The Boston Blogger

2012-01-25T13:33:00.004-05:00

FRESH AS A DAISY

This adorable little bundle of cuteness is Miss Daisy. Everyone that meets here falls in love with her. If you have read her bio on the available dogs page, you know she is a ball of fire with two, very fixable bum legs. In fact, we are happy to report that she has come through the surgery on the more severe leg very well and is currently at home recuperating in the loving care of her foster Mom. She is already putting weight on that leg and after recovery, her leg will actually be stronger than if she had never required surgery at all. We want you to know what you would be getting into with Daisy which is why her bio continuously stresses her energy level. Like Murphy, a previously blogged long legged wild child, Daisy is a very compact short legged 12 pound doll baby wild child. Without slowing down, she steals hearts. Even the vet where she had her surgery did not want to let her go home.

Look at it this way, she is tiny enough to pick up easily and carry around if you need to get some work done that does not revolve around her.

Her foster Mom had some challenges convincing Missy Daisy that she should be a big girl and do her business outside. Much to Daisy's dismay, it came down to tethering her to Mom's ankle so she could constantly be watched. Here she is, not at all happy about this proposition.

As if she wasn't energetic enough, she also has a taste for coffee. Shown here in the act of getting her caffeine fix.

You have heard about our Santa Paws program each Christmas. She was thrilled with her presents and only had a hard time deciding whether she wanted the pink stuffie or the white bone.

Finally, here is the angel recovering at home after her surgery and enjoying her heat therapy.

If you like bostons enough to read this blog, can you really resist this face? Please re-read her lengthy bio to get more insight on our little flower. We thank you.

2012-01-11T09:53:00.005-05:00

GONE WITH THE WIND

At least from his former life anyway. Apparently our canine Rhett Butler is every bit as charming and persuasive as Clark Gable was in the movie. He was pulled from the pound, named Rhett Butler and transported to his Foster Mom's Mom, yes you read that right. Mom delivered him to Daughter's door and within 10 days, made Rhett her own and adopted him. She started talking about wanting to keep him almost from day one. She said he was too precious and charming to let go.

So our Rhett never made it to the website but that is just fine with him. Here is a chronicle of Rhett story in pictures:

Rhett preparing to get sprung from the pound.

Rhett riding in the car on his way to foster care.

Rhett making himself useful by becoming the corner deck guard at his foster home.

Rhett today, in his foster turned forever home.

Through the power of social media, we learned that Rhett's original owner knew he was at the pound,having escaped once again from his property. We also knew that he had frequently been on the lamb and offered shelter in a neighbor's home. Unfortunately, his owner chose not only to not come claim him, they did not even call the shelter to release him so he was held in the pound for 10 days waiting...

So, regarding Rhett's former life before the car ride above, he says, "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn!"

Congratulations Rhett and family!

2012-01-02T18:06:00.004-05:00

LET'S GET THIS BOY IN HIS FOREVER EVER HOME FOR THE NEW YEAR

This is Bullwinkle, 3 years old, house and crate trained and laid back

His name seemed odd to me when I first heard it. I couldn't hear " come Bullwinkle", sit Bullwinkle", good Bullwinkle" without tripping over my tongue. Then when I saw his picture, I had to admit that I did think about Bullwinkle, Rocky's side kick in the cartoons and I understood. However, just between you and me, I think I would change his name if he lived with me. I could see even just Moose....

Anyway, you see, this fine young man was adopted in late 2011 but a very nice gentleman who thought he was doing the right think by giving our boy a home. Unfortunately, he took Bullwinkle to a dog park where the dogs run off leash, and have a big time. Confession time.... I am scared to death of those places but I am an admitted control freak. Also, my Riley decided that recall was the one command, he was always going to ignore. Well Bullwinkle's new Daddy became alarmed when he thought that Bullwinkle was showing aggression at the dog park and decided that it would be best to return him to the safety of BTRNC to find another home. As always, we take our rescues back, that is our promise to our fosters that they will always be welcome here.

Bullwinkle is back with his foster Mom who has reported no aggression issues. We wonder if Bullwinkle may have been overwhelmed by all the dogs, the running, the barking, etc. When he first came to rescue, he was very skiddish and would not make eye contact or join you in your lap or on the sofa. What we didn't know is that his original owner required that he wait for a pat on the sofa to let him know it was o.k. to come up. What nice manners! He came a long way during his first stay with his foster Mom and he will continue to learn more manners and trust on his return trip.

But... it is hard on these babies to be moved around. They, just like we, need to know that we are finally home for good. Won't you consider adding this adorable moose to your family. He promises that if you don't take him to a dog park, he will be the model boy!

Thank you!

2011-12-21T09:13:00.003-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

FROM BTRNC

Wow, what a year. The economy has not been kind to humans or animals and both have suffered for it. We have seen a rise in our rescues and a decline in our adoptions. We are filled to the brim and are in desperate need of foster homes.... hint hint. But, this is a thank you post, because despite all of this, our volunteers and followers have surpassed our great expectations with your generosity of time, money and resources.

BTRNC was awarded several grants thanks to the efforts of our fund raiser and the stellar reputation we have achieved. These funds are desperately needed for medical care for our rescues.

We kicked off a chip in program through Facebook and we met and even slightly exceeded our goal. Thank you so much everyone.

Through generous donations and anonymous donors, we were able to "fix" darling precious Peetie who was born with some rather serious "little boy part" issues. Sanctuary dogs, including Willis, Penguin and Oscar who were pronounced to be dying several years ago are still with us yet another year. Echo and Amanda are receiving advanced medical care. Echo underwent heart surgery today which was possible in part because a newlywed couple chose Echo to highlight at their wedding reception. We have successfully treated numerous dogs who joined us with an unwanted guest - heartworms. Among our volunteers are artists, authors, lawyers, veterinarians and web designers. Because of some of their talents, we have had some amazing items to auction through our website. We have been mentioned and published in magazines, bringing more recognition to our rescue. Because of our relationship with other rescues, we were alerted of a newcomer who had been kept in a run outside for 4 long years eating goat food and drinking filthy water. We are still determining a name for this brave one but you will hear more about him soon. Once again, we played Santa Paws to all of our foster babies so every fur baby would get Christmas gifts.

Yes, it has been a year, but in many ways, the challenges have brought us closer and we cannot say thank you to each other and to our followers often enough.

May all of your holidays be filled with boston kisses, snores, wiggles and 500 yard dashes!!!!

2011-12-06T16:19:00.003-05:00

HOW ABOUT A FEW HAPPY ENDINGS TO START OFF THE MONTH?

First is Mr. Rhett Butler who barely made it from the shelter to my car to his foster home before his foster Mom said, "this one has to stay!" It happens, and although we sometimes eventually mourn the loss of a foster home, we are always thrilled when love at first sight makes a perfect ending for everyone. Rhett's new Mom reports that he is a huge snuggler with lots of manners. We don't think Rhett was allowed to do much at his first home because he is learning all about beds, shoulders, toys, and furniture - to sit on, never eat of course. He also has either learned or came with some acrobatic skills since he has taken on the job of corner post for his new deck.

Rhett is wonderful with other dogs and his Mom knows that he will be a calming influence on future fosters.

Then, meet Lyla who was known as Elsie on our website. She has found a new purpose in her forever home, that of project supervisor. Notice how she diligently occupies the best seat to observe her Dad's work. Notice too how Dad can only use one hand on his project since he has the other looped into his foredog's collar so she won't fall!

Finally, we are so pleased to announce that Rachel and Ritchie have gone home together. It is so difficult to find forever families for multiple dogs but when it does happen, we and the dogs rejoice. This way, they get to keep a part of them as they move into their new life - each other!

Congratulations to all of our happy endings - new and established!

2011-11-28T16:34:00.003-05:00

MURPHY!!!!

What a perfect name for this young man that I had the pleasure of meeting at our rescue meeting about a month ago. He is long legged, goofy, loving, confused, high energy and gorgeous. There he was in a crate for at least 5 minutes before one of us took him out. He was drownding out the lunch and sure to do the same during the meeting. Once out of the crate, he was quiet...as long as someone either had him in their lap or in what I call the "dangle". The dangle is particularly easy on long legged dogs for some reason. Place dog on your strong side hip with your arm encircling his middle, go about your business. As long as your shoulder and arm hold up, you can do most anything while the hyper ones are in a dangle. My vet actually clips, toenails, examines teeth and ears, and gives shots while Riley is in the dangle.

Is Murphy a handfull? Yes. Does he need to learn some more manners such as not confusing your hand for a rubber teething toy? Yes. Will he keep you entertained wit his antics? Yes. Will your time and effort be worth it? Most Definitely.

Murphy is as cute as he is fired up. He loves other dogs, and although we do not know about cats, my suspicion based on nothing other than experience with long legged wild bostons is that he would chase but do no harm. He was just a puppy when he was abandoned and left behind by whoever owned him briefly or at least owned his mother. He was very underweight when we got him and his putting on weight slowly. We suspect that he may not have had the full 8 weeks with his Mom and may therefore not have learned all that she had to teach him about the world. When this happens, and it happens too often, it falls to humans to fill in the gaps. Perhaps this is why we first had to teach him that he has to walk on the floor, not the walls or the ceiling and that he cold not reach a light fixture hanging from the ceiling.

Murphy does sleep ocassionally. I see his foster family has learned the vice grip tactic as well. Hold a wild one this way long enough and they will, I promise, eventually go to sleep!

Handsome boy even has the hagerty spot on top of his head. We need to disclose, however, that this perfect button should not be construed to be an on/off switch. BTRNC assumes no responsiblity for the failure of any perceived off swith to actually work.

If you are the type of person that wants a fun loving, wildly energetic, always entertaining, walking, running, hiking, playing buddy and/or who has other dogs which you would like to tire out... Murphy may be your man. If you are laid back and want to rest and watch TV after a long day at work, alas, Murphy would probably not be your best choice, at least for another 10 years. Please check him out on our Available Dogs page. We say thank you!

2011-11-19T10:54:00.006-05:00

IT IS TIME ONCE AGAIN FOR THANKSGIVING

It seems lately that with radio stations, retail, Internet ads, and television that we move straight from Trick or Treat to Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. With all that we have to be thankful for, it's a shame that Thanksgiving is getting lost in the Christmas crunch.

The economy has not been kind of late, many more of us are doing without or learning to live in a new normal. Most of us reading this however, are also aware that there are many others, both four footed and two who have it much worse than we do. We find ourselves being a little more generous and doing what we can to help those less fortunate and amazingly feel better and happier for it.

This year BTRNC is thankful for the many new members we have added, for our sanctuary dogs who are still with us for one more holiday season, for high kill shelter dogs we were able to save, for all our foster dogs, all our volunteers, friends and supporters.

Our foster dogs are thankful once again for warm places to sleep, laps to cuddle, human and canine friends to play with, regular meals, needed medication and surgeries, and as always, most of all LOVE!!!!

Gizmo is thankful for warm blankets and rays of sun!

Prissy is thankful that even know her Foster Mom can't imagine

why she has not been adopted, that she has a warm loving place while she waits!

ducky is thankful that when things didn't work out at his adoptive home

BTRNC welcomed him back with open arms and hugs!

Dora is very thankful to be safe and in foster care

and knows that her forever home cannot be far away.

So, please accept our thanks, gather with your families, friends, co-workers, those less fortunate, and enjoy Thanksgiving and give it the place of honor it deserves.

And of course afterward, please feel free to shop our Christmas Card, auction items, and 2012 calendar and/or check out our available dogs page. If you are able and are so inclined, please also check out our Chip In Program to help us cover the ever rising vet bills this year.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE FROM BTRNC!

2011-11-08T09:12:00.003-05:00

ANYBODY OUT THERE WITH A BIG DOG WHO NEEDS A

PINT SIZE COMPANION?

Look no further than our Miss Sallie. Sallie is a wonderful and sweet 3 year old who came to us from a puppy mill. Puppy mills are usually breeding facilities where the dogs are caged with minimal socialization and only let out of their cages to make more puppies. I won't go on any further about that here since Sallie is safely out and living the good life with her foster Dad.

Sallie requires daily eye drops so she can make sufficient tears to keep her eye moist. In the grand scheme of things, daily eye drops are a blip on the radar as health issues go. She has worked through much of her earlier anxiety and is blossoming into a loving, playful girl.

She has however developed, shall we say an attachment, to the resident boxer in her foster home. As you can see from the pictures, Hannah is a "little larger" than Sallie. Sallie has decided that Hannah is an aero mattress sent from heaven as her cuddle buddy, pillow and blanket. Wouldn't it be nice if Sallie's forever family had a large aero matress, I mean dog to continue the ritual?

Please give Sallie a second look on our available dogs pages. Help us to confirm for her that puppy mills do not represent the majority of what life has to offer this darling girl. Thank you.

2011-10-31T10:46:00.003-04:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM BTRNC

I am sure you have all seen plenty of e-mails, posts, tweets etc. about Halloween hazards for our four footed friends so I won't belabor the point here. I will share that on our walk last week, I had to pick Riley up and carry him over so I could "pat" the supersized cat with the turning head and the glowing eyes. Kitty turned his big head towards us just as we approached and the growling, barking, backing up, but not too far ritual began. Where is a photographer with a camera and a night flash when you need one? One family along my walking trail used to nail a witch to a phone pole every year. You know the kind, it looks like the witch slammed into the tree in full flight. Every year, my senior Kip (now at the bridge) would have to stop and bark at that witch and try to reach her legs so he could pull her from that pole.

I would like to offer you instead some pictures of the sweetest treats you will every find. No calories, but so full of sugar, you may get a cavity anyway. These babies are waiting to jump into your trick or treat bags and provide you with years of love, laughter, and continous treats.

Here is Miss Sophia going for a car ride with Foster Mom

This is Mocha with a soccer ball just the right size

;
Don't forget Gizmo who is napping in the sun.

And last bust most certainly not least, Buster Curtis who has much to explore!

2011-10-13T23:02:00.003-04:00

WE'RE HAVINGA BABY, ALL OF THE FAMILY AND ME!

So many times in rescue, we hear owners say announce that they are having a baby so "of course we have to get rid of the dog!" Or, "we just don't have time for the dog any more now that we have a baby." Or, the dogs had to be moved outside, after all we have a baby in the house now," or my personal favorite, "the toddler crawled up to the dog while he was sleeping and pulled his lips out really far and the dog snapped at her, so he has to go immediately!"

Ugh!

It is therefore my great pleasure to share the story of Alisa Smith, her husband and baby Luke.

The Smiths have welcomed 2 rescued bostons into their lives to join their family of 1 resident boston. They have Max, Charotte and Gracie. One month ago, Luke entered the world and joined this family.

Unlike the comments and thoughts above, Alisa wanted to make sure she did everything to make the dogs feel secure during the pregnancy, the birth and beyond. She allowed the dogs in the nursery when it was done. She brought a blanket home from the hospital with Luke's scent on it. When she came home from the hospital, she came in the house first to greet the dogs without the baby. Charlotte was so thrilled to understand that the nursery that she had been afraid to enter was for a new human being for her to love, her stress vanished.

Charlotte and Gracie stand vigil while Luke is awake, keeping Mom company while she feeds him. They sleep when Luke is asleep, understanding the enormous responsibility to always keep baby safe. And perhaps most amazing of all, they never bother any of Luke's toys. These are dogs that live to tear up a stuffie or other toy, yet somehow they understand that they belong to someone too young to protect his own stuff so they do it for him.

This is mostly a story about the result that can happen when instead of dismissing our four legged family members as no longer useful baggage when we are blessed with adding a human life, we make some effort to make everyone feel included and still important.

Little Gracie has the hardest time sharing attention. Therefore, Alisa find a way for both to be included.

Charlotte is the Nanny so she is allowed to keep closest vigil over Luke.

Congratulations on the birth of Luke and to Alisa for knowing that there is room for everyone - four legged and two.

2011-10-05T10:58:00.002-04:00

IT'S RAINING BOSTONS

Lately, I have noticed that boston terriers are showing up everywhere. There is one in the Target commercial who empties all the water out of his bowl with his paws - buy paper towels. There is one a commercial for the Virginia cable carrier - he is enjoying television on the sofa with his people. There is one featured in the Pets Mart Vet Clinic poster. Yesterday, I even saw one in a a commercial for furniture. Apparently their irresistible cuteness is no longer a secret and advertising executives have learned how adorable their little faces are and how they can charm the audience into buying their product. Maybe it all started with the boston in the movie, Hotel for Dogs.

Is this good news? Not so much really. Whenever I see a spike in breed media coverage, I think of the original release of 101 Dalmations when countless viewers rushed to their local pet stores and newspaper to purchase these adorable little black and white balls of cuteness they had seen on the big screen. Well guess what - those little cuties grow into big dogs who are high energy, can have health issues, must be socialized, shed like crazy and can be prone to deafness. So... many of these dogs were dumped in shelters or pounds and the lucky ones made it into rescue.

Boston Terrier puppies are beyond adorable and when they perform for the camera, how could you not want to reach into the screen and cuddle one of your own. Bostons are high energy, people needing, indoor requiring, walk, play and socializing demanding beautiful wonderful dogs. But, whenb people do not do their research and rush out to get one, shelters and pounds and rescues are filled with boston terriers who were more than the buyer bargained for and was more workthan they were willing to undertake. Not to mention, that buying any dog means one less will be adopted and one more will die.

We are thrilled that you have come to our website and we thank you for considering rescue and we want to work with you to tell you all about this wonderful breed and if appropriate, try to make the perfect match! One more option you may consider, as all of the above happens and rescues are asked to take in more bostons, we are desperate for more foster homes. If you would like to help these fur babies but are not ready or able to adopt, please go to our home page, click on the volunteer link and read all about the foster program. If interested, please fill out an application. Not only could you be the next one to save another life, you will also meet some of the best people in the world, our BTRNC volunteers!

2011-09-18T21:20:00.003-04:00

BIG HEARTED-SWEET BULLWINKLE

Bullwinkle Jay Moose is a cartoon character who enjoyed fame in the early sixties. He lived in with his best friend, Rocky the squirrel in Frostbite Minnesota. He could remember everything he ever ate and could at times exhibit great strength known as moosepower. He was big hearted and caring although some would say he was dense but always lovable. He and Rocky did not get along well with Boris and Natasha, the villains of the series.

Presumably, our Bullwinkle must have exhibited some of these traits to earn himself this name. We know that Bullwinkle is indeed very big hearted and sweet. We are also sure he remembers everything he eats because he loves to revisit each and everyone.

Bullwinkle is healthy, gets along with dogs and children. He is 3 years young which means only that some of the wild puppy behavior is gone but the energy, playfulness and years more antic is still very much present.

Bullwinkle is very polite, waiting for an invitation to get on the furniture, for treats and although he can occasionally sneak up in his foster Mom's lap, he generally waits to be invited there as well. He has the sweetest eyes that ask only to be loved and perhaps a new forever home!

When he sleeps, he curls up tight in his dog bed, as if to make himself as small as possible. But he will open his eyes and look at whoever happens by to make sure that everything is o.k. and he is always up for a pat or a snuggle.

Bullwinkle is a wonderful boy. You may have a Rocky at home, but with or without Rocky, Bullwinkle will moose his way into your heart.

2011-09-05T19:30:00.003-04:00

HOLLY IS STILL VERY COZY

This is our former Cozy, renamed Holly with her new Mom taken in the back seat of my car while torrential rains pounded the outside. Holly required a long transport from Charlotte, NC to Northern Virginia. The day was beautiful and the transport went smoothly until the last 3 minutes.

Holly's new owners agreed to drive the 3.5 hours South to meet me in Roanoke for the final hand off. I had driven to Greensboro, NC to meet the transport from Charlotte and brought the munchkin to Roanoke with me to meet her new family. I was very excited as this was the first time I got to do the final hand off to a new forever family. How wonderful it would be to have Cozy meet Mom, Dad, her new Grandparents and her new boston sibling in the field by the McDonalds at I81. I would take pictures, the dogs would meet on neutral ground, everyone would be smiling, a wonderful day.

That was my vision of the event until the last 3 minutes of the trip to Roanoke when the skies opened up and dumped visibility enhancing rain exactly over the designated McDonalds. I pulled in the parking lot and Holly's new family, all 5 of them pulled in almost immediately right next to me. I pointed to Cozy in my lap and motioned for her new Dad to slip from his front seat to mine to meet her. He happily did so, and in his effort to stay as dry as possible, he clobbered, and I do mean clobbered his head on the point of my car door. A very dazed and painful Eric fell into my front seat as Cozy jumped in his lap. I was just convinced he was going to pass out and have a concussion. He said he was fine, but he was showing high pain tolerance and he couldn't help rubbing his head. Eventually Mom slipped into my back seat unaware that her husband was now in a semi conscious state. It was there that this picture was taken.

