AMERICAN BRITTANY RESCUE NEWSLETTER - APRIL 2021 |
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TAKE YOUR PUP AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Volunteer Opportunities For You And Your Dog
by Judie Cutting
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Happy National Volunteer Month!
Did you know volunteering not only makes others happy, but it makes you and your dog happy too?
Studies show that volunteers are healthier, live longer, and have lower stress levels. Would you like to find more ways to spend time with your Brittany while helping to make this world a better place? There are many opportunities waiting!
ABR volunteer opportunities are many, from fostering a dog waiting for a forever home to being a part of the “Brittany express” that transports a dog into foster care or to a new home. Check out the website for ideas of how you can help change an ABR Brittany’s life.
Would you like to take your dog places to brighten other people’s lives? Training your dog as a therapy dog might be a great option. The AKC has a list of therapy groups you can explore.
Each therapy dog program has specific requirements and criteria. Some groups will allow harnesses and others will not. Almost all programs have a testing process which includes observation and exams. Some may have a registration fee, and you would be covered by their insurance. The sky's the limit for where you can go with your dog – nursing homes, schools, libraries, firehouses, 911 centers, VFW, hospitals, the American Red Cross, cancer centers, hospice, and assisted living facilities are some examples.
If you are ready for a bigger commitment, check out the American Rescue Dog Association. It has an intense two-year training period, but at the end you and your dog can be part of a disaster relief team to support state and local emergency responders’ efforts to search, locate, and rescue missing persons.
If your Brittany is always up for a hike or run, look no further than charity runs. You and your dog can exercise while helping the charity of your choice. Some runs are specifically for both of you, and other runs require that you request to bring your dog. A quick search on the internet will connect you with a charity run in your area. Iron Doggy is one website that breaks down races by state. There is also an option for virtual races that can be completed at your own pace and place. Ruff Runner organizes over 100 races in over twelve different states.
On a final note, did you know that your dog can donate blood to save another dog? The ideal dog is over 50 pounds and a healthy weight for their size. It takes approximately 15 – 30 minutes and does not require anesthesia. Blood is taken from the jugular vein while the dog is resting on their side. Dogs can donate safely every six weeks. Check out AKC Kennel Health Foundation which also has a list of links to canine blood banks.
“At the end of the day it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished… it’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.”
– Denzel Washington
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THE PUPPY MILL DOGS TWO YEARS LATER:
SAFE, LOVED & STILL MAKING STRIDES
By Autumn Fenton
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It has been more than two years since 38 dogs, including five Brittanys, were rescued in an emergency puppy mill raid in upstate New York. Animal control officers seized the dogs from the isolated property after a heavy blanket of undisturbed snow proved they had not received food or water in at least three days.
The officers brought them to a warm shelter where they received veterinarian care, consistent feedings, and comfortable bedding. For the first time in their lives the dogs experienced human kindness. Several weeks later the shelter contacted Wendy Boyce, ABR’s New York State Coordinator. Wendy believed the Britts could have a positive future, despite their various physical and emotional issues. Determined that the dogs (ranging from one to three-years-old) “could be all they could be,” Wendy worked closely with the foster families and focused on proper placement in forever homes.
Those forever families recently shared the progress of these brave Brittanys.
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BELLA (CABELLA)
Bella never received food consistently during her time at the puppy mill. Poor nutrition resulted in the extraction of twelve teeth. When she arrived at her forever home, she was so uncomfortable that she would not eat even a bite of soft food until the following afternoon. For many months, fear of eating in a human’s presence caused her to run around the house until the person exited the kitchen. Bella also acted nervous during walks. Her new family, Danielle and Dennis Vickery, discovered that walking slightly ahead of her proved reassuring. Initially she was afraid to bark, but she eventually began to emit a purposeful yawning noise. With the love of the Vickerys, Bella is now finding her voice.
Danielle reports:
Bella continues to amaze us and has made a lot of progress. She still makes the loud yawning sound when she is waiting for her food or wants attention. We know Bella can bark because she makes the cutest little sounds in her sleep. She still has difficulty coming to her food dish if we are in the kitchen. If we bring the bowl to her, she will eat. If it’s more out in the open, she gets nervous. We are working on moving it closer to the corner to help with her comfort level. Bella comes for us when we call her now, which is a big step for her. She has become a little explorer on our walks. She still doesn’t like it if someone is behind us on the road; we have to stop and wait for them to walk by, then she’s okay. Bella is such a lovable girl, and we love her so much.
