AMERICAN BRITTANY RESCUE NEWSLETTER - JANUARY 2021 |
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WILL A NEW DOG BE JOINING YOUR
FAMILY IN 2021?
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Are you bringing home a new dog soon? Or maybe you already got one as a Christmas gift? Many people choose to get or give a dog or puppy around this time of year. Statistics show that due to the pandemic more people have gotten pets in 2020 than is typical. But bringing home a new pet is much more than fuzzy cuteness, snuggles, and a new family member.
Choosing the ideal time to introduce your pet to your family and reviewing care basics will make your pet's first weeks in your new home more enjoyable.
Select the Perfect Time
The holiday season can be a hectic time in any home so Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, or New Year's might not be the best time to introduce a new pet. The noise and excitement of holiday celebrations may stress your pet, making the adjustment process more difficult. But now that the hustle and bustle of the holidays have come to an end, the time might be right to finally bring your new addition to the family home.
You can make your pet feel at home by:
- Choosing a Calm Day for the Homecoming. Pick a quiet day when only your immediate family members will be home.
- Find a Special Place for Your Pet During Gatherings. Set up your pet's food and water bowls and other necessities in a quiet room if you'll be entertaining visitors soon after you bring your pet home. Introducing your pet to visitors when it hasn't even become accustomed to your family members can cause anxiety.
- Giving a Gift Certificate Rather Than a Live Pet. If you're planning to give a family member an animal as a gift in the new year, consider wrapping a gift certificate to an animal shelter or reputable rescue organization. With a gift certificate, the person can choose the animal themselves and bring the pet home at the right time for them.
Buy Everything Your Pet Needs in Advance
Creating a checklist will help you avoid last-minute trips to the store for food, toys, and other necessities. Add these items to your checklist:
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Food: Read food labels and instructions carefully to ensure that you're choosing the best type of food for your pet's stage of life. Foods intended for puppies have the extra calories that growing animals need, while senior foods contain fewer calories and help older animals control their weight. You may want to consult with your vet about making the best choice.
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Crates: Make sure crates provide plenty of room to turn around and stand up. A crate serves as your dog's private den, provides a quiet place to rest, and can help you house train your new pet.
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Dishes and Feeders: Stay away from plastic bowls that can trap bacteria. Instead, choose stainless steel or glass dishes.
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Collar, Harness, and Leash: You'll need to buy a collar (or harness) and a leash. Harnesses are best for smaller dogs. If you choose a collar, consider a Martingale collar that provides more control and prevents dogs from slipping or backing out. You will need an identification tag too in case your new family member is lost.
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Miscellaneous Supplies: You'll also want to buy a selection of brushes, combs, toys, beds, treats, and other pet supplies.
Schedule a Visit with the Veterinarian
Make an appointment with a veterinarian soon after you bring your pet home. During the visit, your veterinarian will:
- Perform a thorough examination and diagnose any illnesses or chronic health conditions
- Provide immunizations that will help your pet stay healthy
- Recommend a flea and tick prevention program if needed
- Check your pet's weight and recommend specific foods if your new friend is overweight or has a health problem
You should also have your pet microchipped. Microchips are rice-sized chips that contain a number linked to your contact information. If your pet is ever lost, an animal shelter or veterinary office can scan the chip and quickly identify your furry friend.
Also discuss making an appointment for spaying or neutering. Spaying and neutering are types of surgeries that prevent males and females from reproducing. The surgeries help reduce the number of unwanted animals, protect your pets from certain types of cancer, and may decrease aggressive behavior or roaming in male animals. On average, spayed and neutered dogs live one to three years longer according to Humane Society International.
Sources:
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ABR HEALTH CORNER ARTICLE
SAVED A BRITTANY
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Laryngeal Paralysis: Lifesaving Information for Conan
I would like to thank ABR for the article in one of the newsletters earlier this year about the fact that Brittanys can be subject to laryngeal paralysis. The symptoms described matched the symptoms that our Brit had been experiencing. Our vet had diagnosed our Brit Conan with heart problems and had prescribed heart meds which seemed to help some. But she also suspected some other breathing issues. We brought her the ABR article and she agreed that this was a possibility.
After a diagnostic bronchoscopy yesterday, Conan had successful surgery today. We will be able to bring him home tomorrow, but the vet surgeon says he is breathing much easier. Thanks for the article which saved Conan’s life.
-Pat Harris
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FOSTER TAILS
by Kay Crandall
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He moved in with me in August 2018. It was a circuitous journey to say the least.
