Photo of Vivienne

Pictured above is Jerrilyn Walter, with Vivienne.  This photo was taken by Mike Rosengard of Setauket, Long Island, who also donates his services to photograph rescue pups.  He customizes all his shots, including vintage cars, farm equipment and jewelry!

I am an Animal Rescuer

I AM AN ANIMAL RESCUER
by Casey Carter Tyree

I will never bring about world peace. I will not save the rain forest.
I'm not a brain surgeon and I'll never transplant an organ to save a life.
I don't have the ear of a powerful politician or world power.
I can't end world hunger.
I'm not a celebrity, and God knows I'm not glamorous!
I'm not looked up to by millions around the world. Very few people
even recognize my name.
I'll never win the Nobel prize.
I'll never save the rain forest or end global warming.
There are a lot of things that I'll never do or become.

But today I placed a dog!
It was a small, scared, bundle of flesh and bones that was dropped off in a shelter by unfeeling people that didn't care what happened to it, but yet who were responsible for it even having existence in the first place.
I found it a home.
It now has contentment and an abundance of love. A warm place to sleep and plenty to eat. A child has a warm fuzzy new friend who will give them unquestioning devotion and teach them about responsibility and love.
A wife and mother has a new spirit to nurture and care for. A husband and a father has a companion to sit at his feet at the end of a hard day of work and help him relax and enjoy life. And a sense of security, that when he is gone all day at work, that there is a protector and a guardian in his home to keep watch over his family.
No, I'm not a rocket scientist but today I saved one of God's precious creatures. Today, I made a difference!

I Am An Animal Rescuer
My job is to assist God's creatures
I was born with the need to fulfill their needs
I take in new family members without plan, thought or selection
I have bought dog food with my last dime
I have patted a mangy head with a bare hand
I have hugged someone vicious and afraid
I have fallen in love a thousand times and I have cried into the fur of a lifeless body
I have Animal Friends and friends who have Animal Friends
I don't often use the word "pet"
I notice those lost at the road side
And my heart aches
I will hand raise a field mouse
And make friends with a vulture
I know of no creature unworthy of my time
I want to live forever if there aren't animals in Heaven
But I believe there are!
Why would God make something so perfect and leave it behind?
We may be master of the animals,
But the animals have mastered themselves
Something people still haven't learned
War and abuse make me hurt for the world
But a rescue that makes the news gives me hope for humankind
We are a quiet but determined army
And making a difference every day

There is nothing more necessary than warming an orphan
Nothing more rewarding than saving a life
No higher recognition than watching them thrive
There is no greater joy than seeing a baby play
who only days ago, was too weak to eat
I am an Animal Rescuer
My work is never done
My home is never quiet
My wallet is always empty
But my heart is always full
In the game of life, I have already won!

-- Contributed by Sheryl Trent

Needful Things to Remember

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.

Author Unknown


-- Contributed by Sheryl Trent

After the Tornado

Some good comes from a disaster.

The story begins with the rescuers finding this poor little guy they named Ralphie. Someone had already taken him under their wing but they weren't equipped to adopt.

Ralphie, scared and starved, joined his rescuers.

I wouldn't think anything could live through this.... but we were wrong.

This little lady also survived that wreckage.

Here she is just placed in the car - scared, but safe.

and then..they are no longer alone!

Instant friends, they comforted each other while in the car.

.

 

Add two more beagles found after that... the more, the merrier!  

Oh boy, a new traveler to add to the mix...(Note: the cat coming over the seat needing shelter...)
Now just how is this going to work? (and remember they are all strange to one another)

It's going to work just fine, thank you very much!

Wow! The things we learn from our animal friends...

If only all of mankind could learn such valuable lessons as this.
Lessons of instant friendship;of peace and harmony by way of respect
for one another -- no matter one's color or creed.
These animals tell you... "It's just good to be alive and with others."
Yes, it surely is.
So... Live, love, laugh.

"Life's a Gift... Unwrap It!"

Update on Foster Goober

Goober is doing very well.

