More About Our Foster Bea (With Photo)

I also wanted to update you that for the first time today Bea made it down some steps and she made it onto the couch.

She is the most active one in the house lol, but up until today she was
having trouble with going down steps. So seeing her make progress is
great!

--Lisa

Addie, Chambersburg Mill Mama

Hi! Addie is one of the Chambersburg mamas. She is doing
great and has come a LONG way in just a little over two weeks. I guess she is feeling better because she has been shot out of a cannon today and is running around like a crazy woman even after a walk. I think it is too cute but Wilbur begs to differ on her cuteness factor right now.

She is hot mama! She cleaned up well...after a few baths! ;) She is such a good girl- no accidents or pooping in her crate since Friday and we took our first long walk today. She did better on her leash than Wilbs. You were right, every time you get frustrated they do something right and you feel like you won the lottery.

--Jodi

Lewisburg Puppy Mill Survivor Ha-Na

Thanks, Amy, for fostering this doll! Now she can live the life she should have had from puppyhood.

Piper

On Mon, Nov 3, 2008 at 2:38 PM, Elly wrote:

Hi Ryan, how is Piper settling In. I havent heard anything so I hope that is a good thing. The group loves to hear success stories, so let us know how its going.Give her a kiss from me
Elly

Hi Elly,

Piper is doing very well! She adjusted faster and easier than I expected, making the place her own very quickly. No accidents in the car ride or when she first got here. Within a day or two she was totally unfazed by the sounds of traffic outside my apartment. All the smells of a big city neighborhood make for fairly slow walks, but she got used to all the concrete sidewalks pretty quickly. There's a park 3-4 blocks away, which we go to at least once a day.

Sara and I are working on training, especially socializing her with new dogs and people... having people she meets give her a treat, so that she's not scared with new people. We've also noticed that when she barks or nips (which she's only done a couple times), it seems to be because she's nervous or scared-- like when she hears someone coming into my apartment building downstairs, or hears a strange dog barking outside. So hopefully she feels more and more comfortable hear with us, she already seems to be doing better. The only other issue we had was that she ate a small piece of something while out walking (there are sometimes scraps from people putting their garbage out to the curb) and later vomited. I think she learned her lesson. I definitely did too, I keep a closer watch on what she's sniffing now.

Overall, she's been so well behaved. She loves the bed I got for her, but also curling up on the couch next to me, watching TV or getting some work done. She does well when I go out-- I bought a baby gate that I use to contain her in the front hallway with her food, water, toys, and with the radio on. I got her a no-pull harness, which she got used to within about a day, and she loves playing fetch and tug-of-war with the little rubber toy I got her. This past Sunday I took her to see a bit of the NYC marathon passing by. And just last night, Sara was offering her a treat (holding it above Piper's head) and discovered that Piper can stand up no her hind legs and turn around in a complete circle! I'll definitely give her a kiss for you, she gives us plenty back!

Take care,
Ryan


Hi Elly,

Yes, Piper is doing great and she sends her kisses. She eats well and has been very well behaved. She went upstate with me for Thanksgiving, and did great with the car ride. Sara crocheted Piper a sweater recently, and bought her a coat, so she's warm and stylish on her walks.

The only thing I'm really working on now is that Piper gets nervous when she encounters dogs, and can definitely be dominating, just like you warned me. She often barks, growls, and snaps when we meet other dogs while out walking. So I'm trying to socialize her more at dog parks, in a very controlled way. Aside from that, she's been great-- only getting better with meeting new people.

Here are a few recent pictures!

Take care,
Ryan

Here is an update on Piper. She came in as a very aggressive dog. She seems to be doing great.!
Elly

Forgotten Dog's Christmas

FORGOTTEN DOG'S CHRISTMAS
Author unknown

Twas the nite before Christmas
When all thru the house

Not a creature was stirring
Not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care
In hopes that St. Nick soon would be there.

The children all nestled all snug in their beds
With no thought of the dog filling their head.

And mamma in her kerchief and I in my cap
Knew the dog was cold, but didn't care about that.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash
Figuring the dog was free of his chain and into the trash.

The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow
Gave the luster of mid-day to objects below.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But Santa Clause with eyes full of tears.

He unchained the dog once so lively and quick
Last year's Christmas present now painfully sick.

More rapid than eagles he called the dog's name
And the dog ran to him despite all his pain.

Now Dasher, now Dancer, now Prancer and Vixen
On Comet on Cupid on Donner and Blitzen.

To the top of the porch to the top of the wall
Let's find this dog a home where he will be loved by all.

I knew in an instant there would be no gifts this year
For Santa had made one thing quite clear.

