AMERICAN BRITTANY RESCUE NEWSLETTER - MAY 2021 |
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LIVING THE CALIFORNIA DREAM
Rylee's Success Story
Submitted by Cathy Williams
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After being rescued by ABR in Utah and an aborted trip west because of snow, I finally got to my forever home in California just after Christmas 2012. I was so excited to check out my new home but there were so many new things to learn. The first thing I learned is that the big blue round thing in the backyard wasn’t something I could just run on-- although I tried and boy, did I get a wet surprise! Mom and Dad call it a "swimming pool," which I really love since some kids taught me how much fun it is to jump in from the side. Now I have a rubber duck that I love to jump in after. Dad won’t let me play with my duck during the winter, but come warm weather, you bet I am jumping in and getting that duck as often as I can!
I also discovered that I don’t have just one forever home, I have two! And the second one is at the ocean! After being tossed a couple of times, I quickly learned to keep an eye on the waves and to head back toward the beach when it starts to curl. Sometimes if the waves aren’t too big and I time it just right, I can get out past the waves and swim after the sea birds although they fly away pretty quickly. That’s okay because there are so many new smells at the beach and if I am really lucky (and much to Mom’s dismay), I might even find a dead bird or seal to roll around on.
Sometimes Dad takes me down to the harbor to hang out on the boat or go fishing. There are these curious animals that sometimes swim up near the boat to check me out. Dad calls them Harbor Seals. I have tried jumping in after them but they disappear under the water so fast! Don’t worry, I know the rules – if I am on the ocean, I always wears my life jacket and can usually be found on the side of the boat with the wind in my face while watching all of the sea life around me.
Because of Covid, I am Dad’s fishing buddy this year since he cannot have friends on the boat. Whether we are fishing on the ocean or in the California Delta waterways, I get excited whenever a fish is caught, a bird flies by, or when seals or otters come to check me out. Even a cool piece of seaweed may be enough of an excuse for a swim. I love spending the day on the water with my Dad.
When we are not out on the water somewhere, sometimes we go up to the mountains and I get to run! Mom even got me my own backpack so I can take my own food with me. I love chasing the ground squirrels and swimming in the high mountain lakes.
Thank you ABR and Mike Barlow for choosing my Mom and Dad for my forever home. They love me to pieces and just as the title says, I am livin’ the dream – the California dream!
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FOSTERING... THE HARD PART
Foster Tails by James DeKnight
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Everyone that fosters loves the idea of having a new Brittany in the house to play with, cuddle, and give belly rubs to, but sometimes it doesn’t work out that way, at least not in the beginning. Sometimes we have to foster a Brittany that is broken. We have to take a sick or physically drained pup and welcome them into our home to care for them, make them well again, or make a decision to let them go in peace. We have to be the ones that do the hard parts.
Throughout the years we have had many pups come to us as bouncy and energetic as you expect a Brittany to be. Most of these have been surrendered, pups that have been well-loved but due to financial hardships or a different living arrangement the owners are unable to care for them any longer. But the “street urchins,” the ones that have been abandoned and are living on their own, are a different story. This particular story is about a stray that we recently fostered named Lucy.
In late February of this year, I was asked by my state coordinator if l could foster a Brittany that was found on the streets and was now in a shelter. I had the keys in my hand and the motor to the car racing before I even knew where I was going. Long story short, I came home with a small undernourished female Brittany with no history or medical records. My family and I have had to play Sherlock Holmes with other Brittanys with “mysterious pasts,” so we set about our task. The first clue about our new guest was that she definitely had no potty training. We cleaned up a lot of messes in the weeks to come. Clue number two was that this pup had never been in a house before. She was startled at mirrors, perplexed with doors and how they worked, stymied by couches and beds, and amazed at having a roof over her head and a warm fireplace to curl up by and sleep. We were amazed by how skinny this girl was. We could visibly see her rib cage. Her butt was all bones. Her nails were way too long, and she needed a bath. She also had a very large growth on her backside and a bit of a lump around her breast area. Our next step was to get answers from the vet, so an appointment was made. We still had to name this Jane Doe, and luckily we had help.