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COOPER
They discovered Cooper tied to a barrel outside on that frigid day in 2019. Without medical attention, he sustained a severe infection in both ears. Upon arrival at his forever home it immediately became apparent that Cooper was terrified of being inside. Normal household sounds, such as the furnace igniting, unnerved him. He also felt insecure outside, so much so that he didn’t notice squirrels or dogs encountered during walks. Plenty of love and positive reinforcement from Steve and Carole Steneken changed all of that. His two sister-Britts also helped him adjust. They showed him what it’s like to be spoiled and happy.
Steve reports:
Cooper is such a happy Brittany who loves his new home where he has the freedom to run and play outside in his large fenced-in backyard. He comes and goes through a doggie door. The only time Cooper barks is when he’s in the yard looking toward the house, wanting us to see him. He loves car rides and hiking in parks with his Brittany sisters, Hope and Kaycee. He has made great progress in adjusting to his new surroundings, as well as strangers and dogs he meets on his walks. We were so lucky to adopt Cooper. Thank you, ABR!
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ROXY (AKA FOXY)
After she arrived at her forever home, Roxy immediately found the farthest corner to hide. Collen Pfaff kept Roxy on a leash inside the house for nearly two weeks to encourage her to stay nearby and buffer her from the high energy of Storm, the resident Brittany. As a way of building trust and establishing a bond, Collen spent alone time with Roxy each day. Together, they focused on leash training, progressing from a six-foot leash to a 50-foot check cord, which ultimately enabled Roxy to find the confidence to run freely around the yard. One happy day Roxy summoned the courage to curl up on the opposite end of the couch. No longer bogged down by her fears, Roxy also found enough energy to play with Storm.
Collen reports:
Roxy is doing great. She is still shy of strangers but warms up much faster these days, as long as it’s on her terms, and you don’t push. Roxy cuddles up on the couch next to me. She has no problem letting you know when she wants attention, or more attention. She loves playing outside and going for walks. She is missing many teeth but that has not stopped her from developing a love for chewing on deer antlers. She is pretty protective of her house and yard and gives passersby an earful!
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GUNNAR
Poor nutrition and lack of medical care rendered Gunnar blind. Before the raid he lived his entire life inside a cold, damp pole barn. He never felt the warmth of sunshine or a refreshing breeze. That resulted in such deep-rooted fear that he hardly exhibited any physical movement other than ‘potty’ or eat. Before welcoming him into her home, Corinne Ruppert researched ways to help Gunnar adapt to his blindness. She put many of those tips into practice, including always wearing a bell bracelet and talking to him continuously. She avoided rearranging the furniture and ensured small items always remained in place. Corinne even sang nursery rhymes to him, combining the cadence of the sound with gentle caresses. Despite these efforts, Gunnar was not interested in exploring the house. For an unknown reason, he suddenly began to resist walks as well. One night he started barking and pacing and then snapped in fear. For many months Corinne slept beside him on the floor until he relaxed enough to snuggle up against her. She consulted a variety of behaviorists, veterinarians, and trainers.
Corinne reports:
Some days I feel like Gunnar is doing well and other days I feel as if I’m not enough for him. Last year at the start of the quarantine I worked at home. It was great, and I thought maybe it was just what Gunner needed, more time alone to trust me. Then his behavior changed, and it’s not been the same since. I sometimes wonder if Gunnar enjoys being with me. I do my best to interact with him.
I do have some positives – he does not flinch when I pet him anymore and he eats treats from my hand now. Recently he barked to let me know the door was closed. In the past he would have turned around if it was closed. One time he even rolled around on his back! He takes anti-anxiety medicine now, but I also tried many other things, one by one. I rub lavender on his ears. I don’t know how much of a difference it makes.
He loves walking in the fenced-in yard, but anything with a leash he does not like. I am trying to desensitize him to the leash because he takes off to hide in the house if he hears it. I want him to have the best environment for recovery and socialization. I am curious to hear how the other dogs are doing. I think that would give me insight as to whether or not I am not the best for Gunnar.
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ROXY
Roxy’s family refers to her as a “special needs” dog. When she joined them she wouldn’t play, accept a toy, or wag her stubby tail. On walks she moved in circles instead of a straight line. Determined to do their best for her, Courtney and Nate Guillen hired both an animal behaviorist and a veterinarian specializing in anxiety issues. The vet prescribed medication and suggested calming food and herbs but those proved ineffective. They were encouraged to adopt a second dog. Although (Gracie) the Australian Shepherd/Husky mix has enabled a positive change, Courtney says they cannot underestimate the effect the abuse had on Roxy. She says infinite patience is always required, and it’s the small victories that feel life-changing.
