NEBR Brittany Beach Bash!

A glorious October day at Coffin's Beach in Gloucester, MA!  Sunshine, laughter, lots of adopted brittany rescue dogs, good picnic food, new friends, old friends, former foster dogs, happy families.

Many wonderful adopted brittanys came to the NEBR Brittany Beach Bash to meet other adopting families,other adopted rescued brittanys, and some of the rescue people who work hard to get these lucky dogs to safety.

Yes, we save a lot of dogs!  Thank you for a successful 2011 rescue year!

Photos by David Davenport (also posted on FB:  New England Brittany Rescue FB page)

To the adopter ...

February 22, 2010

To the adopter,

Daisy is a Brittany who was purchased in Laval, Quebec, at Safari, a franchised pet store. I know for a fact that she was purchased for a hefty sum but will keep the original amount and the original guardian anonymous. I can tell you that this person was irresponsible, impulsive, and to put bluntly, naive when purchasing Daisy. I knew Daisy from when she was purchased until I rescued her from her original guardian. 

 I am 21 years old and live in Laval Quebec. When Daisy first came into my life, I was not much interested in dogs and frankly looked down upon most dog owners. I didn’t really understand most dog owners and saw dogs as an ‘easy’ pet who loved you regardless. 

I took Daisy in around the first week of January. Upon finding out that Daisy was being left alone in a car for long periods of time; I made the decision to just take Daisy out of that situation. I can tell you for a fact that she was never physically harmed, but her needs were being neglected to accommodate her guardian.  This guardian, I can say, did not realize what she was getting into. Because they needed to work and go to school at the same time, the guardian was left to leave Daisy alone or with friends. It took me a week to finally take action upon finding out that Daisy was basically spending her days in an (apparently) indoor parking lot. I paid the guardian for her, and decided upon myself to find her a suitable home. So Daisy came from a bad situation. I don’t necessarily blame Daisy’s guardian, I can understand that they were left with little option, but I plainly don’t condone it. 

I immediately started to look for a new home, using craigslist and kijiji, and I admit, posted Free to Good Home ads.  I got an outpour of support from locals warning me about Free to Good Home ads and dangers involved. I took the advice and proceeded with caution. I found her a really nice home and got the adopter to sign an adoption agreement form where they agreed to have her spayed. It was an open adoption. I liked this family a lot; they seemed experienced and had the time that Daisy needed. I checked references and did a home check, but still in the pit of my stomach I was very hesitant. I dropped Daisy off and met with the couple. They loved her. 

And that was that, so I thought. I could keep in touch and I was welcome to visit her at scheduled times. 

It was not even 24 hours later that I got a call. They basically said they weren’t ready; it was too much. Before they could even ask, I offered to take her back and got her that same night. 

I was at a loss for a bit, not trusting most responses that I received from therein. I was mostly angry at myself for having Daisy lose her routine that we’d been working on in the two weeks she was with me.  I wanted very much to keep her, and devised plans for the future of how I can be more available to her.  I went from 35 hours of work a week to 20 hours, and had it in my mind that I would keep her. I wouldn’t say I was too attached at this point, but I felt responsible for her and I did not want to put her through any more inconsistencies, especially since I knew she never had a stable home and a stable pack leader. 

I went back and forth for a bit, not knowing what to do. I eventually came to the conclusion that I could not keep her; my life was not stable enough to fully care for her. I currently live with my parents (who from the start, did not want Daisy in their house), and so I was faced with multiple obstacles that led me to admit that Daisy was not going to have the best life she could have with me. I would be going back to school in a few months, and work was something that is not disposable as it was what allowed me to afford school in the first place. 

Finding NBRAN was the closest thing to any hope in finding her a better home. The success stories were too good to be true, and the dedication to the breed impressed me. I got in contact with a Representative almost immediately, and from there, they pretty much took care of things. I was not very happy that I was not more involved with the process of finding her a new home; I would have liked to meet her new family before anything was ever decided. I also had a few trust issues in the beginning, mostly concerning Daisy getting spayed while she was not in care, but later found out that they were following their procedures. This was sorted out soon enough though. Arrangements were made by NBRAN and  Daisy was taken in by an independent rescuer who had her spayed, and then drove her to Toronto to be fostered by a family that already had Brittany’s (I’ve been told).

