AMERICAN BRITTANY NEWSLETTER - SEPTEMBER 2019
|
|
AFTER THE PUPPY MILL RAID:
Safe, Loved, and Making Strides
|
|
ON A FRIGID WINTER DAY IN 2019,
38 DOGS WERE RESCUED FROM A PUPPY MILL IN AN ISOLATED AREA OF UPSTATE NEW YORK. THE EMERGENCY RAID INCLUDED FIVE BRITTANYS. THE DOGS WERE SEIZED FROM THE PROPERTY AFTER A HEAVY BLANKET OF UNDISTURBED SNOW PROVED THEY HADN’T RECEIVED FOOD OR WATER IN THREE DAYS. SOME, INCLUDING THE BRITTS, WERE CHAINED TO BARRELS IN A FIELD, OTHERS WERE KEPT IN A DARK CLOSET AND OTHERS WERE LEFT IN AN UNHEATED POLE BARN. ONE ORANGE AND WHITE BRITT WAS COVERED IN HIS OWN FECAL MATTER. IT IMMEDIATELY BECAME OBVIOUS THAT THE DOGS HAD BEEN BOTH NEGLECTED AND PHYSICALLY ABUSED. NONE HAD NAMES. ALL WERE FEARFUL.
Animal control officers brought them to a warm shelter where they stayed for several weeks. For the first time in their lives, the Britts, who ranged in age from one to three years old, experienced human kindness. Consistent meals and comfortable bedding were now available to them. Each dog finally received veterinarian care. The three females and two males were sterilized so they no longer needed to fulfill their ‘purpose’ as breeders. All three females had been bred at least once before turning a year old.
Soon after their medical exams and surgeries were conducted, the shelter contacted ABR. Wendy Boyce, the State Coordinator for New York, firmly believed the young Brittanys could expect a positive future despite their various issues. One male was rendered blind due to severe nutritional deficiency. All three females suffered from dental disease. One of the girls had five teeth extracted, one had 11 extracted and the other had 13 extracted.
While continuing to address the medical needs, Wendy and the foster families began the long process of dealing with their emotional issues. Several of the Britts cowered upon any human touch or even eye contact. Others startled to loud noises or quick movement. All of the ABR volunteers knew it would take time, patience and plenty of love to calm the Britt’s fears and insecurities.
|
|
Determined that the puppy mill Britts “could be all they could be,” Wendy worked closely with the ABR foster families. For an easier transition for the dogs, four of them stayed together. Three females named Foxy, Roxy and Cabella and a male named Gunnar stayed with one family, while a male named Cooper stayed with another family. Both families were seasoned ABR fosters well versed in a number of dog’s medical and emotional needs.
All five Britts began to discover what it was like to socialize with people. None of them had ever stayed in a house before, so once inside, several retreated to a safe corner or spot. The families established an initial connection by speaking quietly to the dogs. All other interactions were thought out first. Trust was built through consistent, clear expectations and slow gestures. The dogs gradually responded to the kindness.
All five Brittanys remained with their original foster homes until they were adopted. Each dog feels safe and loved now. Each dog enjoys daily strides. This is the first installment in a series detailing the dogs’ progress. During the following months, we will feature a story on each one of these brave dogs, their devoted foster families, and their grateful forever families.
Look for Foxy’s story in our October issue. She was fostered by Robin Flood and adopted by the Pfaff family.
|
|
INDULGE YOUR CREATIVE SIDE TO RAISE MONEY FOR ABR
ADULT COLORING BOOK FEATURING OUR BRITTANYS
|
|
Adult coloring books are good for you! Coloring for adults reduces stress and provides a sense of relaxation akin to meditation. Many folks report that coloring the often-intricate designs increases focus and motor skills. Others enjoy revisiting a fun childhood activity. But probably the most prevalent reason adult coloring books prove so popular is that they afford us a welcome escape from the technology that often controls our lives.
If all of those benefits aren’t enticing enough, the exciting news is that a coloring book is currently being created that will feature our very own Brittanys. It will include approximately 50 personalized drawings sketched directly from photos of our state-side and international dogs. Best of all, there will be an opportunity for you to submit a photo of your own Brittany for possible inclusion.
The coloring book will cost $9.99 and 100 percent of the profits will be donated to ABR.
