Missy's Road to Recovery

BTRNC came into foster care as she was being rushed to the emergency clinic. Frail and weak, she'd had puppies. The puppies died and the bleeding started. She spent the next several days recuperating from her near death experience- adjusting to regular care, food and attention. When she was strong enough, she was moved to her foster home where she would spend the next couple of months undergoing heartworm treatment.

With one month of foster care now under her belt, Missy now weighs a healtheir 17lbs and is filling out all of the extra skin that once lay flacid.

Upon arrival, Missy regarded her foster siblings with fear and uncertainty; today she happily plays and snuggles with them. She is a very sweet loving dog and knows no strangers. Given the chance, Missy will crawl into an unsuspecting lap, roll over on her back and fall asleep as her tummy is rubbed.

She has had a few medical snags along the way, but with continued vet care and the watchful eye of her foster mom she will complete her journey with her health restored and her spirit renewed. We are confident of this.

Missy will join the ranks of BTRNC's great saves. These spots are reserved for dogs who would have died were it not for BTRNC's intervention. We pride ourselves on these happy endings as they are a continual reminder of the importance of our mission. But these happy endings come at a cost. To date, we have spent over $2,000 on Missy's veterinary care. Saving a dog from the brink of death isn't cheap but we all agree, it is worth it. Please visit Missy on the Available Dogs page, and if you are able, make a contribution towards Missy's care so we can prepare for the next great save.

Another story for the record books, believes

The Bashful Boston

Pip Pip Hooray!

While the Bashful Boston is relaxing on the sandy beaches of coastal Carolina, the Blog will be handled by one near and dear to her heart.

Pip, formerly known as Bakira, finally has a chance to tell her own story. Pip was adopted in 2006 at the age of 7 with a history of anxiety problems. Pip was adopted by BTRNC's now fundraising coordinator, Jen.

Hi, my name’s Pip…Pip Patten. I am a BTRNC graduate. I lived in one house for about a week (I think they called that a foster home) then they took me to my new mommy.

She cried when she saw me. That was last September. In December mommy got
me a puppy for Christmas. His name is Boo and he’s 5. He came to stay at our house 2 days before Christmas and never left. Now he follows me around like he’s my shadow.
I know my mommy loves me and my brother. I didn’t think anyone would want to adopt me because I’m "older" and all kinds of stuff makes me itch. Mom says they’re allergies. I know 7 is not that old but some people are really picky about older dogs and dogs who aren’t "perfect". When we got Boo, my brother, he was sick. He had worms in his heart and could hardly walk because he got hit by a car. Me and mommy took care of him and now he runs all over the place. Sometimes he drives me crazy but I still love him.

I think all of the people at BTRNC are really nice. They helped me find a new mommy and brother that love me very much.

Yours Truly,

Pip

PS- The Bashful Boston will make her return in just a few days!

One BIG Happy Family

We don't have to tell you that our volunteers are proponents of rescue. Why buy from a breeder, or worse, support a puppy mill when there are dozens of homeless Bostons out there waiting for doting new parents and comfy new quarters.

Volunteer Trish along with husband Tom practice what they preach. Trish and Tom have four adopted "children", each one rescued.

In 2003, their first bundle of joy arrived via Carolina Boxer Rescue. Here is Kiki with her little sister playing tug with what looks like Dad's sock. Uh-oh, we know what dad needs for Father's Day this year.

In 2004 the BTRNC stork dropped off 8 week old Piper. Trish admits, "she is the one that got me hooked on BT's ... her little personality is wonderful, she rules the roost ... bosses sweet little Bandit around, has a boxer wiggle and greeting with a toy in her mouth."

Bandit arrived into the home in 2005 as a foster dog. Trish explains, "...his clownish personality won us over, [we] failed Fostering 101. He is a talker, he woohoo's you everytime you walk up to him, he begs Piper for toys and when she will not give them up he rolls over her and the toy, which cause her to go after him and then again the race is back on."

Last, but not least came Pugsley in 2007. He also entered with foster dog status. That didn't last long. Trish says, "Puglsey came into our life as a special needs.. he is 100% deaf. I was very apprehensive about fostering a deaf little one. BUT, it just came naturally what to do. And, it is so rewarding .... he just keeps giving love and of course, he has the silly BT personality. For anyone out there afraid or apprehensive about a special needs dog, don't be, just treat them like your children with love and tolerance and the love given back is ten-fold. So Puglsey was my second failure at Fostering 101."