I originally hoped I could have Daisy in my care and have her spayed with me, but the NBRAN rep convinced me that she was doing the thing that was best for Daisy.  I completely trusted the fosters that had her spayed; I got to meet them beforehand so leaving Daisy with them was not a worry of mine. These fosters allowed me to stop by the night after dropping Daisy off to see how she was recuperating from the operation, which I really appreciated.  I know she was in good hands and that is what was most important to me.  

I did the best that I could, and I’m not going to lie, I really really miss her. Getting to know Daisy has completely changed my view on dogs and opened my eyes on an industry that is very much misrepresented. I have never felt so strongly, that these pet stores are so completely devoid of anything slightly humane, and it angers me that it’s an industry that prospers while there are shelters and rescues filled with bred and abandoned animals.

                It was the hardest thing I have ever done; admitting to myself that I was presently not suited to Daisy.  I ask of you, now, if you are comfortable with it, to keep me updated on Daisy (if this remains her name). A picture, a video, or just a one-liner email would be appreciated.  
 

Thank you.
__________________________________________________

HOW DAISY came into NBRAN

Daisy was surrendered by a fellow who volunteers for a rescue in Montreal, Canada.  He drove Daisy 5 & 1/2 hours from Montreal to Oshawa, Ontario  where Daisy was handed over to Sandy and Bill  who kept Daisy overnight and then then next day, they drove her to Cambridge (1 & 1/2 hours) where Helen Tostevin (Ontario NBRAN Coordinator) picked her up.  

Helen had just received an application on Monday from a family in Keswick,Ontario, and they were interested in a brittany puppy.  The home visit was done by Arlene and Helen did veterinarian reference check.....and both couldn't have been better.

Helen got Daisy on a Wednesday and on the very next Sunday her new family drove from Keswick, ON to London, ON (3 hours one way) to get her........and the rest they say is history. 

Helen gets updates from Daisy's adopting family, which she sends to the person who who deeply cared about Daisy, making one of the hardest decisions in life ... giving Daisy up so she could have a better life.

"When you know that all the work and trouble, hours of transport, potty training, interviewing countless potential adopters...it has all paid off and another dog has found their forever home. "

NOTE:  Glory went on a 2 day transport from Laramie, WY to Quincy, WA.  She met up with 14 drivers, traveling through WY, UT, ID, OR and WA.

A LOT of our transport volunteers helped us move "Glory" from the Laramie Peak Humane Society to Quincy, WA (my home) last summer. Glory is a French Britt mix who was found wandering the streets of Douglas, WY and was picked up by animal control. Susan G. and Linda L. saw Glory on the shelter's petfinder website and asked if we could take her.

Nancy W. arranged a transport that had to be postponed because Glory contracted a bacterial infection that needed to be treated, and they wouldn't release her until she was spayed. So three weeks later, Nancy set up another transport which was very involved, to get her moved all the way from Douglas to E. Washington state where Linda L. would foster her. 

Glory had a bit of a "new dog" and "new people" fears, so her foster mom, Linda, had her for quite a while as a foster dog to work with Glory. Her adopters, Bebe and Dick, have continued her training and as one can see from the pictures, she is very well loved. She is the black and white dog with the party hat. She lives with her family on one of the islands off Seattle, with two fur-siblings and lots of toys and love. 

Glory has her own "fan club", from the folks at Laramie Peak, WY, where she had become quite a pet during her protracted stay there, to all the drivers who helped Glory to WA.  Many of these compassionate people did email to say how much they loved her, in their brief contact with her, and what a special girl she is. One considered adopting her, but she did need some work before she was ready to be adopted as she had not had much discipline before she came to her foster family.

Linda, Glory's foster mom wrote:  "We changed her name to "Allie" and she was one of those foster dogs we'll never forget. She wormed her way into our hearts so much that it was difficult for my husband and I to give her up. I was happy to find such great adopters as Bebe and Dick, who sat with me and cried in the North Bend Mall parking lot on the day that I delivered her to them, tears of joy because she was exactly the dog they had been looking for and exactly the adopters I needed for this dog. That is when you know that all the work and trouble, hours of transport, potty training, interviewing countless potential adopters...it has all paid off and another dog has found their forever home. Then, to get pictures and follow up emails from Bebe and Dick, showing me how happy she is, that's what keeps us going. The photo of Bebe holding Allie in her arms, it makes me so happy."

