October 2017 - In This Issue:
SUPPORT ABR
For several years, Mariann Jackson has handcrafted a unique and original design quilt to be raffled for American Brittany Rescue.  The 2017 design was created by Lucy Harwell Duncan.  This year's quit is 52X38 and has hanging strips for displaying the quilt.  You can purchase tickets at www.americanbrittanyrescue.org
   
Each raffle ticket is $5.  The raffle closes on November 1st, 2017 and the drawing will take place at American Brittany Club Nationals on November 18th, 2017.   

Support ABR through this popular fundraiser!  

UPCOMING EVENTS
American Brittany Club National Specialty  
November 15th-19th, 2017
 
Location : State Fair Park -- Kay Rodgers Park - Expo Center 4400 Midland Boulevard, Fort Smith, AR

For more information, please visit the American Brittany Club website.

BRITTANY'S IN THE NEWS
Brittany is #2 in Field & Stream's 21 Greatest Gun Dogs Contest

W hen a pointer streaks across a stubble field like a bolt of white lightning...when a Lab vaults into cold water that would stop your heart and churns toward a fallen greenhead...when a springer spaniel levitates from the switchgrass, jaws snapping at a pheasant's tail feathers...when a pack of blueticks strike scent, and the night suddenly throbs with their urgent music...

Whenever and wherever we hunt with dogs, we engage in a partnership that spans tens of thousands of years-a partnership so intimate and mutually beneficial that we've essentially co-evolved...

 

 
GADGETS FOR DOGS
and Human Companions

There is a huge market for dog gadgets. Many are useful to our dogs, our fast-paced life, and worth the investment, but some make you pause and wonder... is that real?
 
Dog Bowl Water Bottle created by Gary Ross   Running, fetching, and showering your human with love can be thirsty work. Designed just for dogs, this water bottle keeps your canine companion well hydrated on the go. With just a squeeze of the bottle, the attached dish fills with water at an inviting height for dogs to drink. This patented design is leak-proof and excess water drains back into the bottle to minimize waste. The adjustable velcro strap lets you attach the bottle to a backpack, belt, or wrist. Fits any standard car cup holder for easy one-handed access when driving. Food safe and BPA free.
 
 
 
Dog Seat Belt
   
Clickit Sport by Sleepypod is the next generation dog safety harness. A new design makes it light and easy to use, without sacrificing safety. Visually intuitive, Clickit Sport is packed with state of the art technology that is the result of a dedicated 2«-year engineering effort by Sleepypod's design team. Clickit Sport was then rigorously tested, to include the same dynamic crash testing that ensures the performance of child safety restraints. A patent pending Infinity Loop design eliminates the need for strength-rated, steel hardware. This Infinity Loop webbing design, in combination with a padded vest, work together to distribute and reduce damaging forces that can cause injury. Like Clickit Utility, Clickit Sport comes with three points of contact for the most advanced pet safety restraint technology. The three points of contact reduce forward and lateral movement in the event of a collision or sudden stop, protecting a pet that can become a deadly missile that potentially endangers human passengers
 
Dogbrella
Head out into the rain with a Dogbrella-an inverse umbrella one points downwards towards your dog. With a Dogbrella your pooch will stay dry. It doesn't matter that you may be soaked though...
 
 
 
 
 
Door Protector
- Avoid scratches on your door or muddy paw prints with a door protector. You can purchase HERE or this may be something you can make yourself! 

  
 
 
Help you children learn to feed the dog with this cool reminder - Membo
 
Membo is a daily reminder tool that flips over to let everyone know if a job has been done yet. Whether it's feeding the dog, cat, fish or turtle, watering the plants or taking your daily pills, when today's task is done just flip today's tile over on your Membo. Done!
 
 
 
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.
 
ON THE GO - BACKPACKING ADVENTURES
Content adapted from Hike Now, Work Later.
The leaves are changing and there is a crisp cool breeze calling you to the trail, but you would not dare go without your four legged Brittany companion. Many owners bring their dogs on the trail and they have a list of "must pack" items to make life easier on the both human and dog. Here are a few tips, if you are thinking about backpacking this fall season.
 
Dog Pack
Yes, your dog can tote his gear, rather than adding weight to your load. Many outdoor stores carry dog packs, but be sure to get the right fit and weight for your dog. Generally, it is suggested that a dog can carry up to a third of their body weight. Another advantage of the dog pack is that it will slow the energetic Brittany breed down on the trial, so you can set a good human pace, rather than dog pace while hiking.
 
