I received two e-mails, almost simultaneously, from members of Keeshond Rescue. The week prior to Martin Luther King, Jr. day in January, they informed me that a female Keeshond needed rescued. Linda Dominguez reported in her e-mail that a little female, approximately 3 years old, was in the York County Shelter. This little girl, Tasha, was taken from her owners on charges of neglect and cruelty to animals. Her previous owners left her outside with no shelter during freezing rain and ice storms a few days previous. They also did not provide her with food and water on a regular basis. A neighbor had been feeding Tasha and when the owners neglected to bring her in during this freezing storm, they called the authorities.

The other Keeshond Rescue member, Pat Cassel, e-mailed that she was very close to the shelter and could get Tasha out if I could foster her. While we were arranging the transfer of Tasha from Pat to me, word spread about Tasha's plight. Almost immediately a home was found in Ohio for Tasha. I had planned on nursing her back to health, (she had an upper respiratory infection) having her spayed, shots updated, housebreaking her, and evaluating her temperament before she went on to her new home. While I was taking care of Tasha, her new owner developed cancer and was unable to take her.

I was starting to get concerned as almost 2 months had passed since Tasha "temporarily" joined our family. We were starting to get attached to her. She turned out to be one of the most loving and gentle little girls we have ever fostered. She craved attention. She wanted nothing but to be beside you and loved. This is how she affectionately became known as Tasha-Masha, MacIntosha, and yes sometimes Tasha-Monster as she loved to tease our senior Kees, Kody.

Shortly thereafter, I received an inquiry about Tasha from Brian Watson who lived in State College, PA. A very short distance from me. I thought this would be wonderful, I could visit her and check on her progress. I soon found out that this was not the case. Brian and his family wanted Tasha for their mother who lived in Florida. They had previously owned Keeshonden and his mother was devastated when their last Keeshond passed away. I had never placed a long distance rescue before and wasn't sure that it was possible. Through the wonderful Keeshond Rescue network of volunteers, I found a member who lived in the same city Tasha was to be placed. Pat Martinez gladly agreed to help me with placing Tasha.

We had our work cut out for us. Tasha was to be a surprise Easter present for Janet Watson, Brian's mother. We had to check references, vets, and do a home check all without Janet's knowledge. Well we pulled it off and Janet was overjoyed with her new Keesie, Tasha. Tasha is living a wonderfully spoiled life in Jacksonville Florida with her new family.

Isn't it funny how some things turn out? A rescue member sent me an e-mail when she heard about Tasha's new life and it stated, "Great News! She'll never have to be cold again".