PLAY TIME!

AND from Allie's Adopting Family:
"To know that she has touched so many lives reconfirms my belief that she’s angel in a doggy suit!!!!

From the Transporters, to the Foster families – and Laramie Peak Human Society – you are ALL angels. I can’t imagine how “Allie” ended up on the street, but I’m so thankful for all of you rescuing an absolutely wonderful furry friend. She has brought so much joy to us in these 3 mos – especially to our 13yr old Golden (who we thought was on her last “season”). Allie plays so gently with her – constantly – it’s amazing. Our other Brittany mix TOLERATED her initially, but even she sees what a special girl Allie is.

Thanks for your love and dedication. May you continue to feel the blessing in doing your good work. WE certainly have been blessed.

Love,
Bebe, Dick, Maggie, Penny & Allie

Filson - A Very Special Name for a Very Special Brittany

NOTE:  Filson's new family were so excited to adopt him that his new family drove from Georgia to Ohio to meet him and take him home.

Filson's FOSTER FAMILY shares:

Filson was just 2 to 3 years old when he came to rescue from KY and fostered in Ohio.

He not only had heartworms, but when the Vet took X- rays they found 25 pieces of buckshot in his chest which explained the missing part of his ear and his broken tooth.

His foster chose a very special name for him. The name comes from Filson Clothing. The makers of outdoor gear, famous for their "Double Tin" pants and coats. They supplied the Klondike gold rush folks.

It is the toughest clothing I have ever worn, and have never worn any out yet after many years of use. From the condition of this little guy he has been through some tough stuff, yet he has not lost one ounce of his Britt characteristics - Loving, happy, and really wants to please.

The Filson motto is "YOU MIGHT AS WELL HAVE THE BEST". In spite of all he has been through he is the best! Any family would be lucky to have him.

Filson's ADOPTING FAMILY shares:

Joe and Family,

Merry Christmas! Filson is a such a blessing. He has become the most wonderful dog. However, he is quite the escape artist. We have no idea how he is getting out of his crate. It's kind of amazing. 

Everyone that meets Filson falls in love with him, including my parent who aren't dog people. They told us that if anything ever happened to Thomas and myself they would take him in and we would never have to worry. The rest of my family wanted to know how we ended up with such a great rescue. I told them he had a great foster family that helped him recover and he's a Brittany, it's in his blood! 

He loves going for rides in the car. Especially when we go hiking, to Paws in the City (where we get his dog food and they spoil him with treats) or Starbucks where they give him a cup of whip-cream! 

His training is going great! He is progressing to Canine Good Citizen classes in January and Therapy dog classes after that. We thought he would be a great therapy dog because he always makes people smile, has a calm disposition, and a great story of hope. He overcame illnesses and injuries. 

He is great at cuddling and sleeps next to Thomas every night. He never runs off when we are outside and follows right behind when hiking! We couldn't of found a better dog! Thank you for all you did for him! 

Below are a few pictures of our recent excursions! We took the dogs to see Santa! 

The Transformation of Abby

Abby at her overnight home...sad and confused.

NOTE:  Abby went on transport in May 2010, from Indianapolis to Vermont.  Her family could no longer care for her, so Abby found her way to NBRAN.

You`ve gotta love Abby`s smile. Not very long ago, Abby did not have much to smile about.

You see, Abby was surrendered from a home where she was once very much loved, but times turned hard. Abby’s was in need of a lot of dental care, and because her teeth hurt her, she wouldn’t each much. As a result, she was very much underweight.

Abby was very much confused and lost when she went on transport to her foster home in VT. All the drivers did their best to comfort Abby & try to reassure her that her life was going to be better. We all felt Abby’s sadness.

When she first arrived in her foster home, Abby’s foster mom thought she was deaf because she would avoid people. It took time for Abby to grieve over losing her first family & realize that she landed in a better place. 

Abby went to the vet for dental care – and had a dozen rotting or infected teeth pulled. Now she has many reasons to smile, and she loves having her teeth brushed!

"LOOK MOM!  No cavities!"

