This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
He loved the cats in the Tonte household too, and eventually learned to more than tolerate his canine housemates. The rebirth of Baby transformed Lynne as well.


She fell in love with Chihuahuas and knew that she would always have at least one in her home. She has become a champion for the little breed with the big personalities who are often misunderstood. It is why so many “Chi’s” end up in shelters across the country. When Lynne and Fred moved to Florida, the


first thing she did was join a Chihuahua Meet-up group. Over the last couple of years, the group’s makeup and focus have morphed into a social phenomenon. With more than 300 members, it is not unusual to run into a large group of humans and their Chi’s at various dog socials across Tampa Bay and Central Florida. The group’s main focus is to continue to socialize their Chihuahuas while educating the public about the breed. Their social outings are raising awareness and funds for animal rescue, adoption and advocacy programs. Many members of the meet-up group have adopted Chihuahuas from Florida shelters and rescue groups. Other members offer foster homes to groups such as Limbo Chihuahuas. If a member hears of a dis- tressed situation involving a Chihuahua, a plan of action quickly heats up via group members’ social media sites. No doubt, heads turn and some eyes may roll


whenever this group arrives with their well-dressed Chihuahuas, strolling, rolling and strutting by. Fun is the operative word for all of the members - dogs and humans alike who don’t take themselves too seri- ously. The dogs may be dressed up and blinged out, but more importantly, they are ambassadors for their breed. Dogs are our responsibility. We owe it to them


to provide a safe and healthy environment. When society fails to care for dogs, no matter the breed, not only will the individual dog suffer, but their breed’s reputation will suffer as well. This in turn will drive up the rate at which they’re surrendered at shelters, thereby increasing euthanizaiton rates and reinforcing incorrect stereotypes. Baby has been Lynne’s Lucky Charm. To say the dog has changed her life is an understatement. In her own words, “Baby is the best seven pounds I ever gained.” U


Limbo Chihuahua Rescue - a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that rescues Chihuahuas and Chi mixes. An all volunteer organization, the group is in desperate need of foster homes. If you can help, please call 727.423.0226 or email bonoball@tampabay.rr.com


www.LimboChihuahuas.org


Chihuahuas of the Tampa Bay Area Meet-up - Meetup.com/Chihuahuas-of-the-Tampa-Bay-Area.


www.TheNewBarker.com Spring ~ 2014 THE NEW BARKER 31


Dog-Friendly Oceanfront Lifestyle.


Truly, A


 


  


 


        


 


 


 


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104