We sat in the car for a few minutes hoping the rain would stop. In the next car over, we could seea very agitated boston wondering why in the world his people were sitting in a strange car with a strange dog and a stranger in the front seat. So, we abandoned the whole happy greeting, romping in the sun plan, exchanged contracts, belongings and the new family crawled back in their car with Cozy who proceeded to jump right in Quigley ( said Boston's) face which produced growls and snaps. So, they decided to put Cozy in her crate with her brand new bed. Did I mention that it was pouring down rain? We probably should have gotten wet at least long enough to let our traveler relieve herself but hind site is 20/20. Cozy proceeded to release her bowels all over the new bed to the point where it had to be thrown away. So much for my joyous meeting plan! And OF COURSE, 15 minutes later, the sun was out!

I received a very nice e-mail from Eric indicating that he did survive with a bump on his head, that after the initial meeting, Quigley and now Holly did indeed take up play stance and were wrestling continuously at last report.

So, a monsoon, a bump on the head, a ruined bed, and a growl or two later, Holly is home. A big thank you to her new family for not putting Holly back in my car two minutes later and for giving things time to work out and for giving our rescue a new forever home!

Maybe next time, there will be sun, fields, and joyous meetings, but you can't say my first family delivery was not memorable!

2011-08-21T19:37:00.002-04:00

THE OTHER ONE

Unless this is your first time here, and if it is - WELCOME, you have probably read the last post on Peetie. Yes, even in the dog world, sometimes the youngest and to some the cutest seem to get all the attention. The difference is that dogs don't seem to mind and they certainly don't have to cry into their pillow because the boy or girl at school likes the "pretty or handsome" one.

Well when I transported Peetie to the volunteer who took him to his foster Mom, that volunteer also picked up another dog in the same parking lot. His name is Oliver and he is posted on our website.

Poor little Oliver who for 5 years has had the same home, who woke up that morning in that home, and somehow ended up in a mall parking lot with me, his Mom, Peetie, and our volunteer. Sometimes owners have to make difficult decisions and they can be very painful. It was a tearful goodbye in the parking lot. We waited patiently until his Mom was ready to hand us the leash. Oliver then ended up in some strange car with strange smells and some tiny little thing that seemed to want to jump all over the place in the front seat. Poor little Oliver made the same trip as Peetie that day since he shares his foster home with Peetie. Shame on me for not spotlighting Oliver sooner.

Oliver has macular degeneration. There is a link in his posting that has a lot of good information. In the simplest of terms, this condition affects the vision. Oliver often walks as if he is high stepping since he is not sure where the ground is. Imagine always being afraid your feet were never going to touch bottom when you walk.

But he is a good boy and he would love to have a forever home again. He doesn't understand what happened that day but he understands now that he is still fed, comforted and loved. He even occasionally attempts to play with his foster siblings, even Peetie.

Oliver may not be the tiny little puppy that everyone falls in love with at first sight. But he was loved by his first family and he deserves to be loved by a family again. He just requires a little extra care. Don't move the furniture around, and use caution around stairs as he may not be able to see the edge of the step. I hope that you consider Oliver. He was a tiny puppy once too!

Thank you!

2011-08-01T21:16:00.003-04:00

PEETIE PETE

So my last blog was depressing and I knew when I posted it that the next one needed to be happy but I didn't know then just how happy it would be.

This is Peetie, or as I called him for the 32 hours I kept him, Peetie Pete!

I will give you all a moment to look and say what everyone says... OH MY GOSH, he is too cute!

Back with me now? This little guy was brought into the pound by a young girl who said she found him. At this shelter, when any animal is brought in as lost, they are required to hold him or her for 6 days to give the owner a chance to claim him. During that time, they are held in cages with little socialization or interaction. No one, not even a rescue can do anything for them until their hold day is up.

This little mug shot was all I had for 6 long days!

Then, the day arrived and I could snatch him! The shelter workers had been very good to him. I mean really- how could you not be good to him? They kissed and hugged him goodbye and were so happy for him. These girls work in a kill shelter and face so much sadness each day, Peetie brought them a bright light.

I brought him home, all 2 pounds of him. Other than little sores on his feet from standing on a grated bottom cage, he had done remarkably well and came out with the most amazing awe and wonder at the world, grass, carpet, screens, car rides, other dogs, a cat, and best of all people to hold him, get puppy kisses from him, pet him and carry him and protect him. His little eyes were full of wonder at it all. To say he is adorable or cute does not do him justice. He is a little miracle of survival and a mascot for all dogs in shelters hoping for their miracle.

For anyone who buys puppies from breeders or pet stores, look at this face and know that there is another option out there!

Peetie learned to come up and down the stairs that were three times higher than he was in about 2 hours. He ran at my 27 pound all muscle boston boy without the slightest fear. He even tried to take a milkbone from him. I picked him up because he is way too young for milk bones. Riley just looked at me as if to say, what is this little midget and why is he taking my food???

Everyone who met him wanted to sneak him home in their purse. My sister who was visiting was no exception I promised her I would tell you all that she wanted to name him Rambo!

Peetie is between 5 and 6 weeks old and has not yet been fully vetted. He is safe and happy with his new foster Mom who will continue to help him to grow up and learn the ways of the world. He is not old enough yet to be adopted but we know he will be one day. He has a wonderful life waiting for him and believe me he can't wait! Stay tuned!

2011-07-23T12:38:00.002-04:00

HELLO.....IT'S OVER 100 DEGREES OUT HERE

Dear Readers, it breaks my heart to write this blog but I am inspired by a dog in my neighborhood who I avoid passing because I know that he will be there...alone, hot or cold and tied to a chain. Please feel free to print this and give it to or anonymously send this to anyone you think may benefit. If one person wakes up, this will be the BEST blog I have ever written. This could be any dog, but probably not a boston, as with their minimal fur and short noses, they would never survive. Thank you for reading.

Dear Human,

I think you named me George, but I don't hear it very often so I'm not sure. I think I have been here for 3 years because I remember 3 hot summers and 3 cold winters since you hooked me to the end of this chain. Time doesn't really matter anymore. All the days and nights are the same. I know that time passes slowly for me but it eventually does pass.

I was born in a big box in a house. I had a dog Mom who nursed me, taught me acceptable behavior and who kept me warm and clean. My Mom had a human too but her human called herself Mamma. There was a man human and little humans there too. I remember the little humans would come play with me and my litter mates all the time. We would slather them with doggie kisses and they would laugh with delight. I learned to play with them and with my litter mates. I learned to eat food and drink water out of a bowl. We had rubber rings to chew on, towels and blankets to lay on and lots of newspapers around us which I quickly learned were the right place to answer nature's call. As we grew bigger, lots of other humans would come to see us. They would pick some of us up, hold us, give us treats and play with us.

Then one day, my sister left the box with a human and never came back. The next day, two of my brothers left the same way and finally my last brother left. I was alone in the box, but I still had Mom and the nice humans there. I continued to grow and thought that this would be my life and I was just fine.

I got to go on a car ride one day with the one my Mom called Mamma. She put me in a big box with a wire door and put the box in the back seat. She was sad and crying. She talked to me on the ride and told me that she loved me but I had to leave now because I was too big for the box and the place where we lived only allowed 2 adult dogs. I guess that would be my Mom and the other dog who I used to hear barking in the back yard.

I thought maybe she was taking me to meet back up with my litter mates and I thought that would be just fine.

We arrived at a building that smelled like a vet's office. She carried me, still in my crate, signed some papers and handed me to a lady behind a counter. The lady took me in the back and put me in a cage, gave me food and water and left. I was lonesome and scared but it was cool in there and lots of people came by and talked to me or even took me outside on a thing called a leash and let me smell all the wonderful things outside. I thought that I would be just fine.

One day, a human came and took me out for a walk and spent a lot of time with me in the grass. Then, they signed papers like my Mom's Mamma did, put me in another box with another wire door, put me in his car and took me to their house. This human didn't talk much on the way home but I knew I was going on a new adventure and I would be just fine.

When we arrived, I met the female human who lived there. They played with me, rubbed my ears, patted me, and gave me food and water. I would be just fine.

Then came the collar, the silver chord they called a chain and the hook that connected the two. I didn't understand then that I would be hooked to this collar and chain for the rest of my life. I didn't know then that my life would consist of the space that the chain would allow me to move, that although I would get food and water, no one would talk to me any more, play with me or even acknowledge me. This became my life and I knew that I would never be just fine again.

I tried for awhile to be as cute as I could whenever anyone would come out the front door. I would do a play bow, and try to run in circles on my chain. I would bark when other humans walked by to get their attention but they never came to see me. Are they afraid of me? Or are they afraid of the human that lives here? I just want some company, please come see me, please!!! Eventually, I stopped trying, and understood that my time would pass sleeping, eating, and drinking. The humans inside the house would get out of their cars and walk right past me to the front door. They didn't even stop to say hello. I stopped caring whether it was morning or night, and I stopped hoping that things would change.

One day humans dressed in uniforms came to my house. They actually did speak to me on their way to my door but they were afraid to pat me. I wouldn't hurt them - I wish they knew that. They talked to the human and left. The next day, he brought a plastic box with a door and threw it in my area. He lengthened my chain so I could go in and out of the box and he brought me extra bowls of water. The uniform men have not been back.

It's so hot out here today that I can feel my stomach burning, my eyes are watery and my tongue is dry. The sun beats down on me like a fire. I go in my box where at least the sun is blocked but you can't imagine how hot and sweaty it is inside that box. My ears hurt, my paw pads are blistered and I feel the spirit of my puppy hood break and vanish forever.

Please Mr. Human, why did you go get me to put me on this chain? I would have been your companion, your protector and your friend. I would have learned all that you wanted to teach me and I would have made you so proud. I could have been handsome but now my fur is dirty, my ears are bug bitten and I have sores on my skin. Do I have some purpose out here on this chain? If so, please let me know what it is and I will try to do better at it. Just please talk to me or pat me. Please don't continue to leave me out here all alone. I am so hot. If you would just put a box, inside, I promise I would make myself small enough to fit in it. Please at least tell me why or what I did to make you act this way. I so want to understand. Please Mr. Human...

2011-07-10T20:11:00.002-04:00

THE CLIMB

It occurred to me as I was walking Riley at 6:30 a.m. because it is too hot to do anything past 7:30 a.m. on the East Coast, that I had not done a blog about an adoption that wasn't exactly a walk in the park. This reminded me of the Miley Cyrus song - The Climb. It's not what is on the other side, it's the climb.

Adoption, March 3, 2011.
E-mail to former foster Mom.

I don't think we are going to make it.
She is aggressive around other dogs.
She doesn't bond to me and I think I made a mistake.

March 18, 2011. E-mail from New Mom to foster Mom.

She seems to be doing a little better.
She actually took a nap next to our other dog.
I will try a little longer but if you have any one else interested in her, please set it up.
I don't think we're going to make it.

March 30, 2011. E-mail from New Mom to foster Mom.

She actually ran to greet me at the door today.
Later she jumped in my lap.
She's playing nicely with our other dog now.
Maybe she can stay a little longer but
I don't think we're going to make it.

April 3, 2011. E-mail from New Mom to foster Mom.

She is such joy and so much company.
She follows me around everywhere now and gets so excited when I come home.
She and our other dog are the best of friends. They are always together.
She figured out how to get our of her crate and was a good girl so I don't crate her much anymore.
We took her hiking last week. She loved it.
We went to the dog park this morning - she had so much fun but she ran right back to me when I called her.
I can't believe we found our way to each other.
I think we are going to make it.
Thank you for allowing me the honor of adopting this precious girl.

Yes, sometimes, it is a rough climb and it takes time. Most rescues have baggage and it takes a little longer to trust and to bond again then it does with a trusting puppy. It is however, so worth it! Be patient and go slow - don't be to quick to think it's not going to work. Don't give up on the one who could be your life long best friend.

2011-07-04T18:27:00.003-04:00

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY EVERYONE

Please please keep your bostons and all fur kids in a safe place during tonight's fireworks. Most dogs are terrified and their first instinct is to run. Dogs that have never jumped fences or dug under will do so tonight. And if your dog is unfortunate enough to be chained :( they will break free tonight. Local shelters will be bursting at the seams tomorrow with scared dogs.

Those wonderful flat screen television and high definition, etc. probably show the fireworks better than live anyway right?

Stay safe, keep your family including your pet family safe.

P. S. - Russ Gus and Ralphie featured ina recent blog have now BOTH gone to their forever homes just in time for the Nations holiday!

2011-06-30T22:26:00.003-04:00

THERE IS A LID FOR EVERY POT

I have heard that all my life. I'm not so sure about people particularly when we keep taking off the lids that are supposed to be for our pots, but I do believe that there is the perfect home for each and every rescue dog. Sometimes it takes longer than others for the lid and the pot to find each other. Luckily, we have wonderful foster families who keep our rescues in their loving homes until their forever family finds them.

I know that Prissy's forever home is out there looking for her. They just don't know it yet. Prissy is in a wonderful foster home with a foster Mom who has a way of bringing dogs out of their shell, learning their personalities, traits, quirks, likes dislikes and fears. She tunes into them and learns what makes them tick. She had one foster, turned forever baby who she learned loved nothing more than to ride in her lap on the riding lawn mower. Tootsie crossed the bridge but we know she watches Mom mow the grass and gets endless rides now.

Prissy is only 5 which is NOT old even in doggie years. She has had some hard times before she got to BTRNC. One reminder is an atrophied rear leg but that does not slow her down at all. Poor Prissy almost had another tragedy right after going to her foster Mom's. It turns out she is fatally allergic to bees and wasp stings and she is sensitive to benadryl. Can you imagine being a foster Mom with a brand new charge who suddenly ends up at the emergency vet both allergic to the bee sting and over reacting to a standard dose of benadryl. Thank goodness the vet diagnosed her and that Mom got her there in record time. No more bee chasing for little Priss pot.

Prissy knows commands but will first wait to see if you really mean it before she follows the command. She lies in wait for her dinner to be served, but will come get you like a bad waitress if you are not moving fast enough. She is not a big snuggler yet but loves to sit next to you and when Mom comes in the door, she jumps straight up in welcome, almost above Mom's head. She likes to cool off in a wading pool and actually likes to be dried off.

She LOVES to look out the window and imagine catching all the wild life that goes by. She gets along great with the dogs in her foster home. She would be an amazing companion for someone. It is time for Prissy to find the lid to her pot. I hope we have given you some more insight into the wonderful girl that she is.

2011-06-19T15:52:00.003-04:00

RUSSGUSS AND RALPHIE

Sounds like a cartoon doesn't it? These two little guys came into BTRNC within days of each other. The are not related and didn't know each other in past lives but somehow they sound like they belong together. That's Ralphie in the front of this picture. He didn't want to stay out of the pictures of his foster brother RussGus. When I first heard the name RussGuss, I thought how odd but say it a few times and somehow it works.

Our foster coordinator ALMOST had me fostering again with Ralphie. I travel for work so it's hard right now. I agreed to foster Ralphie before I saw his picture. I saw it for the first time on my blackberry while I was in Charlotte, NC of all places. Ralphie happened to be in Charlotte at the moment too. I was there with 4 co-workers so I couldn't leave the hotel and go kidnap him. I also took one look at that picture and knew that he would never go back out my door. Our volunteer who picked him up described him as perfect in every way. As it turns out, someone else thought Ralphie was perfect in every way and they will hopefully be united as a forever family in the very near future. Pheww, dodged that one, but I'm sure she'll get me sooner or later.

RussGuss is another little cutie who landed in temporary foster care with Ralphie. They are both little guys and they hang out well together. RussGuss has lost most vision in one eye but please don't tell him that. He is not limited or slowed down in the least and has does not miss the vision in one eye. RussGuss loves to play, run and snuggle. I always mention here how amazing dogs are when it comes to not letting their handicaps or other medical issues impact them. Animals don't worry or dwell on sickness, they take each day as a gift and make the most out of it.

RussGuss will be on our website soon. In the meantime, you are welcome to submit an application anyway through http://www.btrnc.org/. Thank you.

2011-06-13T18:15:00.003-04:00

MARKED FOR DEATH

There is a common saying in rescue:

Don't buy when others are left to die!

I grit my teeth when my friends who are not in rescue pay upwards of $800-$2,000.00 for purebred puppies. One just bought a miniature poodle and one a designer puppy - cross between a Shi Tzu and a Miniature Poodle which by the way makes a Shipoo. Both are adorable dogs who are also blameless in the world and are products of breeders who will probably dump their parents in shelters when they get too old to breed. One website advertised that they now had older dogs for sale who "no longer fit into their breeding program." Things like this lead me to follow another famous quote: "The more I know of people, the more I choose my dogs!"

This beautiful little girl pictured below was pulled from a high kill shelter literally in the nick of time.

She had been marked to be the next one to die. By marked, I mean that a death tag had been inserted on her back. In order to get the tag off, her fur had to be shaved down to the skin.

Anyone else have cold chills? Did you know that over 4 million dogs were euthanized in the US in 2010? FOUR MILLION!

This little girl is Carolina and she got to ride in an airplane to get to her foster home. She is just one of hundreds who are pulled from death's door by rescuers across the country. She cold be any dog. She is featured in this blog of course because she is a boston and after all you have navigated to a boston terrier rescue web site.

This is another reason why rescuers do what we do. We lose sleep over the ones we cannot save but stop to celebrate those we do! We thank you for considering rescue and visiting our site. We thank you for knowing that although we do charge a fee for our dogs, the money goes right back into the rescue to pay for vet bills and basic needs. Our dogs are neutered or spade and up to date on their shots before they are adopted. We also often take on the expense of surgery to correct a problem so the dog is as healthy as possibly before joining their forever family. We thank you for remembering Carolina's scar from her death tag and going back to the home page to take one more look at our available dogs.

We cannot save them all and we may not change the world but we sure can save the world of each dog we save!

2011-05-29T16:23:00.003-04:00

IF YOU THINK THIS IS ANOTHER HAPPY ENDING OR AVAILABLE DOG POST.... READ ON TO BE SURPRISED, MOVED AND FASCINATED

I was reading through the e-mails and website postings to decide on a blog for today when I saw this amazing story about one of our former adopters who found a way to turn heartache and pain and their wedding into a way to remember a boston lost and to help a boston in care and to shine a spotlight on BTRNC and all the bostons in rescue. Not bad ah?

Jennifer adopted Lucy and Desi in from BTRNC in 2007. There is a blog on them in the archives if you are curious. Desi crossed the bridge in 2009 from brain tumor complications. Lucy is doing fine and enjoying the perks of a larger family now that Jennifer and Jay are married. Jennifer's first boston Daisy was also helped to cross over in 2009. A little later and along comes Lilly, this beautiful boston puppy was added to the pack.

Sadly, Lilly was only here for a short time but she was certainly in the right place for her short life. Jennifer and Jay did everything they could to make her as comfortable as possible for as long as she could stay with them. Eventually, to allow Lilly to cross was the best decision for her so it was to be. The wedding was coming up and this couple decided to use the funds they had set aside for material favors to create instead a candy table dedicated to Echo, all bostons and to their beloved Lilly.

This is an ice sculpture of Lilly.

They perused our website and talked to our coordinators to see which boston might best benefit from their donation and chose Echo. He has been with us a long time and is still in search of that right forever home. Echo has Cushings disease and hypothyroidism, which require two pills daily. Please see Echo on our website and the link to his previous blog.

We understand that a new puppy has arrived in Jennifer and Jay's world - April, named after their wedding month. BTRNC would like to offer their sincere thanks and appreciation to all that this couple has done for us and to wish them every happiness and a healthy and long lived April! THANK YOU!!!!

2011-05-15T21:45:00.003-04:00

ADAMA AND OISIN

Now there are two names you don't hear every day. I "binged" the names but could not find anything on Adama and I learned that Oisin is an Irish name but that's all. Hopefully Adama and Oison's Mom will see the blog and comment if there is a story behind the names.

I hope you saw the Mother's Day slide show. One of my favorite pictures was of Katherine kneeling outside with one dog in each hand. She looked utterly joyous as did the boys as she calls them. We received the happy ending update around the same time.

Adama was formerly Louis while in BTRNC care. Don't confuse Louis with Lewis who although named Kobe very briefly knows the name Lewis and he is back on our available dogs page. Got all that? Anyway.... Adama joined the family and Oisin was not over joyed to learn that Adama was a permanent family member and not just passing through. After a short adjustment period, the boys are now friends and co-conspirators. A lesson here is that dogs do not always make instant friends. Some new owners panic if the first few days don't go smoothly and sadly return their new adoptee sometimes thinking that the resident dog is angry or that there will be fights. While certainly some dogs do not get along and should not live together unless separated, in many cases with patience and consistency from the humans in the house, strong bonds are formed.

That was certainly the case with these two boys who bring laughter, joy and love to each other and to their very happy forever Mom!

2011-05-07T17:31:00.003-04:00

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

So I searched the definition of mother thinking I would get some great definition I could use to start this blog. But alas, I only found clinical definitions, and some not so nice definitions so I gave up and wrote my own:

Someone who provides love, care, compassion protection and basic needs to another, usually someone dependent on the mother for these things and unable to take care of themselves.

