Jack's Story

Jack is a special little guy who gets by on his charm and good looks!

Jack was originally found about 3 years ago, wandering a highway in Alabama. He was covered in deep wounds, had a scratched cornea, and an empty right eye socket. It was clear that someone or something had torn him up pretty badly. He was fortunate enough to get away from whatever bad situation caused his pain and was found by someone who cared enough to help him. The nice person who found him took him to a vet where he was cleaned up, stitched up and given a permanent wink! When Jack recovered, he was adopted by a wonderful family in New York who took great care of him for about two and a half years. Unfortunately, Jack's rough past led him to develop some fear and aggression toward other dogs, especially other males. He didn't get along at all with the other male dog in his new family, which caused a lot of stress and conflict. So his new family made the decision to find him a new forever home where he would be the only child and he would get all of the attention. That's when Erin O'Connor and her boyfriend, Ray Wildman, found him through the Boston Terrier Resource and Adoption Center on Petfinder.com. They were looking for a Boston Terrier to provide them with companionship and an excuse to get more exercise! Jack won them over instantly and they decided to apply to adopt him in February of 2009. NEBTR assisted by sending a representative to perform the home visit required for Jack's adoption.

Erin and Ray were happy to welcome Jack into their home as the latest member of their family. He was very friendly with everyone he met and seemed very happy in his new home. However, they soon discovered that poor Jack was more affected by his past then they thought. One day, when Jack's new parents were at work, a thunderstorm rolled through. Erin came home after work and discovered bloody shards of wood all around the inside of the doorway. Jack was so frightened while he was alone that he chewed off almost all of the molding beneath the doorknob on the front door. He started becoming progressively more and more anxious while Erin and Ray got ready to leave for work every day. He would shake and whine uncontrollably when he knew they were about to leave. Then Jack just became nervous and anxious almost constantly. Whenever he was left alone while there were loud noises like fireworks or thunder, he would become destructive. He pushed out a screen in a second story window and even chewed a hole almost all the way through a door! It was clear that Jack had a severe noise phobia and also developed separation anxiety.

Even though Jack turned out to be a bit of a special needs dog and required serious dedication, Erin and Ray decided to put the energy and time into helping Jack overcome his anxiety. With the help of a dog behavior specialist, they began using a combination of anxiety medication, training, exercise, and behavior modification techniques to rehabilitate Jack.

The time and patience that Jack's new parents have given him have made a big difference. He still has a way to go, but his stress level has decreased drastically and he is a much calmer dog. He continues to show improvement in his behavior and discipline. After all of the hardships Jack has endured, he is finally happy to settle into his new forever home where a loving family is willing to give him the attention he needs to be happy and calm. Jack wouldn't be the same without the kindness of so many people!

Foreclosures and Job Losses Continue to Create Homeless Animals

From French Bulldog Rescue:

Over the past year, we have taken in many dogs whose owners are unemployed, whose homes are in foreclosure, who have taken jobs at lower wages, or who have been forced to work longer hours to make up for absent co-workers. Many people are moving into apartments or in with their parents or other relatives, and their dogs are not welcome.

We wanted to point out a few resources for those who must rehome themselves and their pets. The first is a site that helps people find rental housing that allows pets: My New Place. For some excellent advice on changing minds and presenting a good case for your well-behaved and healthy dog, see the Humane Society of the United States site.

For property managers and rental property owners, we would like to put in a good word for responsible pet owners everywhere. Somewhere around fifty per cent of US households own pets; think of how many more potential applicants you'll have with a careful pet policy in place! Property owners, you are ultimately the decision makers on this issue. Please consider allowing pets whose owners can provide clear evidence of commitment to their pets: references from previous rentals; a letter from a vet indicating their pets are spayed/neutered and up to date on vaccines/titres and yearly exams; a letter from the president of a homeowners' organization; willingness to pay a deposit or slightly higher rent for the privilege of a pet-friendly home; even a letter from an obedience class instructor. All these can be evidence that your potential renter is not just a responsible pet owner--she's a responsible person, and she'll take good care of your property. Finally, please remember that a great many people have lost a great deal in the past two years; must they lose their pets as well?

