Moo and Ori are getting a cousin!

Lindsay and Jason have been officially approved to adopt Curley, a 3 year old poodle mix from the Almost Home Rescue!  They're making their plans to travel to Maine this weekend to pick up their little bundle of joy!  Congratulations you two!  Ori and Molly are excited to be gaining a new cousin!!!

Rescuing a dog rather than buying one makes such a difference!!  You guys are doing a wonderful act of kindness and Curley will repay you in ways you never imagined!

Happy New Year Lindsay, Jason and Curley!!!

Sadness

My heart is sad for so much this evening, I don't know how to clearly articulate much of it. From the people I serve at work to the dogs and people I volunteer for and with... We have so many dogs that need to come into the rescue from a puppymill mama with medical conditions to older ones with little vision, to owner surrenders due to divorce...

I only work the home visit end of things and foster when we can (more on that soon....), but even this side of things has been extra busy, but not necessarily with approved homes. I wish potential adopters would stop and consider all the parts that go together in an all volunteer based rescue. This is a multi-pronged process including applications, reference checks, initial phone calls, home visits, matching the dog to the family, etc etc. Each volunteer works a paying job in addition to the volunteer job. I know that within the home visit side of things, I need to find a local volunteer who returns a phone call or email that is local to the applicant. If that person hasn't done a visit before, there is some training and information sharing on the process. The home visit volunteer is connected with the foster parent for any specific information they might be looking for at the home. This information gets relayed to the board and the foster dog coordinators as best as possible. It can be time consuming and take longer than any of us want it to take.

We had one app that came in and went from application to initial phone call to home visit set up in less than a week and yet that was too long for the family and they withdrew their app. Sigh, but we don't do what we do for applicants like that. We do this for the dogs and for the families that truly want them and are willing to wait a little bit if needed and put the time and energy into the dogs appropriately. Can you imagine an impatient person trying to work with a rescue dog who is trying to adjust (again) to a new home and living environment? Ikes...

My heart is sad for Tink tonight. I get these waves, not as often any more, but they wash over me and at times I can barely breathe at the thought that she is gone forever. The pain feels sharp and is suffocating, but usually just as quickly as it comes, it leaves. I wish like anything that she was snuggled up tight next to me tonight...I'd be rubbing her little velvety ears and smooch her soft little noggin'.

I wanted to get a new rose for her this evening, but was totally side tracked with rescue stuff... tomorrow morning. I want to go and find another beautiful reminder of the beautiful life that was lived. The same beautiful life that will live inside of my heart for as long as I live.

I wasn't this sad all day. I actually had a nice day at work today....nice sessions, time to do some paperwork and planning....Everything came to a point this evening and now I sit here and think which is so incredibly dangerous.

We'll make it through, just taking 1 step at a time (and towards the bedroom to go to sleep!!!)

Binx....

New foster coming in on tuesday from Philly shelter... little girl, 3-5, named Binx. We're finally ready for a project and we're still getting swamped at NEBTR. 16 dogs came in alone in October. She sounds like she should be fairly easy and easy to place... pictures to come as we get her and she gets settled. Miss Moo's world is going to be rocked, but it will be good for her : ) Nothing like a little socialization for the girl : )

Oh These Little Seniors....

Oh how these little Senior ladies pull at my heart strings... does anyone have a home and heart for any of these little ladies?

Meet Sasha

More About Sasha Regalis

Get This: An extremely Lovable Senior; her master of 10 years up and decides she is not the woman in his life any longer. He drops her at the shelter saying his new girlfriend and he “decided to get married that weekend”, and cause she “is old and sick” to just put her down”.

Poor darling, she had a serious yeast infection, her ears had swollen solid shut, causing her to go deaf,

Her black fur was grey. All she needed was antibiotics and Malesseb shampoo. What a difference a month made. One simple and reasonable vet visit.

Shasha Regalis is also nearsighted, so it takes her a little while to get the lay of the land, she loves to see you come home, and is easy to please. She will stand on her hind legs, and has a head tilt that just says” love me again”!

