before 2012, it is not known. As more 501(c)(3) Yorkie rescue organiza- tions have developed since the incep- tion of YTNR in 1997, it is possible that the less medically acute Yorkies are going to “startup” rescues, leav- ing the more medically complex Yorkie being surrendered to YTNR. YTNR has an established reputa- tion with sustainability for over 20 years and has resources for caring for rescues with more complex medical problems such as liver shunts. The data over the past 6-years do indicate we are caring for more rescues with complex medical care. THE SMOKY AWARDS Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue also honors our rescues by giving the Smoky Award to the Rescues of the Year. Smoky was a four-pound Yorkie that was found in an abandoned jungle foxhole in New Guinea in early 1944
by a soldier whose Jeep had stalled in the jungle. The next day the Yorkie was sold for two Australian pounds ($6.44) to a 20-year-old PFC Bill Wynne. Bill and Smoky flew combat missions and went through many air raids together. She lived on typical rugged army food including at that time C and K rations, while serving 18 months straight together in com- bat. When Bill went home, Smoky went home with him, back to the United States. When YTNR was planning its very first Rescue Ball in 1999 the first thing that came to mind was creating a special award for the Yorkie Res- cue of the Year. It seemed logical to name this prestigious award after Bill Wynne’s world famous little Yorkie. After nominations came in, it quickly became clear that each story was spe- cial and touching. Each successful rescue is wonderful and heartwarm- ing, just as Smoky was. She started
a movement in rescue, in therapy, in obedience that showed people what a four-pound dynamo could do. Announcing the year’s Smoky Awards each year at the Award Din- ner is something we look forward to through laughter and tears. It reminds us of why we do what we do, and how it is so very worthwhile. We receive many nominations and it is never easy to narrow it down to pick the winners. You see, each rescue has its very own defined story and fortunately end- ing in a loving forever home. Some of these little dogs are senior citizens; some have continuing health issues requiring ongoing care. Some never knew human love and kindness be- fore; some were strays and some were surrendered by families who could no longer keep them. YTNR is proud to announce the Yorkie rescue of the year! 2018 WINNER OF THE SMOKY AWARD “YORKIE RESCUE OF THE YEAR” GRACIE by Julie Howard I was scrolling through Facebook one day and there she was. This tiny Yor- kie in YTNR. I looked at her sweet face and read her profile, feeling a tug atmyheartstrings. Acoupledays later, I returned to Gracie’s profile and knew she would soon become my girl. I contacted Corrine Ellison, who was fostering Gracie, to inquire about her. I knew Corrine previously, and she was very happy I was interested in Gracie, especially since this 3-year- old, 2.5lb Yorkie had several health issues, a cloudy past, and uncertain future. Gracie had a history of a frac- tured leg, eye ulceration, neurological disorder with seizures, and she was blind. She also had a leg injury that was being treated with daily to every other day dressing changes. Lucky for Gracie, I am a retired RN, so knew how to change the dressing, adminis- ter her eye medications and daily oral prednisone. I’ve also had to hold her during seizures to prevent any harm coming to her and also to ascertain she had an adequate airway until the
The first graph shows the number of rescues
Number of Rescues
132
140
120
92
100
85
76
80
71
70
60
40
40
20
0
2012 92
2013 132
2014 85
2015 71
2016 76
2017 70
2018 40
Number of Rescues
Year
*2018 is not a full year The second graph shows the acuity scores of the rescues
Percentage of 7-Year Acuity Scores for YTNR Rescues
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
Acuity Score 1=low; 5=high
1
2
3
4
5
T op N otch T oys , J anuary 2019 • 65
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