Our hearts go out to those whose lives continue to be wrenched out of shape by circumstances beyond their control. If you are being forced into an apartment or rental, please start looking for a pet-friendly home as soon as you can. Many local shelters have lists of pet-friendly apartments. Ask friends and colleagues for recommendations and suggestions. The competition for housing that allows pets can be stiff, so be creative, assertive and positive when it comes to finding a new place for yourself and your family.

Special Needs Bosco

As it turns out my" BOSCO" has become a special needs dog ...He told me yesterday he needs a new blanket on his end of the sofa .
He also told me he needs some new squeeky toys . and a new soccar ball for the back yard .
He said six am: was to early to get up and go pee pee ...that eight am : was better .
He also said he needed to try some other treats .
He said he needed a new collar with matching leash .
He said he needed more rides in the car .
He also needs more time in the park .
He needs new winter booties.
He needs a new hoodie.
Let me tell you folks these special needs fur kids need a lot lovin .

-- Tony Ferrarese

Tips from Pete Campione

Please spread the word, it is meant to give these dogs their best shot at a forever home. I have several rescues and shelters already including it in their adoption packets. Also let other rescue people know that if they have any questions or wish to have a workshop on these issues, we would be happy to arrange that either here or somewhere else.

Heard from Victoria "our" little Quigs is doing well. Soooo Happy to hear.

Use that article with my sincere hopes that the more people reading this.... the better chance everyone has of getting these dogs placed permanently.

Thanks again

Pete Campione
Kindred Souls Canine Center
www.ksk9.com

A Rescuer's Answering Machine

Hello: You have reached Tender Hearts Rescue. Due to the High volume of calls we have been receiving, please listen closely to The following options and choose the one that best describes you or
Your situation:

Press 1 if you have a 10-year-old dog and your 15-year-old son has Suddenly become allergic and you need to find the dog a new home Right away.

Press 2 if you are moving today and need to immediately place your 150 pound, 8-year-old dog.

Press 3 if you have three dogs, had a baby and want to get rid of Your dogs because you are the only person in the world to have a Baby and dogs at the same time.

Press 4 if you just got a brand new puppy and your old dog is having Problems adjusting so you want to get rid of the old one right away.

Press 5 if your little puppy has grown up and is no longer small and Cute and you want to trade it in for a new model.

Press 6 if you want an unpaid volunteer to come to your home TODAY And pick up the dog you no longer want.

Press 7 if you have been feeding and caring for a "stray" for the last three years, are moving and suddenly determine it's not your Dog.

Press 8 if your dog is sick and needs a vet but you need the money For your vacation. Press 9 if you are elderly and want to adopt a cute puppy who is not Active and is going to outlive you.

Press 10 if your relative has died and you don't want to care for Their elderly dog because it doesn't fit your lifestyle.

Press 14 if you are calling at 6 a.m. To make sure you wake me up Before I have to go to work so you can drop a dog off on your way to work.

Press 15 to leave us an anonymous garbled message, letting us know You have left a dog in our yard in the middle of January, which is In fact, better than just leaving the dog with no message.

Press 16 if you are going to get angry because we are not going to take your dog that you have had for fifteen years, because it is not our responsibility.

Press 17 if you are going to threaten to take your ten year old dog To be euthanized because I won't take it.

Press 18 if you're going to get angry because the volunteers had the audacity to go on vacation and leave the dogs in care of a trusted Volunteer who is not authorized to take your personal pet.

Press 19 if you want one of our PERFECTLY trained, housebroken, kid and cat friendly purebred dogs that we have an abundance of.

Press 20 if you want us to take your dog that has a slight aggression problem, I.e. Has only bitten a few people and killed your neighbor's' cats.

