Cover Boy Bruno

Former foster Bruno, now a cover boy. Most important, he is much loved by his Mom, Lynne D'Angelo, who kindly agreed to share the cover with Bruno.

Wonder if his foster mom, Linda Antonelli, knew he was destined for stardom when he moved to his forever home.

Linda writes about her experience with Bruno and her girl Ivy.

"Ivy and Bruno were rescued from a puppy mill.  The story at that time back in May of 2008, was on Oprah Winfrey.  They were called the Winfrey Dogs and she did a show about mill dogs at that time.  Bruno's name was Boston #2 and Ivy was Boston #3.  Sheryl was involved in the adoption and transport.  When she saw his face, she told me he looked like a Bruno.  He did and it fit.  The name Ivy only took me a week to figure out and it fit too.

They cuddled together in the corner of my den for the next two weeks scared out of their minds.  Neither was house trained nor did they know how to play with other dogs and toys.  Bruno was "slow" as I called him.  He went from point A to point B, with very little brain cells.  Ivy on the other hand was sharp as a tack and blossomed.  Let me tell you this did not happen over night.  It took almost a year to domesticate them.  Ivy like I said blossomed but Bruno did not.

Robin and I were working together with applicants.  April 2009, she sends me this family Bob and Lynne D'Angelo who had a younger female BT named Fabbie.  They had great references.  I had them come over my house to meet Bruno and asked, why would you want this "slow" boy.  They stated, we already have a spit fire, we are an older couple and want a slow dog.  I loved them in 20 minutes.  Long story short, May 3, 2009, I drove Bruno to his new home.  I was so unsure that he would be okay.  In this case for the first time, I wasn't worried about the owners, I was worried Bruno wouldn't be the "perfect slow pet" for them.  I told them please, if you can't handle him, return him.  Bruno also had an ulcerated eye that everyone who ever looked at him was afraid of.  The D'Angelo family have grandchildren who think his ulcerated eye makes him need special care and love.  They never even considered returning him and sport him with an eye patch like a pirate not because they are embarrassed, but because he looks cool!!

One year after I nurtured this boy, he was placed with a family who adore him.  That was 3 years ago.  Now, I see he is on a magazine cover??!!!  

As for my Ivy, I did place her back then with my own nephew.  She crapped in his house on a daily basis.  One month later, he returned her.  She NEVER crapped in my house.  Ivy came home and did a sigh in my lap.  We looked at each other...  She chose me, I didn't choose her.  I was the first person she loved and the last...  Go figure how I placed Bruno the "slow boy" and not Ivy the sharp girl.  LOL

Thanks Linda for sharing this happy ending, it's inspiring for foster families who find it hard to part with their temporary guests. You are an angel among angels and an inspiration to us all.

Update on Duke

Beth McFadden in Pennsylvania, reports on her first foster: "I just received this picture of my first foster, Duke from his adopting mom.

She sends one every year around the time of his adoption to let us know how much they love him. We had dropped him off and sobbed the hour and half home. So,  first time fosters, there can be happiness for them after they leave your house." Duke was surrendered from the same home that later surrendered Elena.

Thanks, Beth, for keeping us up to date and serving as a great example for first time foster moms, keep up the good work.

Celeste Has a Forever Home

Celeste greeted her adoptive parents with a wiggle butt and kisses . She is going back to Jersey with the Kennedys of Ridgewood NJ. Once a Jersey Girl...always a Jersey Girl.

Her new Mom has already ordered two new beds from LLBean and she has a new harness and leash. Mrs. Kennedy assured me she would be spoiled, and I assured her that Celeste knows all about that spoiling stuff....she's got that down pat. I'm very pleased with her adoption and I know she will be well loved.

Last week-end Celeste went to her first St. Patrick's Day party....This week she went to her new loving forever home. Celeste Honey...you're on a roll.