 
Water 
Not all water in the wilderness is good for a dog to drink, so having fresh water with meals and on "water" breaks is a good idea. There are various water bottles that are soft, so you can stuff it in the pack better, such as Platypus SoftBottles .
 
And speaking of water, you will need a bowl:
The best option is a collapsible bowl because it is light and easy to serve both water and food. You can use the same bowl for water and feeding too.
 
Food :
Hiking can build up an appetite in humans and that is not any different for your dog too. Dogs will need more food when burning more calories. When packing food, generally think that your dog will need 50% to 100% more food than normal, depending on your hike and the terrain. Additionally, it is a good idea to bring snacks and treats for supplemental nutrients through the day.  
 
Sleeping Pad or Sleeping Bag :
Will your dog naturally sleep on the ground? You probably don't want to find out the hard way... sharing a sleeping bag with your dog may sound fun but a sleeping bag is very much different from your king size bed at home!
 
Jacket and boots :
Waterproof jacket is key and the jacket will help your furry friend retain heat at dusk and throughout the night. The temperate at night can be very extreme regardless of the nice weather during the day. As for boots, you will definitely need to break in any type of footwear, but this can help a dog who hasn't developed callouses that protect his or her feet.
 
Medicine and First Aid Kit :
Do not forget your dog's heartworm medication or any other medicine that you dog takes on a regular bases. There are many dog first aid kits available, so make sure you look at all the contents. Benadryl and Athletic tape are recommended. Athletic tape will help with any open wounds that may occur while hiking.
 
Finally, Tecnu or similar soap:
Backpacking in the woods means your dog is exposed to poison ivy, oak, and sumac. It is a good idea to use tecnu before your dog shares a tent with you at night.
 
Of course, there are other resources to make your hike with your dog enjoyable, but this list can at least be a starting point to plan a perfect backpacking hike this fall.
 
Do not forget to share you hiking picture with American Brittany Rescue. We want to see your Brittany out on the trail. Please send those photos to social.networks@americanbrittanyrescue.org .
 
ON THE GO - FLIGHTS, PASSPORTS, AND MORE
 
When researching our international rescues, the ABR team found one website to be very useful - www.pettravelstore.com . Each of our international rescues needed an airline specific cargo crate and Pet Travel Store had the required crates, plus there is a detailed guide to order the correct size crate. Additionally, this site offers the option to order individual airline forms which outlines airline pet policies from each company and specific country's pet passport documentation for travel.   Overall, this is a great resource for our "on the go" Brittanys and thanks to our International Program team for sharing their "on the go" tips.
PUMPKIN:  DOGS LOVE IT
Source d from Vanessa Baked www.vanessabaked.com
 
Loaded with nutrients and flavor, pumpkin can add flavor and aroma to your dog's diet. Search online and dozens of recipes for wet food and treats abound. This is one is simple and offers an opportunity to include cooks of all ages and skills. They may be cut with cookie cutters or simply cut into squares.   

All baked treats keep best when completely baked, so test for that crunch when broken. Allow the treats to remain in the oven overnight. The slightly warm temperature helps to stabilize the treats without absorbing additional moisture. Keeping them in the refrigerator will maximize the shelf life, as if that is going to be a problem.
 
 
PUMPKIN DOG TREATS 
    1/2 cup pureed pumpkin  
    1 egg  
     1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
 
 
STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350F degrees.  Get out a cookie sheet, lined with a non-stick cooking mat.  Set aside.   

STEP TWO:
Whisk the egg and pureed pumpkin together, in a medium mixing bowl.  Add the flour and mix into a dough.  Once a dough is formed, flour your work su rface.  Roll out dough to a ¼- inch thickness.  Cut out shapes and place on cookie sheet. Re-roll any remaining pieces and finish cutting out shapes.  

STEP THREE:
Place cookie sheet in oven and bake for 40 minutes.  Make sure they are nice and crunchy, once they have cooled.  Allow to fully cool before giving to your dog.  

NOTES:  I
f the treats aren't crunchy, just place bake in the oven for 5 -10 minutes and allow to cool.  Break a treat in half to check for crunchiness.
 
