Tribute to a Volunteer

One month ago, BTRNC members received an email about a dog named Henri. Henri is a 3-month-old pup placed in foster care by a breeder. The breeder had turned to BTRNC realizing he had a puppy with a problem. He hoped we could determine what ailed Henri, cure it and adopt him into a wonderful home.

Henri and his foster mom consulted a specialist. The news was disheartening. Henri was born with a neurological defect similar to spina bifida. Although he can walk, run and jump, Henri is incontinent and must wear a diaper. There is no treatment or surgery that can cure this condition. Trying to find a family willing to adopt a dog that will require diapers for the rest of his life is a nearly impossible task. BTRNC decided Henri would be returned to the breeder. Henri's fate would lie in the breeder's hands...euthanasia was probable.

Before Henri traveled back to the breeder, BTRNC decided to first contact its membership and ask if anyone was willing to commit to this diaper-clad pup. It was a long shot, but we had to give Henri a chance.

Some people want it to happen, some wish it to happen, others make it happen.

One lone volunteer stepped forward and offered Henri a home.

This was the same volunteer who, a couple of years ago, responded to an urgent message about a Boston Terrier mix in a shelter facing certain euthanasia. She drove several hundred miles to save Nanci, who turned out to be pregnant. Nanci had a forever home and all of her puppies later found wonderful homes.

This was the same volunteer that adopted Pete, a BTRNC dog who had lost an eye and was not comfortable around other dogs.

And now, Henri. The playful, sweet, lovable Henri has a bright future ahead of him.

This is one volunteer who has saved the lives of three precious pups.
Three lives that may have ended prematurely had she not stepped forward.

Jan Holsinger.

On behalf of Nanci, Pete and Henri, thank you, thank you, thank you.