Kirby Visits the Lake

Late on a warm spring afternoon Kirby ventured to the local lake for a scenic walk among the towering cypress and wisteria-draped pines. With the azaleas in bloom and the ducks spread out across the lake, both Kirby and his foster parents dwindled away the daylight hours in quiet peace.

The flashy feathers of the mallards attracted Kirby to the docks edge. Wading softly in the cool water below, the ducks were unalarmed by Kirby's presence. Kirby took in the scene appreciatively and pointed out a swimming turtle that was suprised to see a black and white face peering down at him.

The sound of running water drew Kirby closer to a small pond. The slight breeze drew drops from a fountain's spray to his eager tongue. Kirby saw a lone bench across the pond and thought this might be a serence place to retreat when he was having a stressful day.

Kirby halted atop a wooden bridge for a view of the ducks wading below and the birds soaring above. As he nestled his head between two slats for a closer look, the sun continued its descent towards the horizon, casting a warm glow on everything in it's path.

Kirby immensely enjoyed his trip the lake. He took in the sights and sounds respectfully, never disturbing the peace or taunting the wildlife. He explored eagerly and met each new scenario with typical Boston confidence.

Kirby is available for adoption- looking for a home who will provide him interaction and security. If you think you might be that someone special that Kirby seeks, please visit our Available Dogs page and complete an application for this easy-going loverboy.

Happy Birthday, Samuel!

Just in from Charleston, SC are birthday photos of Samuel (adopted June 2006) celebrating age 5! Very rarely is BTRNC informed of a dog's birthdate when they arrive in foster care. But, buried in Sam's early veterinary records we found the date. For adoptive parents, it is a cherished piece of information that often gives them the only factual insight into the dog's life before BTRNC.

For the first time in his life, Sam had his very own party! His adoptive parents had presents and and a GIANT peanut butter treat, ready for the birthday boy.

Sam opened gifts in colorful bags and pulled out several interesting looking things. But, his favorite was the plush mallard duck. Can you blame him? Who can resist a stuffed duck?

When all the presents were opened, the candles extinguished and the giant peanut butter treat gone, Sam grabbed his party hat and ran off to take a well-deserved nap!

Sam, you're a jolly good fellow. Happy Birthday. You'll always have a place in the heart of

The Bashful Boston

Happy St. Patrick's Day

As St. Patrick's Day approaches, humans prepare for the festivities with parades, Irish stew, Guinness beer and our greenest attire. But, what does St. Patrick's Day mean for our beloved Bostons?

For the Flanigan boys it means that mom, Pamela, is hiding around the corner with tiny hats, extra-large sequin bows and her camera. Harley and Popeye (adopted 2004) Flanigan are accustomed to their mother' s desire to capture each holiday with a festive photo and the volunteers of BTRNC eagerly await the delivery of each photo. On this Day of Green 2007, we are in for a treat. Not only do we have the 2 Flanigan boys on film, but their cousins, Max and Millie too! From left to right are Popeye and Harley Flanigan and Max and Millie Alderman- all wishing you a joyous day.

For Frosty O'Dog (adopted2006) it means that mom, Karen, is sneaking up behind him with the intent to magically cast as him a leprechaun. And, what a handsome leprechaun he turned out to be!

To properly honor Frosty the Leprechaun, let's all do a brief St. Paddy's Day rendition of Frosty the Snowman.

Frosty the Leprechaun
Was a cunning wealthy creature
With a green felt hat and a wet black nose
And a wig made out of yarn

Now that you're in the spirit, go out and enjoy all of the things that make St. Patrick's Day distinctive for you.


Erin Go Bragh! cheers the
The Bashful O'Boston

Under the Tucson Sun

Just days ago we received an update that traveled many miles to reach BTRNC. Upon it's arrival, we were delighted to see that two of our 2006 adoptees are now soaking up the warm rays of the Tucson sun.

We will let the author of the update tell her story.