TRANSPORT TALES: "EVERY ONE IS MEMORABLE"
by Melissa Tapply
Bazners Hank and Brinkley
Bazners, Hank, and Brinkley

W
hen you read about our fosters, you may hear about how and why they came to ABR, how they are adjusting to life in their foster home, what kind of forever home they are looking for, and then their adoption success stories. What you don't often hear about is how they got from there to here. Whether they are owner surrenders, stray pickups, shelter pulls, or dogs traveling from foster care to their forever home, our volunteers are ready-- often at a moment's notice-- to transport our Brittanys to their new beginning.
 
Transport volunteers dedicate not only time and miles, but also plenty of flexibility and compassion. They frequently have very little information about the dogs waiting for them. Karen and Bill Bazner, ABR transport volunteers since 2007, once received a call that a breeder had passed away and an unknown number of dogs needed rescuing. They knew nothing else. They called their vet who cleared her schedule for them. Karen and Bill took two separate cars and a supply of collars and leads to the farm where six unsocialized Brittanys awaited. Some of the Brittanys had never been outside of the barn where they were housed two to a stall. Some had never walked on grass, and they needed to be carried. Karen and Bill brought them to the vet and then to a kennel, and within days they delivered them in four different directions to their new safe and loving homes.
 
Speckles Meeting Her New Family
Speckles Meeting her New Family
 
Karen and Bill Bazner have countless transport tales, all unique and memorable. They became involved as transport volunteers when they adopted their Brittany Blackie from ABR in 2007. They had driven from their hometown of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania to Michigan to pick up Blackie. Since her adoption, whenever their state coordinator sends out a call for transport volunteers, they jump on the chance.
 
Since 2007, the Bazners have done about eight to ten transports per year. Often they will drive more than one leg of the transport route, because it is easier on the dogs who can take some time to get settled in the car. Bill was a driver in his previous job, so he is used to the long hours on the road.
 
Lexi After Rescue From Kentucky Shelter
The longest and perhaps one of the most memorable transports they did was for Lexi, who was hit by a car on Christmas Eve and brought to animal control in Lexington, Kentucky. As soon as she was cleared for release from the shelter, the Bazners were on their way. They pulled her from the shelter and drove her to their home for an overnight stay, and then on to her adoptive home in Scranton, Pennsylvania. It was a 14-hour roundtrip transport from Kentucky, but Lexi made each minute worth it. She was so happy to get out of the shelter and on her way to a better life. The Bazners didn't know it then, but Lexi was also on her way to better the lives of several members of her new family who would need comfort in difficult times ahead. "It was meant to be," says Bill.
 
The Bazners believe that there is a reason each dog they transport comes into their life. A year and half ago, they picked up a young Brittany named Brinkley who was surrendered because he was "untrainable." They fostered him for a few weeks only to learn that he was not untrainable - he was just a Brittany puppy needing some patience, understanding, and consistency. The Bazners ended up adopting Brinkley, a good boy and a wonderful family member who often accompanies them on their transports.
 
Brinkley wasn't the first transport dog the Bazners adopted. A few days after their beloved Blackie passed away, they got a call for an emergency transport and foster for a 13-year-old dog named Candy whose neighbor was trying to poison her. When they arrived, Candy and the Bazner's dog Angel played for three hours. When it was time to go, Bill gave Angel the "kennel" command and she jumped in the car. Candy jumped right in the car with Angel. The Bazners called their state coordinator on the way home and said they were adopting her.
 
Buddy, Rhett, Speckles, Hank, Gunner, Rocky, Rufus, Alex, Bella- these dogs are only a few of the lucky ones to have the Bazners on their team. As for the volunteer who transports, Bill says the reward comes from the dogs you help to make their way to their second chance.
 
 
Alex After Transport
Alex After Transport
 
Rhett In His New Home
Rhett In His New Home
 
Bella Meeting Her New Parents
Bella Meeting Her New Parents
Buddy Meeting His New Family
Buddy Meeting His New Family
 
Rufus at Home After Transport
Rufus at Home After Transport
Rocky and Gunner on Transport
Rocky & Gunner on Transport
 
 
BRITTANY FEATURE FOSTERS
Adopt a Brittany
by Melissa Tapply
 "Rescuing one dog will not change the world.... But for that dog the world will be forever changed."  
 
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. 
 
Wesley (Utah): All legs and typical young Brittany energy, 10-month-old Wesley is sure to bring some fun to his new home! This sweet guy is a diamond in the rough in need of some guidance, but learning the rules will come easy to this smart boy!
  

