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Special Forever Foster Moms

This post is in honor of a very special group of  Forever Foster Moms, all of whom recently lost their little ones.  They are:

Jodi Groff and her foster Terry;  Cynthia Kaiser and her foster Madge; Sharon Davidson and her foster Mo;  Malinda Verrigni and her foster Dot;  Carolyn McCarthy and her foster Tommy; and Megan Sanchez and her foster Charlotte. 

All of these dedicated Moms were the fosters for dogs that they knew only had a limited lifespan, and volunteered to be their end of life caretakers, knowing that they would have to say goodbye to their babies far too soon, but chosing to show them love and devotion for their final days, and to be able to see their final journeys to the Rainbow Bridge.

A special thank you to all those who have forever fosters, knowing that they are the last home for these poor souls who were abandoned at the hour of their greatest need. They, and all the others with forever fosters,  know they were chosen for a special task, and they have all our admiration and respect. 

Jodi and Terry

Terry was a 14 year old girl who had been dropped off at the Philadelphia Animal Shelter.  When dropped off, she was blind in one eye and has no use of her back legs.  Despite that she was also very sweet, and won the heart of Foster Mom Jodi Groff.   Terry was only with Jodi for two days, but in that time, was shown all the love Jodi could give her.  Jodi wrote at that time,  "Today we said goodbye to our foster Terry. She was very peaceful and was licking a spoon of peanut butter and being cuddled to the very end. No matter how much pain she was in she could never turn it down, we even coated chicken with melted peanut butter to get her to eat. Selfishly, we wish she could have been with us longer than two days but we needed to let her go so she could finally be free. The poor girl had so many physical issues- legs so atrophied that she no longer move, incontinence from loss of feeling and painful cataracts/blindness. I have to smile when I think of her finally running her little heart out. I know she had to be a sweet and loyal member of someone’s family and I‘m glad we were able to help her on her journey even if they couldn’t. This decision just doesn’t get any easier!"

Cynthia and Madge

Madge was the first foster for her Mom Cynthia Kaiser.  Madge also came from animal control.  She had been abandoned, so there was no history on her.  It was discovered that Madge had a brain tumor and had pacing and seizures, which were so painful to watch her endure. 

Cynthia said about her when she first got her, "Madge loves walks, belly rubs and giving kisses.  In spite of all that she is enduring, she is a very sweet, loving lady.  We are giving her pred and hope it helps her symptoms but we know that Madge's time with us is limited.  We are making sure that Madge's last days are filled with all the love and care that she so richly deserves. Please keep Madge in your thoughts and prayers." 

At the end of Madge's life, Cynthia wrote,  "Sadly, our sweet foster Madge had to be put to sleep today. She had a rough last couple of days with seizures and neurological symptoms from her brain tumor. Late last night and through to this morning it became obvious to us that she was suffering and needed our help. She passed away very peacefully late this morning and I was with Madge the entire time giving her love and telling her that she was a good girl. Even though we only had Madge a short time, we loved her very much and will miss her sweet, gentle disposition and many kisses. We are so thankful that Madge felt the love and care of a home in her last days. Many thanks to Rhea who took Madge out of animal services and gave her love and care for days, to Ginny for being a great foster support system and to Victoria and Sheryl who spoke to our vet and made sure that Madge got everything that she needed to keep her comfortable. Although I am a new foster, I can see that NEBTR is a wonderful group. If Madge could thank everyone there would be warm, soft kisses all around."

Special thanks to Cynthia for being there for Madge in her last days. She knew love, caring and the best medical care possible. If only her previous home had been there for her in her hour of greatest need. But that's what NEBTR and people like Cynthia are all about.

Sharon and Mo

Mo was an elderly diabetic dog who was fostered by Sharon Davidson.  Mo was her first pup with NEBTR, and she gave him all the love she had.  She drove many hours to pick him up, and cared for him for seven months.  He was a sweet and loving dog with numerous health issues including uncontrolled diabetes and ongoing eye issues that she pulled from a shelter.  Sharon has been about as devoted to him and caring for him as a person could be, and has made his last 7 months probably the best of his life.