(Who needs Wickapedia anyway.)

I hope that you stopped on our home page and watched the slide show for Mother's Day. Those foster and forever Moms holding their beautiful bostons and a few other special fur babies certainly meet my definition above. If you are reading this, you probably have, had or want a dog and I bet you call yourself Mamma when you talk to that dog too! We know who we are.

I wanted to add to Emily's slide show with this blog in honor of all Mothers of both children and dogs and to say thank you on behalf of all those who can't for all you have done and will do. The following is a poem submitted by one of our volunteers this week. I think this entry summarizes much of what foster Moms do when they take new fur babies into their home. I hope you enjoy it as much as our members did:

Now that I'm home, bathed, settled and fed, all nicely tucked into my warm
new bed... I'd like to open my baggage, lest I forget there is so much to carry,
so much to regret.

Hmmm....Yes, there it is, right on the top, let's
unpack loneliness, heartache and loss.

And there by my perch hides fear
and shame. As I look on these things I tried so hard to leave - I still have to
unpack my baggage called pain.

I loved them, the others, the ones who
left me, but I wasn't good enough for they didn't want me. Will you add to
my baggage? Will you help me unpack? Or will you just look at my things - and
take me right back.

Do you have the time to help me unpack? To help put
away my baggage and never repack? I pray that you do - I'm so tired you see, but
I do come with baggage -Will you still want me?

Author Unknown

In the past few weeks, our foster Moms have been at the emergency vet with a new foster who had an allergic reaction, have taken a foster to a specialist for evaluation for cataract surgery so they can see the world again, made room in an already crowded house for one more that had no where else to go, stayed up all night with one who was ill, and drove many miles to get another one to a safe place. You bet this is Motherhood and all it's pain and glory.

2011-04-20T20:59:00.004-04:00

THEY SAID SHE WAS AGGRESSIVE

We are pleased to give you a sneak peek at our new little foster - Spirit! We are fortunate to have a relatively new volunteer who loves to take pictures. Sometimes, we have to nag, o.k. gently remind our wonderful foster homes to send updates and photos of our fosters so you can see and read about them. Not so with Spirit's foster Dad. He adopted Baxter from BTRNC last year and then became a volunteer. He does such a wonderful job of sending us pictures and videos, that we already have 25 pictures of Spirit to choose from. Anyway, back to the story.

Spirit was dumped at a shelter where she was dirty, scared, hungry and not so loveable to the shelter staff. Alas, the cross of the little dog in a shelter. It is mandatory that shelter workers evaluate new arrivals for behavioral issues. With so many dogs coming in to all the shelters, and with precious little room, a dog can be euthanized if she snaps at a shelter worker. It is sad, but it is a fact and you can hardly blame the shelter who works diligently to place as many adoptable dogs as possible. Imagine how your beloved pet would act if they suddenly found themselves in a cage in a strange place, with strange people, strange smells and lots and lots of noise. Imagine that your dog was branded to have behavioral issues or deemed unadoptable because they snapped out of fear.

Because BTRNC has a good number of volunteers (notice I did not say too many as that would be impossible) and because we have worked hard to build reputations with shelters, we often get word of bostons in shelters. Spirit had been labeled aggressive by the shelter but they were kind enough to work with us if we would agree to pull and foster Spirit.

Turns out Spirit is a sweet girl who dances for her food and who as you can see likes to hang out with the big dogs!

Spirit also is unfortunately heart worm positive. She will be treated for this condition by her foster Dad before she is adopted. Remember that although this condition is life threatening, if it is treated, they are cured and there are no long term effects from the infestation. The treatment is hard on the dog and they must be kept quiet during treatment - not an easy task when talking about a boston terrier. This is just another example of what our wonderful foster families do for our dogs.
We hope that Spirit shows her spirit and comes through the treatment just fine and will be available for adoption soon. Take a look at these pictures and let us know if you would like more information. We have lots of pictures we can share with you.

2011-04-05T20:27:00.003-04:00

NAMES ARE ANOTHER GIFT FROM THE DOGS TO THEIR FAMILIES

I did a blog not too long ago on Miss Elsie, our adorable little deaf girl who was sitting so comfortable in her foster Mom's hands.

Someone saw Elsie on our available dogs page and got in touch with us right away. Elsie's deafness was of no concern to her new family including her new brother Miles. Elsie's new Mom renamed her Lyla which is a beautiful name and fits her well. I thought however that Lyla would not ever hear her name but that her Mom liked to say it when she talks to her or about her. Dogs do not grow up and blame their families for their name, they do not go off an adopt nicknames, choose to go by their middle names, or legally change their names. If they are lucky enough to stay with the same family for their whole lives, they will have one name and if the go into rescue, and their new family finds them, they may have another name but they don't care. If they can hear, they will learn to respond to their name. If like Lyla they do not have the gift of hearing, they will learn to respond to a hand signal. Their families however are the ones that take pleasure of saying the name of their pets. Much thought can be given to a name. They can be based on physical characteristics, personality traits or characters from television, movies or books. A friend of mine has 2 dogs and 1 cat - Scout, Atticus, and Gem respectively. A To Kill A Mockingbird Fan, perhaps? Sometimes, young children are given the honor of naming the new family member and you may end up with Spot, Dog, Tippy or Buddy. The point of all this name calling is to point out that it is us humans that benefit and find joy in naming and using the names we give our fur babies. In Lyla's case, she is just glad to be home in a loving family who understands her needs, and if saying the name Lyla makes her family happy - that is more than fine with her! Welcome home Lyla. We are very pleased that you have found your place!

2011-03-26T10:35:00.003-04:00

WHAT IS BLACK AND WHITE AND CUTE ALL OVER?

The four legged members of our volunteer, Petra's family - that's what!

I can relate. I have a bias toward black and white too. Even my cat of 19 years was black and white and come to think of it, a lot of the clothes hanging in my closet are also black and white. My vet once told me that I was committed to that color scheme and should not attempt to branch out as I would be trying to dye a new comer black and white. When I tried to send her black and white roses after she helped my 15 year old cross the bridge, I could only find one arrangement, imported from Australia for $200.00 So, she had to settle for white with a black thank you note.

Would I be as crazy about bostons if they were not black and white? Which came first, the chicken or the egg? I do admit however that I am not normally drawn to the brown and white variety although adorable in their own right.

Here is Petra's family. I chose to write a blog on this family and our volunteer because this picture shows the beauty of a well taken care of, well loved canine family. Yes, it is possible to have multiple dogs without living on a farm. I'm not suggesting that everyone can or should own 5 dogs. In addition to the cost, some counties have strict laws on how many dogs you can own. Three is a common number across Virginia. If you are allowed, have the time and resources, however, here is the proof that family portraits do come with 2 and 4 feet.

From left to right.. Pua, was a recent BTRNC rescue. We could tell from the frequency and wording of Petra's e-mails after Pua's arrival that there was a good chance that Pua was already home. I posted a blog on her a few months ago while she was still in foster status. Pua obviously is where she belongs. Next to Pua is Tike, an owner surrender who never even made it to official BTRNC status. Then there is Santino, Petra's first foster after becoming a volunteer. Santino came with issues and it was quickly apparent that Petra had what it took to work with Santino and his issues. He also has some health issues which may shorten his life span but don't tell him that. He's doing just fine as you can see. The last boston is Annie, the shelter dog who I suspect led Petra to join the boston crazy group. If you like this size dog, then one boston is usually all it takes to be hooked for life.

Who is that at the end of the row? A large boston? No, that's Kali who was there first by the way. She was a "free go good home" dog and much to her luck, Petra saw the ad first. BTRNC and other rescues are not at all a fan of these ads. Well meaning owners who want to avoid placing their dogs in shelters, open themselves and their loved pets open to the great unknown when you advertise in an open publication. Hoarders, scientists, just generally mean people to name a few can and will respond and can convince the owner that they are animal loves and want nothing more than to offer a good home to this pet. Sadly, how they seem upon meeting may not be the reality of their lives or the new life of the pet. This is why BTRNC takes applications and conducts home visits before releasing any of our rescues. This method is not fool proof either unfortunately, but it is infinitely better than a free to good home ad.

Kali has been very generous to open her home to all these mini black and white creatures. If you look closely at these pictures, however, you can see her leaning strongly as if contemplating her get away any second.

I thought readers might enjoy seeing these pictures as much as our members did when Petra posted them. Next Christmas I need to post our President's annual Christmas card - Santa and 4 or 5 senior bostons that were lucky enough to be found by Betsy to live out the second half of their lives.

Enjoy!

What's that over there? Tike and Kali are over this photo shoot and and redy to roll.

2011-03-13T20:31:00.004-04:00

OH THE JOY OF TUG

Is that tug rope I see?

There is just something instinctive about a boston and the game tug of war. Not sure I would ever call it a war but it is definitely fun. The easiest thing in the world to teach, the fastest to learn and hours of fun. Just hold one end of a rope or a sock tied in the middle to a boston's mouth, they grab on, you pull back and the game is on! It works equally well with two dogs as they both seem to catch on immediately. When one lets go and the other one isn't done yet, the winner approaches his opponent shaking the rope fiercely until the other dog latches on again and round 2 has begun. Occasionally, a third dog will join in the middle of the rope but this doesn't usually last two long.

When you are the opponent, you must not allow the dog to ever make contact with your skin, accidentally or on purpose. This is an unacceptable foul and the game must stop and all interaction must cease for a few minutes to teach your boston that teeth against the human hand will not be tolerated. If your dog respects you and your skin, by all means, tug away.

Our new addition to the BTRNC family, Chubbs loves tug of war as you can see from the pictures. Show him the rope and the light goes on in his eyes.

Do it again - do it again!

When he is not playing tug, he enjoys car rides, his foster Mom's lap and cheerios. Cheerios truly are the wonder food, good for your heart, universally adored by toddlers and apparently Chubbs. What a great idea for treat training, small and healthy, so they won't spoil the appetite or put on extra pounds on this handsome young man.

Chubbs is clicker trained. The clicker can be anything that makes a consistent sound. They are usually thin metal against a metal edge in a hand held matchbook size plastic box, available at most pet stores. Associate the sound of the click with the verbal command behavior you seek with or without a treat reward, and eventually wean off the click and the treat, and the response will be given with just your verbal command. It is vital however that you do not stop the click sound or the treat if you began by using treats too soon or the behavior will not be reinforced and it will not be offered again. Ask me, I should know. I was so proud of the way young puppy Riley came to me when I used the clicker, I had to show my neighbors in the yard. Problem was, I didn't have any treats in my pocket. Twice he came to me immediately, gave me a sit and attention and twice I failed to deliver the treat. He is two now and he still pays no attention to the clicker and still has no recall. BUT, that is Riley, not Chubbs whose foster Mom has better sense than me, and will train Chubbs right and well so he will respond to commands for her and his forever home!

If you would like a partner for tug or have another dog who would like a tug partner, please check out this handsome boy on our available dogs page!

2011-03-04T22:31:00.003-05:00

MADE FOR EACH OTHER

Two happy ending blogs in a row! I realized I don't do them nearly as often these days. Of course when new owners send us wonderful pictures like the ones here, they are easy to write.

Scampie's new Dad was so excited to get this boy that he and a friend took a road trip to meet his foster Mom. He brought two types of leashes and harnesses to make sure he had one that would fit his new boy. Here they are right after Scampie met them. Hmmm.. looking good.

Scampie clearly knew that all good things were going to happen for him. He has taken to his new home and life with all the joy and enthusiasm you could ever ask for.

Scampie gets to play tug, chew on a soft surface which looks suspiciously close to a remote control from my perspective and he now waits not so patiently peering out waiting for Dad to come home!

Sometimes a prospective adopter connects with a picture on our available dogs page and sometimes our placement coordinator has a feeling about a dog and a person before the picture ever gets up on the website. Sometimes, it seems that everyone connects with the same dog all at the same time. Then we have to try to match to the best of our abilities to the best home and let others know that "their pick" may have already found his forever home. In most cases, our wonderful families work with us to find what they thought was their second pick but turns out to be the best pick of all! Lastly, we have the wonderful healthy dogs that for some reason get passed over time and time again. We continue to learn that these dogs usually know who is supposed to come for them and they patiently wait until that human finds them. It takes longer for some than others and we are always so thankful that there are people out there who are willing to give these wonderful rescue dogs their second and sometimes third or fourth chance at the forever home they always deserved.

Scampie found his and it looks like everyone won in the end! You are a great little guy Scampie- we wish you a life filled with treats, toys and love.

2011-02-21T18:47:00.002-05:00

A LID FOR EVERY POT

Hershel Walker, now Quincy is 10 years young. I met his foster Mom a few weeks ago when I delivered Cousin Eddie (who by the way has also gone to his forever home) to her in a McDonald's parking lot. We talked about Hershel then and she commented that he always seemed to be second on every one's wish list, but never first. She talked about what a wonderful little guy he was and how it was a shame that potential families were afraid of his age.

About three days later, I did a home visit where we talked about many of the dogs on our adoptable dogs page, including Hershel. This family had lost a young dog unexpectedly in December. She had died of a brain hemorrhage and the family, although ready to adopt a dog, still reeled from their loss. It did however, drive home the point that age is no guarantee of how long you get to keep this precious fur baby in your family. Their dog was 4 years old, an age when most of us think there are many more years to come. Hershel was 10 and according to average life span, could be healthy for another 5-8 years. Not long enough, but it never ever is, right?

Well Katlyn decided to take a chance on Quincy and made him her new forever boy. You see, she works at an assisted living care center and it was her plan to take Quincy with her to work where he could interact with the residents and hang out in her office, and that is exactly what she did. Katlyn writes that the residents and staff love him, they go get him from the office and sneak him treats. The nurses even bring him to areas where dogs are not normally allowed. Quincy is a big hit and Katlyn writes us that "this dog was made for her." So now we know that there was a reason why he was in foster care for so long and that he was never the first choice. It was because he was waiting patiently for Katlyn, her Mom and her boyfriend to find him! At his age, he connects with the residents and understands that they sometimes don't feel their best. He patiently reassures them that it is still a good day. He is the perfect dog for his new home.

Here is Quincy on his Mom's lap "helping" her do her charts!

How is that for a feel good happy ending? We are so happy for Quincy, the residents, the nurses, and his new family!

2011-02-13T20:07:00.003-05:00

TAKE A CHANCE ON ME?

This is adorable little Elsie. Twelve pounds of spit fire who happens to be deaf. At least that is the way she looks at it, no big deal, she doesn't know what a world with sound is and she is determined to make the best of life just as she is.

Yes, a deaf dog does require special care. She will never be able to hear you when you call her so you teach her to come with a hand signal. The challenge is that she has to be able to see you to see the hand signal. It is very important therefore that Elsie and all deaf dogs always be kept on a leash or in a safely enclosed back yard. If they get loose or bolt, only luck and St. Francis will get them back safely. They don't hear cars, people yelling or other distractions. They follow their nose and what they see. Like humans, when one sense is not there, others become more keen. Elsie can probably smell better and see sharper than her canine siblings in foster care.

On the flip side, Elsie will never suffer phobias from thunder storms, gun fire or back fire. She will never hide from a fireplace because the wood popped or run away from the sound of a vacuum cleaner. She can learn sign language for all the basic commands and even some advance tricks. You bet she can smell that treat in your hand as you take in a circular motion to teach her to twirl. Move your fingers inward toward you for come, fingers pointed up for sit, flat hand moving down for down, fist to shoulder for wait, fist back and forth for stay. The possibilities are endless.

Little Miss Elsie is cute as a button and is so eager to please. She plays well with other dogs and loves to cuddle. She will watch her people intently so they try to avoid using their hands too much when they talk to other members of the family. Hands waving in the air can startle Elsie and cause her to wonder if that is a command for her.

Many Dalmatians are born deaf and many have wonderful homes where they have thrived and mastered basic and advanced obedience. Although not as common in other breeds, just like us, any puppy can be born deaf.

We are so thrilled that Elsie came into this world and into BTRNC foster care. We know that she will thrive in a loving forever home with a family who has just a little more patience and a little more love. She will return it for many years 100 fold. Please check Elsie and Chloe out on our Available Female Dogs page.

Elsie thanks you and so do we!

2011-01-30T20:15:00.003-05:00

LOST AND FOUND

We will never know the beginning of his story, but we know how it ended. He is 7 months old, brindle and all boston. He was picked up by an animal control officer in the city and secured in the back of a truck and taken to the animal control intake area. He was then placed in a small cage in an over crowded shelter for a required 5 days waiting for his owner to claim him. He did not have a collar or a microchip. A chip would have located his owner, a collar would have required that he wait for 7 days. He was posted on the lost and found pets page for the shelter's web sites. Two little mug shots, one from the front and one from the side. He no longer had a name, just a number.

For the next 5 days, he was left in the cage. He was given food and water, but not let out, exercised nor did he interact with people except those that fed him while in the cage.

No one came to claim him which is the most frustrating and mysterious part of the story. He is young, healthy and well behaved. He was not neutered but seemed well fed and socialized to people.

BTRNC received an e-mail from a volunteer who had seen his little mug shot. Then we waited for the 5 days to expire. We then had to find a foster placement for him. We have many volunteers, but there are never enough foster homes. We often have dogs waiting to come into rescue when a foster home opens. Luckily, a precious boy had just joined his forever family and the foster family was willing to replace him immediately with this little guy.

Since it is much cheaper for rescues to have vet work done at a shelter, we usually go this route. This means however, that we had to wait until the shelter's overworked veterinarian can fit him in for a neuter, full check up and vaccinations. Another 5 days go by, but this little one is no longer endanger of being euthanized. He has been accepted into rescue. He still waits in his cage.

When his turn came for the vet work, he is moved to a different building where he will receive after care, socialization, walks and more human interaction, but it is still a shelter and he still slept in a cage.

The last step was to arrange transport. He traveled 2 hours with his driver, his foster family drove 1.5 hours to meet him and take him home. He is found now and with his foster family getting acclimated to life outside the shelter again.

His foster family has named him Cousin Eddie which I must admit fits him well. The younger generation should google The Adams Family. Your own Boastful Boston was the lucky one who came to get him from the shelter, took him from the arms of a shelter worker into mine, received boston terrier kisses and watched as he stared longingly at the door out! So many e-mails were exchanged throughout this process and we had typed little boy boston so often in the reference line, I just started typing "little boy blue" one day and although he will never know it, that was his name for a few days. Cousin Eddie seems a better fit now that we have met him.

His foster family will soon provide information for a bio on the available dogs page. For now we know that he ignores cats, does his business outside, and prefers the company of people to dogs. This may change as he gets used to being around canine pals, we just don't know yet.

What we do know is that he is adorable, precious, wide eyed (as you can see), safe and found!

P. S. - I took the picture as he sat on my lap in the car and I was unable to see through the lens of the camera. Maybe I should try this technique more often!

2011-01-23T18:31:00.003-05:00

COME SNUGGLES WITH JAMY

The first time I saw Jamy's bio, I thought of comfy pajamas, a blanket and snuggling up for the evening. Turns out, that is pretty close to accurate about our Jamy.

For any of our readers who love the breed, but don't feel up to their normal energy level, and who would prefer to have an only dog this time around but worry they will miss a playmate, Jamy may be your guy.

At 5 years old, he has moved beyond most puppy antics but still has many years to go. Jamy does not care to play with other dogs and would do best as an only "child." Although he has been around young children, he is more comfortable with children over 12. Jamy will be pleased to play with you but only if you start it. He is most happy snuggled up on your lap or under a blanket on the sofa.

All the beauty and charm of a boston terrier, but you actually get to sit down! And this little guy is handsome as can be and fits the standard for the breed. This of course means that he will snore as he gets older if he doesn't already but many find this soothing white noise, you know like a fan or soft radio music.

Jamy does have luxating patellas. This means that he has an increased chance of his knee caps moving from their correct location. Even though light activity decreases this probability, you don't have to treat him like he is fragile. His knees may be fine for the rest of his life and if they do slip out of place, a vet can work with you to determine the best course of treatment.

Like many pure bred bostons, he does have some skin allergies which are easily managed with benadryl. Once Jamy gets to a forever home and his new family work with their vet and try different diets, etc, this issue may become a thing of the past and the benadryl can be discontinued. Stress sometimes makes these conditions worse.

Overall, Jamy has stolen the hearts of his foster family and as you can see, he seems to be pretty happy to have become one of the BTRNC dogs.

Maybe you have been looking for just such a low energy couch potato boston terrier. BYOP - bring your own pajamas and cuddle up with this handsome boy!