With the love of her foster mom, Abby became stronger and healthier each passing day. She gained 10 lbs, bringing her weight to a healthy 37 lbs. But even more remarkable was her transformation from a sad girl to a happy 12 year old senior with a bouncy young spirit and lots of energy. There are times when she tears around the house, chasing her teddy bear or snatching a rawhide strip and simply jumping for joy. 

Abby is thriving in her foster home.  Senior dogs are hidden gems!

All Because of the Love of a "Disposable Dog"!

Dear NBRAN Volunteer Fosters and Transporters,

I want to wish a heart felt THANK YOU and MERRY CHRISTMAS to each and every one of you!  I know we all do what we do for the love of dogs but we help people out along the way.

This is my story:

I volunteer at my local shelter to help find "disposable dogs" rescues so they won't be euthanized.  I happened to be at the shelter when a phone call came through . . . someone wanted to dispose of their 13 year old female Brit.  She hadn't hit the shelter yet, but I knew who to contact as I had transported one of our other shelter dogs to an NBRAN foster home earlier in the year.  And since I was already familiar with what a wonderful rescue NBRAN is, I called NBRAN. 

Sadie was now a rescued dog and didn't have to worry about being red listed or even going into the shelter.  After her vetting was done, she came back to my home to start her search for a furever home.  

Little did I know it would walk right through my door the very next day!  My father came to visit and fell in love with Sadie on the spot!  He didn't care that she was a senior as he is a senior himself and understood what is like to get old.  That night he filled out the application (after doing a ton of research about the breed and NBRAN) and within two days he was approved! 

I can say without hesitation that was one of the best days of his life!  You see he needed Sadie more than she needed him.  He had a stroke the year before and was just getting ready to have hip replacement surgery.  He was feeling pretty low as my father had always been a hard worker and now couldn't do as much.  He was depressed to say the least.  And I truly believe Sadie's love saved him!  He had a reason to keep living and get up every morning.  Each evening when he came home she greeted him with tail wags and the love only a dog can give! 

He isn't the same man he had become . . . he is even better than before.  And all because of the love of a "disposable dog"!  

Without NBRAN and all the volunteers this wouldn't have happened for my Dad.  So thank you from a daughter who loves her father very much!  

Dawn  Gray

Leif - Update from His New Home

NOTE:  Leif traveled from OH to Prince Edward Island, Canada.  His family crossed the US-Canadian border in Maine, and drove 500 miles (round trip) to adopt him.

Here's an update from his Forever Mom:

Good Evening,

I would like to thank all of you for your help in rescuing, caring for and transporting Leif. He arrived on Prince Edward Island Sunday night at 11:30 pm. The resident cat “Kenney”, and Brittany “Pete”, greeted him with open paws at the door, and welcomed him to his new home on the island. The introductions went famously with not even a bark , whine or growl from any of them. Since Leif does not have a tail, not even a stub (any comments on that?) his entire bum wiggled when he greeted the gang. Best friends from the start! Pete was equally as happy that his new brother arrived with a new tennis ball, his absolute favourite, and to be honest was just as excited about this as he was to have a new friend, LOL. Too funny.

He has settled in well and aside from the expected adjustment issues there is nothing we cannot work with using positive reinforcement training. He joined us on our regular 5 km (often 10 km) walk/run on Monday and today. Every time Pete would point (which he does at just about everything, LOL) Leif got very excited. With time I hope he will be able to run off leash with Pete on our trail walks/runs. We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful trail system (no motorized vehicles permitted) on the island. It is a great place to exercise dogs.

Leif is also enjoying raiding the doggie toy box. Pete is an ungrateful Britt :) and constantly empties it out but never quite finds the perfect toy. I guess that is his way of telling me he wants new stuff! However Leif thinks the toys are just wonderful and is having a blast discovering all the new (to him) treasures. Maybe Pete will learn something from this!

Kenney the cat is pretty cool with all animals that enter our home and Leif is no exception. It is like he has always lived here. Leif sniffs Kenney and Kenney talks to him and rubs up against him, I couldn’t ask for better than that.

I have attached a picture of the boys relaxing on their beds. Life is good!

Thanks again for your dedication and compassion. Please continue your good work!

Carolyn

P.S. The boys just finished a very entertaining wrestling match and although Pete has 20 pounds on Leif and is about 4 inches taller...Leif certainly held his own! Way to go Leif, Petey plays rough :)