Press 21 if you have already called once and been told we don't take personal surrenders but thought you would get a different person this time with a different answer.

Press 22 if you want us to use space that would go to a stray tobBoard your personal dog while you are on vacation, free of charge, of course.

Press 23 if it is Christmas Eve or Easter morning and you want me to deliver an eight week old puppy to your house by 6:30 am before your kids wake up.

Press 24 if you have bought your children a duckling, chick or baby Bunny for Easter and it is now Christmas and no longer cute.

Press 25 if you want us to take your female dog who has already had ten litters, but we can't spay her because she is pregnant again and it is against your religion.

Press 26 if you're lying to make one of our younger volunteers feel bad and take your personal pet off your hands.

Press 27 if your cat is biting and not using the litter box because it is declawed, but you are not willing to accept the responsibility that the cat's behavior is altered because of your nice furniture.

Press 28 if your two year old male dog is marking all over your house but you just haven't gotten around to having him neutered.

Press 29 if you previously had an outdoor only dog and are calling because she is suddenly pregnant.

Press 30 if you have done "everything" to housebreak your dog and have had no success but you don't want to crate the dog because it is cruel.

Press 31 if you didn't listen to the message asking for an evening phone number and you left your work number when all volunteers are also working and you are angry because no one called you back.

Press 32 if you need a puppy immediately and cannot wait because today is your daughter's birthday and you forgot when she was born.

Press 33 if your dog's coat doesn't match your new furniture and you need a different color or breed.

Press 34 if your new love doesn't like your dog and you are too stupid to get rid of the new friend (who will dump you in the next month anyway) instead of the dog.

Press 35 if you went through all these 'options' and didn't hear enough. This press will connect you to the sounds of tears being shed by one of our volunteers who is holding a discarded old dog
while the vet mercifully frees him from the grief of missing his family.

~Author Unknown, but much appreciated

Update on Stormy, Katrina Survivor

Beverly Dowdey, his adoptive Mother, writes:

We adopted him (from the Katrina disaster) when we lived in Waynesboro, PA. As we both guessed...Stormy has had a big bag of issues but we are pleased he has come so far. He had the issue with biting the leash for such a long time. When I finally realized he has an anxiety disorder and has panic attacks my plan changed. Every morning after his breakfast he walks on a leash with me. He goes up to the door and waits for me to put it on him. It works better with me putting it on inside the house rather than outside. After his walk he goes directly to the treat bowl and the treat is given immediately. If his schedule changes he has problems but is learning to adapt better. He has become deaf or hard of hearing and isn't able to respond to voice commands. He follows me around everywhere and when I leave I must ALWAYS let him see her leaving. If not he runs all over the house frantically looking for me and has panic attacks. He has never given good eye contact but will hold his head down and wait for his clue to eat. If we are able to get a little eye contact it is like a side glance. Now he has very bad cataracts but before they deteriorated he was the same. He has become so much more affectionate and LOVES to have his back and head rubbed. He has a strange way of playing with his toy but it is his game so he makes the rules. We throw the toy and he runs to get it (giving it the old Boston shake) but doesn't bring it back. We go to him, pick him up and wait until he releases it the throw again. He just loves his "fetch" game. After we realized we have a neurotic dog we just decided to accept his "handicap" and enjoy him.

His panic attacks are so terrible and I do not want to use medication for them so the way I have chosen seems to work for him ok. Several concerns about having cataract surgery for him. The nearest vet that does that is in Birmingham and that is over 4 hrs away from me. The dog is left at the vet the day before and also the night of the surgery stays overnite at vet. Honestly, when weighing everything, I am not sure he could handle that. The next thing, as you know, is the collar for 3 wks. Stormy could end up being so traumatized that the surgery procedure could be worse than the problem with cataracts. He still seems to see quite a bit and I am using the ocluvet eye meds on him. He doesn't mind the meds and I started using it some months ago. I was a sign language interpreter for years so the deafness is not as difficult for me to deal with. I know to get in front of him and not come from behind and frighten him. When I leave the area of the house where he is, I will gently nudge him from his sleep so he will know I am moving to a different area in the house and he will follow me. I have gone out of town in the past and left him with John and he runs all over the house looking for me again and again and will get very depressed. Yesterday we took all the dogs in the car with us for a short errand and he had his panic attack. Even when he goes in the car almost every day he always panics and it last a long time. That is the situation. I would just hate to put him on medication that would cause him to be a zombie. He has come so far since we first got him.