2011-01-16T20:41:00.003-05:00

GETTING STRONGER EVERY DAY

AND READY TO PLAY

You may have seen Scampy on our Available Male Dogs page, rear end in the air, nose to the peanut butter filled kong, missing fur on that rear. Scampy had a broken leg before he was picked up by animal control and of course BTRNC got him the care he needs and he is fixed. Don't be leery of his leg injury, once completely heeled, he will be better than new because the joint will be stronger. He is chomping at the bit to run and play hard with his foster siblings. As written before, dogs do not dwell on their limitations as they take each day as a new beginning. Scampy doesn't know there was anything wrong with his leg. Neither will you when you see him run.

I admit I'm not sure that I get the name but I'm sure there is a story to it. Some are just easier to figure out than others. I was the one who named a sanctuary baby, now over the bridge Bee Gee for goodness sakes. Made sense to me - Bee Gee was long for B.G. which stood for big girl. See, perfect sense. If you are not sure about the name either, I'm sure he wouldn't mind if you renamed him as long as he got a forever home.

Scampy is one of our fosters that we all wish we got every time. His foster mother reports that he is a "dream dog." Good with dogs AND cats, crate trained, house trained and just an all around wonderful dog. All that Scampy requires is love, food, water, a lap, and peanut butter filled kongs. He will return all that 100 fold for a life time.

I think that 5 years is the perfect age to adopt a rescue, old enough to be a survivor and have learned a few things, and young enough to play hard and fast with you or your other four legged family members. Bostons very often live well into their teens so at 5, many of them are just getting started.

Give Scampy a second look, he may be the one you are looking for!

2011-01-08T12:30:00.003-05:00

THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN

Molly (Margaret) Brown was a passenger on The Titanic. Throughout her life, both before and after the famous cruise, she reinforced her status as a survivor. She was raised very poor and although determined to marry a rich man, she fell in love and married JJ Brown who was as poor as her family. Eventually, JJ came into great wealth when one of his inventions helped change the mining industry. JJ created the ore seam for his employer and was awarded 12,500 shares of stock and a seat on the board for his efforts.

Although Molly and JJ later separated, neither remarried and they remained close throughout life.

Molly Brown boarded the Titanic as a first class passenger from the French dock. When it sank on April 15, 1912, she assisted many passengers onto life boats before finally taking a seat on Lifeboat 6. She is credited with helping to row the lifeboat and for convincing the crew to return to the site for additional survivors. History is unclear as to whether the boat actually returned or whether survivors were found, but the point is, she tried.

Molly continued to speak for her causes until her death in 1932 at age 65. Her death could have been related to a brain tumor discovered during the autopsy.

Our Molly Brown was rescued with significant health problems stemming from breast cancer and untreated tumors. Very ill and alone, our volunteer got her the vet care she needed and nursed her back to health. Molly was adopted and is now much loved by a Hokie family. Molly recently visited Blacksburg, home of Virginia Tech over the holidays. She is the reigning boston terrier in the family.

We think this name and legacy are perfect for this unsinkable little girl who has a home, love, and who takes each day as a gift!

2011-01-03T10:38:00.003-05:00

OUR HAWAIIAN FLOWER

Meet Pua which means Hawaiian flower. Pronounced poo a, long o, short a. A beautiful name for this beautiful little flower.

One of our volunteers works at a vet clinic which is very convenient. She was asked and agreed to transport this little girl to the clinic for medical attention from Tennessee. Fate intervened of course and we had our first snow of the season so her arrival was delayed and she ended up at our volunteers house instead of the clinic. As you can guess, she is now fostered with her foster family and canine siblings. She came in very under weight, with severe diarrhea, nasty ears, and long curly nails.

Very patiently, she allowed foster Mom to trim her nails, clean her ears and have a much needed bath. This little angelic girl with the big eyes and curious face emerged. Surprises weren't quite over yet - she went into heat! Not to worry, the boys in residence are neutered as are all of our rescue dogs. Pua, however, will have to wait just a little bit to be spade. We don't spay while in heat unless there is a medical need to do so.

Pua went shopping and picked out her own blanket and bed. Bright orange with skull faces or pumpkins as you prefer on it, thank you very much. She has put on a few pounds, the diarrhea is gone, and she is beginning to learn to play with other dogs and toys! She was a Santa Paws recipient and was completely overwhelmed with joy that the things in that box could be for her!

Santino, a foster, turned forever baby will actually allow Pua to sleep near him. Could he actually like her??? Santino prefers his own space in life!

Pua is petite and has a knack for making everyone who meets her fall completely in love with her including the Boastful Boston. She will soon make her appearance on our available dogs page. If you would like a flower for your very own, let us know. Pua is waiting to meet you!

2010-12-26T21:23:00.003-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM BTRNC

It's the day after Christmas 2010. Most of the areas where BTRNC is active are blanketed with a powerful winter storm complete with high winds blowing blizzard snow drifts. Raleigh, North Carolina has over 9 inches of snow just as an example. The South and the East Coast got a white Christmas and then some. I bet most our members have at least one boston piled on or next to them under blankets. I do! He is completely exhausted from his big weekend of traveling.

So many things happen each year and I can't begin to hit them all or even remember them for that matter. A few memories:

Three BTRNC bostons or relatives of our bostons went missing during this holiday season and all 3 were recovered safe and sound. A Christmas miracle for their frantic families and foster families.

Peanut came into BTRNC at the age of 13 and stole her foster Mom's heart and the members who were able to share her pictures. She knew nothing but love and crossed the bridge late in 2009. We are privileged to be able to touch her life.

Santa Paws 2010 was another huge success. Here is Barney enjoying his haul.

Hope and Charity found forever homes late this year. A special needs pair who waited patiently for the right person to find them.

Maci and her puppy Aldo underwent successful heart surgery and have been restored to health. All Maci's puppies were adopted. Maci is recovering from the surgery and the stress of her litter but we know her forever home cannot be too far away.

Oscar and Willis continue to thrive in our Sanctuary and enjoyed another Christmas.

Trixie looks like a different dog than when she arrived in our care. Your donations have helped us to help her.

We cannot thank you enough for your support during 2010. This includes everyone from our Board members to anyone who made a donation or money, supplies or time to BTRNC. We would not be here without your support.

The four legged and two legged members thank you! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2010-12-04T13:05:00.003-05:00

TIS THE SEASON!!!

Thanksgiving was actually late on the calendar this year which means there is less time between Thanksgiving and Christmas to get everything done. See, it's not your fault that you are so far behind. So much to do... trees to decorate, lights to put up, cards to address, cookies to bake, presents to buy, presents to wrap, holiday parties to attend and to host if you have that much energy.

While you are rushing around singing "Tis the Season, Grin and Bear It....", please take a moment to remember all those who are in need this season. The smallest of gestures can mean so much to so many people. Remember too all the homeless animals who are in need of food, warmth and vet care. Please donate your time or resources to the charities of your choice. It will probably make you feel better than trying to figure out how to wrap the hexagon shaped toy that your nephew wanted.

This season, I thought I would show you the out takes from one of our dear volunteers during her photo session of the bostons who she and her husband call the children that God blessed them with! Before you peek, try to picture how you would get 7 bostons or any group for that matter to all sit on a bench, stay there and smile for the camera. First you have to get them all up there without the first ones jumping down. Then you have to get them to stay there without 14 arms and an extra one for the camera. But before you do any of that, you for some reason have decided to put ties on the boys and bows on the girls. That in itself would have exhausted me.

Then you take the picture! Oh I wish it had sound. I hope you enjoy these pictures as much as our members did when they were posted to the group!

Two are so excited, they break into song!

Four are over it and have gone to sleep!

And continue to nap!

Two have escaped!

Merry Christmas everyone! May all your dreams come true!

2010-11-23T20:00:00.002-05:00

THE HAPPIEST OF THANKSGIVINGS TO EVERYONE

Things we are thankful for this year:

The BTRNC volunteers who pull dogs from shelters that should never have been there in the first place; open their homes and hearts to dogs until their forever homes find them; attend fundraisers, provide support and guidance to other members; drive transports; counsel new forever families; create calendars, jewelry, and other items for sale to benefit the rescue; post e-mail updates, maintain our books; and the list goes on and on.

Our BTRNC dogs who bring us joy and unconditional love every day.

Our forever families who choose to rescue rather than buy and who have give one or more of our dogs what they want most of all - a home.

Our supporters who donate their money, time, and resources to our rescue.

The boarding facilities who work with us to allow our dogs to stay with them out of harms way until a foster home opens up.

The trainers who work with our dogs who need extra help with behavior or fear issues.

And everyone else who has contributed to the success and reputation of BTRNC.

2010-11-12T15:28:00.004-05:00

A VERY HAPPY FOREVER AFTER

I live in the southwestern part of VA, close to both the Tennessee and NC borders and not too close to Richmond or Northern VA. There are a whole lot of small and medium towns between here and those places. Sometimes we need to do home visits in one of those towns.

I had what turned out to be the absolute pleasure of taking a road trip to a town right out of the backdrop to a lot of country songs a few months ago. I did the home visit for the incredibly sweet and enthusiastic future parents of Miss Sophie. As soon as you turned off the main road, you felt transported in time before pollution, mega malls and super stores. Everyone who lives on the long road knows everyone or are in some way related and they all waved at me as I drove by. I must be welcome or I would not be on that road! Most of the houses have large side and back yards too. When I pulled into the correct driveway, I could picture a lucky pup sunning on the back porch.

Mandy came right out to meet me and welcomed me in to their warm and comforting home.

The four legged family member in residence is Panda, a beautiful black and white cat. Seems like I'm not the only one into the whole black and white color scheme. It was very important that their new boston would at least be cat friendly and at most like cats.

Of course the home visit was fully approved and they had their eye on our Sophie already. A week later, they made the road trip so we didn't have to arrange transport and brought Sophie home.

So, how did everything turn out? See for yourself!

We are so happy for Sophie, Panda and their wonderful family. Now if I could just get over my desire to live on that road instead of the city!

2010-11-02T16:47:00.004-04:00

BUT I REALLY AM A GOOD BOY - HONEST!

So, I'm not even a year old yet, but so far I've been dumped at a dumpster (guess they threw me away too), had a bad case of mange (of which I am all better now), was rescued by a really nice person who nursed me back to health, was turned into BTRNC because my rescuer had to move away, got adopted, got a new adopted brother, then got returned to BTRNC but my bother got to stay. Since I will never forget what it was like at that dumpster, I stay pretty happy most of the time. Good thing I don't know how to feel sorry for myself, but geezeee....

I get so excited when I have another dog to play with, I seem a little crazy, but I really am only having a good time. I can be over whelming to some humans watching me run, jump and play. The good news is that if you are not up for my level of excitement with other dogs but you think I am handome and cute, I can be very quiet and calm as an only dog. Another BTRNC volunteer has a boy like me and she takes him to day care once a week so he can run wild and she doesn't have to watch! That is just an idea, you don't have to do that, I'll just be happy to be home with you. Honest.

I don't like being separated from my people so much. It was lonely outside and sometimes I get afraid that my people will leave me again or won't come back. I am working on that though. As long as I am in the room with you, I am really good at throwing toys for myself and catching them - I am a good self entertainer so don't worry if you have other stuff to do besides play with me.

Oh, and as you can see, cats even like me. I hope that someone soon will give me another chance. My foster Mom says I am really adorable which I think is a good thing so maybe I could be adorable for you! Thanks for listening! Archie!

2010-10-22T13:12:00.003-04:00

ANOTHER OCTOBER, ANOTHER HALLOWEEN

Well here we are again, one week from Halloween. The night of goblins, ghosts, pumpkins, candy and ringing doorbells. I know most of this has been said many times before but if one new reader changes a plan and saves a dog, then I'll repeat it over and over.

Chocolate is not good for dogs. It is toxic if a dog ingests too much. Dark chocolate is more toxic than milk chocolate, pure cocoa used for baking is the most toxic and in very small amounts. Keep Halloween candy out of Fido's reach. If your precious furry baby happens to ingest a snack size milk chocolate candy bar, it is probably not reason to panic and rush the dog to the vet to have his stomach pumped.

One year, many years ago, Kelsey ate two of those candy bars that people used to sell door to door for charity. You know the ones - skinny and long, wrapped first in foil, then covered in white paper with the name of the charity printed on the outside. Well I was getting ready for a Halloween party when the pre-teen knocked on the door. I bought two and laid them on the table right by the door while I went back to my fake nails.

Well Kelsey knocked them both off the table with her outstretched paws and had herself a wonderful treat. I called the emergency vet and they gave me weight ratios of dog to candy.

So here I go pounding on my next door neighbor's door (dressed as a Spanish castanet dancer I might add). "did you buy any of those candy bars earlier, I panted?" "Yeah, why do you want it?" he asked concerned for my sugar levels. "No, I just need to know much they weigh!"

Stop laughing!!!

Anyway, it turns out that Kelsey at 25 pounds could have eaten 3 of them before toxicity became an issue. All she had was a stomach ache and diarrhea. So, before you drive the ambulance or before you give your poor dog something to make him throw up over a chocolate kiss, call the vet!

Be mindful of costumes too. Don't use anything that ties or binds the dogs head, ears or feet. Did you know that hats indicate a dominance over the dog? So you may want to skip the cute little crowns too.

Only take your dog with you through the neighborhood if you are fairly confident that he or she is not quick to startle or bolt. Children love to walk their dogs but not many 6 year olds can hold on to a leash being jerked off their arm by a startled dog running for dear life from something making Frankenstein noises or from a white sheet gliding down the street.

Crates are a great place for your pooch to be safe while you and your family go make fools of yourselves in the spirit of the season!

O.k., so here's a new take. One of our volunteers carved pumpkins to look like her bostons! Pretty creative ah?

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE

2010-10-16T11:13:00.003-04:00

FRIENDSHIP MAKES EVERYTHING BETTER

Someone once told me that at the birth of their third child, they were concerned because it was no longer an even match in their house. Two parents, two arms each, two children. Balance was easy to maintain. Sometimes the same can be said for adding the third, fourth, fifth dog and so on. Everyone has their limit or they should anyway. I am most comfortable with two. When I had three, I always felt like one was being left out. Some of our rescue members do fine with 5 or even 7. Organization is the key with this number and routine. One of our more famous foster Mom's coordinates up to 9 temporarily with the precision of a military troop. I bow down to their abilities.

I only have one right now and know that someday number two will make their appearance, particularly since number one is bored a lot of the time. He is forever trying to engage in play with my 18 year old cat. His need to play also results in day care once a week. This evening is the most peaceful of my week.

Moochie, adopted from BTRNC in 2008 and renamed Spike sounds a lot like my Riley. He was non stop energy and hard to manage. He even got thrown out of his first obedience class because he was more interested in playing and disrupting the other students than learning good behaviors. Hearing the stories about Spike and what his new Mom kindly referred to as mischievous pranks, BTRNC encouraged the family to add a playmate.

In 2009, Sweet Pea was brought home from a shelter and the rest is history. Spike and Sweet Pea are inseparable. When they have to be separated, their reunion is marked with joyous tail wagging licking and other physical contact. They play constantly and then when they wear themselves out, both are content to take up the WHOLE couch and cuddle together for the evening.

Every dog is different. Some do better as only dogs either due to dominance or a bad experience with another dog. Then there are others who thrive on the friendship of one or more of their own kind. If you have one in the second category, consider this success and reformation of a formerly mischievous Spike. Hmmm..... maybe I need to take my own advice.

Have a blast Spike and Sweet Pea. We are so glad you found each other and your family!

2010-10-03T12:20:00.003-04:00

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

I have heard this phrase a lot recently and I do not know who to credit for coining it first. Usually it is said when discussing the many family members and friends it takes to coordinate raising a child these days. Particularly when there are multiple children who have to be in multiple places.

It takes a big village to coordinate a rescue too. We have volunteers scattered all over NC, SC, VA and a few much further away. Volunteers foster, transport, provide nursing care, hospice care, emotional support and behavior modification to the hundreds of bostons that have passed through BTRNC. Our volunteers have friends and family of their own who often provide assistance in many ways.

Elvis and Priscilla, a VERY bonded pair who are both heart worm positive recently came into rescue. Their foster family had been very insistent that they would only foster ONE boston at a time. That was at least until now. Their most recent foster had gone to their forever family so their doorstep was open. In this case, two came as one and they reluctantly agreed under the rationalization that these two were so bonded, it was like having one large dog.

While they were making their way, very far away, another volunteer knew someone who knew someone... Anyway, there was a large crate involved. The crate had belonged to someone who no longer needed it. She gave it to one of our volunteers who sent it on a transport from state to state. The crate arrived at Elvis and Priscilla's destination just in time to provide this pair a place to stay safe and be together.

Even more important, they began their treatment for heart worms. I've blogged about that subject before. But as a reminder, the shots are painful and expensive and you must keep the dogs still to avoid the development and movement of a fatal clot. What better way to keep these two quiet then by letting them be together in a crate made for two! Funny how things work out.

Pieces of a puzzle of need come together every day in rescue. We would not be here without it. Elvis and Priscilla will soon be heart worm free and ready to take on the world. The final piece in their puzzle is a forever home. Maybe you could also look at it as one big dog and complete their puzzle.

2010-09-25T11:30:00.003-04:00

TO CALM THEIR FEARS

My last rescue was picked up by animal control on the streets at the ripe old age of 8 weeks. He is two years old now and I still ponder daily about his first 8 weeks of life. He was not underweight so somewhere he had a Mother who nursed him. How did he end up on the streets so young, and why is he so afraid of loud noises, frying sounds in the kitchen and of the music the ice cream trucks makes. The car, forget about it. He sits motionless in a bed in the back seat, never moving. He doesn't shake any more when he goes in the car, but he still goes rigid as you lift him toward the open car door. He is more than capable of jumping in a car, but that won't happen. Despite his fears, he LOVES all people and animals, and will throw an absolute fit if we pass someone on a walk if he is not given the opportunity to say hello. He's gorgeous and he's mine so I'll get off of him now.

Jasper's story may have been similar. And talk about gorgeous. He's 15 months old and still hides at noises and had to work through his fear of the leash because that meant the scary outdoors. Most dogs are giddy with excitement at the sight of a leash, but not those who learned too young that the world outside is not always a safe place. He has also found comfort next to the big dog in the house.

Jasper underwent surgery for a luxating patella the first of September and is now recovering. Don't you be afraid of that. Once the patella is fixed, it is fixed. BTRNC has paid for the surgery and took on the fun chore of keeping him still during recovery.

He is learning to trust and to receive pats and love. He may be skittish at first meeting but is learning quickly that he need not be afraid. He is so young and in time we hope that his fears will be all but forgotten and the scars of his youth will be completely healed. The family who is lucky enough to become Jasper's forever people can continue down the path of recovery and he will know that he is home and safe.

Jasper's life has just begun. If you would like to join him in his journey, please let us know.

2010-09-13T11:36:00.004-04:00

REFORMED ESCAPE ARTIST SAYS HE IS HAPPY TO BE SAFE

I have learned a lot in my short year and a half of life. I remember what is was like to have a family that did not have any time for me and how boring it was there. I tried to fill my time by chewing up things I should have left alone and by eating things that were not good for my tummy.

Then one day, a lady from BTRNC came and took me to her home. It took me awhile to understand that this home would offer me more activities and that I did not have to try to escape. Now that I get to go for walks, I know what is on the other side of the fence and I am not so eager to go exploring on my own. I will admit to an occasional dig just to find out if China is really down there!

I am very afraid of certain things like big dogs and those small dog looking things with sharp feet. I think they are called cats. Whatever they are called, they make me cower in a corner. That may sound silly, but I bet there are some things you are afraid of too. I only weigh 15 pounds after all. I hear a lot of humans are afraid of snakes. Heck, they don't have sharp feet and most of them will leave you alone.

I am house broken (gee, I don't feel broken) but if a big dog or sharp footed monster scares me, I hide in the corner and if they don't go away, sometimes I have to let go of my bladder. I don't like being afraid but I'm working on it.

They say I have a luxating patella. I'll let the Boston Blogger provide some background on that one. ...... Thanks Raleigh. ..... A luxating patella is a condition where the patella can slip in and out of place over the knee cap. It can cause temporary or prolonged pain and therefore a reluctance to use the impacted leg. There are many degrees of this condition - all do not require surgery. Here is a link which much more information about this fairly common condition: http://www.dogcustomer.com/veterinary/canine_luxating_patella.htm

I am ready to be somewhere forever and I know my forever people are out there. Please help me find them.

2010-09-03T15:52:00.003-04:00

It's Been Such a Long Time for Echo!

Won't someone please take a second look at our boy Echo? He has come such a long way since being in foster care. Although he has to take two medications daily, he is stabilized wit his thyroid and Cushings disease and is enjoying life. If you have ever had the privilege of caring for a senior, then you have probably gone through periods of 4 different pills, special food, special supplements and have become a walking reference guide for food items to hide pills. By the way, my favorite standby last plan is and always will be Gerber Graduates Chicken Hot Dogs. Stuff a pill down a piece of one of these and it and the chicken are swallowed whole. Anyway, back to Echo who takes his 2 pills a day very easily. When you think about it, 2 pills a day is not a lot in the grand scheme of companion pet care.

