AMERICAN BRITTANY RESCUE NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 2023 | |
|
HENRI'S JOURNEY HOME
by Tracy Ortiz
| |
|
I lost the two very dear fur loves of my life (superhero dachshunds Gracie and Emma Jo) about a year apart and grieved for another year before I decided they would want me to shower my extra love on another rescue. I also wanted a canine companion for my chiweenie, Izzy.
After several unsuccessful attempts to adopt from agencies and individuals looking to rehome dogs, I started combing the shelters and rescues. I was committed to getting another special-needs dog that would otherwise have difficulty getting adopted. I searched several rescues and visited several facilities without luck. After many disappointments, I decided I would put my search on hold.
And then came Saturday August 6, 2022. After another unsuccessful visit to the Henry County shelter, I went to the Butts County animal control shelter as my LAST attempt...
In the very back of the building, in the very last kennel, were two of the prettiest Brittanys I had ever seen. As I power-walked to their kennel, I noticed that one was having difficulty standing and kept falling over. I looked into those eyes and that face and fell in love. I knew that THIS sweet guy was going to come home with me!
I understood that Henri had neurological issues with a few possible causes, but we were not entirely sure the exact cause. The only thing I was sure about is that this sweet-faced pumpkin was going to be mine.
As I started the adoption process with Butts Mutts, American Brittany Rescue reached out to help. They had taken in Henri’s siblings. I was terrified that if I decided to relinquish Henri to ABR and become his foster, instead of him being mine outright, that they would pull him from my care, and I absolutely did not want that. But I knew Henri needed the help, and so I became Henri’s foster. Bringing ABR into our world has been the BEST decision I could have made!
Immediately, ABR helped arrange all of the vet appointments so he could be evaluated to determine what was causing his uncontrollable shaking and the wobbling ‘sidewinder’ gait. After visits with local vets and still no answers, off we went to the fabulous world of the University Of Georgia Veterinary Medicine Hospital. Henri was diagnosed with cerebellar abiotrophy. Our neurologist shared that the majority of canines with this diagnosis are euthanized due to the progressive nature of the condition. However, I said “no way Jose” to this treatment plan and never looked back!
Henri has been on the road to health for the past year, focusing on nutrition, supplementation, exercise, and LOVE; he is doing GREAT! He is enjoying all the best that life has to offer. Some of his greatest pleasures include chomping on ice cubes, watermelon, hunting yard critters, and the cats at the groomer. He adores all of the special people in his life, big and small, and being the center of attention is one of his most favorite things! Henri is loved by all—neighbors, family, other animals, and of course by me—his proud mommy!!!
| |
We're having so much fun celebrating those funny and quirky things our Brittanys do that make us love them extra. More coming next month! Keep us smiling and submit your Quirky Britt photos to: social.networks@americanbrittanyrescue.org | |
Mo Resting Up for a Big Hunt | |
|
PHOTOS OF THE MONTH
BRITTANYS KEEPING COOL
| |
Billie never passes up a cooling mud bath! | |
Touche' on Coronado Island | |
Penny and Gili cooling their paws | |
Kayden chooses A/C to keep his belly cool | |
Derrick in Carmen Reservoir, Oregon | |
Remy is as cool as it gets in Florida | |
SHARE YOUR PHOTOS FOR SEPTEMBER! | |
|
HEALTH CORNER
JOINT HEALTH & ARTHRITIS
| |
|
As our dogs age, their chances of having mobility issues increases. It is estimated that one in three dogs suffers from arthritis. There are other joint problems that can affect younger dogs too, either from injury or issues that exist at birth.
How can I help prevent my dog from getting joint disease?
-
Keep your dog at a healthy body weight and body condition. Extra body weight adds stress to the joints.
-
Talk to your vet about switching to a senior diet as your dog ages. They often contain ingredients to support joint health, such as greater levels of omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, and EPA which help reduce inflammation in the body.
What are signs of joint issues?
Because our dogs can’t tell us how they feel, this test can help determine if your dog may be in pain. Signs of joint issues include:
- Difficulty getting up and a lying down
- Reluctance to use stairs
- Reduced stamina on walks
- Change in gate or walking speed during walks
- Difficulty jumping
What can I do to help my dog if he shows signs of joint issues?
-
Make a vet appointment, especially if you are noticing pain and seeing impacts on your Britt’s everyday activity. Your vet may prescribe pain medication, generally non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), to help your Britt’s quality of life.
-
There are many supplements and diets that have specific nutrients that support joint health. Talk to your vet about before giving supplements if your pet is on medication.
What about more advanced therapies?
- The good news is that there are now more treatment options for our Britt’s than ever before!
