We always had the really large dogs when we were younger, but as we got older it started getting a bit more difficult to keep up with all the activity the large beeds need. When we got to the point in our lives where we traveled a bit more we decided we would like another fur-kid to "nurture" since Delsi (our Chihuahua) was in her senior years and starting to show signs of decline, we (by lots of experience) decided on a few things we would like and not like in a toy breed. When we narrowed it down to 4 breeds we did some lengthly research before deciding on the Yorkie. I joined three Yorkie Rescues and fostered many of these guys to see if they still fit the bill on what we wanted. Each had their own personalities and idiosyncrasies, but one thing really showed thru with each one, (no matter if they were owner surrender, past abuse or puppy mill dogs) and that was the true Yorkie Spirit and tenacity and a will to survive and please. We were totally hooked, and the rest is history.