Cushing's disease is a condition in which the pituitary gland releases too much of a hormone called ATCH. Please type Canine Cushings Disease into your favorite search engine and you will get more information than you would ever have time to read.

Echo is such a sweet boy who loves his 3 boston siblings and is particularly fond of his youngest brother. Echo is also a talker. Her sits at his foster Mom's feet and makes a variety of sounds to engage in conversation. Echo may be a dog that you can teach to talk like the famous You Tube clips of dogs saying Yi Rove Ewe and I Rannntt Wit!

Echo would so love to have the stability and permanence of a forever home. You can tell from these updated pictures that he feels good, has a beautiful coat and a happy face. If you are looking for a snuggle bug with a few issues but with lots of love and none of the puppy madness, you may be the one that Echo has been waiting for.

2010-08-21T11:25:00.003-04:00

NOT SO FAST THERE PEOPLE!

Yes, I am 10 years old! How old are you by the way? HMPH, that's what I thought. Tried to get life insurance recently? Yes, my family fell on hard times and they did the right thing by sending me to a rescue. I miss them terribly but I am so lucky compared to so many dogs that get left behind in empty houses, posted on Internet lists without any checking, or just dumped on the side of the road. And finally, yes, I have a bad leg. Hey, I didn't know what a car was when I was a young pup and saw a squirrel. At least I got vet care and was fixed up pretty good. And no, my family never gave me a chance to run in the street any more.

So, I get to the rescue, and everyone is really nice and all, but they want to put me in a sanctuary? The way these people talk, it sounds like a really nice place where they make old and sick dogs comfortable to live out their remaining time. Well excuse me, but I have lots of remaining time thank you, and I can play and romp with the best of them. My leg doesn't slow me down. Have you people checked around? Bostons live well into their teens a lot!!! I'm not even a teenager yet.

We hear you Boomer, loud and clear. You have shown us that you may have a little grey on the fur, but your spirit, heart, and will are strong and that you deserve a forever home, not a sanctuary. So, we are posting you on the Male Dogs page, not the Sanctuary, o.k.?

That's better. Please come check me out, read my bio that says even more nice things about me and check out my handsome portraits. I would give you joy and laughter as well as a play buddy for a long time to come. My first family, BTRNC and I would be very thankful!

Is that a squirrel --- oh wait, that's a fence. Guess no street for me here either!

2010-08-08T13:07:00.003-04:00

TAKE A CHANCE ON ME?!

I have known quite a few dogs in and out of BTRNC named Chance. One thing they all have in common is that they are all rescue dogs and their most owners tell you they named their dog Chance because they decided to take a chance on him. The best part is that these owners are glad they took that chance and their dogs named Chance are living the good life with their new family.

The Chance that is currently on our available dogs page will pull at your heart strings as his story is particularly sad. In case you come here first instead of the dogs page, Chance's owner died very unexpectedly and he was left in the house to fend for himself surviving on the water in the toilet bowl. Imagine how hungry he must have been, how confused and scared about why his owner couldn't care for him and how weak he must have been when he was rescued.

He is a very handsome little boy and he is so young and has so much life yet to live. Isn't it amazing that instead of shunning people as some dogs left in isolation have done, he is beyond excited at every new person he meets. He thrives on touch and love and really wants to learn how to play with other dogs. The spirit that helped him survive will also help him to over come his fears and help him to learn to play with other dogs. Maybe one day he will be secure enough to know that things that go bump in the night or boom in the sky do not mean that he will be hurt. He is learning to trust again. You can see it in his eyes in the pictures. He wants to be happy, wants to be loved and wants his second chance.

He will require extra care and more patience than some dogs. He may never completely loose his fear but he may get better. Now Chance needs someone to take a chance on him. Maybe you will be the one that is glad you took a chance on Chance!

Chance feels secure with his bear. We hope that someday soon he will have a lot more reasons to feel secure.

2010-07-29T17:02:00.003-04:00

FOR THOSE WE LEAVE BEHIND

A woman in Virginia was a dog rescuer and yes, she probably rescued more than she could afford. All the dogs were clean, sheltered, loved, and fed. Then the woman became gravely ill with little warning. She was in the hospital and knew her time was near. She could not let go until she knew her dogs were safe. She didn't want to leave them at all, but that choice apparently was no longer hers. She held on for weeks longer than expected, uncomfortable and weak but she had to make sure that people were ensuring the well being of her dogs. When the space was open, the red tape cut, she learned that all her dogs were safe and she passed 30 minutes later.

We can't see into our futures and do not know our fate. We do what we can to make arrangements for our families, including our pets and that is all we can do.

Precious Callie and Rex lost their Mom and Dad who loved them very much. They are a bonded pair who once shared the bed with their human parents. Because another family member cared, they were saved from being outside and placed in rescue. They are not only close, Rex relies on Callie to guide him. Rex has a scratched eye and cannot always see on one side. Callie watches and makes sure he is going in the right direction and not toward any danger.

It is a huge undertaking to adopt two, and no, they will never have the life they had with their first family. Dogs live in the moment, however, and they have lots of love and time left to give. I'm sure they understand on some level that their Mom and Dad didn't want to leave them and that there is someone else who will love them now.

Their Mom hoped for them a home where they would be spoiled, played with, have toys and love. Whoever may choose to take on this task will be rewarded more than they imagine.

Callie and Rex are on our available dogs page. Please take a look.

2010-07-18T09:04:00.002-04:00

RESCUE DOGS ARE ALWAYS HAPPY TO RETURN THE FAVOR

Our volunteers, including our web mistress, foster coordinators and foster Moms are getting much more creative with the stories of our available dogs. Perhaps it is time to periodically change the focus of this blog to general heart warming stories and educational material when possible.

To that end, it is time to give high paws to all the dogs out there who were once rescued by humans and later returned the favor, sometimes again and again.

Many of you have seen the You Tube post of the dog who ran through the woods in the dark, got the attention of the fire company who was trying to find their location and who led them back down the road to the house. Thank goodness the fire fighters were smart enough to follow the dog at the forks in the road.

The August, 2010 Readers Digest has an article about 5 animals who do extraordinary things including Jobe who was rescued off the street by a teenager who begged to fix and keep his new buddy. Jobe needed lots of health care and healing which he received. Later, Jobe was the one who literally dragged his owner out of a recliner by the sweatshirt and who knocked through a closed door to get his parents out of bed to save him from a life threatening allergic reaction.

Remember the stories of the dogs who found lost children before the police and who laid on top of them all night to keep them warm and safe from wild animals.

How many of you saw Old Yeller and were still crying days later? If you haven't ever seen it, get a box of tissues, and rent the movie. I was a 8 or 9 but I think it started me on the path to become a rescuer.

And last but not least, we have our own Rowdy who was in foster care last year. His foster Mom knew she wanted to make it a forever situation from the day they met, but foster Dad wasn't so sure. He insisted Rowdy was on probation until a final decision could be made. Then, the younger member of their family decided to put her "special" blanker over her lamp to create glowing light. When the blanket caught on fire, it was Rowdy who smelled the smoke first and alerted the family, not giving up until Mom and Dad got up to investigate. You can guess the end, only a lamp and blanket were lost and Rowdy's probation vanished in an instant. Rowdy is a permanent member of the family.

So, if you are tempted to adopt a rescue or add another to your family but need a little push to be convinced, consider this: the dog you save today may save you tomorrow. At the very least, your heart will get even bigger with the love and joy your rescue will bring you every day.

The economy has not been kind and there are more dogs than ever that need homes. Rescues like BTRNC and animal shelters are full and over crowded. If you are able, we hope you will visit our Available Dogs page and complete an application.

Paws crossed!

2010-07-07T14:23:00.004-04:00

HOW HOT IS IT ON THE EAST COAST?

So hot that water from a hose steams as it disappears into the cold rock hard ground.

So hot that asphalt pavement blisters your feet.

So hot that water left in a watering can reaches the boiling point if sitting in the direct sun.

So hot that 10 minutes in the direct sun without sunscreen can result in a burn.

So hot that without consistent hydration while outside, you are in danger of heat stroke and death!

So how hot do you think your pets are if they are outside?

Hot enough to cause sunburn in breeds like boston terriers and other short haired breeds.

Hot enough to cause breathing difficulty.

Hot enough to blister their paw pads if forced to walk on wood or asphalt.

Hot enough for heat stroke, dehydration and even death.

Please keep your pets indoors during the hot weather. If they absolutely must be kept outside, ensure a constant supply of fresh cool water and a shade source. Check on them or have someone check on them for you several times during the day. If a dog stops drinking water, it is usually a sign of dehydration and they should be moved to a shady area and sponged down with cool to luke warm water immediately. Vet attention should be sought if a dog is drooling profusely, is lethargic and/or vomiting.

Many boston terriers love kiddie pools. For a fun break from the air conditioning and a chance to experience the great outdoors, consider investing in a pool. Be sure to dump the water after each swim to avoid mosquitoes. Here is Miss Peanut enjoying pool time. No coaxing required - pull the pool out and she is in it.

Sister Mini Pearl joins her and would like the hose which is at the bottom of the pool under the water.

Stay cool and keep your babies cool as well. Anyone want the snow back?

2010-06-29T21:03:00.003-04:00

WITH A LITTLE LOVE....

Blogs are easy to write when the pictures do all the work. Such is the case with Miss Penelope!

One of our volunteers pulled this puppy from Georgia. She had a severe case of mange and required a lot of special care and a lot of special love.

Just look at her scared little face!

Penelope's Mom is no stranger to special love for special needs precious fur babies. She adopted Puggles from BTRNC. Puggles has some issues with his feet and paws but that doesn't slow him down nor did it cause his Mom to skip a beat when she adopted him. Puggles and I discussed this and he said it was o.k. to call it issues, but certainly not a deformity or a handicap. Thank you Puggles.

Now Puggles has a new fur sibling in Miss Penelope. If you did not scroll ahead, then it is now time for everyone to see what tender loving care can do. Introducing Penelope today!

How about that? Some require extra effort but they are oh so worth it. I don't really need to say anything else- the pictures say it all! Cheers to Puggles and Penelope and to their Mom who chose to do something rather than nothing!

2010-06-20T20:35:00.003-04:00

THE MANY TALENTS OF THIS COOKIE

If you check the website often, you may have noted our adorable Cookie playing the piano. Apparently this was just the beginning of her many abilities. Cookie will follow any command for a treat including commands given to other dogs! She's one smart Cookie! Add to her list, Olympic swimmer. If you or any of your nearby friends or relatives have a pool, you may want to give this little girl a second look. Here she is preparing to make a big splash with her entrance!

When she is finished swimming or more likely when her foster family determines that she is finished swimming, she can exit the pool on her own thank you very much using either the ladder or the stairs! Hey, she's seen people do it, so why can't she!

Cookie is also smart enough to tell when children are afraid of her and this makes her uneasy so she would be best in a home with dog savvy older children. She may even be able to teach her new family some new tricks, or at least a few new piano pieces!

Cookie's foster mother says that over all Cookie is a wonderful sweet, smart and loving dog and her forever family would be lucky indeed! Not to worry either, when day is done, this sweet girl is happy to snuggle and nap. Don't they all look so angelic when they are sleeping?

Hurry and check out this Cookie on our available dogs page before the Cookie Monster from Sesame Street finds her!

2010-06-12T18:44:00.002-04:00

PANIC

That about sums it up - sheer panic. That out of control, I don't have control and I have to fix this right now feeling and the strongest desire to turn the clock back 30 seconds before "it" happened.

"It" in this case, is that split second when your newly arrived, long awaited rescue boston forever baby bolts out the door, slips her collar or escapes through a unseen hole in the fence or an open gate.

It is an awful feeling to watch this baby that came to live with you disappear from sight at a dead run. You can't catch them, you know that, yet you still try and running toward them only makes them run faster. They don't know you yet, after all, they were rescued from one home or shelter, placed in another home for foster care, then delivered to another strange home. Makes you think you would run away if that summed up the last 6 months of your life too, doesn't it?

BTRNC is thrilled to report that the last 3 dogs who made such an escape hours after arriving at their forever homes were all eventually recovered, unharmed to their new families. The families grew a whole lot of new gray hairs during the period of their adventure on the lam. One dog was gone for 2 weeks in a wooded area near his new home and eventually trapped in a humane possum trap. His new family drove the trap with the dog still in it home and into the garage and closed the door before the door was opened. In a second escape, a good Samaritan called someone who knew someone who knew someone that was looking for another lost angel and she was eventually corned in a parking lot. Our most recent escapee took off leash and all as her new Dad was trying to leash her up to take her for her first walk. Though the help of neighbors and friends, she was found and surrendered by rolling on her back.

The three sweetest words that anyone who has ever lost a dog are, "we have her."

The new family is heart sick and feels like it was their fault, the foster family who just said goodbye to the latest foster that they have fallen in love with is heart broken and thinks they should have kept this fur baby for themselves.

It is not any one's fault, it just happened! So for all your prospective pooch parents, keep in mind that your new arrival is scared and confused. They don't know you, your house your animals, your neighborhood. Some may escape from fear, others from excitement as they bounce themselves out your door and still others may suddenly be bitten by wanderlust and want a great adventure.

Keep their collars no looser than the width of two fingers under the collar, or harness, leash them inside, don't open any door in the house without securing the dog first, don't let younger children hold the leash outside the house, and never assume anything with your newest addition. These tips won't guarantee the avoidance of panic but may improve your odds.

We wish for no more panic and for very many more happy endings!

2010-05-27T17:07:00.004-04:00

MAKING UP FOR LOST TIME

CORRECTION TO DUDLEY'S MEDICAL CONDITION - 6/3/2010 -DUDLEY DOES NOT AND NEVER DID HAVE HEART WORMS - YEAH!!!!!

If you were 2 years old but felt like 14 in human years, and you never had the chance to run, play with others that look like you, splash in the water, or just hang out with friends, you would be frustrated too!

Dudley is 2 and from what we can tell, was never given much, if any attention or training. He was fed well and kept safe but not much else. Even after joining BTRNC, he had to wait even longer to recover from cherry eye. Now, finally, Dudley can run and run and play and run and play and run and play - you get the idea!. He is making up for lost time. He is a big boy at over 30 pounds but he doesn't think that is any bigger than any other dog. He is a strong boy, but he doesn't know it.

Who me?

His foster finally cried Uncle and asked the group for ideas on how to tire out this gorgeous boy just a little faster. His foster family is having a hard time keeping up with him and we are sure his foster fur siblings could use a rest as well.

Day care, swimming, and back packs were all good suggestions. Back packs filled with size appropriate weights such as water bottles can be slung over a dog's back while on walks. The extra weight makes the dog tire faster, just like we do. If you try this, however, please check with your vet and make sure you are not over filling the pack and creating too much weight on the dogs back. Tired is good, injured is not.

Dudley loves the water, loves to hike, loves to swim, and loves just about anything that involves an activity. Dudley runs and plays hard and would enjoy the company of a similar energy drive playmate. He really does occasionally wear out and snuggle too!

If you have an active family and want an active 4 legged companion, Dudley may be your boy! As you grow older, so will he, and your energy levels should actually match in a few years or at the least, you can enjoy a break from all the exercise even if just for a time!

2010-05-20T16:51:00.002-04:00

7th Anniversary Day In the Park Celebration

BTRNC had such a wonderful time at our 5 year anniversary party, that we decided to do it again to mark 7 years.

A grand time was had by all once again. It was hot and the 50+ bostons in attendance enjoyed the pool thoughtfully brought by one of our members. Sweet Pea in particular tried to cool off in a larger size water bowl. Hey, whatever works.

One of the highlights is a book created by another member. It is entitled "The ABC's of BTRNC". It tells the story through pictures and captions of BTRNC 2003-2010 with adopted dogs, families, memorials, events, and features.

If you were able to make it to the celebration, you got to see the sample copy. If not, as I was not, I am told that it is a beautiful book with lots of pictures, poetry and stories.

This commemorative book is available for a limited time for $30.00, $5.00 of which will to directly to BTRNC. More details and information is currently posted on our home page.

A huge thank you to all those who attended the event, all those who helped plan and coordinate the event, and all those who could not make it but have lent us their support over the past 7 years.

2010-05-19T10:17:00.002-04:00

THE LINE BETWEEN AGGRESSION AND ESTABLISHING ORDER

Many years ago, I went with a friend of mine to adopt a dog from the local shelter. They already had two dogs and wanted to add another. She picked out a sad looking black lab mix and put him in the car. On the way home, I happened to read the information card on the new addition. Only then were we aware that the dog had been turned into the shelter because he did not get along with other dogs and was aggressive. My friend, his new owner just shrugged and said, we'll work it out.

Well guess what, Buck never showed even the smallest aggression toward any dog or person in the house. He got along wonderfully with everyone and lived a very long, happy and healthy life. If we had read the card before selecting Buck, would he have gone home with us? How many others had passed him by who had read the card. What was the environment at his first home that caused him to be turned into a shelter because he didn't get along with other dogs?

New arrivals should be introduced on leashes with a different handler on each lead and in neutral territory if at all possible. After the first introduction, the animals should be separated with supervised time together at intervals until there is an invitation to play from the resident dog or until it is obvious from their interaction that no harm is intended.

Often times, when BTRNC first posts a rescue bio, we will indicate issues about getting along with other dogs or cats. We want to let potential adopters know as much as possible about our rescues. It is just as true that we often update the bio at a later time to remove that item because the rescue has learned to feel secure or has learned the fine art of play and no longer as fearful or aggressive of other dogs.

Stitch is a rescue who has some issues to overcome with other dogs. She has made some significant improvements with some of her issues. When joining rescue, Stitch was a dog darter who would bolt out the door from fear, not sure if the greater threats were inside or outside her foster home. She was also very nervous around all other dogs, again she was afraid.

Her foster Mom plays soothing CDs to help her switch focus from barking dogs. Stitch has had lots of opportunities to meet dogs of all temperaments and can show tolerance to mellow and calm dogs. She is still unpredictable and does not always back down at the retreat or submissive posture of another dog. There is still more work to be done.

In the meantime, Stitch is an example of the thin line between aggression and pack order. She is a beautiful and sweet dog. We know she would do well as an only dog. Would she do well in a different environment with other dogs? This is something that would need to be explored with Foster Mom and prospective adopter.

We will never truly know what dogs know and why they act one way in one home, and another in a different environment. Just one of the many personality traits that makes us humans so fascinated by them!

If you would like to learn more about Stitch, please follow the contact link on our home page so a rescue volunteer can work with you.

2010-05-14T19:58:00.003-04:00

DON'T COUNT ME OUT!

Mast cell cancer is unfortunately not that uncommon in dogs these days. The Internet has endless information about the disease. If you are interested in learning more, just search mast cell cancer.

Mast cells on the skin can be removed surgically and if the vet is able to get good margins (space on each side of the tumor site), recovery chances are very good. If however, the mast cells have multiplied and attached to the internal organs, recovery chances drop considerably.

Our sanctuary resident Willis came to rescue with mast cell cancer already in his organs. Willis also has serious health problems with his eyes. I first met Willis 2 years ago at our 5 year anniversary event. At that time, I assumed he was living out his last days with a wonderful loving foster Mom who adored him. The feeling was clearly mutual. Willis likes to be held by his Mom a lot, so much in fact, he would whine when she wasn't near and basically asked that she return to him and pick him up.

Well that was 2 years ago and Willis is still with us, still loved and still providing endless love to his Mom. His eyes continue to degenerate and he now has the equivalent of middle age baldness syndrome so he is loosing some of his fur. But he is still spoiled rotten and loving life. He does not however choose to play well with those outside his family. He was sent to the dug out at a recent play date at a softball field for unnecessary roughness on a golden retriever. Willis was happy to take to the dug out as long as Mom went with him.

Just one of the amazing qualities that dogs have is the ability not to know they are sick and therefore not to worry about it. The just take one day at a time. For Willis, every day is a gift for him and his Mom.

We won't ever count you out Willis. We hope you stay on this side of the bridge for a very long time.

2010-05-06T17:01:00.002-04:00

HOW MUCH IS THAT DOGGIE IN THE WINDOW?

Another line from another old song... I don't know the original artist but I'll credit Patti page here.

How much is that doggie in the window? (arf! arf!)

The one with the waggley tail

How much is that doggie in the window? (arf! arf!)

I do hope that doggie's for sale

Cute song, cute meaning. Unfortunately, the real question today should be "what price did that cute dog's mother pay to bring him to the window?"

Yes, I am referring to Puppy Mills, and I neither claim to be a news reporter or an expert on dog breeding, but in this blog, I can express opinions and educate.

The next time you see a puppy at a pet store, try this visual. The mother and father are somewhere in a cage only let out to procreate. They may never have felt grass beneath their feet, know what a toy or what a pat on the head feels like. Then picture those same dogs being dumped under bridges on road sides, in tunnels, and if they are lucky at shelters, when their breeding days are done.