A couple saw the posting of a Brittany in a shelter and contacted my state coordinator. They were very interested but wanted to wait until the vet appointment. I asked them if they were to adopt this girl what would they call her? They said, “Lucy” so that was her name from that day forward. Lucy was very energetic and lovable from day one. She loved playing with our younger Brittany, Mitchell, as well as checking out every nook and cranny of the house. We were all happy with Lucy, but worried as well. Not knowing about her past or how long she was living on the street had us a bit unhinged. When the vet appointment arrived, we found we were right to feel unhinged.
It was a lot to digest at one time. Lucy had worms, Lyme disease, a heart murmur, anemia, two large masses on her that could be anything from fatty tissue to cancer, and a very bad urinary tract infection, not to mention that she was still undernourished. The vet figured Lucy to be around nine years old. Our plan of attack was lots of pills, rest, and love. Lucy had to be spayed so the vet planned to remove the masses then and send them out for biopsy. What was really amazing was despite everything going on in Lucy’s body, she was still all smiles and friendly. We gave her lots of cuddles but we were scared for her. Lucy was fighting too many things, and we feared the worst. Lucy basically had her own medicine cabinet. Take two of these every 12 hours, take a half of this but only with food, take one of these every third Tuesday of the month but only with a crescent moon shining in the sky. It was nerve racking to say the least. Then surgery day came and with it the dreaded cone.
This poor girl had her butt and belly shaved and had stitches galore, and to top it all off she had to wear a cone around her neck as well. I always love how the vet says, “Lots of rest, no running or jumping. Keep the pup calm…” Everything that makes a Brittany a Brittany, she was not allowed to do. We had to wait for the biopsies to come back, so we spent our time giving Lucy handfuls of medications and trying to keep her calm. Lucy broke her cone a number of times by running full tilt into doorways, my legs, and the other Brittanys in the house. We called her the "Triceratops of Terror" because the other pups (much larger and healthier than Lucy) would run from fear of her. Lucy was a handful. If she really was sick, she was not going down quietly. We were still worried about her. The biopsies took forever to come back.
The good news was that Lucy’s masses were benign. The bad news, for us, was that she could now go to her forever home. In the short time that we fostered Lucy it was nothing but medical care and worrying whether or not she would make it. Every day we had to look at that smiling face and think we might have to put her down. Thank goodness Lucy was stronger than we thought she was! She is now living in a large, beautiful house with a loving family. I remember getting a little misty-eyed the day Lucy went to her forever home. All I could think about was how close to death she was when we brought her home and how worried we were every day for weeks that the vet was going to give us the worst news we could think of. To look at her now with a spring in her step and a smile on her face is such an amazing feat for Lucy. We have done the hardest part before, but not this time. This time Lucy lives the life she was meant to live.
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Do you have “Foster Tails” to tell?
A foster moment you’ll never forget?
A challenge you overcame?
A funny or heartwarming story?
A tale of encouragement?
A foster who made a special impact?
Whether it's a few sentences, a whole story, or a photo that speaks for itself, we would love to share your anecdotes, thoughts, and experiences. Please connect with us at social.networks@americanbrittanyrescue.org.
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This fabulous boy had his dental this week which involved 14 extractions. You can now find him at the beach house where he's healing up and putting his worries behind him.
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VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH:
Mariann Jackson - All About 'Herself'
By Autumn Fenton
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If you are a regular reader of this newsletter, you probably recognize Mariann Jackson as the volunteer who writes fun and quirky foster stories using the name “Herself.” What you might not know is the significance of that self-declared title. And more importantly, how the attitude behind it helps our Brittanys.
