March 2017 - In This Issue:
SUPPORT ABR

 
   
Thanks to our 442 supporters! ABR's grand total is currently at $10,735.50 since joining iGive.com

Get your iGive button at https://www.igive.com/button/

Recruit friends who join and shop by 3/31 and iGive will donate a $5 referral bonus for American Brittany Rescue.

CHECK OUT THESE OFFERS through the iGive button:

 
  
TaxAct 
6% Donation
104 Supporters
$5347.33 since joining
 
What is GoodShop? 
We like to say that we have the most powerful coupons in the world.

Not only do we provide the best shopping deals on the internet, but we also make a donation to the nonprofit or school of your choice for almost every purchase you make. That's right: when you shop with Goodshop you don't just save. You also give, at no extra cost.

Search with GoodSearch and raise a penny with each unique click.

Coupons available for websites like:
 
 


 
Amazon Smile has raised $3766.24 since joining!

 
Do you feed your dog (or cat) Natural Balance?  If so, you can help ABR!  Natural Balance will issue a refund check directly to ABR for every 50 receipts with UPC's that we submit. 


THIS IS IMPORTANT
 
We must have both the store receipt showing the NB purchase plus the official UPC (the one that shows the flavor and bag weight, ie Sweet Potato & Fish, 28 lbs.). 

If you are able to help us, please send an email to:
[email protected]
For instructions as to where to send the receipts/UPC's and for any additional information you need.  
Update: FootballMania
2017 Tickets 
426 - paper tickets
384 - electronic tickets
TOTAL:  810
(Winning Tickets - $560 with a $10 donation) 

Football Mania raised $3,375 for American Brittany Rescue!

Thank you to the following who went above and beyond to sell tickets:
Joe Flaherty
Mary Schuler
Diana Doiron
Cecelia Stottlemyer
Karen Bazner
Annie Gasparotto
Jackie Albers
Cheryl Lopez
Stacy Messer
Terry Mixdorf
Jeanette Seely
Marilyn Lombardi
Julie Thomas

We have participated in this fundraiser for eight years and over that time period raised $42,623 for American Brittany Rescue. Thanks to our wonderful supporters!
If you prefer to personally make donations to non-profits, there is still time to add ABR to your non-profit giving. We are an IRS registered 501(c)(3) so 100% of your monetary gift is qualified. You know the great work we do. Our volunteer board is results-driven with huge hearts and our volunteer network is one of the best in the nation.

Again, no matter how you can give, your gifts are always appreciated and always working for our Brittanys.

Thank you.
HEALTH NOTES WITH DR. HEATHER
Pearly Whites - Dental Health of Your Brittany
It's time to discuss pet dental health. Dental disease can cause pain and chronic inflammation if not addressed. Like human dental health, animal dental health involves involves professional care and care at home.

Brushing your dog's teeth daily with a specific doggie tooth paste is the best way the prevent gum disease, plaque and tartar build up. Brushing your dog's teeth daily or at least 3 times a week is best to decrease the buildup of plaque and prevent periodontal disease. Statistics from the American Veterinarian Association indicate that by 3 years old 80% of dogs have periodontal disease.

To start brushing teeth introduce your pet to the toothpaste flavor by offering a small amount to taste. Using a soft finger brush, or my favorite a square of gauze, gently rub along the gum line in the front and work your way around back. It may take several sessions over a period of time to teach your dog to tolerate this and get into the habit. It will get easier and some dogs will certainly tolerate it better than others. Brushing will not remove the tartar that is there, but it will help prevent progression of dental disease. If the mouth if painful it needs to be evaluated by a veterinarian.
 
PLANNED GIVING OPPORTUNITY
American Brittany Rescue is a
501(c)(3) organization. Our mission is to provide the leadership and expertise via a network of trained volunteers to take in stray, abandoned, surrendered and/or impounded purebred Brittanys, provide them with foster care, health and temperament screening, an opportunity for any necessary rehabilitation, and to ensure their health and placement into new homes.
 
Check our website to find more giving opportunities...
   
We would be honored to share your love and appreciation of our mission through your gift to our general fund, Brittany Buddy fund or a specific fund in keeping with our mission and/or location.
 
