Wanting to help, Peggy went to the receiving Humane Society shelter for an adoptable dog. Peggy found an irresistible six-year-old, four-pound Yorkshire Terrier. The dog was so thin and required surgery for a hernia, spaying, and extraction of eight rotten teeth.

The dog had known only a life of confinement, repeatedly birthing puppies, and unkind human interaction.  Her captors had "some how" cut her vocal chords.  She can no longer bark and has scarring in her throat.  These pet criminals were willing to breed the dogs but not to listen to the dogs object to their imprisonment.

The staff at the SPCA wanted Peggy to bring in her two dogs, Brio and Buddy, to see if the dogs would blend.  The staff understandably felt that this little dog had enough trauma in her life, and she did not need to be bullied by larger dogs.  Brio and Buddy instantly took to the new tiny dog, and she to them.

"We named her Tinkerbell, because her large ears stick straight up and look like fairy wings," smiles kindhearted Phyllis, who loves all pets and people.

"Brio weighs 10 pounds, more than double Tinkerbell's weight, and he is so gentle with Tinkerbell," reports Peggy.  "I rescued Brio, now a beautiful Bischon, tattered and torn, running back and forth between cars on a four-lane Seattle highway."

Peggy stopped, coaxed the dog into her vehicle, and spent time and money trying to find his guardian.  No one called, so Brio stayed.  Brio understands terror, and is very gentle to his new Tinkerbell.

Adopting a rescued animal with an uncertain past requires a special family.  Tinkerbell, at six- years old is finally being potty-trained.  She knew a home only consisting of wire; four walls, a ceiling, and floor.  She never had the option of keeping her cage or herself clean.  She is a smart dog and is educating herself by following Brio and Buddy's lead on how to act like a "real" dog.

"Surprisingly, Tinkerbell loves being cuddled.  She sits quietly, an hour at a time, cuddled safely in Kelby's arms.  Mill dogs are generally afraid of human hands because they are never handled with kindness.  The terror of human touch runs deep in Mill dogs. Tinkerbell's healing is a slow process.  It is a joy watching her come out of her little shell.  We love her sweet spirit, and luckily...we are patient." admits Phyllis.

When Phyllis and Peggy brought their new-found treasure, Tinkerbell, home, Kelby was so excited!  They immediately went out and bought Tinkerbell a little pink bed, pink collar with bling, and a pink leash.  Guess who is the most spoiled female at their home now!