Tony, a tiny 10-year-old Maltese, came to UMR through the efforts of many very caring folks. Just before Thanksgiving, Animal Control in Charlotte, NC got a call from a concerned neighbor about a Maltese whose owner had left him in the backyard to starve to death. The Animal Control Officer found Tony curled into a wee ball, shivering in the cold night air, and immediately took him to the shelter. There the Kennel Supervisor took one look at him and knew he needed help fast. She sent out emails to a number of Maltese rescue groups on the East Coast. With the help of friends in Yorkie rescue, UMR was able to help. A wonderful Yorkie rescuer in South Carolina went to Charlotte to pick Tony up from the shelter. She promised to keep him safe until we figured out how to get him to Maryland. Luck was on our (and Tony's) side. A rescuer with Atlantic Maltese Rescue was coming North for Thanksgiving and she offered to pick up Tony on her way and bring him along. Tony arrived in Maryland on Thanksgiving Eve - he weighed 3 lb. 5 oz.

Tony was in horrible shape and likely not too far from death. His mouth looked like it had a cocoon growing in it. He'd never been neutered. He was skin and bone. For all of this he curled into a loving lap and seemed to understand he was safe. On the day after Thanksgiving, Tony made a visit to our vet. She took one look at the "cocoon" and knew immediately what it was. She pulled gobs and gobs of rotting hair and debris from his mouth - likely the result of being matted and flea-ridden and chewing himself for months. After a few good meals and a little healing time, Tony was neutered and had most of his teeth pulled. Through it all, he was not only bent on surviving, but on thriving as well. In a few weeks, he weighed a little over 5 pounds, was playing with his foster mom's Maltese, sleeping in "his" space on her bed, and cuddling up in her lap just about every waking minute. It was time for Tony to have a home of his own.

Tony's New Beginning as Josh…

Joan had contacted UMR a few weeks before Tony arrived. She was looking for a small Maltese and especially wanting an older dog. So the day before Tony came to Maryland, we contacted her. We sent her photos and told her his story. Joan was smitten. Not only that, her entire family, including the grandchildren, was rooting for Tony and praying that he would regain his health. Not a day went by that we didn't hear from Joan. We promised her that if all went well, Tony would be home for Christmas. So, everyone in Joan's family bought Tony Christmas gifts. Love was in the air - everyone was just waiting to show this little guy who'd been thrown out into the cold to starve what Christmas really meant. A few days before Christmas, Tony went home to Joan.

Joan decided to rename Tony after someone she loved very much. So our Tony became Joan's Josh. He now has a life that is almost totally the opposite of his old one. Not only is he loved beyond measure, but he is much the pampered boy, as well. Joan cooks for him (chicken and rice is a favorite). She takes him everywhere she goes (she's still trying to figure out how to sneak him into church on Sundays). The only time Josh sees the backyard now is when he goes out to potty - bundled up in his sweater, of course. You have your turn at love, dearest Josh. Your new family will always love you, care for you, and keep your food bowl filled to the brim.

2003 Josh Update!

This is a letter from Josh's family Joan and Terri:

"I wanted to touch base with you this wonderful morning, it has been one year today since Josh came to live with us. He is so loved and has us well in hand. We are tightly wrapped around his little paw. On the way home from church this morning we stopped and bought a plain, uniced pound cake to celebrate this day which we have designated as his birthday. We sang Happy Birthday to him (for the third time so far today, once when I got up and once when Terri got up and then with his cake) enjoyed a piece of his cake with him and told him how happy we are to have him with us. Thanks again for this wonderful gift you have shared with us.

Josh sends a BIG HUG and lots of KISSES!!!

Sincerely and with Hugs,
Joan & Terri"