He is happy as can be and quite the demanding little man. He loves to go for his short walks and will push to the front of the door to be able to go. He spends most of his evenings curled up on my lap, he usually stands at the bottom of the sofa and stares at me until I pick him up. He does not like when the other puppies on the sofa stretch and bump him and he will give them a little snap or growl to tell them so. He usually curls up inside my legs to avoid any other puppies touching him.

He is a gentle kisser and quite the nuzzler. At the end of every day, I look forward to my Goobie dance when I come home, he sounds like hes tap dancing. He dances until I pick him up, then he gives me my kisses. He has been eating great and loves his chewies.

At his last vet visit, he had gained a pound and was given an A+. His hair is 90% grown back, I'm not sure that the last 10% will ever grow back. His flare ups are almost non existent. His energy level has also shot up since he is feeling better. He is like a whole new Goobie.

We love our Oobie Goobie Gooberson!

Lisa
Allentown PA

Does Your Dog Watch Too Much TV?

Does Your Dog Watch Too Much TV?
How much TV is too much for our four-legged friends? Here is the good, the bad and the ugly.

Read more: Does your dog watch too much tv?

WAGS

A continuing feature with brief reviews of books, internet resources, etc for our readers; note that prices quoted are based on book cover or Amazon.

What’s Wrong With My Dog, by Jack Tedaldi, DVM, $12.99
One of the most easy to use and helpful vet books I have seen for the typical dog owner. Breaks problems down into 18 major categories, such as My Dog Is Having Eating and Drinking Problems or My Dog Has a Discharge, and then further categories with 150 different symptoms in different places, e.g. My Dog Is Drooling Excessively or My Dog Has a Discharge From His Ear. Includes simple instructions for examinations for different problems, what to do, simple observations you can make, when to call the vet; even includes a list of what you should have in your dog’s first aid kit. Rather than scare you, it helps you and your dog. So impressed that I bought it! If it saves you even one trip to the vet, it’s paid for itself several times over.

You Had Me At Woof, by Julie Klam, $24.95
This is one of the funniest, yet poignant, dog/human books there is. A true story of how a single woman, living in NYC on her own, evolves into a Boston Terrier owner and rescuer, with a canine/human family that are an integral part of her life and rescue activities. You’ll see Julie grow as a person, learn a lot about life, and turn into a mature adult, all with a great sense of humor. I love this book, reread chapters because I enjoy it so much, a must read for dog lovers. And yes, it’s become a permanent part of my library!

The Pet Web Library
Good information site about diseases, treatments, pet health problems, etc. Does not plug products or have advertising so you don’t need to filter through a lot of stuff to get the information you need.

Trail Barks

by Rosie, assisted by her human mom Jeanne Dross

At last! I’m rid of the lousy weather, time to get out and see what’s up on my favorite trails, now that the snow and ice have melted and the rain has stopped. All those new smells and old favorites, check out the action, let my human know when something gets my attention that might be just as intriguing to her.

My human gets the picture, I’m curious, it gets boring in the winter, same old smells, same old window scenes, same old walls, icy trails. Mom knows I need new sites, sounds, and smells to keep me happy, plus, both of us need the exercise to keep in shape; humans think I’m a lot younger because I’m in such great shape, even vets compliment my youthful physique and fitness despite my 13 years, though Mom could stand to lose a few pounds.

Downer, she always keeps me on a leash, lots of people let their dogs run loose, we’ve both been chewed on by strangers, so I guess she’s right, I’ve even seen people knocked off their bikes by loose dogs. The people on wheels and the hikers know me, they like it that I don’t jump or bark at them, plus those really big dogs with people on top (mom calls them horses and riders) don’t get nervous or spook when they see me. I have a harness, mom says it’s better for my back than hanging on to my neck: bummer, it also gives her more control over me, she doesn’t like it when I try to charge into the woods. She just doesn’t get it that there are such great things to investigate.