DO YOU HAVE A BRITTANY STORY TO SHARE?
We are always interested in your stories. Of course, we love the success stories, but we also want to hear about problems you and your Britt have worked through. How does your Brittany enjoy the upcoming holidays? (Easter, Memorial Day, and the Fourth of July are around the corner.) Any new adventure?  Does your Brittany have any special talents? Send it all to [email protected].
 
 

Facebook Icon Follow us on Facebook for more great stories and photos!

 
  
 

 
       
 
BRITTANY FEATURE FOSTERS
Please Consider Adopting One of These Wonderful Brittanys
By Melissa Tapply
 
These wonderful Brittanys are currently available for adoption.
Click on their name more information, and if you think your family is a good fit please complete an adoption application here .
 
 
  Sunny (Georgia):   This silly and personable 1-year-old boy has been through a lot but he is doing great! He is looking for a home with an experienced dog owner, a tall fence, and another dog to help with his anxiety. Can you give Sunny a forever home and help him shine?
 
 
Captain (Utah):  Meet Captain, a typical Brittany. He has energy to run and play when outside, but is really mellow when in the house. So far he seems to be house trained and crate trained....that is, he is fine when in his crate, but it takes a tussle sometimes to get him to go in. He is great with other dogs, small children and even the feisty resident poodle. Could you sail away with him?

   
  Jackson (North Carolina):  We all deserve a 2nd chance. Jackson deserves a 2nd chance at being loved, cuddled, appreciated and to hear the words "good dog". Jackson is a rambunctious senior Brittany, who is well-socialized and loves people.  He needs guidance with his enthusiast personality, but he has a willingness to please.  Can you be the person that gives Jackson that chance?? 
 
Hagen (TX):   Hagen is a friendly, affectionate boy, used to being mainly indoors. He's housetrained, and loves being an indoor/outdoor dog with his foster parents and their Brits. A typical Brit, he is high energy, chases squirrels, then crashes for long naps.  Hagen's perfect home is with adults or family with teens, but no babies, toddlers or young children. He is great with other dogs, male and female. Could you be Hagen's "Forever HUMAN?" 
 
CHIPPY - AN ABR SUCCESS STORY
From North of the 49th Parallel
Submitted by Michele and Mitch Claveau

 
Those of us who understand what a dog brings into our lives also know how important it is to find the right fit, for the sake of all.

As each furbaby crosses the "rainbow bridge," a hole is left in the heart, and as the hurt of the loss subsides, looking for the next "right fit" becomes a calling. However, it can be tough, eh? Having had two Brittany's previously, I knew that was the breed I loved and that fit my life - activity level, size, grooming, personality. What's not to love about a Britt?!

For me, as serving military, it's always a dance with planning and timing to integrate a new dog into the family. I expect everyone has concerns and considerations like this so I won't be too presumptuous, but suffice to say, it can be tricky to put it all together. And a puppy is not always the answer.

ABR was the perfect enabler to find my "right-fit Britt": the breed I love; an adult dog vice puppy; young enough to help me transition out of the military and to move across the country; one that can put up with my old cat; one that likes long walks in the bush; one that likes to cuddle and help me keep my head on straight; and of course one that needs a forever home.

Did I mention I live in Canada (eh)? I've lived in four countries, having dogs with me for a large part of my 35+ years in the Air Force, so I have a pretty good understanding of how geography and travel can impact a dog's quality of life.

I quickly and happily discovered ABR extends to Canada as well, and while the Canada rep is in California, Robin quickly responded to my application and questions, assuring me that when the right fit was found, anything could be worked out. That said, geography (more to the point, distance) does matter, and a few previous tries determined I was not the right fit (geographically); but that's ok. ABR fosters were quick and honest in response, and never discouraged me from my search just because I lived four hours (straight) north of Fargo, North Dakota.

So I kept surfing the site nightly. Reading the Happy Tails and Facebook posts was heartwarming as I watched for my right-fit Britt. This is where ABR Foster Family Dan and Kris Thomas from Humeston, Iowa entered the picture and brought CHIPPY into my life.

Dan responded to my query the same evening, and we connected on Facebook so they could get a sense of whether I would be a good mom to CHIPPY. After some messaging and a phone call, not only did they confirm I would be blessed with CHIPPY, but agreed to an adoption date that ensured I would be done with my military travel, and to meet me well more than halfway, in Fargo, North Dakota. This was a 3-4 hour drive for me, but an 8-9 hour drive for them! I was pretty sure at this point I was dreaming. Dan put it best: my proverbial tail was wagging furiously with excitement.