-
Acupuncture may provide pain relief
-
Physical therapy/rehab may help. Many large vet clinics and university clinics have equipment such as hydrotherapy underwater treadmills and therapeutic lasers.
-
Swimming provides excellent, easy-on-the-joints exercise—and many Britts enjoy it!
Resources:
Arthritis in Dogs
Canine Arthritis Website
Canine Rehab Institute
| |
|
Buddy (#10810) - TX - 5 mos.:
Buddy is a sweet, happy, active and social boy – Brittany puppy through and through! He’s about 85% housebroken and learning fast from his foster fur-siblings. He’s learning sit and shake, and he’s trying really, really hard not to jump on people! Buddy has a skin and eye condition (both genetic) that require him to be in a warmer climate (no snow), wear sunscreen, and have daily eye drops. His perfect home will be one where his family is active, vigilant about protecting his skin, and committed to continuing his training so he can grow up to be a happy, healthy and well-behaved guy. It would be awesome if he had another dog to hang out with and a person who enjoys fetch as much as he does!
Adopt Buddy
| |
|
Dexter (#10830) - IL - 2 y/o:
Looking for a companion to give agility trials a try or perhaps a hunting buddy to add to the party? Dexter’s your guy! Dexter is a gorgeous young boy looking for an active family who will keep him busy. He has ENERGY to burn! He’s still learning leash manners (he’s strong!) and he needs slow intros to other dogs because he enjoys rough-housing. (Do you get the idea?!) Dexter is very smart and also a great cuddler once he gets to know you. If you have a 5-foot fence and some time to spend with this awesome kid, complete an adoption application to set up a meet and greet!
Adopt Dexter
| |
|
Ollie (#10699) - CT - 4 y/o:
Ollie is such a great boy! He needs an active family that can keep up with his Brittany energy. He would do great with agility or scent work. Ollie needs a job to keep him busy! He is learning to be a good boy on a leash. Ollie’s loves include: people, sleeping with his humans, daily car rides to the local dog park, and the canine companionship of the resident Brittanys in his foster home. A home with another dog would be best!
Adopt Ollie
| |
|
Emma (#10874) - NC - 3 y/o:
This fun and spunky girl loves people and attention. She’s lived with other dogs and a cat, so with a proper intro, she could go to a home with other pets. (Uh, no chickens though!) Emma is working on all of her good girl skills, and she is doing well. More than anything, Emma wants a very best friend who will love and cherish her
Adopt Emma
| |
|
Buck (#10873) - NC - 4 y/o:
Looking for an adventure partner? Meet Buck! He’s an active boy who enjoys being outside with his people. He could bird-watch all day long! Buck has been bounced around quite a bit in the last few months. He is looking forward to settling into a forever home with a family who will continue to work with him and show him how great the world can be. With consistency and love, this boy will shine!
Adopt Buck
| |
Are you looking to adopt a Brittany but don't see one available in your area? |
We welcome you to complete an adoption application to start the approval process, so you will be ready to adopt when the time comes!
| | | |
BRITTANYS THAT HAVE CROSSED THE RAINBOW BRIDGE | |
ATTENTION SHOPPERS!
The ABR Merchandise Store team is looking for some suggestions of new items to be made available for sale. What Brittany-themed items would you be interested in purchasing from our website? Hats, home items, toys, blankets, beds or other things for your Britts, jewelry, clothing, other fun or useful things? If you’ve purchased similar items from other websites and would like to see them available from ABR to help support all of our efforts, we would LOVE to know what you bought. Please send your ideas or suggestions to the following e-mail address:
becksbritts@comcast.net
We will review your submissions and work on updating our store items prior to the holiday season. Thank you so much!
| | |
|
|
Keep up-to-date on dog food and treat recalls on DogFoodAdvisor.com. You can also sign up to have recall alerts delivered to your inbox! | | | |
|
VOLUNTEER WITH US!
Volunteering with ABR can take shape in many ways...
Arrange pick-ups from shelters
Call prospective adopters
Transport Brittanys closer to their foster or forever homes
Foster to help a Brittany learn what it means to be a member of a family
Provide outreach so ABR can help even more Brittanys
Each and every role not only fulfills a need, but fills a heart!
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
| | | |
|
ABOUT 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
Michelle Falkinburg, Vice President
Joe Herslip, Secretary
Terrie Johnson, Treasurer
Sandra Oelschlegel, Chair
Deb Grove
Melissa Tapply DiLello
Wendy Boyce
Becca Whitley
AMERICAN BRITTANY RESCUE E-NEWSLETTER TEAM
Brittany Boler
Jeannine Connors
Judie Cutting
Kristin Davis
Rebecca Sweet
Melissa Tapply DiLello
Debra White
| | | | |