Mariann explains. “My dad used to call my Grandma that. She was a German immigrant and a force to be reckoned with. Dad said she was the boss of all things she could see. That’s one of the things I tell my dogs. Everything is mine unless I tell you differently. I run a democracy until I want things my own way. ‘Herself’ feels that the fosters don’t know who she is at first, so the ‘stay here’ dogs tell them that Herself is the boss of everything she sees. She must be obeyed or at least glanced at as you’re doing something wrong.”
As the foster’s advocate, Herself never wants to know what “kind of luggage the dog is bringing to the party,” other than their medical or behavioral problems. She helps the dogs “iron out some of their kinks,” but it’s rare for a healthy dog to stay more than a few weeks. There has only been one ‘foster failure.’
“Herself is happy to have them, loves when they leave, and hopes never to hear from them again. (Well, except maybe a note at Christmas),” she says. This strategy proves effective, as Mariann and her husband have fostered close to 60 Brittanys since they started volunteering for ABR in 2011.
“American Brittany Rescue is viable in the states of Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and often beyond because of the efforts of Mariann Jackson and her husband John,” says Rebecca Rockwell Wallace, State Coordinator for seven states in the Northeast and Southeast. “Mariann will drive wherever need be at the drop of a hat to bring a Brittany into rescue. She’s phenomenal at assessing the dogs in her care, and because of that, her adoptions ‘stick.’”
The two women have worked closely together over the years and consider each other dear friends. Mariann calls Rebecca her mentor, sounding board, and her voice of reason. Rebecca admires Mariann’s energy and wit and says she is “incredibly dog savvy.”
“In all the years we’ve worked together, there is not a single dog-related question I have asked that she either hasn’t known the answer to or, if she didn’t know the answer, she could always recommend someone who did know,” says Rebecca. “When the dog in question isn’t a Brittany, she has contacts throughout the South to find the proper breed rescue to save the dog.”
Mariann is also a former breeder and dog trainer. She and her six Britts compete in conformation, agility, barn hunt, and Fastcat. Their ages range from three to 15. The Jackson family also includes three cats and a beagle.
“When my dogs aren’t busy being goofballs, they are some of the top agility Brittanys in the country. They have taken me to multiple national and international events. Right now, one is in the top five for AKC agility, and another is the second-fastest Fastcat Britt in the country. All of my dogs have titles in multiple venues, from hunting to racing,” says Mariann.
In addition to her expertise in ‘Britt-speak’ and devotion to dogs and cats, Mariann is a talented quilter. She designs, stitches, and then donates Brittany-themed quilts to ABR each year. The raffle idea started when one of her fosters racked up some hefty veterinarian bills. Mariann thought the proceeds would help defray the cost, and she was right. Her annual contributions have evolved into one of ABR’s most cherished fundraising traditions. Mariann’s creations are crafted with love and continue to help the Britts in our care, just as ‘Herself’ always does.
QUILTING TOGETHER MORE FACTS ABOUT MARIANN:
- I’m really very shy. I know it’s hard to believe!
- Some grocery stores are tourist destinations.
- I’m a ‘chocoholic.’ My present obsession is Peruvian dark chocolate. The nibs are a ‘superfood,’ so I add them to my yogurt.
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Louis #10312: Bonjour! Meet Louis - pronounced like bayou French “Lou-ee.” He came from Louisiana where there they just simply called him “Pup.” Handsome and expressive, Louis resembles a Brittany/Pointer mix with a handsome orange roan short-hair easy-to-care-for coat and a constantly wagging tail. This happy-go-lucky four-year-old weighs in at 36 pounds.
Louis has had some big life changes: leaving his home, going to a shelter, two airplane rides - just to get to his Florida foster home. This youngster has sailed through all the transitions and remains an easy-going boy. Louis’s owner passed away, and he was surrendered to a small rural shelter along with five cats. A wonderful local rescue team and volunteer pilots donated their time and efforts to move Louis to the safety of ABR in Florida.