All puppies at all pet stores are not born in this environment and you should research your local pet store before making assumptions, but the sad truth is that for many of them, this is an accurate summary.

And yes, that cute puppy in the cage is guilty of nothing and deserves a chance. If more and more people would stop buying from pet stores who utilize puppy mills, then eventually, the demand would go down and so would the need to purchase more puppy mill breeder dogs. Also, if enough people are educated and take up this cause, perhaps legislation and laws can be enacted at the State level that would regulate the care and treatment of these dogs. In the meantime, if everyone would either rescue or purchase directly from a reputable breeder, then there would not be a need for puppy mills.

Tomorrow, May 8th is Puppy Mill Awareness Day in North Carolina.

Here is the link to the website:

http://www.awarenessday.org/awareness-nc/index.html

Activities are from 11-5 at Moore Square Park in Raleigh, NC. Special guests include Victoria Stillwell and Rescue Ink.

If just one reader of this blog is enlightened by what they read here or attends the event, then it will be more than worth the time and emotional energy it took to write it! One at a time!

Thank you

BTRNC and the Boastful Boston

2010-04-30T14:30:00.003-04:00

FAITH AND LOVE FOR HOPE AND CHARITY

This entry is happily shared with the author's permission. Hope and Charity's foster Mom, Jenny. The Boastful Boston is thrilled to take a break and share this wonderful story. Hope and Charity on our Available Dogs Page.

Sometimes life has no regard for your rules and expectations. With 12 cats and 2 large dogs we felt our little family was more than complete. In fact, we had decided no more additions, temporary or othewise. With both of us working full-time and my husband completeing his PhD we were stretched thin. On a cold day in February I discovered life had other plans, in the form of a black and white bundle with big brown eyes. With not enough red cells to sustain her little life Hope gazed into my eyes, licked my nose with her pale tongue, and I was hooked. When I had the knowledge and the resources to fix her how could I say no? Life is full of surprises....in the form of a second black and white bundle with big brown eyes. My husband, Lee, was reluctant. Even adamantly against it. Who could blame him? But I pushed. We have helped so many animals find forever homes over the course of our relationship, why not these girls? So Hope and Charity moved into the Bennett house.We have never had little dogs, nor have we ever had Boston Terriers, we really knew nothing about them. One of the first nights that Hope was with us Lee looked up Boston Terrier on Wikipedia. The Boston Terrier is one of the original American breeds. They are a compact mix of English Bulldog, Bull and Terrier breeds, and likely some French Bulldog. Wikipedia describes their temperament as "friendly and at times stubborn". We have certainly found this to be true and over the past few months we have delighted in getting to know their personalities.They mirror each others movements and like to "tap dance" all over the house. They love food and I have not found anything that disagrees with their palates. They engulf their meals like Labradors! Hope is the more laid back of the sisters and will quietly sleep under the blankets at your feet. Charity wants to be in your lap and loves to give kisses. When they greet you they fold their little bodies in half and sidle up to you sideways wagging their whole being. They are gentle and loving and they make us laugh everyday. We have watched them open up and we have watched them learn to love life.While it has been a challenge, for them to learn about living in this full house and for us to have a fuller house, life brought us these little beings to nurture and care for and we are all doing our best. Though we know one day we will say goodbye to them and send them on to a home that has more love to give, for now they are our little Boston Girls and we love them!

Our Story
My name is Hope. I am a 2 year old Boston Terrier and in February life changed for me and my sister, Charity. We were both owned by a breeder and our lives revolved around having puppies. Charity had been battling a strange blood disease for several months ever since having a litter of puppies. Her doctor did many tests but could never figure out what was causing her to be anemic. In February I also started to feel bad. My owner brought me into the doctor and the news was bad. I would not survive without a blood transfusion. My owner couldn't afford the treatment I needed. Though she had just met me my doctor fell in love with me and could not let me die. She told my owner that she would take me and pay for my care and then find me a loving home. My owner consented but she knew that I had a strong bond with my sister Charity. Would she find us a home together? How could she say no? We moved in and we have been adjusting to life as couch potatoes ever since. Charity's blood levels are now completely normal and mine are stable and my doctor/foster mom thinks I will make a full recovery.

2010-04-25T12:03:00.003-04:00

NOT SO FAST THERE MR. BIG STUFF!

Young Mr. Stewie was quite put out to read the recent blog about Roamer. So the Boastful Boston thinks that Roamer is "squeeze that little face cute ah?" Well, I've got news for her and Roamer - there is another kid in town who begs to differ!

The Boastful Boston is pleased therefore to offer Stewie his chance in the spotlight. So readers, which one do you think is the cutest? A tie is perfectly acceptable as I think they are both extremely handsome young men.

Stewie's foster Mom reports that he plays hard, sleeps hard, and loves to spend time out of his crate. Understandable since Stewie spent long hours daily in a crate before joining us at BTRNC. Stewie's favorite snack is apple, orange, and banana slices. One point for healthy eating Mr.Stewie!

Stewie is very happy to dine in the proximity of his canine foster family, knowing that there is enough to go around. He loves his walks but is still learning not to pull in his excitement to get to where he hasn't gotten to yet! Minus 1/2 point for pulling your foster Mom on the leash Mr. Stewie!

Stewie is high energy and he will certainly provide motivation for his people to exercise as well. It is too hard to look into those eyes and not get up, find your shoes, and head out the door. The benefit is for both of you!

This handsome young man is interviewing for a forever home. He seeks a family who will walk, play, rock, snuggle, and maybe allow him to share the covers with them at night. If you think you meet Stewie's wish list, please fill out an application and let us know!

Stewie thanks you and thanks the Boastful Boston for giving him equal time!

2010-04-21T21:19:00.003-04:00

AM I GORGEOUS OR WHAT????

If dogs cared at all what they looked like or for that matter what their people look like, Roamer would be asking the title question. Now mind you, ALL Bostons are beautiful and unique, and this little boy is just squeeze em up, kiss em, smush that precious face cute!

Roamer was purchased with the best of intentions by a truck driver who wanted a buddy to sit with him in the truck and keep him company. He soon realized, however, that Roamer had way too much energy to sit anywhere for long, let alone in a big truck. Although there are no doubt stories to be found in which Bostons and truck drivers travel the Nation's highways together in bliss, most young Bostons have a way too high energy drive to sit still for any period of time. They need exercise, socialization and lots of play time.

His truck driver Dad knew that Roamer wasn't happy, and as so often happens, Mom stepped up to care for Roamer at her home. Mom did not intend to have a grand dog but she wanted to help Roamer and her two legged son.

Mom works long hours and soon it became apparent that Roamer was no happier being left home alone for long periods of time than he was in the truck. So, they did the right thing for Roamer - an unselfish act to give him a chance at a new forever home with no trucks and lots of time and attention. Sometimes the hardest decisions to make are the ones that are best for those who matters most.

Roamer is settled in nicely in his foster home, soaking up all the attention he can get and Roamer loves attention! He's a very happy excited little guy who would like to go home forever with someone just as excited to share their life with him!

Check Roamer out on our available dogs page.

2010-04-14T21:31:00.003-04:00

MAYBE YOU SHOULD EAT A COOKIE!

Before Calista Flockhart was on Brothers and Sisters, she was the lead star on a show called Alley McBeal - about 8 years ago I believe. One of her co-stars was Laura Flynn Boyle and she is very tiny and so is Calista Flockhart. They didn't get along on the show and a classic line was the two of them right outside an elevator. Calista as Alley McBeal snidely suggested to Laura Flynn Boyle whose show name I can't remember and am quite proud that I remember her real name suggested they could split one!

When Oreo came into rescue he needed to eat quite a few cookie - how convenient that his name was that of a cookie!

If you have seen him on our web site with all his ribs showing and passed right by, you may want to take another look! Just look at him now.

Yup, that's Oreo on the right playing with Josey!

He is with our volunteer extraordinaire who has been mentioned in many previous blogs - most famously she fostered or Adam.

In Elaine's care, Oreo has covered all his ribs with flesh and is now a healthy shiny handsome boston boy! It doesn't take a miracle, just consistent care and a regular feeding schedule plus a little magic courtesy of Elaine.

Oreo did not really eat any cookies for which he was named - that would not be good for any tummy and certainly not for one which had been so empty for so long. A good dog food with some extra vitamins added in was the ticket for this precious boy! He is playing now and having a big time. Oreo has lots of playmates because our claim to fame - Elaine always has a house full of fosters from puppy to senior plus her own forever babies. Oreo is having a blast.

It is a tragedy to starve any animal. They ask for so little from us humans. Surely, we can make sure they have a full food bowl once or twice a day! The return on our investment cannot begin to be measured.

Please give Oreo a second look - he's come a long way and he is ready to find his forever home.

2010-04-04T18:58:00.003-04:00

CAPTAIN LOVE BUG?

It seems that I am continuously compelled to reveal the age of the Boastful Boston. I like references to songs from the 70s, commercial jingles from the 80s and now television shows from Nick at Night. Today I am inspired by our foster boy Captain who instead of being Caption of the Love Boat - is the captain of love bugs! His favorite place is curled up next to you on the sofa.

Yes, he is a little older than some of our foster dogs but he still has a lot of fire under that fur and wants nothing more than to be loved for the rest of his days. And that could be a whole lot of days. Consider that most of our volunteers have or have had at least 1 boston well into their teen age years. I personally have been blessed with a 19 and a 15 year old through the years. Our rescue President has a whole family of seniors who keep her life busy and and full of love. It is not at all unusual for bostons to live 15 or more years. Eight is a long way from 15 in dog years. Don't let Captain's age scare you away.

And if I was watching The Love Boat when it was "shiny and new", imagine how happy I would be to just sit on the sofa with a love bug curled next to me. I'm not nearly as eager to jump up and down and chase a youngster any more. I know I'm not the only one.

Captain has learned to accept his crate and to do his business outside while he has been in his foster home. He is not found of dominant or intact males but get along very well with the female bostons in his home.

Captain Love Bug wants to wish everyone a Happy Easter, or Happy Sunday as you prefer. He is hoping that the Easter Bunny has one last treat to deliver - a forever home. Captain will return your love for him 10 folk and promises to always keep you warm!

2010-03-24T21:30:00.004-04:00

WORTH THE LONG WAIT

Isabelle was in BTRNC foster care for a long time! I thought she had the absolute cutest ears I had ever seen and as you can imagine, I've seen quite a few boston ears! It surprised me that her foster Mom got to keep her for as long as she did.

Isabelle wasn't concerned, she knew that she was where she needed to be until her Mom found her. Mom's other boston, Tish, had crossed the bridge and she needed some time to heal and time to find Isabelle who was waiting for her all along.

Who me?

Isabelle is home now and buddy she knows it! She has taken over Mom's bed but she still lets her sleep in it with her! She earns her keep by constantly patrolling the trees for suspicious birds and squirrels who may have evil design on her house. She also keeps Mom on her morning walk routine by not letting her hit the snooze. Instead, Isabelle gently pokes Mom with her paw until she gets up so they can walk. Personal trainer and security guard rolled into one.

Isabelle has had some issues with other dogs, issues as in she thinks that she should be the only dog in this universe. Mom is continuing the work started at BTRNC and the efforts are paying off. Isabelle recently spent the weekend with her new grandparents male pit bull and everything went just fine. Who knows, maybe Isabelle figured she could hang out in foster care long enough for Mom to find her if she convinced everyone she didn't get along with dogs. Smart girl Isabelle!

Another happy ending to a long story! Congratulations to Isabelle and her new Mom!

2010-03-18T18:52:00.004-04:00

UPDATE ON SANCTUARY BABY - TRIXIE

I posted a blog on Miss Trixie in February. You can find it in the February archives. Her foster Mom sent me a few new pictures yesterday....

Ah? This is the same dog - seriously? are you sure? Amazing!

Trixie is still very sick. Only difference is, now you would never know it from the photos and she doesn't know it either! She has a damaged heart and lungs from the heart worms, but she is on LOTS of meds to help her. One side of her lungs was filled with fluid, and her heart is so enlarged that it is pushing her windpipe to the side and around her heart. It was a very strange site to see on the x-ray! The new meds have helped a lot. She has a lot more energy, but no stamina. She can play for just a few minutes, then she goes to her bed to rest. Her foster Mom says, "I have never seen a dog in such poor health with such a strong will to live."

I don't often update from previous blogs but maybe I should do it more often. I know Trixie would appreciate you stopping by her bio to say you are proud of her.

We don't know how long Trixie will be on this side of the bridge with us but her foster Mom, BTRNC and Trixie is thankful for each day!

2010-03-10T20:34:00.003-05:00

LEAN ON ME

I have to concede that not every person who reads this title will immediately sing the tune to the mega hit by Bill Withers.. lean on me when you're not strong and I'll help you carry on. Google it youngsters! In my world however, everyone will recognize the title.

This is the story of Angus and Rudy. While not directly BTRNC dogs, Angus is the puppy of Romeo and Juliet who were BTRNC dogs so it is all still in the family.

Their Mom, a volunteer, wrote to tell the group of the emerging bond between these two and I found it more than blog worthy. Angus is a puppy, Rudy is 13! There is a glimmer of hope for all of us who have youngsters but miss the seniors! Rudy is blind and Angus has taken the role of seeing eye dog for his new fur sibling.

Mom reports that Angus engaged Rudy in a game of tug of war but Rudy kept loosing the toy. Undeterred, Angus would take the toy to Rudy's nose and touch it so he could find the toy and resume the game. Pretty neat ah?

As if that wasn't enough, Rudy got to visit the big bed briefly before being placed securely in his bean bag bed. Rudy stood up and before the humans reacted, young Angus stood up, went over and put his body between Rudy and the bed edge and leaned on him until he moved over and laid back down!

Just another of the millions of hear warming wonder full things dogs do every day. We are a little biased toward bostons as you can imagine so that just makes this story extra special!

Mom had already wanted to train Rudy as a service dog. We think she has a pretty good candidate there!

Here is young Angus allowing Rudy to lean on him. And there is your awwww moment of the day!

2010-02-24T21:32:00.003-05:00

A CALL TO ARMS

The kind that hold that is! Arms to pet, lift, hug, and offer comfort. This was the call that our rescue coordinator sent to the volunteers last week. Six, count them six senior bostons, unrelated to each other were in need of rescue and sanctuary. Six senior fur babies, 3 boys, 3 girls found themselves either in a shelter or with owners who needed to place them in rescue or they would also have to go to a shelter.

Anyone in dog rescue will tell you that the chances of a dog over the age of 10, even in a no kill shelter has a very slim chance of being adopted. For these guys and gals, BTRNC may likely be their last stop on this side of the bridge and we were called to find room within our homes to offer them sanctuary. If you are interested in any of the dogs posed in our sanctuary however, please don't hesitate to contact us. We want what is best for all of our charges, whatever that may turn out to be.

Within 24 hours of the original plea, e-mail came across with such heart warming sentiments as, "I would be honored to provide a home and care for a senior." We have or are working on getting all these special dogs in foster care.

One little girl pictured above came to her foster Mom with pneumonia. She will require a lot of medicine, a lot of special care, including a nebulizer to help her breathing and she will require love and patience.

Her name is still up in the air but we are guessing some for of Lucie - loosey goosey maybe. Feel free to suggest a name through comments. She is now on medication, on a regular feeding schedule, is warm, and most importantly has continuous loving interaction. Love really can be the best medicine. Her foster Mom did comment however that the other resident dogs wanted to know why she is hiding a dog in the bathroom. She wants to give the newest arrival some quiet while she recovers before introducing her to the rest of the family. We all hold our collective breath and pray for her full and quick recovery. Whatever her medical condition, she will remain safe and protected.

One of the most popular blogs ever submitted was entitled "What is Rescue?" The story of one of our oldest sanctuary dogs who out lived even our most optimistic predictions and provided his foster Mom with years of memories.

We have shown once again that rescue means saving those who need it, regardless of age or health. To offer a port in the storm. These are just some of reasons why the Boastful Boston is so proud to be part of rescue and part of BTRNC!

2010-02-12T13:00:00.002-05:00

BOOKENDS? MAYBE NOT!

The idea behind bookends is to put things between them so they each hold up their end of the books, right? Although these two adorable little boys look as if they are waiting to have books stacked between them, they would spend their energy moving the books so they could be back rear to rear! They have always had just each other and are lost without one another. Causey is deaf and Dude lends his ears to his brother, always nudging him to do what he hears his foster Mom ask them to do.

They don't yet know how to play with toys, just each other. Dude is more than happy to take care of his brother and "play" with her. He is obviously a very loving young man who knows he has a purpose in this life.

BTRNC knows we are asking a lot for someone to take on 2 bostons at the same time. We also know from past experience that many of our adopters come back later for another, kinda like potato chips or popcorn - betcha can't have just one. If you are the right family for these two, you can have your second helping along with your first - save time and effort. That's not to say of course, that we object to third helpings in some cases.

George and Gracie were adopted together in 2004 by a wonderful family far from North Carolina. It was quite a transport but well worth it to place these two thriving siblings together. You can find a blog and happy ending updates on these two in our archives.

To look at two dogs, one who depends on the other and one who always makes sure the other is cared for has to be one of the sweetest of life's miracles. It's that warm fuzzy feeling you get whenever you watch one animal protect, love, or save another. The biggest lottery winning in the world can't deliver that.

Dude and Causey may gain some independence as their trust in their foster Mom grows and they may even learn to play with other things like toys. We are willing to bet however, that at the end of each day, these two bookends will find their way back to each other rear to rear!

Their bio on our available dogs page provides more details of the amazing bond between these two special dogs. If you are looking to double your return, please check them out and contact us.

Dude and Causey thank you and so do we.

2010-02-07T19:22:00.003-05:00

SANCTUARY SPOTLIGHT ON TRIXIE

BTRNC is very proud of our sanctuary. Here is a place where seniors and dogs with chronic or severe health problems have found safety, love, care, and consistency. BTRNC has determined that the likelihood of these dogs being adopted is low. Rather than leave them in the available dogs section, we wanted to do them one better -a sanctuary status that means that we have committed to their medical and well being care for as long as we are blessed to have them on this side of the bridge. We make this commitment for all our dogs but we wait with them as their forever families find them and take them home. Our sanctuary babies are already home, loved secured.

Trixie has been with us for many months now. She had a rough go of it for awhile. You can see from the pictures that he eye was damaged by an untreated puncture wound. She also had a hard time surviving the heart worm treatment necessary to remove the parasites that had invaded her system because she didn't receive an inexpensive pill once a month. She ended up at a shelter in NC where she surely would have either been euthanized or died as a result of her condition. She found rescue with BTRNC and a wonderful foster Mom who will sit beside her, love her, hold her now and as when it's time for her to cross the bridge.

Yes, we are proud of our sanctuary but mostly, our sanctuary dogs make us proud of them and their spunk and desire to stay with us for as long as possible!

2010-01-30T12:55:00.003-05:00

Will You Play With Me?

Juliet is very glad to be in her foster home but she has some difficulty getting the older dogs to play with her. The boys, as foster mom calls them, get cranky when continuously annoyed by this young lady who wants to play play play! Sometimes, the cranky boys have to put Juliet in her place with a snap or growl. Juliet tries to remember what annoys her brother so much, and tries not to do it again, but sometimes she gets so excited she forgets!

When no one will play with Juliet, she is forced to entertain herself with self created activities like carrying the laundry from the laundry basket to some other place in the house, one piece at a time. Sometimes she has to find other things to chew on beside the ears of her brothers like combs, pencils and just about anything she can hold between her front paws. Juliet would much rather play ball or fetch with a human or canine companion, but geeze, what's a girl to do when no one will play!

Juliet would love to find a forever home with a young or less cranky dog or two and maybe a child who won't tire of playing quite so fast.

Maybe you would like to play with Juliet? She is on our available dogs page - please check her out. She is waiting to play!

2010-01-18T19:37:00.003-05:00

100 POUNDS OF PRECIOUS IN A 12 POUND BOX

This is how Julie Tee's original foster mom describes Miss Julie Tee. JT as I will refer to (Julie Tee is long to write) is an extra special baby among all our special babies at BTRNC. She is about 2 years old and didn't have a very secure life before coming to rescue. She has a sensitive stomach and an allergy to plastics. She sometimes has problems with throwing up when she is moved to a new environment until she settles in to her new surroundings.

BTRNC tries hard to match dogs with prospective adopters and the foster moms are willing to spend hours on the phone with new families to try to work out issues. We require an agreement from any adopter that if at any time, a rescue dog needs to be re homed, they are to be turned back in to BTRNC and nowhere else. Sometimes a match doesn't work out as we and the prospective family had hoped and we open our doors and hearts to return these dogs to our group. This was the case with JT. She was adopted but it wasn't the right fit for this extra special little girl so she returned to her original foster mom. She has recently relocated to a new foster home where she is reported to have settled in quite well.

