heart and kidney problems. She was not given much time but she lived much longer than we all thought. She had a way about her that touched the hearts of people she met. She was so sweet and endearing. She was a teacher. Despite her disabilities, she walked with dignity, held her tail high and raised her head to sniff the air. She was one that enjoyed life for the moment. She is survived by her brother Lil Joe. She will always hold a special place in our hearts. In loving memory~Her foster family.

October 23, 2007 Ashley, As the days go by, 14 years of sweet memories will replace the sadness in our hearts. We love you and always will......... Brian, Colleen, Marissa, Madison and Daniel