  Ari (New York):Don't let his senior status fool you! This 9-year-old boy has the exuberance of a young Brittany. Rescued from Serbia, Ari is still learning what it's like to live in a home, but he loves his people and is eager to please them. Give him plenty of attention and ear scratches, and he will repay you with a chin on your knee and unmeasured love!
  
Beautiful, sweet Ellie has PERFECT house manners and the potential to be a wonderful hunting buddy! She loves walks, playing with her toys, and chasing chipmunks in the yard. She is looking for someone with the patience to show her how safe and special the human bond can be.
 
    Indy(Arizona):Beautiful 4-year-old Indy is looking for a home where her people can spend time with her giving her the love she so deserves. She would love to have a boyfriend to play with, too, and perhaps someone who can show her how to be a hunting dog!
  
   
CLICK HERE FOR A FULL LIST OF AVAILABLE DOGS...
HAPPY TAILS
 
Congratulations to these Brittanys who joined their forever families over the last month!

Asher, IL
Beau, MO
Daisy, UT
Dapple, NE
Doc, OK
Fritzie, MI
Hattie, ND
Jackson, NC
Joey, MS
Kacie, NE
 
Katy, MI
Keltee fka Eve, WV
Kosmo, CA
Lily, NJ
Linquinni, IL
Max, NE
Otis, MN
Penny, IL
Rebel, SC
 
DOOBERT - ANIMAL RESCUE MADE SIMPLE
by Maria Smith
 
Talk about dogs on the go... that is the power of Doobert's technology. Doobert is an online resource that provides "safe, reliable transport" for animals in need. Since its creation, Doobert has completed 1,796 transports, rescued 3,620 animals, and have over 14,000 registered volunteers.

Most recently, Doobert helped the victims of Hurricane Harvey reunite with their four-legged family members. As featured on the Doobert success stories webpage: "Luna was one of the hundreds of pets at the shelter waiting for her family. Using the Find My Lost Pet website, Luna's family saw her picture and knew right away it was her. They contacted the volunteers at NRG Arena who we worked with to set up a transport to get Luna home.

The transport was quickly filled by a dedicated couple, Laura and Jeff, who drove the entire transport, over 100 miles. On Saturday, September 30, Laura and Jeff drove to the NRG Arena to pick up Luna and start her journey home! Laura said that Luna was an absolute angel during the transport and was such a sweetheart. Luna enjoyed the drive even though they were stuck behind a 10-car pileup on the way to College Station, Texas. Luna seemed to enjoy the calmness of the ride with the quiet conversations they had with her and soft music playing. This was a far cry from the NRG Arena with over 500 rescues still waiting to go home.

Luna's family was elated that they were going to see her very soon as they said, 'The family is in delighted shock that we finally get to see our precious Luna! Thank you and your organization immensely for this gift!' Luna had a warm welcome home with endless hugs and love. She is now safe at home with her family."

Another special puppy appropriately named "Doobert" was featured in the Puppy Bowl, a deaf English Pointer puppy was transported through this online system and other resources. Doobert, the magic of Facebook, and Transport4Rescue worked together to get Doobert over 1,000 miles from Savonburg, Kansas to Troy, Virginia to his new rescue and then he became famous in the Puppy Bowl!

The internet is a powerful tool in helping rescue organizations and Doobert is one of several resources available. If you are interested in learning more about Doobert, please visit www.doobert.com and you are encouraged to do your own research before volunteering or using any internet based transportation assistance.

In closing, you may be wondering about American Brittany Rescue's transportation process called the Brittany Express. While we do offer limited transportation, the Brittany Express is restricted to some of the following circumstances:

  • Volunteers (Some regions and transportation routes do not have the necessary ABR volunteers to complete transports.)
     
  • Adoptive Family (ABR prefers for the adoptive family to provide a reasonable amount of travel to pick up a Brittany. Overall, we can not guarantee transportation accommodations to a potential adoptive family.)
     
  • Safety (Transportations can be precarious for certain dogs. Many of our rescued Brittanys may have anxiety, fear, or are not good candidates for long travel. ABR always wants to ensure the safety of a dog; therefore, the Brittany Express may not be an option for a particular dog.)
If you are interested in volunteering for the Brittany Express, please complete an online volunteer application HERE.

Thank you to all our Brittany Express volunteers who donate their time, gas, and car mileage to make a Brittany's dream come true!
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
Melissa Tapply
Maria Smith
Tina Leone