She has good habits, and enjoys being part of the family; is not needy. If she could hear; it would be; “just whistle if you want me; I love you.

We honestly cannot see how folks can be so cold. More folks need to open their hearts and homes to these seniors who find them selves cast out, often times by folks who ought to have been spayed or neutered themselves.

Her buddy Ron, in Stone MT GA, will be happy to speak on her behalf, if you are worthy enough, of course. Applications are the first step; to fill one out: go to The Boston Terrier Atlanta website

If you want to meet me, please call my buddy Ron, Phone 770 469 9396 in Stone Mountain, GA.

Or email me at:

Ron

The Application is the first step; to fill one out: go to The Application

Please note that Boston Terrier Atlanta is focused particularly on the Atlanta and southern regions and is the Atlanta regional branch of the Boston Terrier Rescue of East TN. The Boston Terrier Atlanta website will direct you to the main ET website.

Sasha Regalis is up-to-date with routine shots, house trained and spayed/neutered

Meet Pogo Rose

More About Pogo Rose VA

I do not need perfect vision to see how much you could love me.

I would stand by your side through good times and the bad, a faithful friend to the end. A rescue saved me and now I’m waiting on you to adopt me. I know my future with you will different, a bright future with a loving family and a forever home.

I am originally from Georgia so I am a true southern bell, with a heart of gold and a smile to match. As you can probably tell from my pictures I am blind, but being blind is not a disability. My blindness only makes me stronger and more determined. I can do anything any dog with sight can, come on let me show you!

I love playing with toys and my foster siblings, and of course lounging on the couch. Do you love taking long car trips, hey so do I! Just get my leash and I’m ready to go. See we have so much in common, we would be great together just you and me. We could take the world by storm.

But I must confess to you I do have one fear, I am afraid of thunderstorms. We could cuddle up together and weather out the storm. Yea, I may be older and have a little wear and tear showing. That is just character, I still have many good years left in me. And if you are still not convinced wait there’s more. I am completely housetrained, Heartworm Negative and most of all I am cute!

I am one in a million, I’m PRICELESS!!!

Her adoption fee will be $250.00.

If you want to meet me, please call my buddy Marlana at the Boston Terrier Rescue of East Tennessee, Phone 276-395-5512 in Cobern, VA at our Sanctuary.

Or email me at:

Marlana

The process always begins with an application which can be found at The Boston Terrier Rescue of East Tennessee website

Here is Maggie Mae from the Midwest Boston Terrier Rescue

More About Maggie Mae

Name: Maggie Mae
Sex:Female
Color: Black & White
Age:12 yrs old
I.D. Number: IN132
Approx Weight:15 lbs
Good w/dogs: Yes
Good w/cats: Unknown
Crate Trained: Yes
Housebroken:Yes! She is now housebroken.
Energy Level: Mild
Temperament: total cuddlebug. Very kind, quiet and sweet
Health: Hard of hearing and partially blind, but gets around really well.
Good w/Kids:Yes, all ages
Training: Does not jump, plays fetch
Fostered In: Michigan
My Adoption Fee: $175.00


More Info:

Application, veterinary reference, adoption fee and home check required to adopt. APPLY TO ADOPT

NOTE: Please do not email for more dog info. This is all the info available until approved and then you can talk directly to that dogs foster home for further info. Thank you!

And the one I come back to more than any other....

meet Rose from ABTR

ROSE

AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!

Available For The Senior For Senior Program

Female
8-10 years old
HSNT PUPPY MILL BUST GIRL
Black Brindle and White - Good markings
Spayed
Up to date on Bordatella, Rabies,and 7 in 1 shots.
Heartworm/lyme/erlichia Negative!!!
CATS - not tested
Children - not tested
House trained - seems to be trained to the doggie door
Other Dogs - Good with some, but not all?
SPECIAL NEEDS? Ruptured eye and scarred eye. so Limited vision

Rose prounounced Ro SAY! Is the little 12.5 lbs, 10 year old lady who has a ruptured eye on the left side and has an old ulcer scar on the right side. She has bad skin and we did a scrape and I will learn more in the next few days about that. Sweet little dancing thing, this dog was someone’s pet at one time. She got right up on the back of my chair like she has done it before.