I’ve learned to poop off trail. Humans really like that! Poop is to sniff, but even I don’t want to sniff it for hours if it gets stuck on Mom’s shoes. And bicyclists don’t like it on their tire treads, gets yucky when it smells all day and your bike is stored in a car that sits in the sun. Every once in a while, I forget my manners so Mom grabs a downed branch to flick it in the woods; just in case, she always carries plastic bags. She also thinks it’s a good idea to carry a bag with her to pick up garbage on the trails, something about tightening the abs and legs when she doubles over to grab it, our nature preserve likes that too.

We plan our daily excursions based on the weather, it’s a lot hotter at ground level so we figure out the trails we’ll hike based on temperature, time of day, available shade, and trail conditions. My favorite warm weather trail is shaded almost the whole length: about half way through, when I want to cool down, we go to a shallow stream, not only do I have a refreshing drink, but I get to stand in the water, it feels soooo good! Sometimes we’re on trails that don’t have water so I have my own special water bottle, with its own attached dish, even has a hook to attach to Mom’s backpack, it’s a souvenir she bought for me at the Times Square M&M store (bet she found special treats for herself that she didn’t share, but I guess I shouldn’t complain, at least she remembered me.)

Mom doesn’t like some insects , especially ticks, says they carry a lot of diseases besides Lyme, babesiosis, encephalitis, and some other foreign words I don’t remember. She has me vaccinated for Lyme, but just in case the bugs find me anyway, she drips a tick repellant on me once a month and carries a tick puller, which she uses on me and her.

I don’t want you to think Mom ignores me in the winter, she even shovels out her patio to make it easier for my potty needs. We have a rule, based on some obscure calculation called wind chill factors: basically, if the wind chill is below 10, we don’t do any long walks. Mom does not wear a hat, says if it’s too cold for her ears, it’s too cold for me, although I have been known to disagree. We walk in sunny areas protected from the wind. She tries to stay away from road chemicals, says they are bad for my feet, and wipes them when we come indoors. Also, if I start limping, she cleans my feet of snow and ice.

I’m Mom’s nose outdoors, we dogs have much better noses than humans, I smell a lot of things before she sees them; she can tell it’s good if I stand and wiggle my nose in a certain way: I’ve shown her fishers, eastern coyotes, hog nose snakes, bear tracks, and other critters, even pointed out coyote dens to her. But to be honest, her interest in wildflowers and Karner Blue butterflies is boring, I don’t like to hang around, walking is better, unless there is a nice meadow where I can wiggle on my back.

Time for me to take a nap, need to rest before our next excursion. Hope to see you on the trails.

Rosie

Shamus Goes to His Forever Home

Shamus, our Beagle/Boston mix foster went to his new home with Jill Nailon in Wildwood NJ. She has adopted from us twice before. He has 2 boston fur siblings and kittie cat siblings.


Here is what his new mommy wrote:

"He’s taken to seashore life like a natural, with us being home all the time he’s in heaven. His personality is starting to bloom, he’s finding his confidence and getting more active. He is very funny! He’s doing great here, you’d be very pleased. Yesterday he and Duncan were playing “chase” back and forth between living room to kitchen, down on their front feet bums in the air and tails wagging madly and then one taking off after the other – and he was the instigator! He’s shown a definite liking for rawhide chewies and almost chased a squeaky ball the other day...so we may get him exercising yet.


Chloe the Angora kitty has graduated to sleeping ON him and he happily permits it. She also sandwiches herself between Shamus and myself under the covers in bed at night and he seems to find this an agreeable arrangement as well. Daisy and Sonny have thoroughly accepted him too, which in Sonny’s case is saying a lot as Shamus has basically taken over Sonny’s traditional sleeping spot. Gradually Shamus is moving down a bit on the bed and then there will be room for Sonny once again on “his personal pillow.” For now he’s decamped to the living room to sleep in his second favourite spot and just visits often throughout the night, staying for longer and longer periods of time. Daisy is my son Connor’s cat, so she’s always slept with him. She makes the odd flying visit now and then and she’s off again. Tuppence and Duncan have taken to Shamus as if he’s always been here, they are all now absolutely at ease with each other. Connor and I are so grateful to have found Shamus! He’s just a sweetie and has basically trained himself. Lisa, I kid you not! From day 2 with us, he’s gone potty without any problem, does his #2’s in the side yard (as we only pee out front, all other business is around the side). He goes immediately and then if you ask him if he’s done, he’s practically trotting back to the house for his treat (“liva snaps”). He’s better trained than Duncan...I just wish some would rub off!! LOL Tonight he actually went to bed all by himself! He’s in there now, hogging the comforter with Tuppence – they build matching “nests” out of the bedding, which I have to dismantle in order to tuck us all in. And, they look so pitiful when I make them move, LOL. "