We love Stormy and he loves us and we feel our home is the best for him. There are so many people who survived Katrina, only to have nightmares still. But they can talk it through with others. Stormy can't. We love him so much and want him to feel safe with us but he obviously has been so traumatized from the Katrina disaster he may never recover completely.

Puppy Mill Awareness Day Photos

Puppy Mill Awareness Day 2009

Puppy Mill Awareness Day

What a GREAT day! Although there were a TON of groups, we still brought home $236!! Kyla Duffy was there with us the whole day and I think there was only one of the Lost Souls Found books left. Rescue Ink was there and I fell in love with those awesome dudes! Victoria Stillwell spoke--what a very classy, caring, kind soul.
A HUGE thanks to Vicki and Nick Rowe, Jodi Groff, Jill Dunn, Lara Johnson, Kyla, and a VERY pregnant Tiffany and baby Didyk! Lara and Jill made a ton of awesome dog treats that were a huge hit (yes, we all had to 'sample' them :-). Who else but a bunch from NEBTR folks would sit around eating dog treats !!!!!!
I've been to a TON of rescue and adoption events over the years, but I have to say, this was by far one of the best. It was very well organized, a wonderful venue and to see so many rescued pups happy and healthy was awesome.
I have a TON of pictures and will upload them to the yahoo site when my batteries recharge.

--Joy

Vicki says:
So PMAD 2009 arrived today!! Nick, Tink, Molly, and I arrived right around 9am to meet Jodi at the Intercourse Park. It wasn't until Joy arrived that we actually got the table set up and rolling! Tiff and Lilo were there too: Lilo was our BT kissing machine : ) Lara and Jill both made treats and they sold wonderfully! They were all human grade ingredients, so human members of the group decided to give the treats a try!

Kyla Duffy was also there, she is the author of the Happy Tails book series. Kyla was a treat to speak with and spend time with today! She was able to meet miss Tink who was in her book. She brought books and bumper stickers and allowed the group to keep all of the profits from those items! Kyla is an amazingly talented, yet totally down to earth kind of girl. The second book in the series, Golden Retrievers, with Labs, Daschunds, and Pitt Bulls coming soon! It's not too late to order your BT book or any one of the others. What a great way to support rescue, raise awareness, and get a great read! (bring your tissues!)

James T. Carnahan Sr. Memorial Fund for Medically Challenged Boston Terriers

Jim Carnahan Sr. left for the Rainbow Bridge on April 4, 2009. Mr. Carnahan is the father of NEBTR volunteer Barbara Carnahan. Through out his 81 years, he was a lover of all animals--birds, cats, ducks, dogs. His first passions were his family, baseball and German Shepherds. Later in his life, his passions also became Boston Terriers and Greyhounds, which he shared with Barb. His passion for the Phillys never wavered and they honored him with a World Series Championship this past fall.

Although Mr. Carnahan is no longer with us physically, we can all rest assured that he is greeting and loving each and every one of our precious pups that cross the Rainbow Bridge. They will all be greeted by a very handsome, 6' Irishman with a HUGE twinkle in his eye, a broad smile and a ready lap.
This fund is to honor his memory. All donations will go to our featured pups with medically challenging and expensive conditions. 

Thanks from Quigley

Quigley says thanks to everyone for all of their amazing support in his fundraiser! Thanks to the generosity of so many, Quigley is receiving the medical care necessary so that he can live a full and happy life.

