Shar Pei Rescue of Tennessee

This beautiful red brushcoat boy showed up on someone's office doorstep starved and almost hairless. Nick is young, probably no more than 2 years, and has a wonderful temperament. He loves everybody and he gets along with other dogs. Nick is very playful.

Nick is vaccinated, heartworm negative and on preventive. He is house trained and crate trained.

UPDATE 4/27/06 Nick has had one fever episode. He hasn't been diagnosed with FSF, but that's probably what it is. He is on medication that he will need to continue with, but it is inexpensive. The medication (colchicine) reduces the frequency of the fevers and also the severity of the episode when one does happen. It could be that he never has another one since we put him on the medication immediately after the first fever. If you aren't familiar with FSF, you can read about it on Dr. Vidt's web site at http://www.drjwv.com/article.php?view=0004.php&name=Familial+Shar-Pei+Fever%28FSF%29. Just copy and paste into your web browser.

8/19/06: It took a long time, but Nick is finally in the perfect home. He's in Indiana with Terri and her beloved Sasha, that she also adopted from us. Sasha lost her playmate, Tai Lee, a couple months back and she was so lonely. Terri knew she had to find her a playmate. And that is exactly what she did. Nick and Sasha hit it off from the minute Nick walked in the house. We are so happy for Nick. He's a great dog that got a bum rap, but now he's in a great home and will be loved unconditionally.

925/06 Nick and Sasha are doing well together. . . with the upcoming election, I don't have as much time as I would like to train Nick. . . he still doesn't sit and stay but he is a good, affectionate and loving boy who roughhouses with his sister who looks like a peanut beside him. There are times when Sasha is "sad" because Nick pushes to the front for affection and has to be in the middle all of the time. I am trying to make time just for her.

Thank you for this wonderful addition to the family.

8/20/07: My Nickie boy is the best. He is the most loving animal I've ever had. He sleeps on his "blankie" at the foot of the bed but only after he cuddles for a while and I turn out the light. First thing in the morning, Nick is off the blankie and snuggling with me. We have the tendency to just look one another in the eye . . . a little doggy connection that melts my heart. He comes when he is called but still gets really nervous about sit and lay down unless we are on the bed. He always sits then but I fear he had some really negative experiences early on when he was being trained.

Nick has a doggy valet - a retired gentleman - Joe - who comes over once a day to play and let Nick out. There are old friends now. Joe just loves Nick although Nick was none to eager to warm up.

Love, Terry

10/29/07: Dear Cindy -
Our boy is a treasure! He is the most loving animal I've ever had. He's at the point now where he prefers to sleep, not only on the bed, but with his head touching me. . . that is until I must kick or knock him around. He then takes his place on "his blankie" at the foot of the bed.
Cindy, I don't know what I would do without Nick, without the sweetest memories of my little girl, Sasha, also sent by you. Terry

12/26/08: Hope you and yours . . . all of yours . . . had a wonderful holiday season. Nick and I had a terrific day filled with family and friends! Here is a photo of Nick sharing the floor in front of the fireplace with me!
Always -
Terry and Nick

12/19/2011: Dear Cindy -

It breaks my heart to write to you with such sad news. I had to put Nick down on Thursday night.
He had a sudden and severe attack of SharPei fever about two weeks ago, the first in a very long time. He recovered and seemed to be doing well. But, his kidneys were failing him. This was not the usual kidney failure that is associated with SharPei fever. Nick ended up in little doggie ICU in Indianapolis where he had excellent treatment. It appeared as if his kidneys were rebounding but they and he very quickly declined. After iv fluids and blood transfusions and recognizing how terrible he was feeling, his wonderful vet and I decided we could no longer see him suffer with such little, if any, hope of recovery and decided to put him down. We were all on the floor and the last thing he knew was my most gentle touch, so familiar for these years, and soft voice. My heart is still breaking.

I have been very blessed to have Nick to be my constant companion. He was so subtle and consistent in his love for me. Nick, no doubt, thought I was "over the top." Ever the good judge of character, he was very right about that. I adored his every step, every tail wag, every glance my way. . . and always will.

Please feel free to post Nick's death to our numbers. I don't believe I could handle being contacted by other SharPei lovers right now. I'd bawl my eyes out with every email. Thank you so much, Cindy, for being the facilitator of an endearing and enduring relationship with Nick. He has meant and now his memory means the world to me.

Always -
Terry Harper

R.I.P., sweet Nick!