Lisa
Allentown PA
Mommy to Hooch, Pebbles, Cleveland, Penny, Foster Goober, Foster Bowser and Tootie the cat

The Blind Side

Every once in a while, a very special senior comes into our care and must wait a long time for that very special someone to fall in love with him and give him a home. Teddy is still waiting patiently.

Teddy was left at the Philadelphia ASPCA last year by his owners who said he was “too old.” They left him there with untreated glaucoma to live out the rest of his years in a cement cell. Glaucoma causes pressure to build behind the eye and the pain from glaucoma can be severe. If treated early, glaucoma is treatable but unfortunately, by the time we found him, he had lost vision in one eye and the vet was unable to save the vision in his second eye. Poor Teddy was likely in quite a bit of pain.

Teddy has been nursed by his foster Mom for a year and is now pain-free and ready to begin the best years of his life! He has fine-tuned his sense of smell and has adapted to his lost vision. He loves to sniff his way through the grass! Teddy is very smart - he understands if you say “watch” that there is something in front of him. He has recently learned to wear a “halo collar” which acts in the same way as a cane would, warning Teddy of oncoming obstacles. He takes lubricating drops for his eyes daily and is very cooperative.

As if he hasn’t already been through enough, Teddy has also been diagnosed with very early-stage Cushings. This is fairly common in older dogs and can be successfully managed with medication. He has no symptoms and takes no medication for this, but he will need to be monitored as he gets older. NEBTR is offering a rare incentive for that very special someone who would give Teddy a loving home. We will completely sponsor his medical bills for the rest of his life – we just want Teddy to find the love and peace he deserves in his golden years!

Compared to younger dogs that can be a lot of work, Teddy is pretty low-maintenance. He doesn’t require much exercise and enjoys just hanging around the house and yard. He is crate-trained and housebroken. He will come when called and sit for a treat. They say he has some pug in him, but just like a typical Boston Terrier, Teddy loves to burrow under the covers and create a nest for himself. He has a few favorite toys that he will bring with him and he will play tug-of-war with you in exchange for a good tummy rub! Teddy loves to remind himself that you are nearby by rubbing his head against your leg. With all that he has been through, he is still a loving and sweet little guy.

Teddy’s story is remarkable on many levels. Teddy’s loving spirit has helped him to forget that he was abandoned. He has inspired us with his strong will and determination to overcome his blindness and his sad past. He is looking for the love he deserves. His progress is also a testament to the miracle of foster care! He has come very far with the help of his foster Mom however, she fosters several dogs and cats and Teddy would like to have his very own home all to himself. It is scary being blind and most other dogs and cats aren’t very sympathetic to this. He doesn’t mind some dogs but in his foster home, Teddy is kept separate from the other pets so he hasn’t had the opportunity to fully blossom yet on his own. He would love to finally relax and breathe in some peace and quiet. We are hoping that Teddy will be one of our greatest success stories once he finds the right home.

If you think you may have some room in your heart to take in this sweet senior looking for a second chance, please contact us and we will arrange a meeting! Trust me – he will steal your heart.

2010: Cost to Save Lives

In 2010, we rehomed a record 93 dogs. On average, we lose $155 per adoption (the medical costs per adoption are higher than our adoption fees.) That means that we needed to raise $14,000 just to make sure the dogs received the basic veterinary care they required. Normally, people are surprised to hear that we lose money even though we have higher adoption fees but the reality is, we agree to take dogs that other rescues could not because of our generous donors. Most dogs that came to us need some sort of medical attention as well as being spayed or neutered, and your donations are truly saving their lives.

