AMERICAN BRITTANY RESCUE NEWSLETTER - SEPTEMBER 2023 | |
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A BRITTANY BACK-TO-SCHOOL JOURNAL
Straight "A's" and Shenanigans
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It’s that time of year when we say goodbye to summer flings with wonderful long days of sunlight and warm weather (downright hot for some of us!). We hope you had some fun and made special memories with your Brittanys over the past few months. So…what’s up for the school year ahead? We checked in with a few friends to see what back to school means for them! | |
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“A+” for Gracie Mae
Gracie Mae is rocking the specs, and she looks like she will be top of the class this year. We’re predicting Valedictorian!
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Some Say No Thanks to Mondays...
"Uh, did you say Monday? No thanks, maybe tomorrow."
Whether it’s back to school or back at work, we can all relate, Sully! We encourage a mental health day every now and then.
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And Some Say No Thanks to School, Period!
This sweetie prefers to stay home. She doesn’t even enjoy recess! She barks for attention from the other dogs...and then runs the other way! That’s OK. We say “A” for effort!
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Lily Goes to School and Shows Them Who's Boss...
“When I took Lilly to obedience class, I told the trainer she was stubborn. The trainer informed me there are no stubborn dogs. I just needed to learn to communicate with her. Twenty minutes into class the trainer was muttering and saying, 'Oh my God! Lilly, you are so freakin’ stubborn!'”
- Theresa McNally Tait
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And Jemma Came Home Green!
"I picked up Jemma from day care and the staff informed me she was just finishing her bath. I said, 'But I didn't request grooming services for her today.' They had been repainting an area of the daycare and apparently Jemma needed some alone time, so she busted through the barrier... and came out covered in paint! (Hey, at least green looks good on her, don’t you think?)
– Melissa Tapply DiLello
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Sadie Was a Favorite Teacher
“Sadie used to go with me when I would present to elementary kids for the ‘Girls in Science’ program (I am a Veterinary Technician). She allowed me to teach the kids about basic anatomy and physiology, the importance of dental care, how the heart works, etc. Sadie loved showing off her x-ray from when she ate half a bag of dog food and what that did to her stomach. She always held her head high and proud when we talked about that! The kids frequently got side-tracked by Sadie’s cuteness and love of being petted. I would have to tell her to go lay behind the desk so they could focus. Sadie has passed on, but I will always cherish those times with her.” - Bobbie Pomeroy
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And a few more report card highlights:
ASH:
“We do daycare about three times a week. They say Ash is their favorite pup. He never stops. He comes home with wet ears because someone else has been sucking on them. And then he is exhausted!”- Lauren Blake-Ward
CASH:
“Contrary to typical Brittany behavior, our Cash isn’t a huge fan of the rowdiness of daycare. Despite the fact that he’s only four, they found he likes to be in with the senior dogs where it’s more calm. We found this so funny!” - April Martinez Brooks
APACHE:
“Yep! Our Apache got kicked out of daycare! When other dogs wanted to rest, they would lay down somewhere and settle. But Apache would annoy the heck out of them, trying to get them to play because he wasn’t ready to rest! Even after HOURS AND HOURS of rough housing and playing! We had never heard of a dog being kicked out of doggie daycare so we were pretty embarrassed…but Apache was the BEST dog and the biggest clown so we just had to laugh, because, of course, it would be one of our dogs to get kicked out of daycare.” - Libby Wilson Liebig
Thanks to all of you who shared your stories and photos for some back to school fun! Make it a great year and be sure to share your report cards with us! Social.networks@americanbrittanyrescue.org
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FAREWELL SANTI
by Suzanne Harmelink
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His stuffed rabbit was in the hallway today. Maybe Pumpkin placed it in hopes of a chase. It’s presence brought a melancholy smile. Santi left us two months ago today.
The request came as many before it. Foster homes needed – 10 senior dogs – Urgent. We had space but work travel was looming. Don’t look, someone always steps up I told myself. I opened the third request, four dogs remained. I was immediately drawn to one dog – those eyes – scared, but hopeful.
A ray of sunshine joined our family in February 2020 at 10 ½ years old. Santi embodied the pure Brittany spirit – gentle, sweet, smart, and a little goofy. He chased butterflies and blowing leaves like a puppy sharing a happy expectant look in anticipation of everything.
We had some memorable and challenging experiences introducing him to indoor living. He never did “get” tables. On more than one occasion, he ended up on one. Most notably at Christmas – luckily pre-food! Any fleece blanket was a perfect place for a nap.
His time with us would be limited due to a heart condition. Our time camping, going on walks, playing with “stuffies”, and just hanging out made for a lifetime of special memories. A heart tumor brought our 3½ year journey to an end. He brought us joy every day.
