Short Essay on Fostering

Hi Friends, Just thought I'd share this short essay with you.
THANK YOU
[Author Unknown]

Thank You for bringing this foster dog into my life.

Had I not made the decision to participate in rescue, I would never have had the chance to meet him. If I had sat here comfortably in my home and said "I already have four dogs and I know that I couldn't take in another - even on a temporary basis," I would never have met this dog.

Yes, it takes time to rescue and foster... but who gave me Time in the first place? And why or what was the reason I was given Time? To fill my own needs? Or was there another reason ever so small and seemingly insignificant, like rescuing this one dog, that could make a difference in another's life? Perhaps to add joy, hope, help and companionship to another who is in need?

With great sadness, I sat down on a footstool in my kitchen this morning and watched as this foster dog bounced back into the house and skidded across the floor to sit ever so perfectly in front of me. He was the picture of health, finally. He was all smiles for me.... and I smiled back at his happy face. Deep in his eyes, the storm clouds of illness and generalized poor health had blown away, and the clear light of his perfection radiated out from his beautiful soul. He holds no ill will toward man. He forgives us all.

I thought to myself as I impressed this one last long look of him into my heart, what a very fine creature you have created. Tears slowly pooled and spilled over my cheekbones as the deeper realization of how wonderful this dog is sank into my internal file cabinet of Needful Things to Remember. Lord, he's a dog - but he's a better human being than I am.

He forgives quickly. Would I do the same?
He passionately enjoys the simple things in life. And I have often overlooked them.
He accepts change and gets on with his life. I fuss and worry about change.
He lives today and loves today. And I often dwell in the past or worry about the future.
He loves no matter what. I am not that free.

This very lovely dog has gone to his new home today and already I miss him. Thank You for bringing this dog into my life. And thank You for the beautiful and tender lesson on how to be a better human.

-- Contributed by Isabella Marcotrigiano

Dogs Movie

Something to cheer up your day. Had to share, watch carefully for the BT’s.


Linda V.

Elmwood Park, NJ

Meet Otto

Meet OTTO!! He is a handsome little man. He is a big boy. I would estimate he is roughly around 25 lbs. He was an owner surrender to the Philly SPCA. He came in with a Boxer buddy. So far he is doing great in our home. He is a little skittish but warming up quick. He is potty trained. Doesn't really have any interest in toys or playing. Just likes to nap and sit around. He likes Cleveland, our other male BT. We haven't introduced him to the rest of the crew yet. He is up to date on most of his shots; he will need to be fixed though. Seems like a sweet little guy. We will keep you updated!

Lisa
PA

Mom Mom is 14 Today!

Happy birthday Mom Mom! You're looking great! Must be that extra special care that Amy is giving you!

Update on Bizzy Bee

I got an update tonight from Adam on Bizzy! She is doing great! She is improving greatly on her potty training. Everyone who meets her says how pretty she is and loves her to death! She has been playing tons of fetch and is fascinated by the guinea pigs in her down time. She loves laying on the back of the couch on her blanket in the sunshine too.

Her knees are like new. She hops all over the place!

Adam couldn't say enough how much they absolutely love and adore her. She is a lucky little lady.

We miss her but we couldnt be happier for her!!!

Lisa
Allentown PA

Belle Rescued from Vacant Apartment

Belle and a companion kitten were left in her apartment building. Their owner moved out in the middle of the night, leaving the dog and a kitten behind in the apartment, with a note on the door saying she wasn't coming back. Fortunately, one of the apartment's other residents found it and cared for the animals until they could find foster arrangements.

Joan Starkey, her foster mom, made the trip (3 1/2 hours each way). Joan writes, The trip was completed with good weather until the very end when I ran into snow for the last 20 miles. Since it was so late, we did not try to make friends with my gang last night. Belle was put in the front room with the baby gate between her and my bunch. There was lots of nose sniffing through the gate and some barking from my boys. Belle growled at them if they came too close. You see, I think Belle is blind or nearly so. I am sure that one eye has a cataract on it and the other doesn't appear clear. She is also a tiny little thing at about 13 pounds on my bathroom scale. My twenty + pound monsters seem huge next to her. Her nails are horribly long and I can't do them right now due to my finger being in a splint. She appears to be house broken as when I holler "potty time" to my gang she comes right along. This morning I kept them separated until after breakfast, then let her come in and explore. My gang pretty much ignored her as they are used to visiting dogs. She spent the day sniffing and exploring the kitchen and living room where she is allowed for now and the front room (the dog's room). She follows my voice and right now is sitting at my feet while I am on the computer. No more growling at my gang unless they get too rough. I am not sure how much she is eating, she appears a little thin."

Joan also indicated that Belle was pretty spunky for her age, and attaches these adorable photos of Belle.  Joan noted that Belle has made herself right at home and even pushed one of the boys off the chair she decided was hers!

The kitten is being placed into foster care as well.

How could someone do this to animals?

Boston Terrier Skirts

Hey girls! I just wanted to share this, i found this awesome lady in Mississippi who makes patchwork skirts. Being a bit of a hippie chick i have been buying them like mad! Anyway, she does custom skirts as well. I asked her if she could make me a BT rescue dog skirt, and she did! There are a few little bostons in the print! Love it! I just wanted to share it with yall in case any one would like to order one! They are only 15.00 + shipping! She can be contacted at cheryl@apparelbycheryl.com.  You can also view more of her items for sale at her website, Apparel by Cheryl

p.s. she makes each skirt to your exact size!

-- Amy Angelo

Meet Lilly

This is Lilly, a/k/a/ Princess, who we pulled from the Wayne shelter last night. Lilly is very sweet, but stressed out from the shelter. She did not do well there at all, and clearly misses her family and 'brother'. She was a little nervous around my dogs last night, but was so polite with my cats, and has been following my husband and I around constantly. She needs to gain at least 5 pounds and has to learn to walk on a leash nicely, but I can tell she's going to be a total cuddle bug and make some family very happy!

-- Heather, Wharton NJ

Update on Boo ("Booda")

Another year has gone by. Boo is another year older and with us another year. He is sitting on my lap as I am typing this e-mail..

My how time has gone by. He is doing fine and is certainly part of our family. He has his special chair to sleep on but prefers to snuggle against one of us while we are watching TV. He could have easily been named Snuggles. Boo also learned how to sun himself on the staircase as the sun shines through our front window.

My mother is in a nursing home and they had a dog parade for the residents that Boo was part of. He and all the dogs that participated were a big hit. Coincidentally, all of the dogs were rescued including a 3 legged Scot Terrier & a deaf American.Bulldog (that responded to hand signals). Since Boo has a great temperament and all of his shots, he is allowed to be a regular visitor. He is an unofficial therapy dog. The residents get so excited when they see him and want to pet him and he loves it. He even knows to stop at the Social Director's office because she has treats for dogs. She enjoys his visits . I also leave treats with my mother & all I have to say to Boo, is do you want to go see grandma and he gets excited.. He also loves to go to the park for our daily walk.

Take care and have a good and healthy 2010.

Bruce & Stella Anglin & Boo

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