They were unable to get his diabetes under control despite numerous medication adjustments and glucose tests. One night at about 2:30 in the morning he started crying out.  She went to him, and he was having trouble moving.  She didn't think he needed medication but rubbed a little honey on his gums just in case and lay on the floor with him.  In the morning she took him to her vet who said he either had a stroke or something neurological going on.  They did a glucose curve test which was normal.  He Could not move one side.  He was dragging his front leg and curling it under so the vet thinks its more likely something neurological. 

He was a hospice case at this point, and Sharon brought him home and had him stay with her for whatever time he has left.  Mo's eye ruptured subsequently, and she and the vet both felt he shouldn't be put through surgery in his frail condition so she held him while he was PTS.  This has not been an easy dog.  His uncontrolled diabetes caused him to have daily numerous accidents in the house and during the night.  Sharon has never once complained, and  said things like "he has been a pleasure to care for, he offered comfort to my mother in her time of sorrow, he is a sweet, wonderful boy, and I am doing this to help a good dog who needs loving care."  Sharon  had him for 7 months and has not been able to leave him alone for more than 2 hours at a time, but again did this willingly.  She's a gem.

Rest in peace, Mo, and thank you Sharon, from all of us.

Malinda and Dot

When she came to NEBTR and Foster Mom Malinda Verrigni, Dot was a healthy 10 year your Boston.  She was 22 pounds and black and white with no brindle.  She had plenty of play and energy left.  Sadly, she did have an issue with a tumor in her breast but this was removed and she was given a clean bill of health in October, 2011.  She was a very sweet girl and extremely loyal and was Dot's best friend forever.  She followed her around all day just to make sure she was.  Dot was playful with her foster home’s dogs  (boston terrier and standard poodle) and  good with small children as long as they are not pulling and tugging at her.  She tired of that very quickly and runs away.    She loved to run after toys and go for walks. She was very obedient and did exactly what Malinda told her and was just a super easy girl.

Unfortunately, her cancer returned, and progressed to her legs and lungs. Dot spent the rest of her time with Malinda and her family.  Her last days were full of love, and her family returned the affection that Dot so freely gave to all.   Dot was super sweet and affectionate, and won the hearts of all who knew her.   She died at the office of her vet, with the staff who had cared for her able to say goodbye to her, and cuddled by Malinda. Rest in peace, sweet Dot.

Carolyn and Tommy 

Tommy, or TomTom, as he was affectionately known,  was abandoned by his family with a brain tumor. He was taken in by Foster Mom Carolyn McCarthy, who made him part of her brood for the time he had left. No one could have received better care or more love, and he died among his new family and surrounded by love. He was a special, handsome boy who taught all around him the value of loyalty and devotion.

Cynthia Kaiser wrote to Carolyn,  at the end of TomTom's life,  " I am so sorry that both you and TomTom have to go through this. My first foster, Madge, had a brain tumor and the pacing and seizures were so painful to watch her endure, I can only imagine what it felt like to her and for TomTom.  It was a sad choice to make but we did put her to sleep after only having her with us for a short time because she was suffering too much.  Tomtom will be pain free, running and playing with all the dogs who have gone before him.  You have filled his last days with love and given him a caring home.  And as difficult as is it, this is your final act of love for TomTom.  My thoughts and prayers will be with you today."

Megan and Charlotte

Megan Sanchez is a Foster Mom for NEBTR, and she recently lost her forever foster Charlotte, whom she fostered through another organization.

Megan wrote,  "My heart goes out to all involved with these special little dogs. Sharon, you have done a great thing taking care of Mo. Karma will be very good to you. It's a great thing to sacrifice a little bit of your emotions to give this guy 7 months of comfort and love. I just put down my hospice foster last week after having her for 8 months. It's hard but, knowing the life we gave her vs. the life she could have had at the shelter or none at all is a huge piece of happy for her in my heart. My prayers go out to you and your family for healing."

We all send our love and support for Megan on her loss of Miss Charlotte.

Dog Last Will and Testament

Manny/Littleman Finds His Foster Home

Manny, now Littleman, was turned into the Clifton, NJ Animal Shelter, who contacted NEBTR to care for this 1 year old youngster.  Foster Mon Carolyn McCarthy lovingly cared for him for many months until she could find the perfect forever home for him.  She trained him, and sought medical care and made homecooked meals for his irritable bowel syndrome. while at Carolyn's, Littleman's best friend was Cesar, the emaciated dog that Carolyn also cared for. Cesar was adopted by Laura Ratsavong in Brooklyn, and has the perfect forever ending.  