Quigley touched the hearts of many. Pete of Kindred Souls Canine Center LLC had a fundraiser at his Center for Quigley. Pete notes, " He has been symbol of great hope for myself and my school." On his blog, Kindred Souls K-9 Blog, Pete wrote about Quigley. Pete stated, "Now you may ask….why this dog when there are thousands of dogs in need???. My answer is simple. We cannot possibly deal with ALL the needy dogs, but if every so often we choose just ONE, we inspire ourselves and others to go on and help more. And eventually we spread awareness and hope. For me, maybe its because I just lost my Doberman and since I couldn’t save her, saving Quigley is my form of working through the helplessness of loss. But whatever your reason…. helping this little guy stay alive can represent a sense of empowerment over the harsh realities of all dogs in need. And just maybe…..one by one……we can do some good for the Quigleys of the world."

Quigley is a rescued Boston Terrier puppy, approimately six months old, who had surgery due to severe hypospadia. Hypospadia effects his urinary tract and this could not be left untreated. The sutures from the surgery have not grown shut, and Quigley built up scar tissue that ended breaking up and bleeding. He had to have surgery again, and the vet used a laser to remove all the bad tissue. We are thrilled to be able to raise enough to save Quigley, who is a still a baby and a sweet boy with a lot of years to go !!

His first surgery was at 13 weeks old in May. But through each of his surgeries (3 now) he has come back happy and playful. He really is an inspiration. Quigley is now 5 weeks out from the last surgery. His vet report of two days ago showed that the vet was very pleased with his progress, and told his foster Mom Heather that he could be discharged in 4 more weeks. With Squigs track record of needing surgery almost every 4 weeks, he doesn't want to adopt him out too quickly and then have a re-issue. The vet further said if it looks this good in 4 weeks, he is released and
ready to go!!!!!

We are cautiously optimistic that he has had his last surgery, but are going to wait another month before officially putting him up for adoption. He can then get his forever home!!

Eddie's Story

Eddie was found as a stray in Edison. When found, he was a bag of bones, the poor thing. He arrived blind in one eye and could only see shadows with the other. His teeth were very bad due to malnutrition and the vet was able to was able to tell his foster mom Judy that Eddie is a senior citizen.

Judy takes him to the dog park every day, and says runs walks around like a drunken sailor! (For those of you familiar with drunken sailors!) He tends to wonder aimlessly and has no brakes, probably because he's blind. You have to keep a constant eye on him because he trips and falls over things in his way and if the car window is open all the way he'll jump out.

Recently the vet determined that Eddie was in great pain because of the condition of his eyes. The vet recommended that they be removed. He had surgery in August. Judy reports, "Eddie is home. He handled the surgery well and he's actually back to his ole self. It took him a little longer than most to come out of the anesthesia and he had to stay overnight but he's doing well. His pain level is much lower now that the eyes are gone. He woke up this am with no swelling! I'm amazed at well he's healing. He will be much easier to manage without those eyes. He'll be a happier doggie! Thank you all for your prayers! He's still quite a dapper fellow. My husband's new nickname for him is Eddie Wonder!"

Judy continues, "Eddie is such a trip and I'm sure at some point in his life he was loved, (just a long time ago), but here he's making up for lost time. He's really attached to my daughter Nicole. He follows her everywhere and they've become great buds. "

Foster Dogs in New York City Helps NEBTR

Sarah, a foster mom at Animal Care & Control, a kill-shelter in Manhattan, started the site Foster Dogs in New York City. NEBTR has linked to this site because of the wonderful work that Sarah does. It is updated daily with dogs from various shelters and rescue organizations in serious need of someone to love them. Her motto is, "Make a difference in a helpless dog's life. Foster a dog today!"

Sarah has featured several of the NEBTR fosters on her site, including Frankie, Ha-Na and Bandit. See their photos and stories below, and go to Sarah's site to see the other equally deserving and gorgeous pups there. Thanks so much Sarah for your help!