One day, ABR State Coordinator Andrea Bock contacted me to relate the tale of this puppy living 30 minutes away from me. I’m calling him “puppy” because he had no name. A man who lived in the neighborhood kept seeing this puppy existing in very harsh circumstances. He was trying to talk the owners into letting him have the puppy. But he had just moved and was still getting settled in with his wife who had severe health problems. He knew he couldn’t keep the puppy so he contacted ABR to see if we could take him. Andrea told him we could, and we would, if there was proof of surrender from the owners. She promised to keep me updated.
On a sweltering day about a week before fall semester began, I went to pick the puppy up. He was precious!! The previous owners said he was about eight months old. He was so friendly but very nippy and hand shy. I spent a good hour with the rescuer and his wife. Both were sad they couldn’t keep him. Then, they described how he had been existing. I have used the word “existing” on purpose because what he was experiencing was not living. He was chained outside 24/7 with inadequate shade or water. Please remember that this happened in mid-August in the south, so trust me when I say I’m surprised he didn’t die from heatstroke. To make matters worse, he was tied out in between two much larger, very aggressive dogs and was just out of their reach. If one of them had broken the chain, I’m sure he would have been a dead puppy.
He was antsy in the car but calmed down when I talked to him. I decided to stop at the vet on the way home. Because he was new, I took him to the unoccupied side of the waiting room. All was well until another dog came in and sat close to us. The newcomer was calm and sweet… and also friendly. He came closer and suddenly the sweet puppy became a snarling and scary dog. A vet tech brought out a muzzle and the other patient went to another part of the waiting room. Because he was the no name puppy, we started him a chart under the name of “ABR August.”
In the exam room he calmed right down and was as sweet as could be. The vet wormed him, checked him out, and estimated his age at six months. We both felt he probably hadn’t been immunized so he had the first round of puppy shots and a blood panel. I left with monthly meds for heartworm and flea/tick prevention… and a deep sense of worry. My pack consists of three dogs - two females (one who is very alpha) and a small male French Brittany. How would this puppy react to them? How would they react?
Once at home, I walked him around the fenced back yard on a leash and then put him in my outside kennel. I let my boy Xavi out first, thinking maybe puppy had reacted badly to the dog at the vet because it was a male. Xavi and puppy sniffed one another through the fence and then the tail wagging started (both have full tails). Then I let Gracie Allen out and, once again, all was well. Lastly, I let the alpha, Gabrielle, out. Surprisingly, all was well.
In the house, I coaxed ABR August into a crate while I called Andrea. She decided that we should name him Johnny in honor of his rescuer.
The adjustment period was slow and rough at times. We dealt with food aggression, a startle response, marking, chewing on woodwork, a few destroyed shoes as well as a pair of prescription eyeglasses. But Johnny became friends with the pack. He could play without getting too rough. He learned to sit and stay. He loved toys and he adored cuddling. He became a popular addition to my Facebook posts as “John Foster Dog.”
Applications started arriving. I read them all. Andrea read them all and also called each of them. Then she’d call me and report what she had learned. Each time she’d ask what I thought and each time I’d say that I wasn’t going to call them because they weren’t the right fit. There was no sense of pressure for me to place him because we both knew the right family would come along.
And sure enough, they did. They fell in love with his Christmas picture on the ABR website. The applicants had everything I wanted for him. So, finally, I made the call to this potential adopter. I didn’t sugarcoat anything, and we talked for a long time. Afterwards I called Andrea and said that if I didn’t scare them off, this was the right home for Johnny. Luckily, I didn’t scare them off. And that, ABR family, is how the puppy who most likely was doomed to be a bait dog became ABR August, then John Foster Dog, and finally Johnny from Georgia living his best life in his forever home with Amanda and Bryan.
From Johnny’s Forever Mom, Amanda:
The day of Johnny’s adoption there were all kinds of emotions: happy, nervous, and excited. Our family of two was about to become a family of three. We drove four hours to meet Kay half-way. When we finally arrived, we were greeted with a sweet puppy that knew we were his mom and dad.
We knew we had some work to do and got him into puppy classes where he learned basic obedience commands. A few months after adoption I took him for his annual exam, and we found out he had heartworms. We started treatment and it was a little rocky, but our sweet Johnny made it through and is now living his best life. He absolutely loves to cuddle and loves to play with his best friends. Earlier this year I was looking into getting him more socialized, and I found a doggy daycare close to the house where he goes two days a week. He LOVES Mrs. Cheryl and all his friends at Puppy Day Care.