There's a Boston About

Ellie Mae Goes to Her Forever Home

Little Ellie Mae the sight impaired BT/Chihuahua mix I took in as a foster in January got adopted a couple of weeks ago. She went to Diane Emeterio in Fulton, NY (near Syracuse).

Diane and her husband and grandson all came to pick her up. Diane met her and said "I knew I would love her". Ellie Mae was so sweet with everyone and was following them and giving them kisses from the first moment. Diane was very happy to take Ellie Mae home. Ellie has a pug "brother" who is another senior dog.

Thanks to Joan for doing the home visit!

Molly Bolger

Penn Yan, NY

Macy Goes to Her Forever Home

Last weekend, sweet little Macy went to begin her new life with her forever mom,  Judy Sedita.  Macy was being fostered by a wonderful foster Mom, Leslie, who lives outside Pittsburgh PA, in Morgan Pa.  Her forever Mom lives on Long Island.  That's a long way apart for a young pup to travel!

Thanks to a group of NEBTR volunteers, Macy got home last Saturday.  She went from Leslie to Jess B to Jess C to Ellen to Eduardo to Judy.  And she traveled all the way in great good humor and style.  She got and gave lots of kisses, and everyone who helped her out fell in love with her.  Thanks to all of our wonderful volunteers she made it safely!

Leslie reported,  "I would like to say a big THANK YOU to all involved in Macy's transport. Just heard from Judy and they are home and Macy is exploring her new place and toys! Judy was so excited!  It was 6 weeks this weekend I had her and it was sad saying goodbye to her, but am so happy she found a home."  Eduardo, who met Judy, said that Macy was very happy with her new Mom!

Big thanks to all who participated, especially Leslie, who started Macy on her new life with loving care, and also to Andrea, who did the home check.  

Daisy the Singing Boston

Happy Gotcha Day Oscar!

June 5 was Oscar's Gotcha' Day! One year ago today we took a 2 hour drive to the McFadden's house to pick up our sweet boy! Oscar is so sweet, affectionate, smart, and the FUNNIEST dog on the planet! He cracks us up every single day. Thank you NEBTR and the McFadden family for taking care of him.Here he is sunning in the yard the other day.

Patricia Baxter-Ubellacker

Goodbye Rocco, Hello Papi

I am happy to report that Rocco went to his forever home on Saturday.  He now has a wonderful new family in Vineland, NJ, complete with 2 brothers; a boxer affectionately named "Eeyore" because he is older and mopes around, and the cutest little brown/white BT named Gizmo.  I heard from Jaime, Rocco's new mom, that he settled right in like he had always lived there and he's having a ton of fun.  He has a huge fenced backyard to get out all of that energy.  I've included a picture of Rocco in his new home.

I picked up my new foster in Rome, NY yesterday. We named him Papi, which is Spanish for "Daddy" and it really fits him this old guy. When I met the transport, Papi was shaking in his crate and covered in feces/urine. Rome is 2 hours from me and it was not a fun ride home. But I gave him a good 15 minute scrub when we got home.

He is approximately 9 years old and his age really shows. He has trouble going up the stairs and prefers to lay on the floor than jump up on the furniture. I made him a nice little doggy bed in front of the fireplace and let him dry off after his bath. He likes that. He also walks a little funny on his back legs. I have a vet appointment set up for next week and will have them check for luxating patellas.

Other than not eating yet, he seems to be doing well. He is really sweet and LOVES belly rubs. I've also attached a picture of him here. He's a big guy - approx. 32 lbs and stands just a bit taller than Chico!

-- Mary Liberty

BT Cruisers Walk

Christine Conolly's team, the BT Cruisers, is walking to support their local Animal
Control (Verona Street Animal Society)

Can you help them (and help
support the Boston love) by donating a small amount?

http://www.active.com/donate/fastnfurriest2011/VSASbtc

Hudson Valley Pet Palooza 2011 Photos

Check out these photos from the Hudson Valley Pet Palooza. The adorable BT in costume is our own Cynthia Musselman!

BT Japanese Earthquake Rescue Dog