Here is what Rose' foster momma Kathy has to say about her. QUOTE: Rose' is a big dog hiding in a little dog body. This sweet girl is full of life and so much fun! She keeps her boxer foster brothers and sisters on their toes and her foster mom laughing all the time.

Rose' is full of energy when it's play time, but she knows how to cuddle like a pro as well. She wants to do whatever you're doing, whether it's playing or napping. This sweet girl has had a terrible life up to now, but has learned that people are actually nice and that being an inside dog with a nice soft pillow to lay on is a good thing. She initially came into rescue from the Montague County puppy mill cruelty seizure - just one of over 500 dogs that needed help. Her eyes were terribly infected and one had to be removed. Having one eye doesn't impede her at all. She can run, jump, play and wrestle with the best of them. She also had terrible skin from neglect and filth. Since being in foster care, she has learned to like her baths and has grown a new pretty, shiny coat.

She's done very well with housetraining via access to the doggy door and is perfectly crate trained when her foster mom has to go to work. Please consider giving Rose' a happy forever home. She deserves to be loved and spoiled for the rest of her life.

If you would like to contribute to Rose's vet bill, please feel free to use paypal for your payment or you can mail the payment to my vet with the notation "American Boston Terrier Rescue - Rose to:

Cynthia Westbrook DVM.
822 N. Grand Ave.
Gainesville, TX 76240

Thank you for your assistance for this sweet one.

http://americanbostonterrierrescue.org/Dogs/

Rescue Me

Rescue Me

Rescue me not only with your hands but with your heart as well.
I will respond to you.
Rescue me not out of pity but out of love.
I will love you back.
Rescue me not with self-righteousness but with compassion.
I will learn what you teach.
Rescue me not because of my past but because of my future.
I will relax and enjoy.
Rescue me not simply to save me but to give me a new life.
I will appreciate your gift.
Rescue me not only with a firm hand but with tolerance and patience.
I will please you.
Rescue me not only because of who I am but who I'm to become.
I will grow and mature.
Rescue me not to revere yourself to others but because you want me.
I will never let you down.
Rescue me not with a hidden agenda but with a desire to teach me to trust.
I will be loyal and true.
Rescue me not to be chained or to fight but to be your companion.
I will stand by your side.
Rescue me not to replace one you've lost but to soothe your spirit.
I will cherish you.
Rescue me not to be your pet but to be your friend.
I will give you unconditional love.

~Author Unknown

Molly has arrived

So our newest foster form NEBTR is finally here... Molly. She's an owner surrender and I think she's going to fit in nicely.

She's a little cutie... mostly boston mixed with a little bit of something else. She's almost 11 (birthday on Aug 29th) and I think she's going to fit in pretty well over here. She has cushing's so she's going to need some medication and be closely monitored, but other than that she seems like a pretty laid back and easy going girl.

She definitely is drinking a lot, which will mean more potty trips. Her meds are almost where there need to be, so when we get those straightened out and upped to where they need to be, her drinking (and hunger) should subside.

She was a quiet little angel on the 1.5 hr ride home this evening in her crate. Her little ears were perked, but she relaxed the entire ride. As soon as we shut the car off, she was up and ready to go. She was given a light dinner when we got home and then the 4 of us were off on our first walk.

Her back end it a little weak (which could be because of the Cushings or just lack of exercise). We hope to improve that with some consistent exercise. Starting slowly and then systematically building her up.

Our introductions are as slow as we can muster in this house. Some walking together and then Molly stayed with one of us in the house while Tink bumped around. Now Tink's on the couch and Molly is exploring the living area and is chewing on a bone. We have a harness and leash on her, but the leash will probably come off in the next day or so. A vet appointment this week to see where we're at with her health and condition and away we go!

It appears our little retirement community is growing and thriving! Pics to follow soon!