The gift of a dog is not just for the season
We had gotten the dog for all the wrong reasons.

In our haste to think of the kids a gift
There was one important thing we missed

A dog should be family, and cared for the same
You don't give a gift, then put it on a chain.

And I heard him explain as he rode out of site,
"You weren't given a gift, you were given a life."

PLEASE...PLEASE....care for
And LOVE your pets!!

Mill Momma Hope

I just wanted to give everyone an update on the six year old girl from the Mill. I have decided to name her "Hope." She is in a sad state of affairs and I will have her at the vet for her check up first thing Monday morning. It looks to me, (and Amy agreed) that the worse of her injured eyes, (both eyes have ulcerations but her left eye is in a bad state), we both think that the vet is going to have to remove it. I of course will call or email Victoria as soon as I know what the vet is suggesting. I still don't understand how even the coldest of people can treat a living breathing creature like this. I am happy to say that Delmer and Lola have both welcomed her in with open paws. She is currently laying on the couch right next to me. While she's only been here for an hour or two she seems to be affectionate. She even put her paw on my leg and pushed her self up to my face to give me a kiss. I was amazed. I guess she knows she's in a good place. I am happy to report she had no issues with eating, and had a nice solid bowel movement. Sorry to go on and on but I thought everyone would like to hear how she was doing. It is still early but I am filed with Hope..
Lara

__._,_.___

Update on Our Foster Bea

So much to tell you!
Bea went to the vet last night. She did awesome! She is 19.7 pounds.
She has tartar and some gingivitis so she will need a teeth cleaning
to get rid of the quite stinky breath that she has. Even though her
legs are a little bowed it shouldnt be a problem, she just needs to
gain some muscle in them. She received an ear cleaning and
a "manicure/pedicure". We are still waiting on the results of her
fecal and heart worm test. As soon as we know I will let you know.

She is also making great strides at home. She has made friends with
everyone, our cat is especially fond of her. She doesnt quite
understand their rough playing so we play with her on the side. She
finally started playing with a rope toy last night. As for potty
training, she has not had an accident ANYWHERE since Sunday(which was
her 1st day home) and even then she only had 2 1/2 accidents. She is
doing great pottying outside and our crew is helping to teach her.
She has also started to learn "Sit". Last night she did it quite a
few times without any help. Beacause her legs are weak she gets tired
easily she has a hard time with steps, but this morning she made it
all the wait up the stairs ALL BY HERSELF! We were so proud of her!

She is doing so well and will have no troubles finding a forever home!

--Lisa

MomMom

Mom Mom was dumped at the Burlington County Animal Shelter in Jan. 08. The only information that was left with her was her original name (Kristi) and her age (12). We picked her up at the shelter right before closing that night. I will never forget her little face. She was so afraid and shaking. She was wearing an old red tattered sweater. When we got her home, we took off the sweater and were horrified at the sight of her. She was completely bald from her neck back and was covered in red and green pus oozing sores. She was raw from the underside of her neck all the way back to her behind. She was scratching like maWe got her to the vet and this is what they told us

She had: heart murmur, yeast infections in both ears, possible mange, fleas, ulcers in both eyes, deep infection in her gums with an infected growth in her mouth, rotten teeth (6), yeast on the skin on her back, kennel cough, possible cancerous tumor on her side and most likely a food allergy. Whew!
We later found out that Mom Mom was allergic to 28 known allergens!

We cleaned her up, put her on some medication (got a dental done) and after a few months, she was looking and feeling like a million bucks! Her hair began to grow back and her coloring returned.
Mom Mom made a beautiful come back and now enjoys an itch free, laid back, spoiled lifestyle. Mom Mom is the queen of the house. She loves lounging in her three (yes, three) dog beds, munching on lamb snacks and peanut butter and taking car rides around town.
Mom Mom will have been here with our family for a year this January and she is our permanent foster. Her new name, Mom Mom, came naturally to her because she mothers our younger dogs. She makes us smile everyday. We feel priviliged to have her here with us, and we are so thankful that we had the opportunity through NEBTR to rescue her and give her the love and respect this sweet old lady deserves!

Thank you for any donations you can give to continue caring for MomMom. Her vet bills were enormous to get her back to good health. We want to be able to continue doing that for her and all our other rescued Bostons.

--Amy


MomMom today, thanks to Amy! If you would like to help with MomMom's expenses, you can sponsor her here:

From Melissa, Danny, and Peanut

Hey Boston Rescue folks!