Meet Frankie at Foster Dogs in New York City

My name is Frankie. I am 1.5 years old, and have had a very tough start to my life-- but my foster home has been teaching me that life isn’t always bad. I didn’t have any socialization with other dogs, besides my siblings, any humans or the outside world for the first few months of my life. Because of this I really need to be placed in the home of experienced and very patient dog owners. I have come a long way but I still have a ways to go but I am ready to learn.

I do like other small dogs but it does take me a little time to warm up and I need a slow introduction. Once I am comfortable with them I love to play like other dogs my age. I can be very uncomfortable when meeting new people and will bark because I am afraid but once I know that they will not hurt me I will relax…then watch out because I am a total cuddle bug who just LOVES to give kisses. Because of my uncertainty of humans I shouldn’t live with children because they can scare me and they don’t understand that I need time to get to know them first. I also shouldn’t be around cats because I will chase them and it will cause fights. I am a smart boy and will tell you when I need to go outside and just go crazy over my chew toys.




Meet Bandit the Smiley Boston Terrier at Foster Dogs in New York City

Bandit is 8 years old and is a very special dog that is looking for an equally special family. Since he's had a hard time feeling confident, his next home should be his forever home. This guy literally smiles whenever he sees you…really, he honestly smiles! He came to rescue because his owner became very sick and could no longer care for him. This boy is ball crazy and likes to play with balls of any size. He likes to push them around by himself and he will let you know if he wants you to play with him when he rolls it to you or bounces it off his head (yes, we did say bounces it off his head). He can play fetch for hours and will often growl when he plays.

Bandit can sometimes become very withdrawn needs time alone and his family should understand and respect him enough to allow him that. He will assert himself if you invade is alone space. Bandit can be a very attentive and loving dog but will need someone who will be assertive, consistent and will not spoil him. An experienced dog owner is a must and he will not be placed in home with children and he should be an only dog.

His current foster home is currently working on issues he has with collars and his making great progress. If you have the patience and love to open your heart and home to give Bandit a second chance email Northeast Boston Terrier Rescue and someone will talk with you about Bandit. He may be a work-in-progress, but he still deserves his own forever family!

Ha-Na the Success Story!



I am Ha-Na and I am an absolutely gorgeous 8 year old Boston Terrier. I am one of the lucky dogs who survived an awful puppy mill. You would have absolutely no idea that my entire life I was abused and neglected by people because I am the sweetest and most gentle soul you will ever meet! I lived in a small cage having litters of puppies and when I was rescued on a snowy December afternoon I still had my mill chain attached to my neck that needed to be cut off with a wire cutter. My foster family quickly found out how bad my life was when they discovered I was blind in one eye from minor injury that could have been easily fixed if I had any veterinary care.

have come so far since those days in the mill and now I love to play with the other dogs in my foster home and I am wonderful with children of all ages. My current foster home is noisy and busy but I am not fazed at all- I am just grateful that I finally have a warm, dry blanket to sleep on. One of my favorite things is when someone gives me affection because it is something I never knew before and I am making up for lost time. I am crate trained and don’t mind being in there as long as I have a soft bed. I have learned that I can trust people but I will still cower a bit if you need to pick me up but that is because I am still reacting to my life in that awful puppy mill. It took a few months but I have finally learned to walk up stairs and my foster mom was so proud of me…but I learned going back down but I’m not quite as quick with that.

I may be blind in one eye but you would never know because I get around like any other dog and it doesn’t stop me in any way. For an 8 year old dog I am very, very energetic, I guess it is because I am enjoying all my new freedom. I will need patience with housetraining, I do go outside but there are times that I will mark inside the house but I am still learning.

Thankfully, Ha-Na has now been adopted and has the first forever home of her own.

Coping with the Death of Your Pet

The Humane Society of the United States has an excellent article on coping with the death of your pet. You can read the entire article here.

It recommends five things you can do to help at this difficult time.

