WELCOME HOME DADDY!!!!!

The Boastful Boston is very pleased to share the story of Heather, Scott, Blue and Pickles. It was written mostly by Heather and proudly shared with all of our readers. Blue and Pickles were both adopted from BTRNC and both are very lucky little bostons. Scott just returned from a tour in Iraq where he was anxiously awaited by Heather and the two newest additions to the family:

Scott and I had always talked about getting a dog, but living in a apartment with 2 cats I didn't think it would work. In July 2006 we bought a house in New Bern and started thinking about getting a dog again. In November of 2006 we found out that Scott would be going to Iraq. I told him I wanted to get a dog so I would have something to keep me occupied while he was away and it would make me feel safer. So we stared looking and looking. We submitted our application with the rescue in the beginning of December 2006. I heard back from the group after Scott had left. I had decided on Blue after talking with his foster mom and got the OK from Scott. Blue came to live with me at the right time. He gave me something to look forward to coming home to and someone to greet me and love me. He also gave me another reason to celebrate Valentines day, his 1st birthday! After a couple of months Blue settled in and I could tell he really wanted another dog to play with. So I went back to the rescue and started looking at dogs again. I found Pickles and talked with Scott about her and got the ok. So then Pickles came to live with us in July. Blue was really happy to have another dog to play with and I was getting double the love and BT kisses!!

Finally in January, 2008, it was time for Scott to come home. I kept telling the dogs all week that they were going to meet there adoptive dad on soon. I don't think they understood. On Friday January 18th I got the dogs up and ready for the trip to Camp Lajune, Jacksonville to meet there dad. Both the dogs wore their red, white and blue bandannas to show there support to the troops.

They were just really excited about going for a car ride! Once we arrived at the base we got out to go on a quick walk they were checking everyone out. We ended up waiting for about 2 hours.

As the time grew closer we went to watch for the buses. When they arrived and the Marines started getting off the dogs got really excited. Then Scott got off and came over and finally met his pups!

We got his bags and headed home, both dogs sat on my lap as Scott drove back to New Bern. When we got home we showed him all of the changes to the house including the dogs stuff and then they three of them started playing. The dogs took to him like they have known him forever! Even Blue who is normally funny around men he doesn't know.

So there's the story of a family reunited. We are so happy that Scott returned home safely. We wish the entire family many years of happiness and we thank Heather for sharing their story.

ODE TO A FOSTER MOM OR DAD

To the forever family:

I'm so glad that you and your new forever baby have found each other. I know after the application process, the home visit, the many phone conversations and the eventual meeting, that you will provide for and love my foster baby and give him a good and loving home. I also know that if for whatever reason, it didn't work out as everyone hoped, that you will return my foster baby to BTRNC and that I won't have to worry that you took him anywhere else. I am excited for you and your new addition. I anxiously await updates and pictures from his new home.

When he arrived at my house, he was scared, not completely house broken and feeling less than healthy. I sat up with him at night holding him and making him feel secure. I made sure his medications were delivered on schedule and that he actually swallowed them, and didn't spit them out. I kept a very close eye on him and made sure he made all necessary trips outside and rewarded him with praise and occasional treats when he used the yard for his bathroom and felt proud when he understood that outside is where he should always go when nature called. I made sure his meal times were regular and his water intake was as it should be. I watched as he slowly warmed up to the dogs in my house and actually learned to romp and play with them. I introduced him to toys and made sure he knew which ones were his. I kept him warm with sweaters and blankets and never let him get too hot on warm days. I took him for rides with me in the car so he would understand that every car did not take him to a shelter or a doctor's office. I took him to meet cats and young children so I could report whether he would make a good match with a large family or one with cats.

And then I let him go to you. How could I let him go after all that, you may ask? Because my job with him was done. There is always another one new to rescue who needs my loving care, but don't think I won't miss him. Please love my foster baby, he will always be a part of me.

Foster Mom

This could have been written for any number of fosters who move through BTRNC. The Boastful Boston had to include a picture however, so I have chosen Quinn, adopted in October 2007 where he now lives happily with his family and his new brother Otto. Ever seen a boston smile?

MAMMA, I'M COLD!

You may have noticed that Bostons don't have a lot of fur. This is a good thing for owners - little grooming, little shedding, often called little wash and wear dogs.

The Bostons themselves, however may dream of having heavy fur coats like their collie friends or if that's not going to happen - at least lots of sweaters for going outside. In the summertime, their lack of fur makes them candidates for sunburn and heat stroke. So regardless of the season, bostons are indoor dogs and should never be kept outside for long periods of time.

Bostons like blankets, on the sofa, on the bed, on the floor, in the crate, in the car - anywhere will be just fine thank you! If your boston suddenly disappears, lift up the nearest blanket!

What better way to illustrate, than with a few pictures of Brody adopted from BTRNC in 2007. It looks like Brody has settled right in at his forever home. Thanks Mom for the blankets and warm places to snuggle.

The top picture is the Boastful Boston's own formerly foster, adopted baby in 2005 - Holden who concurs that blankets are the best!

SHE STOLE MY BLANKET!!!

THIS WILL WORK!

EVERY THING IS BETTER WHEN SHARED WITH A FRIEND

Got Bostons?

While there are some dogs that have demonstrated their strong preference for being an only child, many bostons enjoy the company of each other almost as much as their human companions. Two do a great job of entertaining each other too! You might actually get your house cleaned, your leaves raked, your project done or your blog posted!

Sometimes, "sibling" bostons form very deep bonds as seen here with our models, Fenway and Harley!

This is the private moment that Mom, one of our volunteers, walked in on when she entered Dad's study without knocking. Fenway and Harley didn't mind though- they are proud of their friendship.

Yes, sometimes, adding a second boston to our house is just what everyone needs. You never know, you may be uniting two soul mates, or at the very least, a personal assistant!

Got bostons? If not, please check out our available dogs on this website!

The Boastful Boston

SANTA PAWS 2007

Bullett and Bonnie share a blanket from Santa Paws!

Can everyone handle just one final holiday themed blog? The Boastful Boston thanks you for allowing her to linger just a little longer.

For the second year in a row, one of our volunteers organized and monitored a project called Santa Paws for all of our current rescues in foster care. Each member who wanted to participate was assigned a foster until the fosters run out. The member became Santa Paws to that fur baby and sent a package to the home for the lucky recipient to open!

Dixie snuggles withher blankie from Santa Paws!

The result was amazing as some foster Moms shared pictures and stories with the group of these babies receiving and opening their Christmas packages. Our volunteers do such an amazing job every day for all of our bostons in rescue and Santa Pased provided an opportunity to bring extra joy into the life of a dog who is adjusting to rescue and a new loving foster home. Side note: Dixie was recently adopted into her forever home!

Luna gets her Sanra Paws package and realizes they are all for her!