JT is high energy and whoever is lucky enough to get this girl will either want another high energy dog for her to play with, have a high energy family, or be a high energy person. She has been known to overwhelm other canine playmates with her endless energy. She barks at cats but shows no intent to harm. Perhaps she is trying to figure out how to engage them in play as well.

JT will do best on a high quality chicken based dog food and enjoys milk bones as treats. Medicine is very successfully folded in a small piece of cheese. She takes Tagamet for her stomach condition and eats from non plastic bowls. Yes, there are extra steps for this angel, but by all reports, she is well worth each one. We bet that when she is in the right home with the right match and knows she is there for good, her nerves and her stomach will settle down. Don't let her precious little face fool you, she is smart and loves to see how much she can get away with if you let her. Her fears are best controlled by ignoring them - resist the urge to cuddle and tell her everything is o.k. To do that confirms for her that she is right to be afraid.

JT needs to feel secure in her new home. If you are the type that loves to save those who need to be needed, then Julie Tee may just be the perfect match for you. Her "extra" needs will not be a chore for the right someone, but rather the "extra" special care for this extra special girl. She is a loving loyal boston girl who will make the right somebody a companion for life.

2010-01-10T16:48:00.003-05:00

Can It Be Roscoe's Turn Now?

Suki and Roscoe were my transport passengers in early December. I am thrilled to let you know that Suki has been adopted and is now in her forever home! I mentioned Roscoe at the very end of her blog. Now it is Roscoe's turn for the spotlight and hopefully his turn to find his very own forever home.

We like to think that under NO circumstances would we ever give up one of our dogs and we pray that we are right. The truth however is that any one's entire world can turn upside down in a flash. Job loss, medical conditions, a death in the family, fire, hurricane, flood, etc. All these and so many more life events can land any of us either temporarily or for longer periods of time, unable to care for our pets. Blessed are those of us who have a support system of family, friends, and fellow rescuers who will come to our rescue. Not everyone is that lucky.

Roscoe is a 6 year old wonderful boston boy who I had the pleasure of transporting on his way to his foster home. I stood silently by while his owner who had to move and could no longer give Roscoe the care he deserved said good bye. There was no question that Roscoe was loved and that his Mom knew she was doing the very best thing she could for him by turning him into rescue. She knew at BTRNC, he would be safe in a home until a forever family could be found.

Roscoe was such a good boy in my car. He looked up once as he realized that my car was leaving without his Mom but then settled down in his crate on a familiar blanket. He seemed to understand that this he was off to a new adventure and that this was one he had to make without his original family.

Roscoe is good boy, nice manners, housebroken and plays well with others. He knows that he is not where he is supposed to be forever, and he would like to find his home so he can settle in for the many years he has left to share.

Roscoe was on Santa Paws list. Here he is with his toy both before and after he destuffed it. Most bostons are destuffers. He is having a good time and that's all that matters.

Please check out Roscoe's bio on our available dogs page. Maybe it could be Roscoe's turn now!

2009-12-30T10:56:00.003-05:00

SANTA PAWS 2009

I am an animal rescuer and a lover of just about anything with 4 legs and fur (except maybe possums but that's another story). Having said that, I have never been one to buy Christmas presents for the animals nor have I had birthday parties for any of mine over the years. I guess I always thought that every day was Christmas for our spoiled, warm, safe fur babies. They get toys and treats throughout the year, right? Why add one more pressure to the holiday list - got to get the dog and cat something....

Then came the tradition of Santa Paws at BTRNC. Apparently I was incorrect in thinking that dogs did not know it was Christmas. The pictures started coming in of our foster babies in front of packages wrapped up all for them. Their faces were sheer delight. Blankets seem to be a big favorite. I have written many times that these special kids know that they are in a temporary phase and have not yet found their forever homes and that they also know when they go home for good. Obviously these special little ones also know when something is just for them. They may not have a home yet, but they have a foster family for the holidays and they also get a package just for them!

For those of you new to the blog, Santa Paws is a program that pairs volunteers up with foster dogs to be their Santa Paws. Volunteers cannot be Santa Paws to their own fosters but instead are matched with a dog they will probably never meet unless a transport brings them together. Santa Paws shops and creates a package and send it to the foster dog care of their foster family. Gifts include toys, treats, blankets and other goodies. The packages are often given to the foster baby with supervision as they open, inspect, devour, cuddle or play with their gift! This also gives the foster moms and dads a break from buying for them as well as their forever dogs. BTRNC covers medical expenses but daily needs are paid for by the foster families.

Their expressions have convinced me that our foster kids deserve and love presents just like we humans. As far as my forever kids.... well, maybe just one or two Christmas themed toys and a new blanket.

Here are just a few pictures of our 2009 recipients:

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE

- MAY THEY ALL FIND HOMES IN 2010

2009-12-19T19:41:00.003-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Snow has blanketed most of the areas covered by BTRNC. Virginia has between 16 and 24 inches depending on the area. Most of North Carolina is a white wonderland as well. We are almost guaranteed a white Christmas this year. Melting will be a very slow process with temperatures in the 20s and teens for coming week.

The snow in many places is over the heads of our boston forever, foster and sanctuary babies. Most of us were out digging path ways in our yards this morning and trying to convince our furry friends that we could not take them walking and that they really could do their business in the designated path!

The holiday season reminds us of our blessings and the hardships we have survived. BTRNC has been blessed with the recovery of a lost dog this week and to most of our volunteers, this was the best Christmas present ever!

The Christmas tree on our home page has many ornaments and packages symbolizing the generosity of our members and supporters.

Suki, Franklin and Lily have found their forever homes just to name a few.

We enjoy the lights on our trees, or our favorite holiday symbol, we enjoy the quiet that only a major snow can deliver and we gaze at the bostons in our lives and are so thankful that they are warm, safe and dry. We say a prayer for all the animals who may be lost or abandoned and ask for a happy ending for them this holiday season.

Merry Christmas everyone! May you all be surrounded by all the things you love!

The Boastful Boston

2009-12-12T19:51:00.003-05:00

STARTING AGAIN AND GETTING IT RIGHT

When BTRNC rescued Franklin 9 months ago, the shelter told us that the owner had dropped him off saying euthanize him - he's crippled! The shelter decided to contact us instead - thank the doggie Gods and saints! Especially, thanks to Franklin's shelter and so many others that work with rescues!

The volunteer who pulled Franklin and transported him to his foster Mom said she would never forget the first photo she saw of this young man. His legs were folded under him like he was trying to sit on the ground side saddle and drool was coming out of his mouth. Such a sad and misunderstood little one.

Franklin suffered from a not so uncommon condition known as luxating patella. This very shortly means that Franklin's knee caps did not stay where they are supposed to be. It is correctable by surgery and although the recuperation period can be long frustrating, the end result is good or sometimes better than new. The biggest challenge is trying to keep a young boston terrier still for so many weeks. Franklin had a wonderful foster Mom who stuck with him through 3 surgeries and nursed his legs and his heart back to life.

Look at him now, he is actually over sized and can walk and run and play and enjoy all the things that he deserves.

We are so grateful to Franklin's wonderful foster Mom who after 9 months found the strength to say goodbye so this beautiful baby could go to his forever home that was carefully screened and selected just for Franklin. Nine months is a long time and it was hard to let him go but she knows he is going to a wonderful home and she will soon get back to the business of saving another soul in need of loving.

Franklin's foster Mom asks everyone to:

"wish him the best as he finally is able to START his new life. I have the utmost hope for him as the beginning of his life was far from easy and he deserve to be happy, healthy, and loved!"

It is my honor to pass her wish on to our readers.

2009-11-29T15:47:00.002-05:00

SUKI'S TRANSPORT

When I get to transport them - I have to blog about them. One of the perks of being the Boastful Boston!

Suki is a little girl who had been taken to animal control along with her brother. The story went that they had been left in the temporary care of a friend who did not return for the dogs. The care taker had not signed on for a permanent situation and could no longer keep them in a rental house. Since the person who turned them in was not the owner, however, they had to be listed on the lost dog page for 10 days before they could be considered for adoption or pulled by rescue. For 10 long days, we waited, looking at their little mug shots on the web site. Finally the release day arrived and they could be seen by a vet and released to rescue. I coordinated them with another transport nearby so I would have 3 bostons in the car - none of them spade or neutered - hmmm - 3 crates might be in order.

Someone else was monitoring their release date and Suki's brother went home directly from the shelter. Only 2 crates were needed.

Suki is a very little girl - the halter and collars I had were way too big. I carried her to the car and let her ride up front with me until we picked up the second passenger. The shelter had told me that she liked to be carried everywhere anyway. She made it to my lap with no problem. Shhh, don't tell the police or the foster coordinator - not the safest way to ride. When I got out of the car to admit passenger number 2 she ran all over the car looking out all the windows. Why is this important you ask? Well because when we took her out to do business at her destination in NC, she acted as if she could not walk at all leaving the rescue President, and later her foster Mom to wonder if she had a medical issue.

Turns out that Suki was probably kept in a cage most of her life and had little opportunity or need to walk so she wasn't really used to doing it very often. Poor little girl. Bostons have to do the Boston Terrier 500, it's in their genes.

I called her Doodle Bug - her foster Mom named her Suki - maybe from the hit show True Blood or maybe because she looked like a Suki. Whatever you call her, she's a sweetheart with that one big blue eye and a heart much bigger than her size. She would make a sweet addition to the right family.

By the way, the second passenger is Roscoe - also on our available dogs page. More on Roscoe's ride later. Check them both out - won't you?

2009-11-21T10:47:00.004-05:00

IT'S THANKSGIVING TIME AGAIN

I've been writing this blog for a few years now and have already covered the traditional Happy Thanksgiving and all the things BTRNC and our adopted and foster fur babies are thankful for. I could not however let this holiday pass without again acknowledging the wonder of being thankful for our four legged companions and they for us!

Unless you have just returned from an extended stay in outer space, you are painfully aware of the economy and the havoc it has wreaked on our budgets, shopping habits and fears for the future. Dogs and cats have been unwilling victims to this crisis even though their needs are few. Check out our home page, petfinder. com or your local shelter and you will read story after story of pets who had loving homes but had to be turned in to rescue or shelters because their families were forced to move to places that did allow their pets. I honestly cannot imagine how heartbreaking this development must be for the owners.

If you can afford to adopt a rescue, this is an even more wonderful time to do so. Many of our rescues are already trained and have good manners. You can skip the puppy stage which trust me, is not all fun and games. The rewards are never ending. Rescue dogs know somehow that they have been rescued and they thank you daily over and over again. What an amazing gift for you and the rescued dog for Thanksgiving. I bet that at your Thanksgiving table, you will remember to be thankful for your newest addition who is currently waiting patiently for a bite of turkey. If you cannot adopt right now, think about sponsoring a dog in rescue so we can continue to rescue more as the economy continues to struggle.

The Boastful Boston and all of BTRNC wish you a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving and we thank you again for what you have done and may do in the future to help these wonderful fur babies.

Here are a few pictures of some of our thankful "kids" who have found their forever families.

Miss Gracie

Fenway - who seems to like the camera lens!

Santino!

Julie Tee and her peanut butter!

2009-11-11T11:00:00.003-05:00

RETURNED - BAILEY'S SOUL

On September 1st, I posted a plea for the return of Bailey's soul. You can see the link on the right hand side of the blog page for a few more days. After that, click on the September archives link to find it! Here is the promised follow-up.

Bailey now plays with fur sibling Nakotah, guards her home annoucing visitors and has assumed a favorite boston position - sleeping upside down.

The tag line for Bailey's blog connected with so many readers. We are thrilled to announce that Bailey's soul is back - you can tell from the light in her eyes and the security she feels when sleeping. Bailey hopes that other dogs who have lost their souls have them returned soon. She wants everyone to know that there are a lot of lost souls out there and she asks for their safe return as well. Here is Miss Bailey today:

2009-11-05T20:29:00.003-05:00

SIZE IS A STATE OF MIND

Have a large dog? Have fallen in love with bostons and wonder how a 12-25 pound dog will mix with your large dog? The Boastful Boston has the answers you seek! Read on.

Bostons as a rule are drawn to larger dogs since they have no concept of being a small dog. The fact that they can fit between the front paws of their chosen playmate is a non issue for these compact fearless companions. My own boston goes to the canine bed and breakfast for day care once a week and whenever I travel for work. His favorite friends? A bull mastiff, black labs, a Dalmatian, a husky and a great Dane. He will give the cocker spaniels a sympathy romp before returning to jumping on the neck of the mastiff for a ride.

Meet Jimmy formerly James, recently adopted from BTRNC. There is little more for me to type other than to show you the pictures of a happy family, happy Jimmie and happy Jessie with her new boston sibling.

Size does not seem to matter at all! Enjoy.

2009-10-23T12:20:00.003-04:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM BTRNC

No tricks - just two cute bostons all dressed up for Halloween! Meet Zoey who was formerly known as Mia while on our available dogs page.

She and her boston sibling, Mr. Bean adore each other and their family. They may not be overly thrilled about the Halloween costumes as you may gather from their faces. They are more than willing to put up with this once a year in return for 364 days of love, play, blankets, and kisses!

Remember to keep your fur babies out of the chocolate and away from the front door during trick and treat. Costumes may frighten the friendliest of dogs so consider your dog's personality and fear thresh hold before taking them with you through the neighborhood.

If you have a black cat, you may want to keep her indoors over this weekend. Black cats are considered unlucky and often associated with Halloween. There are unfortunately some not so nice people in the world!

Thank you for your support of BTRNC. Have a howling good Halloween!

2009-10-20T11:49:00.002-04:00

SANCTUARY SPOTLIGHT -

MISSY PRISSY

If you follow our blog, then you know about the Sanctuary. BTRNC moves these precious dogs from active foster dogs seeking adoption to Sanctuary status when we reasonably determine that chances for a new forever family are slim but we want to keep them on our website and update visitors on their progress. Of course, we would always be willing to consider a formal adoption should a perfect match come along. In the meantime, however, we want to provide these older or sick babies with the comfort and security of a home with all it's perks with a foster family.

Unfortunately, we have to say good bye forever to many sanctuary kids as their time comes to cross the bridge. It is heartbreaking to the foster families, but at the same time rewarding to know that they have provided stability and love during their final days, months, or years on this side of the Rainbow Bridge. Our most recent Rainbow Bridge resident is Eve who crossed on October 19th. She will be missed.

Today we shine the light on Missy who was quickly named Missy Prissy by her foster Mom. Her story emphasizes the importance of net working whether on a social net working site, group e-mail distributions or word of mouth. MP as I shall call her landed in foster care and ultimately in our sanctuary through a chain of luck and contacts. She was found as a stray by a couple when she came walking into their driveway. They contacted the local shelter to see if anyone was missing a Boston Terrier. No luck there. They then ran ads in the local paper hoping that her owner would see it and contact them. No luck there, either. Missy's luck changed, however when the ad was spotted by a relative of someone who had previously adopted from BTRNC. She contacted the couple and gave them the contact information for BTRNC. Within days, Missy began her new life safely in foster care.

Her luck unfortunately did not extend to her health status. She is heart worm positive, has severe upper respiratory issues and almost left us in July before rallying and showing her spirit to survive. Her health care is expensive and her needs are certainly more than a younger dog but the reward of seeing in her eyes the devotion to her "person" cannot be measured in cost. She loves to snuggle, and give kisses, follows her person every where and will double and triple check during the night that her person is still there in bed. Perhaps she remembers what it was like to have lost a family and she wants to make sure that doesn't happen to her again.

We don't know how long MP will be with us but thanks to her foster mom, she will be loved and cared for as long as she can stay! Missy Prissy's bio is on our Available Dogs page under the Sanctuary.

2009-10-05T23:07:00.003-04:00

ENVIRONMENT IS EVERYTHING

You know how the most ill behaved children in the world can suddenly turn into angels when they are in a neighbor's house, school or other organization when supervised by different adults? It's like they know how to behave, what to do and not to do but yet do the exact opposite in their own homes.

Dogs can often exhibit similar behavior. The same dog that is turned over to rescue for destroying the furniture, never chews up a thing in his foster home. Many dogs are turned over to BTRNC because they are not good with children. Yet, many of these same dogs are wonderful with the children in their foster home or the children they encounter on walks and in other settings.

Is this because the dogs like it better in their foster homes or do they have more respect for their foster families or are they terrified that if they break the rules, they will be homeless again? These are the things that weigh on the Boastful Boston's mind!

Whatever the reason, we are always glad when things work out that way. Here is Tyson, adopted in 2008.

Tyson was turned over to rescue because he could not get along with other dogs. He was a perfect gentlemen in his foster home, interacting and playing well with the other dogs in his foster home. Then he was adopted out to a family who returned him stating that he was not good with children. He finally found his perfect home. His new family's update states that "Tyson is the sweetest, cuddliest, well behaved little guy I have ever had."

In his new home, Tyson loves the 3 year old neighbor and the neighborhood dogs. He walks well on a leash, plays with the cat and loves his toys. His foster Mom says that she is in love!

The morale of the story is that sometimes the perfect home equals the perfect dog. May they all find their version of perfection!

2009-09-16T22:08:00.005-04:00

SIMPLY LAYLA!

Beautiful Layla found her forever home in May. She settled right in and her new family said they could not imagine not having her in their lives.

Forgive the Boastful Boston for showing her age, but Eric Clapton recorded a very successful song named Layla. We suspect that our Layla knows this song well and she found her own answer to the first verse:

What'll you do when you get lonely

And nobody's waiting by your side?

You've been running and hiding much too long.

You know it's just your foolish pride

Our Layla's response:

I'll go find my new forever family

and lay down by their side!

Chorus:

Layla, you've got me on my knees. Layla,

I'm begging, darling please. Layla,

darling won't you ease my worried mind

Our Layla's response to her forever family:

You rescued me - get up off your knees!

Don't beg me - I will love you always!

Second verse:

I tried to give you consolation

When your old man had let you down.

Like a fool, I fell in love with you,

Turned my whole world upside down

Our Layla's response:

You gave me love, comfort and support.

I'll make sure you are never sorry for loving me!

And finally:

Let's make the best of the situation

Before I finally go insane.

Please don't say we'll never find a way

And tell me all my love's in vain.

Layla says:

You found me, we found a way and love is never in vain!

Maybe Layla heard this song in her former life and knew that she was destined to find happiness again. Good for you Layla!

2009-09-09T19:54:00.002-04:00

OH THE CONVERSATIONS DOG PEOPLE HAVE DAILY!

Lucy found her forever home in June with a Mom who during the day works using her PhD. This is the same doctor who provided an update to Lucy's foster mom which included much ado about the sniffing of butts! Lucy has some fear issues with other dogs so she is attending a training class to help her overcome these issues. Lucy's mom is thrilled to report that her butt was sniffed by 5 cats and 3 dogs and more importantly, Lucy took her turn being the butt sniffer! Lucy's mom and former foster mom are beside themselves with joy. Lucy has settled into her new home with her people and her boston sibling Petey with whom she now shares sleeping space.

This wonderful news made me think about some of the conversations we at BTRNC have had regularly with much animation. We can discuss for hours the best type of diaper for a dog and the best way to keep that diaper on. We relish in debating the best type of anal sac cleaning and get positively giddy when discussing house breaking methods. Then there are the very detailed conversations about poo - it's consistency, color, and frequency. Unfortunately we also have to discuss at length the appearance and feel of growths which we fear may be cancerous.

And we are happiest when discussing anything relating to dogs, ours, another foster, a forever placement, a new behavior, a first step away from fear and neglect and the endless things dogs do to make us laugh, cry and scream in frustration.

Some people thing that dog people are strange and to that we say - "we wouldn't have it any other way!"

Here's to Lucy, her new family and many more discussions about things that only dogs and their people understand! Cheers.

2009-09-01T20:09:00.004-04:00

REWARD FOR THE SUCCESSFUL RETURN OF BAILEY'S SOUL

Part 1

When our volunteer pulled Bailey from the shelter, the shelter aide said that it was "like someone stole her soul." She did not move, she did not make a sound, she just stayed in the same position.

Bailey is safe now in foster care with a loving foster family and understanding fur siblings. Her physical scars come from her damaged eye from which she has no sight, but we will never know the extent of her emotional scars. Bailey is terrified of noises and most of the world outside the security of her crate. She cannot yet tolerate the feel of a collar and leash and tries desperately to free herself. So now her foster family begins the journey of finding Bailey's soul and the reward will be so much more precious than money. It comes in the form of a licked hand, a lap warmed, a yard explored, a journey from the crate, a boston smile, a contented sigh. These are the things that reward rescuers.

Since that first day a week ago, Bailey has dared to climb in her foster Dad's lap and lie nose to nose with her foster sibling Rosie. Bailey's soul is in there, just begging to be re -found.

Please stay tuned for part 2 of Bailey's story. Experience indicates that with the love and patience of her foster family, Bailey will reclaim her soul and will take sheer delight in all the things the world has to offer. Come with us on her journey, won't you?