Hold a memorial service. Let yourself and others who knew and loved your pet say goodbye and share memories during a memorial service. You can hold a service anywhere that feels right to you—at a pet cemetery, in your backyard, in your pet's favorite park, or at any place that reminds you of special times shared with your pet.

Find a special place for your pet's ashes. Keep your pet's ashes in a beautiful urn or bury them in a meaningful place on your property. Jill, of Pacifica, California, and her family hiked two miles through the snow to put the ashes of their dog, Mighty, to rest in his favorite spot on their mountain property.

Create a living memorial. Let your pet's spirit live again on earth by planting a tree, bush, or flower bed in your yard. Or attach a small plaque to a flowerpot or vase in your home. Sandy, of Lapeer, Michigan, planted daisies around her mailbox to honor her deceased beagle, Daisy, who had always gone with Sandy to fetch the mail.

Make a scrapbook. Honor and remember your pet by creating a scrapbook or photo collage. Andrea, of Long Beach, California, has a memorial card her eighty-one-year-old father made in memory of her cockatiel, Pumpkin. The card, which includes loving words from the family and several photos, is displayed on Andrea's coffee table alongside a photo of Pumpkin and a redwood box containing Pumpkin's ashes.

Write down your feelings. Put your emotions in writing by composing a poem or story about your pet's life and what made her so special. You might even consider writing a letter to your departed pet, telling him how much you love and miss him. Christine, of Sunnyvale, California, wrote a first-person account from her cat Maya's perspective as Maya left this world to join other animals in a better place. You can send your pet's story to Kindred Spirits, or you can post it on a Web site.

What the Well Dressed Boston Terrier Wears for Fall

Just in time for Fall, this orange hat is topped with a crocheted brown stem, two green leaves and a small curly green vine. It fastens with two white vintage buttons at the neck. The open weave of the crochet acts as button holes so it is very adjustable. This hat will make a wonderful Halloween costume, but is also practical for dogs living in cold weather areas that risk frozen ears.

Made by Beantown Homemade on Etsy. The seller bio says, "We are Anne and Michael, married couple, east coasters, both artists and teachers currently living in the Midwest. We love Bean and we love animals. We hope more and more pets each year can find a safe and loving home like the one we give Bean. We are a member of Etsy for Animals and we proudly support Hearts United for Animals and Mid America Boston Terrier Rescue."

www.hua.org
www.adoptaboston.com

Cute Baby Boston Pic

-- Discovered by Cindy Lou Ruffino

World's Oldest Dog Dies at 21 - or 147

NEW YORK – A wire-haired dachshund that held the record as the world's oldest dog and celebrated its last birthday with a party at a dog hotel and spa has died at age 21 — or 147 in dog years.

The dog, named Chanel, died Friday of natural causes at her owners' home in suburban Port Jefferson Station, on Long Island.

Chanel, as stylish as her legendary namesake, wore tinted goggles for her cataracts in her later years and favored sweaters because she was sensitive to the cold, owners Denice and Karl Shaughnessy said Monday.

The playful dachshund was only 6 weeks old when Denice Shaughnessy, then serving with the U.S. Army, adopted her from a shelter in Newport News, Va.

Along with her owner, Chanel spent nine years on assignment in Germany, where she became adept at stealing sticks of butter from kitchen countertops and hiding them in sofa cushions in the living room, Shaughnessy said. She also liked chocolate, usually considered toxic to dogs, Shaughnessy said.

"She once ate an entire bag of Reese's peanut butter cups, and, you see, she lived to be 21, so go figure," Shaughnessy added.

Karl Shaughnessy nominated Chanel for the title of world's oldest dog after noticing the Guinness World Records book had no record.

Guinness World Records officials presented Chanel with a certificate as the world's oldest dog at a Manhattan birthday bash hosted by a private pet food company in May.

Chanel loved the party, especially the cake, which had a peanut butter flavor and had been made for dogs, Denice Shaughnessy said.

Chanel exercised daily and ate home-cooked chicken with her dog food, but good care wasn't entirely responsible for her long life, said her owners, who attributed God.