I just wanted to say thank you, thank you, thank you for allowing me to adopt one of your beautiful little dogs. We have had Peanut for about 3 months now and she is a complete joy! She has adapted well to life in Manhattan and makes friends with nearly every person who glances her way. She runs to the door when we return home and smothers us with kisses and is in fabulous shape for an old lady!

Now that she's a part of our lives, it's hard to imagine life before!

Thanks again, and our Christmas wish is that every one of the waiting Bostons find a home for Christmas--and forever.

-Much love and Thanks-Melissa Wabnitz, Danny Peters and Peanut.

I rescued a human today.

I rescued a human today.


Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels.

I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her.

I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.

As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage.

I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today.

Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past.

I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.

She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me.

I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her.

Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.

A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.

Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that instantly jumped into her arms.

I would promise to keep her safe.

I would promise to always be by her side.

I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.

I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor.

So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors.

So many more to be saved.

At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

Achilles' Forever Home

I took my sweet foster, Achilles, to meet his new family yesterday. We met at a park and it only took them about ten minutes for them to decide they wanted to take him home. I got a call from them about four hours later saying that their nine month old BT puppy and he were getting along really well and that she had been to petsmart to buy them a whole bag of toys. She also said that he and his new daddy were bonding very quickly. Later last night she sent me pictures and said that they were just thrilled with their new boy.
I really thought it was going to be harder for me to let him go. I really got attached in the month that I had him, but they were so perfect for him that I just can't even feel anything but happy! They even loved the name that my husband chose for him and are going to keep it.
Here are a couple of the pics they sent of Achilles with his new sister and with his daddy. Aren't they precious?
~Kami

Prayers for Tyler

Hi All,
My old little boy Tyler that I fostered in March and then adopted in April is having a tough time. For those of you who don't know his history, his previous owner passed away the day after he was surrendered to me, so I felt like we were meant to be together. He is the sweetest, most appreciative little guy that I have ever had. I have 4 other dogs ( 2 bostons, 1 adopted boxer and a mini aussie).
He was fine this morning jumping up and down wanting his breakfast and then onto his couch for his morning nap. We then went out for about 4 hours and he was crated. When we came home he was not himself, a little trembly and would not eat his dinner. I watched him for a couple of hours and thought his breathing seemed a little labored and fast, so I called the animal hospital, thankfully they are a 24 hour emergency clinic and they think he has heart failure. There appears to be fluid in his lungs. I am waiting to hear from the cardiologist to see what can be done. He is 11 years old and he does have heart disease that was confirmed by echocardiogram two months ago. Sorry this is so long, just need some good thoughts and prayers for this special old man. Feeling kind of empty tonight. Even with 4 other dogs in the house. I miss him.
Mary Beth

The Life of a Puppy

(Contributed by Gilda Hunt)

This morning, I woke up & kissed my dad's head.
I peed on the carpet, then went back to bed.
"The life of a puppy, oh my, this is great."
Then I thought about breakfast," I hope it's not late."

Mom took me outside, we walked for a while.
This never fails to make Mama smile.
I sniffed of everything, that we did pass,
I ate something weird - it gave me gas.

I'm sure God loves me, I know that is true.
He gave me so many great things to chew.
Rugs, plants or rocks, I really don't care.
What I truly like best, is Dad's underwear.

That obedience book, was sort of yummy.
Though it didn't sit well on my poor puppy tummy.
I threw up a bit, but that was all right,
When Mom found it later, I was well out of sight.

I made streamers of T. P., while running at full speed.
Mom is pretty quick -- but I was still in the lead.
I flew under the bed, and Mom flew past,
She stopped-shook her head, and breathed,
"You're too fast."

Mama later phoned Daddy, and said, "It was frightening! "
That afternoon, she was sure I'd pooped lightning.
She'd sat at the computer, while I chewed the cord,
She thought I was mad, but I was just bored.

When Mama had enough, couldn't take anymore,
That's when my tushy got shoved out the door.
I love it inside, but outside is best.
Lay in the cool grass, and had a good rest.

That didn't last long, there was too much to do--
Can't quite remember where I hid Daddy's shoe.
I found an old bone, and scratched at a flea,
I watched the dumb squirrels as they jumped in a tree.

I barked at the kids, when they got off the bus.
I can't figure out why this makes Mama fuss.
I barked at the neighbor, I barked at the wind.
I barked and barked, till Mom yelled, "COME IN."

The sun dipped in the west-soon Daddy would come!
I sure love my daddy: we always have fun.
I barked at my daddy, then turned on my charms,
I woo-wooed, "Hello," then jumped in his arms.

Sitting under the table -- it's sooo hard to wait.
Daddy slipped me a goodie right off his plate.
I raced through the house, and scattered my toys,
Ricocheted off the furniture, and made lots of noise.