It will debut as a Print on Demand book sold through Amazon.
We also plan to offer it through the Brittany Boutique. Depending upon how soon we receive your submissions and the length of the selection process, we hope to have it available in time for holiday gift-giving.
Updates will also be available on our Facebook page. We look forward to your participation.
|
|
We planned to publish Hoss's adoption story this month, but very sadly he crossed the bridge on September 11 after a valiant struggle with lymphoma. Hoss touched many hearts along his journey, and he knew only love and compassion in the short time he had with his forever family. We send our deepest sympathy to his parents Robyn and Wes, and his canine brother Tanner. Rest easy, sweet Hoss.
|
|
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
CONNIE SLAWECKI
|
Connie was a long time ABR volunteer, foster, adopter and supporter and a huge Brittany lover. She will be greatly missed by her husband Gerry, another Brittany lover, as well as her two Brittanys, Gunner and Blue, who are still wondering when mommy is coming home. Connie will not be alone as she will be surrounded at the rainbow bridge by all of the Britts she cared for so passionately including Junior, Mira, Roo, Mikki, and Faro. Connie was the one who wanted to help all of the hard cases and seniors - never asking any questions just saying "send them on!”
We all love you Connie and you will be missed.
|
|
|
|
FEATURED BRITTANYS AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION
|
|
 |
Colby
is a large (55 lb), happy 6-year-old boy
in Minnesota
. His foster family love Colby and describe him as “lovable, darn cute and well-behaved”. He is being fostered in the country where he loves to run, catch the Frisbee, and most of all hang out with his people. He’s so people oriented that while being fostered in the country with no fence or leash, he always stays close enough to his family to be sure he can see them! And when let out to do his business, he come right back in or lays on the deck until somebody lets him in. What a good boy! Colby will bark to let you know if anyone comes around. He is a shy boy who takes a while to get used to others, once comfortable with new people he won’t act scared anymore. He plays with his foster dog who has taught him to play (rough house) without being aggressive. Much more important than living with a companion dog, he loves his people and craves 1-on-1 attention. The more time you can be with him, the better.
He is not good with small children, but fine with teenagers. Colby would do best in a place where not too many people come around. Colby is a barker and will bark all day if people walk by your yard. He thrives on family. Ideally, he’d be great with a retired couple/man/woman or someone who works from home. Previous owners said he was aggressive with other dogs and very young kids. His foster family have videos and many pictures. If you are interested in this great guy Please fill out an
adoption application
and mention Colby.
|
|
|
|
Max
is a fabulous Britt in
Michigan
who does not have a clue that he is older and is supposed to have slowed down. He is an affectionate guy who gets along great with our resident male. They have friendly and extended wrestling matches. It's fun to watch them steal and retrieve a few favorite toys back and forth. At the dog park he is aware of the other dogs but not very interested. Max mostly just wants to be let off the lead so he can start hunting! Whenever out he wants to "work". Max very much likes his crate at night and often goes there during the day as well. He has gotten better about jumping on kids and allows pets, returning the attention with kisses. On walks he is very, very active and strong as an ox, but he's getting better about not pulling. Max will need a strong hand, but looks for attention and direction. He definitely is smart and trainable. Max will need a family commited to his training and including him in their daily activities.
Please no sight unseen adoptions for this boy, we feel is important for all family members (human and canine) to meet to assure we have a good match. If Max sounds like the Britt Boy for you, please complete the
adoption application
and be sure to mention him.
History:
Max was an owner surrender to a shelter. He had been a bird dog his whole life. He had never been in a house. ABR stepped in and Max came in to our rescue program. He is neutered, Heart Worm negative, on preventive, microchipped and up to date on his vaccinations.
He is just waiting for a home to call his own.
|
|
|
|
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
Cheri Wilson - Chair
Michelle Falkinburg, Secretary
Diana Doiron, Treasurer
Tiffany Dexter
Nancy Hensley
Sandra Oelschlegel
AMERICAN BRITTANY RESCUE E-NEWSLETTER TEAM
Lisa Bagwell
Brittany Boler
Jeannine Connors
Judie Cutting
Autumn Fenton
Lori Gartenhaus
Patricia Gillogly
Melissa Tapply DiLello
Rachel Schollaert
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