So there we were in a parking lot at the Flying J in south Fargo. Dan and Kris were amazing. All the paperwork was done and so complete and perfect that it took less than five minutes at the border heading north. And they were so patient as my attention span had completely regressed in my excitement!

I think I make this sound simple. It was from my end, but I know it is not that easy. It is clear that the dedication of ABR and ABR foster families goes above and beyond to rescue these beautiful, charming and full-of-life Britts. The ABR foster worked hard to make sure I was the right fit for CHIPPY, to meet the demands of distance, timeline and customs, and to follow-up in ensuring all was going well with my new shadow. CHIPPY is everything ABR and the ABR foster family said he is, and then some. He is the perfect emotional support animal.
 
Thank you so much to ABR and foster family Dan and Kris Thomas in Iowa for bringing CHIPPY into my life.


HAPPY TAILS
 
Congratulations to these Brittanys who joined their forever families over the last month!

Ruckus, CA
Cider aka Whiner, CA
Max, CA
Brooke, IA
Sadie, IA
Lindsey, IL
Eliza, IL
Buster, NY 
Gracie, MI
Lady, MO
Tucker, TN
Shiloh, VA
Angel, VA
Sammy, WI
Chippy, MO
Capone, IL 
               
 
California ABR Event
Mark your calendars for April 29th.
Come for a Santa Maria BBQ, a huge raffle, and the opportunity to buy items from the ABR boutique. All volunteers and adopters are invited.
It's a great day for everyone!
Location:  El Chorro Park (2990 Dairy Creek Rd. San Luis Obispo CA 93401
Time:  10am to 4pm
GRAIN-FREE LIVER BISCOTTI
Your Britt may require a grain-free diet for many reasons. It can be frustrating and/or time-consuming searching out a treat that can be offered without concern. Here is one easy answer:

INGREDIENTS: 
  • 1 pound (2 cups) beef liver
  • 2 eggs
  • 1-1/2 cups garbanzo bean flour*
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS:
  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
  • Puree liver with the eggs in a food processor.
  • Add this mixture to the flour in a large bowl and stir in the cheese Mix well. (May be done in a heavy-duty food processor.)
  • Turn out onto a greased baking sheet, non-stick foil or greased parchment paper and form into a loaf about 3 inches across.
  • Bake for about 25 minutes-until firm on top.
  • Remove from the oven and cool.
  • When cool enough to handle remove from sheet, turn over and peel off foil or parchment paper.
  • Cut into 1/3 to 1/2 -inch slices.
For soft treats:
your work is done-refrigerate for up to one week or freeze.

For crunchy treats:
return the slices to the oven at 150 degrees for three hours or until the treats are hard and crunchy.
 
Twice-baked treats can be stored at room temperature in a loosely covered** container.
 
*Can be purchased via Amazon for $7-10 (about 50 cents per ounce)
**Tightly covered biscuits are more likely to mold.
 
***Adapted from You Bake 'Em Dog Biscuits Cookbook by Janine Adams

ABOUT THE AMERICAN BRITTANY RESCUE

American Brittany Rescue, Inc. is an organization that was formed in 1991 as a cooperative effort of Brittany owners, breeders, trainers, and fanciers who ABR believes have a responsibility not only for their own dogs and the dogs they produce, but for the breed as a whole.

THE AMERICAN BRITTANY RESCUE MISSION

ABR's mission is to provide the leadership and expertise via a network of trained volunteers to take in stray, abandoned, surrendered and/or impounded purebred Brittanys, provide them with foster care, health and temperament screening, an opportunity for any necessary rehabilitation and to assure their health and placement into new homes. In order to fulfill this mission, ABR's volunteers remain flexible and adaptable to current and future business environments and they remain dedicated to the organization.
   
 
 
ABR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Terry Mixdorf, President
Tina Leone, Vice-President/Co-Treasurer
Michelle Falkinburg, Secretary
Diana Doiron, Co-Treasurer
Robin Egan, Chair
Tiffany Dexter
Terrie Johnson
Nancy Hensley
Monica Rutt
Maria Smith
 

AMERICAN BRITTANY RESCUE E-NEWSLETTER TEAM
 
Jeannine Connors
Patricia Gillogly
Heather Kernan, DVM
Melissa Tapply
Maria Smith
Tina Leone