But what is it they say about failure? "It is on our failures that we base a new and different and better success." I think we can all agree that this is a story of success, certainly not failure.

We'll let Trish end this BLOG in her own words. "One day I suddenly realized, I have 4 dogs! They are all rescues, and I love them all, the key to our successes (and sanity) is a good and firm routine. Now I cannot even fathom not having theses babies. They each have their own personality and quirks.. all loveable!"

Bonnie and Amelia's Excellent Adventure


With foster homes spread out across the tarheel state, it's not often that foster dogs are able to meet and greet, especially with one another. On Saturday, our east coast babies, Bonnie and Amelia met to kick off the 6th Annual Paw Jam in Wilmington, NC. Bonnie loves the camera and the camera loves her. Can you guess what Amelia thinks of the camera?


Amelia ventured out for an early morning stroll before the crowds arrived. She caught site of Pender County Humane Society and Operation TopCat, both no-kill animal rescues. She cautiously approached for a closer look at some week-old kittens and some rambunctious young pups. Amelia agreed that the animals were in good hands and moved on.

As volunteers trickled in, so did more dogs! Bonnie took an intense interest in Boo (adopted 2007). Bonnie likes her men big and strong but Boo didn't care for young Bonnie and her independent, assertive ways. Oh well, sung Bonnie. There are more fish in the sea...

There certainly are! Just next door was Carolina Boxer Rescue and a hunk by the name of Carlos. Bonnie nearly fainted when she saw the muscles underneath that fawn coat. Quietly confident and wonderfully obedient, Bonnie was intrigued by this distinguished lad. Now, how would she catch his attention? Surely, her outgoing personality and natural good looks would warrant a glance her way.


Meanwhite, Amelia was sprawled upon the lawn, enjoying a mid-day sunbath. The warm rays felt so good on her thin coat. It seems this photo was snapped as Amelia stood to pay homage to the sun. Now, only if she could locate a pair of sunglasses to protect those beautiful blue eyes.


As the mercury creeped up hour by hour, Bonnie and Amelia grew parched. Like all ladies of certain etiquette and unquestionable grooming, they good naturely shared a bowl of cool refreshment. Careful not to slurp or take more of their share, these two became fast friends.

As friends do, Amelia and Bonnie shared secrets. Bonnie told Amelia of her crush on Carlos. Amelia agreed he was a catch and encouraged Bonnie to go for it! Amelia divulged that the grass here was the best she had ever tasted. Bonnie sampled a few blades and concurred. It must be the warm, salty air that adds a kick of extra flavor.


As the afternoon wore on, crowds began to thin, volunteers grew weary and eyelids grew heavy. Determined to catch the attention of her foster mom, Bonnie wailed, "Mooooooom, it's time to go nooooooow!"


Bonnie said goodbye to her new friend and promised to keep in touch. Perhaps they could plan an outing to the beach, suggested Amelia. Bonnie agreed it would be fun. The girls seperated believing the day to be one excellent adventure.



An adventure indeed, affirms


The Bashful Boston

Happy Blogiversary!

The Boston Blogger celebrates its first anniversary today! The past year has been filled with one hundred and tens posts about Bostons who’ve experienced enormous life changes to search for light at the end of a dark tunnel. We feature stories of courage, resurrection, humor and most notably, the bond between man and his Boston. The Blog could not exist without tales from our foster and adoptive parents who share their everyday lives with these silly black and white dogs and happily report back to us with updates. With the continued support of all those with ties to BTRNC we can look forward to another year of Bloggin’!

To celebrate this first anniversary, please don’t send us the traditional paper products. Send us your stories and your pictures. Share your BTRNC dog with us!! We want to hear how our adoptee or foster dog is doing! Send us a photo or two or three and an update! We’ll gladly post your news!

Your mail can be sent to

Kspeer@ec.rr.com

The inaugural Blog began with a picture of one of the Bashful Boston’s favorite beaus. His name is Samuel. In June 2006, Sam was in foster care wishing on a star that someone would love his less than perfect self. We think it's only fitting to share with you another picture of Sam. His wish came true.

Happy Blogiversary to one and to all.

Your devoted,

Bashful Boston