Fabulous Slip Leash Find!

So since Tink is on the mend, we took a short trip to Dog Nutz a dog boutique place in Corolla to visit and get out for a bit. Upon arriving we were greeted by 2 Lab-ish dogs, both laid back and friendly. We looked around at all the neat breed specific gift items and dog treats, fun signs (like "Our dog was allergic so we got rid of the kids" and "A spoiled rotten [insert breed] lives here."

I've been looking for a slip lease for transports and new fosters; they're harder to find than I thought. I asked the lady behind the counter and sure enough she had just gotten some in that day and they hadn't made it to the store front yet! These thing is beautiful. It's a strong yet soft lead rope type material, 6ft with a great handle and stopper towards the collar end. It should serve us well!

Nice handle and leather stopper

Tink my model : )

collar part on Tink-- of course she didn't want to help me out : )

"Seriously" she says

The lady was kind enough to give a 10% discount and throw in some cool pens and note pad when she found out we foster and volunteer with the rescue. If you're interested, her website is dognutz.com and the leash is made by douglas paquette at douglasspaquette.com. Check 'em out!

Can Any One Help This Little Girl?!?!

I found this little girl posted on Woof!
I know there must be someone out there who has the perfect home for her!!!
Could it be you?!?!

She sounds like a complete sweetheart!!

take a look at Mandy's Petfinder page!!!

Rescue Opportunities

I did something I shouldn't have done. I looked through Wanda's list of Rescue Boston Terriers (ABTR). I know i can't adopt another one now, but it makes me so incredibly sad. The list makes me so darn sad. the stories, the problems, the sweet little dogs who didn't do anything wrong... they were just born. Bostons are so loveable and these little ones are craving love! If you're on the market for a Boston Terrier, please please consider a rescue! And ABTR ships dogs.

There is also NEBTRescue that is more local, NJ, PA, NY, and sometimes CT & DE. There are many more dogs available than are listed, so again, if interested do something!

And finally the master BT rescue list : ) Thanks to Littlebeasts.com & BCTA

I know that someday we will have another rescue and hopefully sooner than that we will foster. But i always need to keep in mind that i can't just adopt any boston (or Boxer). Because Tink is going to live for a looong time, i need to keep a very specific type of dog in mind to add to our family. Another female is just not an option. a younger male probably isn't.... oh, but they pull at my heartstrings... a little male with cataracts or another one eyed female that wants to be a lap dog. They all just want love and a safe and secure home. (same with kids, but we wont go there today)

For now, Nick and I have plenty of love to shower on this little one. : )

this might make you cry....

Someone on the WOOF! board posted this and it rings so true....
It appears to be written by Sherrill Wardrip and is found at blinddogs.com


I cannot see you Mommy, when you cuddle me so near.
And yet I know you love me, it's in the words I hear.
I cannot see you Daddy, when you hold me by your side
But,still I know you love me when you tell me so with pride.
I cannot see to run and play out in the sun so bright
For, here inside my tiny head it's always dark as night.
I cannot see the treats you give when I am extra good
But, I can wag my tail in Thanks just like a good dog should.
"She cannot see. The dogs no good" is what some folks might say
"She can't be trained, she'll never learn She must be put away."
But not you, Mom and Daddy You know that it's alright
Because I love you just as much as any dog with sight.
You took me in, you gave me love and we will never part
Because I'm blind with just my eyes, I see you in my heart.

Ok, so i just need to talk for a little here. I know that i have been soliciting advice and stuff from others, and so that's my fault.... I'm young and not the most experienced around dogs but i am fairly knowledgeable about dogs. I knew before we adopted Tink that we were not only adopting a rescue dog, but adopted a rescue dog with "special needs." I knew that this was going to involve more than buying a puppy from a breeder.