Louis is great with other animals. He enjoys playing with his Britt foster brother and running really fast with his tail always wagging. He is also is respectful of his mellow Cocker Spaniel sister. His former home had cats. But make no mistake, he loves people most of all! He can settle down nicely and is an absolute champion cuddler! He sleeps in his crate at night and for naps, even though he likes getting up on the bed and couch too. He had a great time on vacation with his foster family camping in the mountains and was a great RV passenger. He enjoyed running through the lake after birds.
Louis is looking for a forever family that will love him the way he deserves, enjoying exercise and snuggling together. He will do great with an active family to spend time with. He’s an energetic bouncy guy so would be better suited for a home with older kids. Louis is an excellent travel companion by car, plane, and RV for fun adventures with his own forever family!
Louis is neutered, current on vaccinations and heartworm/flea-tick preventives and microchipped. If you might be interested in adding an adorable companion to your home, please submit the ABR Adoption Application and mention Louis.
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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!
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HEALTH CORNER:
PET FIRST AID KITS
by Debra White
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As we make plans for summer fun and travel, it is a good time to think about a First Aid Kit for your pet. If you already have one, now is the time to update and replace expired and missing items.
If you need to assemble a new kit, here are the essential items:
- Absorbent gauze pads
- Gauze, scissors, and adhesive tape
- Vet wrap or non-stick bandage wrap
- Rubber gloves
- Tweezers
- An old credit card, useful for removing insect stingers
- Wet wipes
- Benadryl: useful for insect bites (do NOT use time-release capsules or liquid, and check with your vet for the appropriate dosage for your dog and make a note in the first aid kit).
- Cotton balls or swabs
- 3% hydrogen peroxide to clean wounds and induce vomiting (consult your vet or poison control first).
- Alcohol wipes
- OTC antibiotic spray or ointment
- Saline eye solution
- Digital thermometer
- Flashlight
- Magnifying glass
- Large syringes or even a turkey baster to flush wounds
- Towel
- Collapsible water or food bowl
- Water
- Extra leash & collar (the leashes your vet uses and may send you home with are perfect for your kit).
- Paperwork for your pet: vaccination and medical records, plus emergency phone numbers.
- A pocket Pet Emergency Guide
- If your dog takes regular medications, include a moisture-proof pill organizer with their pills.
There may be other items you want to include for hiking, camping, or travel based on the recommendation of your vet or on your dog’s unique needs.
You can carry these supplies in a large plastic toolbox with a handle, or if you are a hiker, camper, or backpacker a sturdy backpack can be a good way to carry your pet’s kit.
Instead of creating your own First Aid Kit, you can purchase one from a variety of sources. If you hike frequently with your dog, a small prepared kit that can be tucked into your pet’s backpack or carry bag may be a good choice, in addition to a more fully supplied kit for your home or car.
Headed out to a special dog event or activity? Don’t hesitate to share and ask questions with others attending. They may have suggestions about items that are pertinent to the event. We learned a great deal from other Brittany handlers during AKC and NASTRA Events.
Useful Websites:
Wishing you and your pups safe and happy journeys!
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BRITTANY'S ENJOYING THE MAY FLOWERS! |
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ABR Masks are now for sale at the Brittany Boutique for $5
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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! |
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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
Terrie Johnson, Vice President
Michelle Falkinburg, Secretary
Jeanette Seely, Interim Treasurer
Diana Doiron, Co-Treasurer
Sandra Oelschlegel, Chair
Nancy Hensley
Bobbi Tolman
Melissa Tapply DiLello
AMERICAN BRITTANY RESCUE E-NEWSLETTER TEAM
Brittany Boler
Christine Brennan
Jeannine Connors
Judie Cutting
Kristin Davis
Autumn Fenton
Lori Gartenhaus
Patricia Gillogly
Linda Joyce
Melissa Tapply DiLello
Debra White
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