2009-08-20T19:52:00.004-04:00

BOSTONS KISS AND BOSTONS SLEEP

There are lots of people out there who do not like doggie kisses. Some find it offensive and others can't get past the thought of germs. This is their right and privilege and the Boastful Boston respects their right to be kiss free. But.....

If you don't like doggie kisses, maybe a boston is not your best breed selection. You see boston terrier's kiss almost as often as they breath. It is just a reflex and a way of saying "Welcome Home, I've Missed You, Thank You, I Love You, I'm Hungry, I'm Tired," and so forth. Many don't have tails that can wag and even those that do cannot create the table clearing frenzy of their golden retriever friends. So one theory is the kiss makes up for the lack of tail action! Yes yes, you can train them not to kiss if you must, but it's kinda like teaching a child not to laugh! In both cases, there will always be something missing.

Pictures of bostons kissing are rare because it is difficult to hold the camera while you are receiving your kisses but you can get the visual.

All dogs sleep or at least we hope they do, the sooner the better usually, but bostons sleep anywhere in any position. The same dog you wanted to send to play out in traffic 15 minutes ago for trying to eat you shoes - while they were on your feet - becomes your adored angel when their eyes are closed and their heads are down.

Here is Harley, much loved foster and now forever family member with his new fur sibling, Zoe. By the way the dot on his head does not turn him off!

Lucy sleeps with her eyes open.

You get the idea. Bostons kiss and bostons sleep and in between they fill those lucky enough to live with one with love, laughter, a little frustration and a whole lot of fun!

2009-08-13T11:53:00.004-04:00

MAYBE THEY DIDN'T KNOW

Suzie as we now call her is about 10 years old. We can safely assume she had a home and a family who loved her or she probably would not have reached senior status. She is also over weight so someone was certainly feeding her.

Maybe her people lost their jobs and their home and couldn't afford to keep Suzie any longer. Maybe her person died and there was no one left to take her. Maybe her family knew she needed vet care and could not afford it. Maybe she got lost from her family too far for them to find her and someone else found her. Maybe they couldn't face the animal control workers and hand their pet over.

Maybe they didn't know that the shelter wasn't open on Sundays. Maybe they didn't know that heat is dangerous to any animal and even more so to a dog with a short nose like boston terriers, pugs and boxers.

Maybe they thought they were doing the right thing by putting Suzie in her crate and driving her to the local shelter and leaving her outside on the sidewalk. Yes, they thought that would be better than turning her loose or giving her away to someone they didn't know with bad intentions.

Suzie was eventually found in her crate by a shelter worker. She escaped but was quickly caught because she collapsed from the heat and had a body temperature of 106 (normal is 103-104). She was dehydrated and suffering from heat exposure. The shelter worker found her in the nick of time, cooled her off, gave her fresh water and some food and contacted BTRNC who quickly moved to take her into foster care.

Suzie does have some medical issues but what can be fixed has been such as bad ear infections. She has become playful in her foster home. She gets along well with other dogs and loves to chew on hooves. Her foster Mom reports that she is a very sweet and loving girl who seems happy again.

Suzie is listed on our available dogs page. Maybe you are the one to give Suzie a second chance at a forever home....

2009-08-02T13:58:00.006-04:00

THE PAIRING

Perhaps the scariest part of adopting a second dog into your home is the fear that your harmonious family may be turned upside down if the dogs do not get along. This is also true if you are adding a dog to a cat home. You love dogs and want to rescue another homeless fur baby. You think, I've already got 1, so might as well go for 2. Then you look at your precious little boston sleeping for a change and you think about how your life and home have a routine now. Then your mind wanders to visions of flashing teeth, growls, yips, bites and trips to the emergency vet. Suddenly you are not so sure that 1 is not enough.

These fears are perfectly normal. Don't over think it, just follow your heart to the second fur baby waiting for you. The good news is that dogs get along with each other far more often than not. Dogs at BTRNC and other rescues have been exposed to other dogs, sometimes several within the same house. Their foster homes know and will tell you if a dog is aggressive towards other dogs, cats, children, or all three. Sometimes if everyone lives closest enough, you can actually meet a foster dog in the presence of your dog first. If the dogs are instant friends, you will feel this sense of relief wash over you like a shower.

If you cannot do introductions before the adoption, introduce the dogs in neutral territory and on leashes. You should have someone helping you so that each dog has their own human at the end of their leash. Neutral territory ensures that neither dog will be territorial about visitors on his turf. Let hem sniff and watch their body language. Some dogs immediately try to play while others take awhile to warm up. Yes dear friends, dogs insist on getting to know one another by sniffing in the most inappropriate places.

Here is one rescue pairing that went really well. Meet Spice and Domino who seem to be telling their own story of meeting.

0.k. - we met, we like, now can we have a biscuit?

Let me tell you all about my life!

Now let us break bread together and seal the deal!

Cheers to Domino, Spice and all of our other successful pairings. Give it a shot, you may just be uniting your dog with their new best friend for life!

2009-07-18T18:13:00.005-04:00

SPANKY AND TINKER BELL

Spanky was in foster care for a year. A long time for an adorable little fellow who happened to be deaf. He was fortunate to be with a foster family who adored him and met his every need and whim. Still, they knew that Spanky deserved a home of his own, a forever home, not a foster home. Sure, they could have adopted him and made their home his, but they believed that Spanky's forever home was out there waiting. It was their job to love him until that home was found, then let him go leaving room for another dog in need.

Almost a year later, a family put in an application for Spanky, not caring that he was deaf. They wanted, however to adopt two at once. BTRNC was happy to assist them find just the right companion for Spanky. It was crucial that they got along before being moved to avoid the possibility of being moved again.

It seemed that young Tinker Bell (Tinker for short) might just be a match for Spanky. We allowed them to spend a week together before the adoption to see if Spanky wanted Tinker as a sister. It appears he did.....

Their forever Mom writes that they are doing great. Spanky is learning sign commands while Tinker is quickly learning the verbal variety. They play tug of war and Mom is working on boundaries and Spanky is showing Tinker the proper way to walk on a leash. That is, not trying to pull Mom down the sidewalk.

What a wonderful ending to a long story for Spanky and a short pass through rescue for Miss Tinker.

BTRNC is very thankful to Spanky's foster Mom for being patient and knowing that Spanky's story would have a forever ending and to the family who found them both!

2009-07-15T19:50:00.003-04:00

LUCKY FAMILY FINDS OUR SENIOR GIRL JADA

This story had to be told! Jada was one of our senior girls in foster care who has very recently found her forever family. Her name is now Ellie which we are sure she likes. This story however is not aout her forever home, but about how she said thank you to the woman who rescued her and was her foster Mom.

Ellie's foster Mom took a bad fall leaving the doctor's office last month. She injured both her feet and was unable to walk. She was feeling pretty awful from the pain and from the fact that people actually walked by her while she lay on the sidewalk! Someone from the doctor's office came out and got her inside, called her husband to come get her to bring her home.

Upon arriving, Mom collapsed in the nearest chair while her husband went to let Ellie out of her crate. Ellie assumed Mom wasn't there since Dad let her out. When she came downstairs to find Mom, she went immediately to her, laid her head on her chest and refused to move. She licked the tears off Mom's face and never left her side.

The next day, Mom arrived home in a walking boot and again Ellie took up her post chin on chin. Mom decided she needed to try to walk Ellie outside. Walk they did, side by side, step by very slow step. Ellie never pulled or left her side, only looked up at her with love and care in her eyes. And they say dogs don't have feelings or brains! The Boastful Blogger says how can anyone read this story and believe that!

As Mom grew stronger, Ellie followed her everywhere she went. Ellie was rescued and now it was her turn to return the favor.

For this I say, the family that found and adopted Ellie were the lucky ones. We wish you years of love!

2009-07-06T18:11:00.008-04:00

FIRST DIBS

Some rescues do not allow or strongly discourage foster families to adopt their foster rescues. BTRNC knows that each time a foster family adopts a rescue that we may lose space for another foster but we also are also happy to know that a dog and a family that fit just right found their way to each other.

Such was the case with a veteran foster mother who swore that she would not own another one but would instead keep her home open for fosters in need of a place to be warm and safe until their forver home is found.

One cold January day she was transporting Weylan who got in her car, looked her in the eye and sealed his future.

She and Weylan arrived home and after 5 hours she knew he could not leave. The oldest foster took him under her wing and took care of him; the aggressive one played with him like they grew up together; the quiet one fell instantly in love and the loner plays with him and the one who doesn't like other dogs also took to mothering him. He acted like he had been there forever. The last time she failed fostering was when she adopted one out twice and he was returned twice. That was Mr. Gus who made it clear he was not going to be happy anywhere else!

Oprah talks about the Ah Ha moment with her pets, and this was truly that kinda of moment when Weylan decided he was right where he needed to be.

Yes, we sometimes run short on foster space, but we also know a good thing when it happens. Weylan is no dummy - he seized the day and made a home! Good for you Weylan!

2009-06-24T20:30:00.002-04:00

BRINKLEY CONQUORS ALL AND NOW WAITS FOR HIS FOREVER HOME!

So many of you have read Brinkley’s story on our Available Dogs Page and have helped us continue the treatment he needed for a full recovery. We thank you so much for your generous contributions to help this precious boy.

I thought it would be appropriate therefore to provide a little background on demodex mange. This information is for informal purposes only and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any animal.

Like it or not, mange comes from microscopic mites living on your puppy or dog as the host! I’ll spare you the million times magnified picture, but trust me; they are mean looking little devils. Also like it or not, almost all puppies and dogs have these little critters residing under their skin. Mites are passed from mother to puppy the first couple days of life through normal cuddling. In most cases, the mites cause no issues to either dog or puppy and everyone lives happily ever after. When something happens that compromises the puppy’s immune system like an illness, stress, neglect, less than sanitary conditions, etc., those nasty mites seize the opportunity to take control. This causes the mites to multiply too fast and to embed in the hair follicles and the result is hair loss and other side effects. It is important to note that sometimes the cause of the mite revolution is not clear or known. You can do everything right with your new addition, and mange still develops. Demodex manage is not considered contagious.

Some puppies are fortunate in that they only get localized demodex mange. This is usually no more than 3 places on the body (including face and feet) where there is visible hair loss. These cases often go away on their own and do not always require medical attention.

Our little Brinkley unfortunately had localized demodex mange and therefore no hair anywhere when he came into rescue. To further complicate the situation, the compromised immune system made worse by the mange made him more susceptible to illness and he caught pneumonia!

Demodex manage can be treated with powerful medicine or with dips. The medicine, called Ivermectin is usually faster but requires careful monitoring by the human involved. Too high a dose can cause some severe side effects. Some dogs such as collies cannot tolerate Ivermectin so the dips are the only choice for their treatment. The medicine is expensive and doesn’t taste very good either!

Once tolerance is established, a vet will usually start at a low dose and slowly increase to the full safe dose. Dosage is based in part on body weight and of course puppies are ever changing their body weight so this must be considered as well. A puppy can be on this medication for months or weeks depending on the severity of the mange, their overall general health and the number of active mites attacking the hair follicles. Eventually the goal is for the hair to grow back and the active mites to no longer show on a slide from skin scraping.

Brinkley has now recovered from a serious case of pneumonia and now has soft baby peach fur all over his adorable little body. His personality is blooming and he now wants to win the biggest prize of all – a forever home to call his own! He has proven himself to be quite the survivor. Maybe he is the match for you.

2009-06-18T21:43:00.002-04:00

THE WALK

Ever since Riley dropped into my life last September, I have become reacquainted with walking. It is no longer a matter of exercise, but of survival. Any activity which has the potential of wearing a puppy out is to be undertaken as often as possible. I now know most of my neighbors and their animal companions.

Sometimes a walk is just a walk. Then there was our walk two days ago which turned into a play date. We left the house, walked 4 houses down, and stopped to say hello to the schnauzers (Maggie and Scooter) who were also on their walk. We then proceeded around the corner and stopped to say hello to Milo, the English Bull dog puppy who was working on puppy obedience with his person. Further on, a car pulled up beside us and said "he looks like my dogs!"

"Do you have a boston terrier?" I asked smiling back. "Three of them", he said.

"You must be the house down the street, I have seen them in your yard and wondered how it was that we had never met."

Next thing I know, the gentlemen had pulled up to his house, waited for me to get there, scooped Riley up and let him lavish kisses all over his face. Riley is a jack russell terrier in a boston coat on Red Bull. Holding him is not an easy task and I was immediately impressed with the skill our new friend used to make it look easy. He then opened the door to announce to his wife that there was a boston outside so she came out immediately and we repeated steps one and two except she, being a small person, had better sense than to try to actually lift Riley off the ground. A few moments later, the front door was opened and 3 boston terriers popped out and circled Riley. It was the most delightful sea of little black and white dogs. Riley now had 3 new friends to join Scooter and Maggie - Oscar, Butler and Casey! Casey could jump straight up from the ground to my neck and I'm about 5' 8" tall. We hung out on their front porch for about 20 minutes before parting as friends and my lamenting that I would never be able to walk by their house again without being pulled up the driveway.

Making the turn for home, we encountered Lucy, the basset hound - another new friend. Lucy pulled his owner across the street with the agility of a puppy but I was later to learn that she was 7! Whoever said 7 was senior had not been around too many 7 year olds. Lucy and Riley romped to the extent possible on leashes in a larger corner lot for another 10 minutes.

Finally, heading back up our cul-de-sac, my next door neighbors who adore Riley were waiting on the front porch for pats and biscuits.

We came inside, Riley drank the water bowl dry and promptly went to sleep.

The morale of this very different blog entry? Take a walk! You never know who or what you will meet!

2009-06-09T22:02:00.005-04:00

DOLLY IS NOW NOT ONLY PROUD - SHE IS HOME

If you look at our blog archives, you will find a feature on Ms. Dolly when she was in foster care and looking for her new home. (January, 2009). If you look even further back in our archives, you will find a blog on Marilyn, the rescue who left ferrets in her original home and was quickly adopted to her new forever home complete with ferrets! (February 2008).

The Boastful Boston did the original home visit for Ms. Marilyn's placement and met this wonderful Mom and Dad who ran a ferret rescue in Virginia and who wanted to add a ferret friendly boston to their family. Marilyn is doing great and we were thrilled that they wanted to do a double dip for another boston baby.

Maybe it was Dolly's name, her adorable face, her age, her bio or all of the above that drew them to her. The Boastful Boston thinks it was Dolly who sent the right vibes all the way to Virginia. Whatever the reason, Dolly is now at home with her new Mom and Dad and Marilyn.

Apparently Ms. Marilyn is having to readjust to not being the only boston. Dolly is working over time to get Marilyn to play. It should not take too long since Marilyn's original home had 3 boston babies. The report from home is that Marilyn has agreed to sleep next to Dolly but draws the line at acknowledging her Mom if she has the nerve to pet Marilyn! Their Mom writes that Marilyn wants to play but first she has to finish letting Dolly know she was there first.

Even if Marilyn isn't thrilled yet - her Daddy sure is! Better watch out Dad, you are outnumbered - Dolly Marilyn and Mom make every night girls night in!

2009-06-01T21:39:00.003-04:00

SECRET AGENT DOG?

Our former foster Mike, went to his forever home in summer 2007. He was adopted by a private investigator and renamed Deacon. We don't know if Deacon assists his Mom with stake outs or other spy stuff, but we hear that he has a pretty good life these days. He shares his home with another boston, two kitties and an english bull dog. The fearsome threesome they are called and when they romp through the house, it sounds more like 3 elephants. When he was adopted he was skinny and scared. He is now called the King of the Castle and his favorite place to be is under the covers with his Mom.

We receive so many wonderful updates from our adopters. One theme seems to run through most of them. Love! Most forever families including Deacon's mention the love they give and receive in return or the joy their new addition has brought to their family. Deacon is no exception. His foster Mom writes that Deacon is deaf but that makes no difference to her or the rest of the family. He has learned commands and has no trouble being the life of the party with his siblings.

Day is done Deacon - sleep well!

2009-05-17T20:40:00.007-04:00

EVERTHING IS COMING UP ROSES FOR MISS QUINCY

That's Rosey on the right. Unlike usual roses who bud bloom and fall as rose petals to return to the earth, BTRNC's Rosey got a home, a new name, a new fur sibling and a wonderful life.

Quincy's first job was to teach her new brother Kennedy, that LADIES RULE. Once this important rule was learned by all, she and Kennedy have gotten along just fine!

Apparently, Quincy makes a great impression on everyone she meets in her new home town. Lots of people have offered Her Royal Highness as she is called another new home but her family says she is home with them thank you very much. Quincy however wants everyone to know there are plenty of other royalty on our available dogs page waiting for their castle.

Like most bostons, Quincy's favorite part of the day is meal time. She actually performs a dance at each meal to show her joy. After a good meal and evening play time, she and Kennedy are ready to spar for the most bed room, under the covers of course. Alas, this leaves little space for the humans but Quincy just knows that her people will find a way to squeeze in for cuddle time.

BTRNC says thank you for Kennedy and his people for welcoming this beautiful flower into their family. HRH wonders what took so long for her to have the life she deserves - but she's happy that it came late rather than never!

2009-05-05T20:44:00.004-04:00

SWEET SENSITIVE PARKER

Parker is available for adoption. You will find his profile on the Our Dogs Page. An e-mail from his foster Mom prompted this blog to be written tonight.

She wrote that some nice people had asked to meet Parker. Parker loved the"Dad" but the couple did not feel that he would be a good match for their family. She further wrote that Parker had seemed down in the dumps since their meeting. We respect and applaud the family for making the decision that is best for them. The Boastful Boston now has this visual of poor Parker feeling rejected so it seemed important to allow readers to know more of this sweet little man.

Parker sometimes will "carry" his leg in the air when he runs. It doesn't slow him down and we suspect that he may have developed this habit from an old injury. Our vet has indicated no evidence of an ongoing problem. Parker is between 2 and 3, still very young for a boston but we don't have his past history.

Since coming into foster care, he is getting more confident each day and still retains a passive sweetness. His house training has come a long way as has his crate training. He has learned the crate is a happy place and will now go in on his own. He continues to prefer spending his nights in the bed or on the sofa but will nap in his crate.

Parker has also overcome a bout with pneumonia since being in his foster home. He has been through a lot lately. Maybe this is why he prefers snuggling to toys. That can be a nice thing for Moms and Dads too! His foster Mom brags about Parker's unconditional love for everyone he meets and now he seals it with a kiss. He is definitely not an alpha dog, he attaches easily and will make someone a wonderful companion. There has been no sign of aggression, only the sweetness.

Maybe Parker's forever family is reading this right now! Paws crossed!

2009-04-22T20:24:00.005-04:00

SANCTUARY

Meet Nelly, one of our sanctuary residents. Nelly doesn't know what sanctuary means but if that is the name for a warm bed, lots of pets and kisses, regular meals and safety, then it is more than o.k. with her.

Nelly entered rescue at an age some would call old. Her heart is weak and she gets stressed easily so BTRNC decided to place her in what we call The Sanctuary. She bonded so well with her foster family, fur and human variety, that she has remained in the same home which is wonderful for all concerned! Sanctuary means that she will not be posted as available for adoption, but she will remain in foster status, with her basic and medical needs covered by donations to BTRNC for what we hope will be a very long time. Don't tell Nelly or her foster family that she is in foster status though. To them, Nelly is as much a part of their family as if she had always been with them or if she had been officially adopted. Sanctuary care allows our volunteers to care for these babies without shouldering their expenses on their own. As seniors age, their medical expenses often increase. Nelly doesn't care about any of this money stuff, she just loves her family.

Nelly spends a great deal of her time outside searching for just the perfect spot to do her doggie business. Once she has finally selected just the perfect spot, she comes to find her foster Mom to let her know she did what she had to do, she's proud of it and now she is done with it!

Nelly and her family recently lost Tootsie (see blog archives and the Memorial page) to the Rainbow Bridge. Nelly and Diego help each other and their Mom through this difficult loss. Tootsie would woo woo Mom when she came home. Nelly makes sure she barks enough to remind Mom that there is still someone waiting at home and who is so glad to see her.

Nelly loves her fur brother Diego, but she can still muster the energy to chase him if he annoys her too much. Her heart makes the chase short and Mom has to calm her down but she gets her point across! She becomes very upset however if Mom raises her voice at Diego. She runs to Mom first and foremost to make sure she is not the one in trouble and second to make sure that Diego is not in too much trouble.

Nelly is a little love and an absolute joy to foster. Her favorite things are squeaky toys and dirt piles...Oh, and sleeping next to your shoulder in the "big bed! Not bad for a sanctuary ah?

You can see all of our sanctuary babies at the bottom of our Available Dogs page. Should you want to donate to their ongoing care, they and their human care givers say thank you. In any case though, BTRNC is very thankful that we are able to offer these cherished seniors a place to live out their remaining years!