I understand that she lived in a shelter for a long time and heaven knows what she went through before that. I know that i've only had her for 3 weeks and maybe others know her better, but i know her now... and we're working through the behaviors that i see. I don't expect her to understand "be good, mommy will be back in 2 hours" but she understands my tone of voice when i'm happy to see her and when i'm dissappointed at the pee in the kitchen (and lately the dissappointment has been with me for not getting her outside quick enough)

I also know that I love this dog so much and Nick and I are committed to working through her issues and living with the issues that don't pan out. She doesn't like it when i leave, whether or not you consider that separation anxiety is besides the point. Today she moved her pen clear across the kitchen, dumped all her water and i know there was pee in there somewhere... she was wide awake and panting when i came home.... the dogs i grew up with slept while we were gone... so i believe there are some issues that need to be worked through (via behavioral methods and flower essences and whatnot) so she can be more relaxed when we leave...

She only goes potty in the house when i'm not around. Yes i take her out regularly so that doesn't happen, but she has started sitting by the gate and i immediately take her out... she is learning.

This little girl has 6 years worth of "baggage" and bad deals in life. I know that i'm not going to do everything right, but I love her and we're working on it. right now she stinks like pee... i still love her. I know i get all excited and worked up over things when they initially happen, but i get over them or work through them or whatnot... its the same deal with her. If i wanted a dog that was low maintenence i would have never adopted a rescue dog... i would have bought a golden retriever or something less intelligent... (sorry to all Golden fans...)
OK, so i guess i needed to get that out...

Tinker the Amazing

So i'm still waiting to wake up from this dream.... there is nothing this dog doesn't do well. For those of you who aren't dog people, this might be kinda gross, but last night Tink totally let me clean out her ears. She just laid there on my lap and let me gently clean them!

Tink and I took our first car ride together post operation Atlanta. We got her a harness and short lead so now she safely rieds in the car. And being the angel that she is, she sat/laid right down on the passengers seat without so much as a peep. We walked around Etown campus for a little bit with Tink styling in her red hoodie.

But the highlight of my day with Tinker was actually at the Vets in Leola. What a nice place with nice people! They remembered me from my phone call and really seemed to have a handle on boston terriers. As they were going through Tinker's paperwork they kept commenting on how nicely she was taken care of. Thank you so much Small Dog Rescue and Humane; Your efforts are noted! They were really pleased. And then one of the girls was like "she is so relaxed with you; you can tell she's really comfortable around you." Now, trust me, i can't take the credit for that, she's a pretty laid back girl, but let me tell you I was tickled pink that someone noticed how good a girl she is!!! So we have heartworm medication, nail clippers and her record is all set at the vets!

It's more fun doing errands with the dog.. well, doggie errands that she can come with me to. I just kept talking with her and giving her treats at different places and she was totally cool. Tink always knew mommy was around and that everything was ok. But she was excited to get home! Dancing around the living room making sure everything was in the same place. But after a long adventurous morning, the only proper thing to do is take a nap... and thats exactly what she is doing on my lap as I type. What a complete angel!!! (we'll see how the nail clipping goes later on today! We won't bombard her with too many things at one time!)

And oh, we did have to crate her last night, but man did we all sleep better. Nick took her out around 730 this morning and after peeing she cuddled in bed with me for the last 30minutes. We figure in a few weeks she'll be able to sleep in her bed, but until we can trust her to wander the house unattended, the crate it is (she does have a habit of peeing on the tile if I'm not around for more than 5 minutes... not sure if its spite or nervousness or what... cause both times she peed not an hour before... so we're working on it : )

She was really good with one of the neighbors kids early... We were taking a walk and got stopped, so I held her while this cute little 4 year old was nicely patting her. I didn't think she'd do anything, and she didn't so that was good, lots of praises during and afterwards : )

Have I mentioned that i LOVE THIS DOG?!?!?! Nick does too of course (but he's not writing this post)!!! and I know Tink loves it here too ; )

In fact, she's creating a wish list of "toys" that include:
indestructable bones for her to chew on including some greenies and things with flavor : )