"Dogs are God's angels sent here to look out for us," Denice Shaughnessy said.

A dog from New Iberia, La., named Max, is vying for the record of world's oldest dog. Owner Janelle Derouen said Max marked his 26th birthday on Aug. 9. She said Guinness World Records officials were reviewing documents to authenticate his age; a Guinness World Records official in London didn't immediately answer an e-mail from The Associated Press requesting confirmation of that.

When asked the secret to her dog's long life, Derouen said she was shocked he's still with her.

"I have five kids, and all my kids are grown and gone," she said. "Now my grandkids are playing with this dog."

Where is Tinker Hiding?

Can you find Tinker in this picture?



Here she is!




-- Vicki Rowe
And Tinker Makes Three

Hottest TShirt in Philadelphia

Hints for Working With Deaf and Stubborn Dogs

I wanted to pass along what I think is worthwhile incorporating into any training with deaf dogs, in particular, and another idea for getting your stubborn dog's attention (the hot dog idea).

I've been talking with a trainer recently, especially about deaf dogs because we have a 7 month old that just came in. He recommends putting a beeper that vibrates (this was what we used before cel phones, remember?) on the inside of a harness touching the fur. You send a signal, it vibrates and you immediately treat the dog. Over time, whenever there's a vibration he knows he's getting a treat and has to do something to earn it. It's also good if they ever escape because the beeper works over a great distance. An alternate to that is an e-collar on very low vibrate. Works the same way, but I'm not sure it has the distance a beeper has.

Another trainer - to have a dog always looking at your face for a direction - teach them to catch a treat (like hot dog, or something they love) expelled from your mouth. Pretty soon they will always be looking at you for that treat and you can give a signal to direct them to what you want.

I thought these to be great ideas.

-- Sheryl Trent

Update on MomMom

I am so filled with joy, that i just had to write an update on our Mom Mom. As you all know, we have been struggling with Mom Mom's allergies and overall health for two years now. She has had her good days and her bad days, has been on countless meds and concoctions all to help alleviate her endless itching and allergies. She has been on several special diets, both homemade and store bought, and has taken a bath in just about every single medicated shampoo ever created. Some things worked a little, and some things didnt work at all. Some things made her worse. I have spent many nights laying next to Mom Mom's dog bed looking into her eyes which were so full of defeat. There were many days that i thought that she was at the end, and that it was time for her to pass on. That was up until last month......

We have been taking Mom Mom to the Animal Wellness Center in Chadds Ford Pa. to see a miracle worker by the name of Dr. DiLeva. She is a holistic vet who has been seeing Mom Mom for about a year and a half now. She has tried several different approaches with Mom Mom, including the Dexamethasone shots every two weeks to provide Mom Mom with relief from her itching. She has done extensive research just for Mom Mom to help get her off of the steroid shots, and finally, we have done it! Mom Mom's last shot was on June 24th. Since that shot, she has not had one sign of itch! Dr. DiLeva put Mom Mom on a Chinese Herb called Bitter Purple along with Glucosamine capsules, and my golly, our Mom Mom is back!

Those days of laying in her crate with blank eyes are over! Mom Mom has been up and boy is she full of energy! She has been walking briskly around the kitchen and exploring the back yard! She has been starting trouble with the other girls and she has even been getting up early and demanding her breakfast! We have seen such a positive change in her, and we really owe it all to Dr. DiLeva. I wanted to thank NEBTR for giving Mom Mom a chance and saving her life. Also for providing us with the funding and support to get Mom Mom such wonderful care and the opportunity to try so many different treatments and ultimately the one which has given her relief from her disease. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.

From the bottom of our hearts, Amy and Mom Mom.

Those of you who bought the book "Lost Souls:Found": will have read her story entitled "Life Starts at Twelve". Amy has never given up on trying to alleviate all of Mom Mom's ails, and she and her doctor seem to have done it! What wonderful news.

-- Sheryl