"I adopted Sadie (in June 2006) and Frosty (in October 2006) from BTRNC and it could not have worked out better! They adore each other, and I cannot imagine what they would do without the other one. They play so well together...tug-of-war, chase, etc. I don't think Frosty realizes that he had cancer, and has a heart murmur. He is doing beautifully and hopefully will continue to be healthy. Sadie LOVES having a brother to hang out with all day.

In December 2006, my soon-to-be husband learned he would be restationed to the Air Force base in Tucson, AZ. I worried how our three dogs would do driving across country. It would take about 3.5 days to drive over 2,100 miles and we would all be in one car. (My husband has a 12 year old dalimation/lab mix.) Additionally, I worried how they would adjust to their new home and desert surrounding.

In February, my husband and I got married, then moved from Charleston, SC to Tucson, AZ. Instead of being worried about the dogs, I should have worried about myself! For most of the trip, the dogs sat in the front seat while I sat in the back. The dogs had a great trip. They loved the new smells, sights, and most of all the 3.5 days of family togetherness. They adjusted beautifully to their new enviroment. Sadie and Frosty love the Arizona sun and enjoy the morning sunshine on their hammock."

Sadie and Frosty entered into rescue in middle age. Sadie was a healthy, owner surrender with a passion for mud pits and Frosty was a shelter dog with heartworm, cancer and a heart murmur.

We never know what's around the corner for our adoptees. With the help of BTRNC, so many corners have yielded safe havens with bowls overflowing with food and water, baskets of toys, hours of fetch and when the sun goes down, a soft place to snooze the night away.

Or, in the case of Sadie and Frosty, a hammock to enjoy the Arizona morning sun.

Truly, a great way to live, proclaims


The Bashful Boston

Milo's Day at the Park

Poor Milo had a rough week. First, somebody had the gall to neuter him! Then he was pulled from the shelter and brought to an unfamiliar foster home. He learned he would have to share his new home with 2 dogs and 2 angry felines. Just when he began to settle in to his new digs, he was whisked off to the vet to begin his heartworm treatment. He returned home sore and sleepy!

When the week finally came to an end, Milo's foster mom decided he needed a special treat. So, off he and mom went to the park for some one-on-one time together.

Before venturing off for a walk, Milo and his foster mom first had to review all of the park rules. Better stay on that leash and clean up after yourself, Milo!

Next, Milo headed into the woods for a relaxing nature walk. Within minutes, Milo came upon a lovely overlook with a serene pond below. He decided to get a closer look at the water.

Oops, now what did that sign say? Something about alligators, was it? Wait, there are alligators in the water?!! Milo hightailed it away from that so-called serene pond!


Milo headed back to the trail and heard chanting in the distance. As it grew louder, he saw a pack of Navy men jogging. Milo didn't understand all that chanting, but that jogging sure looked like fun.

And, so did hopscotch! The local children must have been out early that morning chalking the sidewalks. Thanks kids, Milo loves to hop!

Speaking of kids, there sure was a lot of laughter and screaming coming from the playground. Milo begged his mom to let him go down that slide.

But, as they say, all good things must come to an end. Milo took a refreshing gulp of cold water and reflected on all of the things he had seen at the park. With his head full of the days sights and sounds, Milo said goodbye and headed home for a lazy afternoon nap.

A nap sounds like a good idea, agrees

The Bashful Boston

Polished in Pink

When the Jones' family adopted Suma Angelique in fall 2006, BTRNC knew a happy ending story was in the making. With a heart full of love and an unwavering devotion to her humans, 2-year-old Suma quickly became the apple of their eye.

When the Jones contacted us with an update and pictures of Suma enjoying her new life in Virginia, the Bashful Boston's eyes grew wide in suprise. For, in those pictures, she saw something she had never seen before. Perhaps, our readers will share in this awe.

While Suma dozes on her back, Mama Jones gives Suma her very own manicure and pedicure! Papa Jones explains, "Oddly enough, she loves it to peices when we paint her nails. She relaxes, and near falls asleep when we do it. She's a lady."


A lady she is! A dog that will lay peacefully so her nails can be painted Pink Passion or Candy Apple Red is one in a million. Clearly, Suma enjoys the pampered life!


The Bashful Boston is left speechless.