Mom found her purse - the one I abused.
Daddy let loose a chuckle. Mom asked "Amused??"
I cowered down low, I must be in trouble.
Dad said, "Wasn't MY boy, it must be his double!"

Mom turned off the TV, and said,"Time for bed."
Dad said "Let's go boy," and patted my head.
I got in my spot, between Mom and Dad,
I thought 'bout my day and what fun I had.

Mama kicked out my bone from the covers below,
Then let loose a sigh -- a sigh deep and low.
She gave me a kiss, and snuggled me tight,
And whispered so softly, 'My darling goodnight'.

Happy Gotcha Day, Beadoe

One year ago today, I met Lee and Dan Wilson to dog sit their foster, Beadoe. Well, I never gave him back . It's been quite an adventure: my first experience with a deaf dog, my first experience with a biter, my first experience with a 15# dog who can climb a fence, the list goes on and on. Several of you have been very patient with my installments of "The Adventures of Beadoe."
Happy First Gotcha Day, you little stinker!! Don't ever stop being "Beadoe"--you make me laugh so much!
Joy

Boomer the Barn Dog

Hi All--
Here's a picture of the precious little old guy, Boomer. A week ago yesterday, Donna made a very long drive and rescued him out of a barn where he had been tied for who knows how long.
He's been with us for a week today. I can't begin to tell you how special he is. Boomer is a sweet, loving, gentle old guy who is now a total chow-hound and wiggle butt!!!
Of course, he has totally grabbed my heart.
Joy

Boomer will need a lot of assistance. If this old guy tugs at your heart, click to sponsor him.

Bingo

Hi all!

Many years ago, before I worked with NEBTR, I fostered a BT named Jasper after his owner had passed away. Jasper went to live with a very sweet old woman named Emma who was I believe 85 at the time she adopted him. Emma lived in a old farm house that she had shared with her husband who died in 1987, but she very much wanted a dog for companionship. Jasper took to Emma immediately, and lived a wonderful life with her until he died in 2003. Emma's family helped out with some of her needs, but I went to help out a couple of times each month to take Jasper's special diet and clip nails and whatever was needed.

After Jasper died, Emma was distraught, very depressed, and would call me begging me to find her another dog just like Jasper. I finally found another BT for her named Bingo who was a stray in W. Virginia. Emma came to life again after Bingo moved in. They had a bond like nothing I have ever seen before. Bingo was never more than about 10 feet from Emma, and was usually laying right next to her on the sofa.

I received a call this morning that Emma had a massive stroke last weekend, and that Bingo needs a place to go. I always promised Emma that if anything happened to her Bingo could live out his life here with me. Emma's niece hopes that Emma can someday come back home and that Bingo can go back to live with her, but it sounds unlikely considering Emma's condition at 94 years of age. She is bedridden, paralyzed on her left side and blind in one eye. She is in the nursing home that both of her sisters were in for years until they passed. So, Bingo will be coming to live with me today. Bingo was obese last I saw him a few years ago, but just as loving and wonderful as ever. I hope he can deal with all of the changes in his life, and that he will be happy here.

I hope to take Bingo to visit Emma after he settles in here - she always told me about the dogs that were at the nursing home when she visited her sisters. I have attached pictures of Emma and the very chubby Bingo.

Please keep Emma and Bingo in your prayers.

Barb

Update on Gus

Gus was rescued from a Lancaster, PA puppymill at the end of June,2008. He was just recently adopted by my wonderful neighbors and their children right here in York, PA. Below is a recent email that Maureen (Gus' new forever mom) sent to me on his progress. These mill dogs are certainly special creatures! It is hard to believe that they bring so much joy to one's life after all that they have been put through.

-- Tiffany,


I just wanted to write you a quick email to thank you for everything with Gus. He’s such a wonderful dog. When we saw you and Ron with him, Odie and Lelo, we were convinced that what we wanted was a puppy, but after meeting Gus, we fell in love with him and we knew he was the right dog for our family, and after seeing how much work a puppy is, we now know that isn’t what we wanted.

He hasn’t gone to the bathroom once in our house – in fact, he has this little dance that he does to let us know that he needs to go outside. I’ve returned a few times and his poochie pad has been wet, but every time it’s happened it’s because he wouldn’t go before I left, so I now know that he needs at least 15 minutes before I leave to go pee outside.