“You gave me a forever within the numbered days.”
John Green, The Fault in our Stars
Fairfarren Santi – until we meet again!
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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 | |
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Jasmine keeping a VERY close eye
on the nest
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Um, Chuck, that might not be the best place to rest! | | |
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Bella getting a better view | |
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PHOTOS OF THE MONTH
BRITTANYS ON POINT
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SHARE YOUR PHOTOS FOR OCTOBER | |
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We’ve had three generations of ABR Brittanys. ABR is a wonderful and effective organization. In our younger days we loved fostering and transporting these great pups and enjoyed knowing those involved in ABR. Thank you and your ABR colleagues for all you do.
Photo: Bailey (on couch, age 9), Jazz (on floor, age 13)
~ Shari F.
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HEALTH CORNER
REVERSE SNEEZING
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At some point you may have heard your dog suddenly inhale and sound like they were having trouble breathing. It was likely a “reverse sneeze.” Reverse sneezing is considered normal, though it can be quite alarming if you’ve never heard it before! It can occur in any breed but is more common in brachycephalic breeds (e.g., pugs, boxers).
If your dog has any other respiratory symptoms (coughing, choking, or trouble breathing) seek immediate medical attention.
What causes reverse sneezing?
Reverse sneezing occurs when the soft palate is irritated. The muscles spasm, which causes a narrowing of the trachea. Anything that irritates that soft palate has the potential to cause a reverse sneeze. Common irritants include:
- Allergies
- Over excitement
- Nasal mites
- Sensitivities to odors
What do I do when it occurs?
There are some suggested tricks to combat reverse sneezes but bouts should pass within thirty seconds on their own. Swallowing often will disrupt the process. Blowing on their face, pressing on their tongue, or massaging their throat may help.
If you notice a chronic issue, check with your vet to see if there is an underlying problem.
Never heard a reverse sneeze? Listen here
For more info, visit: Petmed.com
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Harvey (#10781) - FL – 1 y/o :
Harvey is looking for a foster-to-adopt family who will want to be his forever family. He needs some special care that ABR will continue to help with. First, the positives (and there are many!). Harvey is cute as a button with his handsome roan coat, kind face and the sweetest, most gentle personality. He’s relatively mellow for a Brittany pup, although he loves running in the yard, chasing butterflies, playing with other dogs and above all swimming! Humans were not kind to Harvey in his past and it takes him time to warm up to new people, but he has made incredible strides. Now for his special needs: Harvey has some orthopedic issues that will require surgery and upcoming care. He has bilateral hip dysplasia and mild elbow dysplasia. He may need hip surgery in the future. Harvey was also recently diagnosed with partial CCL (cranial cruciate ligament) tears in both knees, which do require surgical repair as soon as possible. Despite Harvey’s many physical and emotional challenges, Harvey is a very healthy young pup with a bright future ahead of him. We’re excited for him to join a family that understands his needs and is ready to welcome a furry lovebug as he begins the next steps of his life journey!
Adopt Harvey
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Dusty (#10822) - GA - 8 y/o :
Oh sweet Dusty! Formerly a Plantation Dog, Dusty is an active 8-year-old boy from Georgia who still loves to "work" but he's considering semi-retirement, because he's now learning the joy of afternoon naps and bellyrubs! To love and be loved—turns out that's his jam. He’s never met a stranger, he walks well on leash, and loves a good car ride. Dusty needs a home without stairs, but other than that limitation, he still has lots of life to live and can’t wait to share his best years with you!
Adopt Dusty
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Remmie (#10907) - GA - 11 mos:
Are you searching for a Brittany that is ready to take on the world (with the fun-loving energy to match)? Look no further! Remmie is such a fun girl to have around! She will keep you laughing with her silliness. From the moment she wakes, she's ready to go and will chase butterflies all day long. At night she settles well. Remmie needs an active home with another dog with a similar personality to match her energy. Because she is such a puppy and really loves her people, she wouldn't do well in a home with small children. But if you are looking for a happy-go-lucky girl with all the energy, Remmie is it! Any family would be so lucky to have her!
Adopt Remmie
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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
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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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BRITTANYS THAT HAVE CROSSED THE RAINBOW BRIDGE | |
Sanders, September 8, 2023 | |
Rusty, September 10, 2023 | |
UPCOMING FUNDRAISERS!
October 1-7: Color Street (nail strips, lip stick, bronzers and more!)
November 5-12: Pampered Chef Party (everything you need for your kitchen!)
November 28: Giving Tuesday (a worldwide day celebrating generosity and giving)
January (dates TBD): Sees Candies (chocolates for your Valentines!)
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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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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
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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
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