Finally, Dr. Steve Fries entered the picture. Dr. Steve is an animal chiropractor who has two other dogs of his own, Roo and Ted. Steve says, "My new little guy, formerly Manny, is now Littleman.....he seems to enjoy hearing his new name. Hard to believe a week elapsed. Roo really likes him, but doesn't seem to want to play chase. He is obsessed with toys, bones and antlers and is very attached to me already. Knock on wood.....no outbreaks of diarrhea (he has a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome), and is tolerating the slow addition of raw diet to his food. He jumped on my kayak several times...hopefully in the warmer months Littleman will enjoy going for a paddle with me. He is an expert at snuggling and joins me the instant I sit or lie on the bed to watch TV. On our walk around the neighborhood this morning the creek on which I live was at low tide. The marsh must have smelled heavenly to Littleman....he just stood and inhaled for a full 5 minutes." Sounds like the ideal home for an active BT!

Foster Quincy Loves to Snuggle

Check out this adorable video of Lisa Vaughan's foster Quincy snuggling in his blankets.

Pliny, An Almost Foster

WOW! A great save by Jenna Antoniewicz who reports: "This is Pliny - we recently rescued him from some college students who were asked by someone in their neighborhood to take him. They realized pretty quickly they were not equipped to take care of a puppy so they reached out to us (long-time Boston lovers!). He was starving, but a very happy little boy! We were going to foster him and contact NEBTR  about finding him a forever home. . . but it turns out he has found one with us. :)

The vet says he's about 10 months old. He is still pretty skinny (trying to fatten him up!) and is getting along great with our other Boston (Yoda). We had to treat him for some roundworm, but it's been a good two weeks since they were found. Booster shots in two weeks... our new baby is doing very well!" A true story with a very happy ending, makes us all so happy that Pliny has his forever home after a rough start.

Thanks so much Jenna and many kind thoughts for your expanding family.

Dakota Has A New Home

Dakota, an eight your old boy, has been adopted! His former owner became ill, surrendering him due to inability to take care of this much loved pet.

But things turned out OK for him. Dakota has new parents, both retired: Dakota will have two humans to cuddle him, two laps to sit on, two people to give him love and attention!

Another happy ending.

Vote For Syke

Hello all! For those of you on facebook, Syke and I have entered Spike Strip Taylor's "Nekkid in the Bath Pet Photo Contest" All you have to do it go to the Photo album and Spikes page and "like" Syke's photo. The most 'likes' win the money for their charity of choice. Of course Syke told me he wanted to win for NEBTR!!!

 https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.350094018346579.78282.164636460225670&type=3

Here is the link. The picture is down toward the bottom of the album. Click on the photo and then select "Like." Feel free to look me up on facebook too as I know Im not friends with all of you yet! Katie Webster and Syke

Papi Makes Himself at Home

This is our NEBTR boy, Papi. He's about 9 years old, we adopted him three months ago. Silly boy, he is always jumping into "snuggly" places - in this case, my pajama drawer as I opened it to put pj's in! We love him and he brings us so much joy!! Thanks NEBTR.

And a big thank you to you Deborah, for providing a loving home for Papi.

Valentine From Trooper and Brady

Thank you all for all the work you do, there is so much love in this group! Happy Valentines Day!

Xoxo Ana, Mike, Brady and Trooper Cecere!:-)

Click to Get NEBTR $50

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150554941510949&set=a.10150554941205949.380451.70814065948&type=1&theater

Betsey Freedman has nominated the NEBTR for a donation of $50 from the Boston Terriers of Color Group on Facebook.  All we have to do to receive the funding is to have 200 people like the photo at the above link.  The photo is our logo.  We are halfway there -  could everyone please take a moment to do this?  And thanks, Betsey, for the creative fundraising idea!

Don't Forget the Seniors!!!

A Senior Dog's Wish

I'm waiting here in foster care for you to come and see
 The one the others have passed by -

Please stop and look at me! I'm not alone here in my quest to find myself a place
 Where someone will have love for me and softly stroke my face.