 Dawn and Benny Stone

Little Girl

In response to the sad loss of Little Girl, Linda Antonelli, her foster mom, received requests for the history of her foster. Says foster angel Linda: "Little Girl was blind & deaf. She was 13 lbs. with a pot belly and from research Robin and I did, we believe she had cushings disease. She was dumped in the woods out east and a couple walking by brought her to the Brookhaven shelter. Meredith Festa got the first call and the next day (12/14) she brought her here. We knew she had very little social skills, she was old and neglected, and even my vet said just let her be. She yapped in the kitchen while I cooked for my dogs, and ate with gusto. I taught her how to navigate our room, down the hall and into the kitchen to the water bowl. Her sense of smell was very keen. I slept with her under my arm so she would be safe. She basked in the sun outside and required very little else from me. Last night while on my computer, I heard a thump and she fell off her cushion that was on the floor. I picked her up and all the life drained out of her. It amazes me how someone could dump any dog in the woods, and especially Little Girl. Shame on them. They didn't realize that God was watching them... I gave her 3 good months of love and safety. Even my dogs took care of her. I know she was comforted that we loved her and that's why she waited to die in my arms. Her last hug and kiss. She definitely had a place in my heart. Thanks for all the posts. You are all good friends."
Thanks, Linda, for the history of Little Girl and, most of all, the big heart that took her in, giving her the love and care to her final rest.

Why It's Great to be a Boston Terrier

Why It’s Great To Be a Boston Terrier

If it itches, you can reach it. And no matter where it itches, no one will be offended if you scratch it in public.
No one notices if you have hair growing in weird places as you get older.
Personal hygiene is a blast: No one expects you to take a bath every day, and you don’t even have to comb your own hair.
Having a wet nose is considered a sign of good health.
No one thinks less of you for passing gas. Some people might actually think you’re cute.
Who needs a big home entertainment system? A bone or an old shoe can entertain you for hours.
You can spend hours just smelling stuff.
No one ever expects you to pay for lunch or dinner. You never have to worry about table manners, and if you gain weight, it’s someone else’s fault.
It doesn’t take much to make you happy. You’re always excited to see the same old people. All they have to do is leave the room for five minutes and come back.
Every garbage can looks like a cold buffet to you.

Home

For a happy home, adopt, don't shop!

KoKo Goes to the Rainbow Bridge

 

Sadly, Joy Riley has joined the group of dedicated foster moms who have lost their forever fosters.

Joy writes, "RIP my precious and so loved KoKo. I found her passed on her favorite bed with her toy stash when I came downstairs this am. This came out the clear blue sky. She was barking and playing at 6am and was gone when I came back downstairs at 10:30. KoKo is so loved and missed. Run free my angel. You always have a huge part of my heart in your paws.

 I can't begin to thank you all for your kind words, prayers and white light. A good friend came over and helped me bury her and her favorite toy. I always cremate my puppers but KoKo SO loved the outdoors. She was always the first out and I usually had to retrieve her back in. I don't think she'd been off leash much. So, I decided to leave her body in a place she so loved. I'm going to have my buddy Becky of Greytglass make a marker. We all miss her so. Again, thank you so very much."

Joy, thank you from all of us for making KoKo's last days so happy.  She died loved, in a home that truly cared for her.  There is no greater gift you could have given to this abandoned girl.  

Good By Little Girl

Little Girl, in front, sleeping with her foster brothers and sisters.

Thanks to foster angel Linda Antonelli, her foster Little Girl had a happy and peaceful ending for the last months of her life. Linda says " My Little Girl died in my arms just now. I knew it was coming and I was greatful she died peacefully with me. I took this picture of her sleeping on the back stoop with her friends just days ago. I'm so sad."

Linda, we extend our caring and love to you for caring for Little Girl and sharing your life and home with her. May you have many happy memories of her to ease your pain. You did a good deed to help her in this passage.

Update on Muno

We adopted Muno two weeks ago from NEBTR. Here's a video of him and our other Boston Walter!

-- Pam Perreault-Hess

Update on Cesar

Check out Cesar enjoying the good life!

Isn't It Good to Know Someone is Waiting for You at Home?

Update on Maxy

Here is NEBTR boy Maxy waiting patiently for his new "mom" to come join him for a snuggle in bed. Maxy has been with us about 8 weeks. We absolutely adore this dog. Thanks NEBTR!

Jodi Yorty