So enough's enough

And yet again the question is raised, why a blind dog? And so we say, why not a dog who happens to be blind? She is a dog with a disability not a disability who happens to be a dog. She can do everything a quote "normal" dog can do (except jump on the bed because she has no idea how tall it is and is that so bad?) and is more loving and caring than most other dogs i know. And trust me, thats quite a few dogs I know. Would you love a child any less if he or she were blind? "No, sorry we don't want that one, she can't see. We'll wait another 9 mos to have a kid that can see." No of course you wouldn't say that! (Or shouldn't-- yes i am "shoulding" right now)

Sigh... there are more important things in life than being perfectly "normal." and i know most of you reading this are on my side. But some people's kids... honestly. It just doesn't make a difference to us. She was a stray and living in a shelter for a year and needed a loving home. Her little face and shining personality stole my heart the instant I found out about her. She has been a complete angel... now of course, the snoring and occasional piddles on the tile come free of charge. But c'mon, she's a Boston, what else would you expect?

So that's my rant... and its not just about little dogs that can't see. Its about people being more accepting of animals and more importantly, people no matter what they look or act like. Everyone needs to be loved period. God didn't come to save the "normal." He came to save everyone, because everyone has made mistakes. And here's a newsflash... no one's normal!!! So that's the deal. "...Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these (Mark 12:31)" So that's it. Be kind to people, period. End of rant.... for now : )

Figuring out how this works....

1-22-06 7:30pm

Ok, here are some more pics of Tink, Charli, and us : ) We're figuring out how all this works (blogging and having an adorable little girl)!!! Charli spoiled us and Tink and bought her an adorable hoodie (which i have been looking for for weeks), a new bed, treats, and some puppy pads to prevent accidents : ) Not every person has a godmother and our dog does!! ooo we are enjoying being doggy parents : ) We'll keep ya updated on the happenings : )
sigh, it was such an amazing experience to take a road trip to pick her up. As my mother would say, we're making memories. And we sure are!!!

Operation Atlanta Completed

Operation Atlanta was a Success!! We are now the proud owners of an ADORABLE little Boston Terrier, affectionately called Lil Tink : ) Its kind of a long story, but I'll give the highlights

On Christmas Eve, I was casually searching through petfinder still looking for THE dog of my life, when on like page 12, little Tinkerbells picture popped up... i read her profile and was hooked. I HAD to have her. I gave Nick the puppy dog eyes and he knew I was serious... so i sent an email to Linda and she told us we could apply for this special little girl...

Almost a month to the day and many many conversations with Charli, Tinks foster mom and now god-mother, we were ready for the drive! Lil Tink, here we come!

We left on friday and got to Gastonia NC, the 2/3rds mark and where we were staying that night.
After barely sleeping, we got to Petco in Sandy Springs GA EARLY and had to WAIT! talk about suspense!!! We finally met Charli and lil Tink was on another Van... so..... when Charli brought her in, it was TOTALLY still Love at first meeting. Tears and laughs and smiles. Tink wasn't totally sold on us initially, but we brought out the secret weapon-- SNAUSAGES-- and we were in!!!! we played with her and talked with her and Charli for a good 45 min to an hour. We met Linda, Anne, Pat and so many others who helped to make this a reality. WHAT A PLEASURE!!! It was so much fun seeing everyone and just a little bit of what they do. So after some paperwork and hugs and pictures we started the journey home a little before 2pm on saturday.

She was good the first night : ) starting out sleeping in her bed, but then came up to visit after she went out at 1130. Man does she know how to sleep and SNORE!!! she loves to cuddle : )

She was a doll the WHOLE RIDE HOME. Not a word out of her, she slept, she snuggled, she was a comlete dream.

But boy were we glad-- all of us-- to get home. She knew instantly this was home. She ate a hearty dinner, gave her a bath (what an ANGEL!! is there anything this dog gives a hard time about?!?) and now she's here with her little red hoodie sitting on my lap.

So thats the deal... we're here spoiling her. We did make her stay in her bed while we ate (no beggars---the bed was right next to the table for pete's sake : ) and she fell alseep. We'll post pics for all to enjoy the little beauty. This girl was totally meant for us!!!