We're not so young in years they say, although we're young at heart
  If you'll take a chance with us - please know we'll do our part.

Our faces have a bit of white, our legs a slower gait
 Our hearts so full of love to give - but still we sit and wait.

A younger dog is what folks want, one who romps and plays
 They won't take time to look at us - just think we're old and gray.

Little do they know the things we have to offer them
 Manners learned and quiet souls - good dogs all we've been.

There are those here too whose souls were damaged and in pain
 Before they came to this safe place and learned to trust again.

When new folks come and look at them, they seem withdrawn and shy.
 Time is all they need to learn that new bonds they can tie.

Patience, love and gentle hands is all they ask of you
 In exchange - their hearts they give you in their lives so new.

We may not be the perfect dogs in everybody's eye -
 Too big, too small, too brown, too blue, too black, too old, too shy.

But, unless you sit and take the time and see all that we can be
 You'll miss the best that is right here - Please stop - HEY - Look at ME!

Update on Ace

I just heard from the family that adopted Ace and they said he is doing great! He and their dog Oreo, are inseparable and they said Ace is teaching Oreo much needed patience and sharing. HAHA. They also said Ace put on some much needed weight. I posted a pic under 'Angie's Fosters' take a look. Angie Dahlman

New Foster Porkchop

Hello everyone! My name is Porkchop. Im 10 months old. I was surrendered by my former owners. My leg has 5 old fractures that were never fixed and now my leg is deformed. Please send me good thoughts, my vet appointment is today. More updates to come...

Foster mom Carolyn of Kamp Kanine, a true rescue angel, gives us an update on Porkchop, now called Chops
"Update on our boy Chops - Chops spent the night at Dr. Cattiny's on pain meds and fluids for his fractures. While he has 5 fractures only 2 are operable. Depending on what it looks like when Doc gets in there Chops will either get the joint pinned or have the top of his femor shaved and the chips from his hip joint removed. The good news is he is in the BEST place right now and the PAIN has been stopped. Keep the prayers and donations coming this will cost NEBTR thousands to fix! And again the abuser walks - and the rescues pick up the bills!"

This is such a sad case of puppy abuse, saved by the caring attention of rescue angels like Carolyn. We are aware that not everyone is willing or able to provide the intensive immediate care that Carolyn is providing, but your financial contributions can help ease the cost of care. NEBTR has no paid staff, no expense accounts, no private offices or fancy address: our financial obligations come solely from individual donations by our supporters. Please help.

Stanley's new home, bribery works!

Stanley went to meet a couple, Barb and Bill, in New Jersey who love Boston Terriers. Barb and Stan got along right from the start, but Stan mistrusts men. Bill knew just what to do: Treats!!! Now Bill has Stan eating out of his hand.

We could not have picked a better home for Stan. Congratulations on finding your forever home Stan. Love, Dawn.

And thanks to foster mom Dawn Stone for helping another BT to a new and happy life.

February Meetup

Group photo of the February meetup group, Western NY Chapter. Contributed by Debbie Philpott

New Foster, Little Girl

Our Linda Antonelli has been very busy rescuing Bostons of all ages, she reports on the newest addition to her heart and home: Got another new BT old girl found wandering the woods out on eastern Long Island. She was brought into the Brookhaven Shelter and of course, Meredith Festa rescued her and brought her to me. She's an old girl, blind, deaf and 13 lbs. I call her Little Girl. She eats, sleeps, eliminates and then has no social skills. Why? She will retire with me...

Happy Valentine's Day from NEBTR

Happy Valentine’s Day

May you enjoy all the streams of Love that flow into your life;
The Love from family and friends;
The Love from parents and children;
The Love from pets

And the Love from God.
Celebrate Love all day long.
For it is the breath of your existence,
and the best of all reasons for living.

contributed by Shela Walton

New Foster, Lady

Linda Antonelli reports on her latest of many rescues: Got a new BT baby last week courtesy of my friend Annie from Bulldog Rescue and Meredith Festa. Her name is Lady and she is a "hoarders" dog from Shirley, NY. She lived in an airline crate to eat, sleep and eliminate, and now she is being de-wormed and waiting to be spayed. She is 7 months young. Check out her marking on her nose. Looks like a nose ring (lol). She's a darling.

BT Property Laws