After a few months off, Johnny recently started going back to puppy classes. Little did he know he would become a teacher. Johnny has worked with multiple kids in the class over the past few months, helping them grow into solid, confident kids. As his parents, we couldn’t be prouder of him. He has come so far in the year and ten months we’ve had him. He continues to surprise us every day with how loving and special he is. He is a true blessing to us.
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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 hear and share your anecdotes, thoughts, and experiences. Please connect with us at social.networks@americanbrittanyrescue.org.
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HEALTH CORNER
COLD WEATHER SAFETY TIPS FOR DOGS
by Linda Robinson
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Is there anything cuter than a dog frolicking in the snow? We don’t think so! However, while it may be cute to see your furry friend with snowflakes on his snout, don’t let it distract you from your responsibilities as a dog owner. Cold weather poses some serious threats to your pup’s well-being. There are a number of dangers that come with winter:
● Hypothermia is a medical emergency that occurs when your dog’s body loses heat faster than it can produce it. A dog’s body temperature ranges from 100 to 102.5°F. Mild hypothermia occurs at 99 to 90°F; moderate occurs at 90 to 82°F; and severe hypothermia occurs if the body drops below 82°F. Paleness, intense shivering, and weakness are the first signs to look for.
● Frostbite is a condition caused by a lack of blood flow to the extremities. During the moderate and severe stages of hypothermia, the body works hardest at preserving vital organs. Because of this, blood flow is restricted from areas such as the paws, nose, tail, and ears. The skin begins to blacken, swell, and blister and becomes painful.
● Antifreeze is a chemical used in your car’s radiator in order to lower water’s freezing point so it can continue to run in the winter. While it is good for your car, it is poisonous to your dog. Unfortunately, the ethylene glycol in antifreeze has a sweet flavor to it, which can fool a dog into thinking it is food. If your car springs a coolant leak, that can mean real danger for your pup. Keep him away from spills and watch for drooling, vomiting, and inebriated behavior.
● Ice melt is made of sodium and calcium chloride granules that can get stuck between the pads of your dog’s feet. This can irritate their skin, causing mobility issues or limping.
● Dry skin is characterized by scaling, itchiness, and flaking of the epidermis. Cold weather and harsh winds can make your dog’s skin drier and less comfortable.
While it’s important to take precautions to protect your pup from wintertime hazards, it’s wise to be prepared in case the worst happens. Be sure to know where your local emergency vet is located, and if you don’t already have it, do some research on pet insurance options. Costs can add up quickly if your beloved pet suffers an emergency, so having a plan to pay off vet bills will ensure you can give your dog all of the help he needs without worrying about the expense.
Winter Safety Tips for Your Dog
With all the hazards winter weather brings, fortunately it doesn’t take much work to keep your dog warm and safe. Most of what you can do is common sense. Here are some of our best tips:
● Go outside with your dog and watch him while he plays. By the time you’re cold enough to want to go in, he will be too.
● If your dog is smaller or has a short coat, buy a sweater or jacket that will give him an extra layer of warmth when the temperatures drop below freezing.
● Add extra blankets and pillows to your dog’s bed to keep him warmer through the chilly nights.
● If your dog ingests a poisonous chemical such as antifreeze, you can help induce vomiting by giving him a spoonful of hydrogen peroxide. You can mix it with a little vanilla ice cream to make it go down easier. Take your dog to the veterinarian immediately afterward.
● Wash your dog’s paws after playing or walking outside to ensure there is no ice melt stuck in his toes. Use a warm, damp washcloth to wipe them clean and dry with a towel. Look for pet-friendly ice melt to use on your own property.
● If your dog suffers from dry, itchy skin in the winter, add a spoonful of coconut oil to his food to help soothe it. Coconut oil also eliminates odors, improves digestion, and keeps your dog’s brain sharp.
● Make sure your dog is properly hydrated this winter by adding a bit of homemade bone broth to his water. As an added bonus, the collagen in bone broth supports good joint health.
Stay safe and don’t forget to have fun!
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ABR Masks are now for sale at the Brittany Boutique for $5
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Giving Tuesday
We raised $11,994.00 on December 1, 2020, thanks to our wonderful supporters who chose ABR for their Giving Tuesday charity!
Giving Grid: Rollie
Rollie’s generous donors raised $2000 to pay for his surgery on his painful gums. Thank you for helping Rollie on his way to a pain free life!
Scolton Collection Auction
We hope you had as much fun with the auction as we did! Your competitive bidding on over 100 items brought in nearly $5000 to help our Brittanys.
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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
Debbie Clark, Treasurer
Diana Doiron, Co-Treasurer
Sandra Oelschlegel, Chair
Tiffany Dexter
Nancy Hensley
Bobbi Tolman
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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