As I’ve figured, his favorite spot in the house is right next to the sliding glass door to the patio, right next to me while I work. He’s extremely obedient and a very fast learner. He’s learned to walk on heel and sits and stays for his food. He’s also learned “the point” (to go in the direction that I point to), “the dance” (getting up on his hind legs when I hold out my hands), “walk” (walking backwards on his hind legs), and “sleeping in his house” (going to his cage for bedtime). We are working on “down.”


-- Maureen

Update on MomMom

Mom Mom was dumped at the Burlington County Animal Shelter in January 2008.  She is 12 years old!  Mom Mom was in terrible shape and scared to death.  She was missing about 75% of her hair and was covered in sores and crusty spots.  The poor soul had virtually no vet care and was sick with ear infections, rotting teeth which were infected, ulcers on her eyes, kennel cough, a heart murmur and a horrendous skin condition. 

We picked her up at the shelter and began the long and ongoing task of getting Mom Mom well again.  We had her teeth fixed, cleared up the eye and ear problems and got her on a special diet to help her allergies and skin condition. Mom Mom was diagnosed with 28 active allergies! 

Mom Mom gets regular allergy shots to help with her itching as well as a home cooked diet, we are happy to report that her poor hair has finally grown in! 

Mom Mom loves Aloe rubs, rawhide bones, blankets to sleep under and dog beds. Her favorite snack is banana and scrambled eggs. 

She greets us at the door every day after work and enjoys watching the other girls wrestle. 
Mom Mom quickly made her home with us and her 3 Boston sisters.  She is the queen of the house and everything in it is hers!

Mom Mom is an inspiration to us, and a true beauty queen!

--Amy Angelo

Update on Gracey

Gracey is a 5 year old, female boston who was rescued in April 2008 from a Lancaster, PA puppymill. She was found living in a rabbit hutch in a dark barn, and she came into rescue with scratches on her face and lacking hair on her ears and back. She was taken to the vet and much to her foster mom's surprise, she was in good health! All she was in need of was a good diet, and a lot of love and patience from her caregivers. She was very scared and submissive at first, but has made much progress since she came to NEBTR. She loves walks and long naps on the furniture. Now she is living in her new forever home with an amazing retired couple from Allentown, PA Below is a copy of an email from her new forever mom, Helene.

"Hi Tiffany,
Wish you were a fly on the wall here. This baby follows me everywhere. She is sitting here at the computer now. She tries to get in the shower with me and sits at my feet while I do my make up in the morning. She is eating and pooping on schedule. We went visiting last night. All my friends just love her. Leno has had her at the park and she loved it. I am so happy with everything about her. When we watch tv she lets me kiss her head and she makes herself comfortable on Leno's arm. There have been no accidents in the house and she walks beautifully on a leash. She has a red rhinestone collar and red name tag. She is beautiful! I am so lucky to have this little one!
I sent out 40 baby announcements. They are so cute. My friends will get a kick out of that. Thanks so much again. This is a match made in heaven.
Helene"

Update on Bear

It was a happy day for Bear's new family--I took Bear (my foster) to meet his people today in Mt. Holly (they came down from NY, and I drove up from Newark, DE to meet them). I think he'll be very happy with his people--thank you Robin for suggesting them! Of the family's three children (ages 10, 11, and 13), I think their son (the 10-year-old) was the most intrigued. Bear will now have five people to dote on him. He will have lots of room to run, and a vacation cottage on a lake--very nice!!!

I encouraged the family to call me if they have any questions. But I couldn't wait to hear how things had gone, so shortly after I got home, I called them to get a report. They said Bear rode all the way home very quietly in his crate (which was right in the middle of their three children where they had removed a seat in their van). He sniffed all around their home. They have baby gates to keep him confined to a couple of rooms unless someone is supervising him in the other rooms. (Probably a wise idea, since at about 17 months he's still a puppy and likes to chew things quite a bit.) I asked them to take a picture of the family with Bear in the photo and to email it to me. (The battery for my digital camera wasn't working when I went to take the photo--rats!.)

Bear is such a loving soul--all three of us (Chelsea, Panda, and I) will miss his silly antics and happy energy. I tried to make the transition easier for him by sending along food and snacks that he had become accustomed to. In addition to a 6 pound bag of California Natural dry dog food, I gave his new family a box of Meaty Bone Milkbones (the ones with the Boston on the front), a Hartz chew toy (a hard plastic bone-shaped thing that has nubby parts in the middle--both my dogs love them), a bone (sanitized one that had some filler in it), and a blanket for his crate, in addition to the crate that his surrendering family had supplied (plus the toys they had sent).

It was the beginning of a new and happy forever home for little Bear.

Shawna and Bostons Chelsea and Panda plus Orange Tabbies Elvis and Oliver