Courtney reports:
I can’t say Roxy has made any huge strides lately, only baby steps, as has been her way. She is more interested in toys now and even more so, treats. She will chew on a bone and has even picked one up to bring it to her spot of choice. One day she started to rip up some newspapers! I was so amazed I cried, then I gave her a toy.
She is getting to be outgoing on her walks and will go up to people. We have discovered that her crying, which we initially thought was fear, is her happy noise. She is much freer with kisses and has even asked for attention. She and Gracie get along famously. Roxy grooms her face and ears pretty often. It’s very sweet.
They say Brittanys are a sensitive breed so it’s possible to break their spirit. I think the damage done to Roxy has affected her emotionally, and, unfortunately, physiologically as it has changed the way her brain works. That said, seeing Roxy run on her leash made me sure that joy is possible for her. So ‘hope springs eternal.’
Each of these Brittanys suffered abuse and neglect at the puppy mill. Each deals with their resulting issues at a unique pace and level. Yet all of these remarkable Brittanys share one thing in common, a deep love of and devotion to their forever families. And all their humans share one thing in common as well, the hope that their Britt will continue to make strides.
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VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH:
Terry Mixdorf
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Our amazing volunteer this month is Terry Mixdorf. She has been married to her husband Glen for forty years. They have two adult children, Amber (39), and Phillip (36); six grandkids (three boys and three girls); and seven dogs (four pure-bred and three Britt mixes).
Terry says she first “learned about the breed because of a stray ‘orange and white’ dog her husband found along the side of the road.” The dog was covered in road tar and oil. Terry’s husband whistled for the dog and it ran over and jumped in the car. “That was the beginning of my love for this breed,” says Terry. “If my feet were cold...all I would have to say is just that and she would lay on top of my feet.” Terry recalls every morning Glen would have a five-minute conversation about the day's plans. This orange and white dog responded as only a Brittany can. Glen would ask questions and she would answer them. “We never had a dog like that, and we have owned many dogs in our married life,” Terry says. “We ended up naming that tar covered, little orange and white dog, Bessie.”
“When she passed, we cried and cried. We knew we couldn't live without an orange and white dog.” The Mixdorf’s vet at the time didn't know what breed she was. A Brittany had never been seen in the area. This led Terry to a Google search to find out what breed the orange and white dog was. Google led Terry to American Brittany Rescue. (Thank you, Google!) She knew she had to apply to volunteer, in hopes that someday she could foster, or own, another “Bessie.”
Soon after, Terry received a call from the National Coordinator asking if she and Glen were still interested in volunteering. Of course, she said, “Yes!” The paperwork was faxed, filled out, and faxed back. The next Saturday Terry and Glen picked up their first foster dog, Jack. “Jack was not an easy foster dog by any means” Terry remembers. He had to have a six-foot fence and hated cats. Terry and Glen, thankfully, had the fence... and they had cats! When they picked up Jack, he tried to jump out the window before they even pulled away, and the window was only a fourth down. Glen and Terry remember looking at each other and thinking, “This is NOT a Bessie!”
Within a week Jack bolted out a screen door. An unnamed teenager left the door open, so one good pop and Jack was FREE! Terry fondly remembers Glen running down the gravel road in a business suit trying to catch him. Eventually, Jack circled around and was in the neighbor’s yard. Glen, on the other hand, was out of breath and said, “If this is what rescue is all about, I don't want to do this.”
That was 2002. Since then, Terry and Glen have fostered all kinds of personalities, attitudes, shapes, and sizes. When asked if it has been easy, Terry answers, “Not always, but what fun is easy? We have learned that we appreciate the foster dog more when we take them in broken and scared. We work through their issues and see them leave full of confidence and joy. There is no greater gratitude than to see them go to their new home and know all our hard work is going with them.”
In 2006, Terry was invited to apply to be on ABR’s board. In 2012 she was voted in as President. Terry is modest and states, “I couldn't do my job without the support of all the volunteers and board members. I'm just one small piece of the puzzle, and it takes all of us to continually run this wonderful organization.”
Terry says she has learned a lot over the years. It sounds as though Jack alone taught her quite a bit. She feels the most important things she has learned are:
A: “There are no two exact Brittanys out there. I have yet to foster one that reminded me of Beau or Jack or Bessie, etc. Each Brittany brings their own uniqueness to the table, which is why so many love the breed.”
B: “I am always learning. Being the President doesn't mean I always know all the answers, but it does mean I am willing to seek and learn alongside a fellow volunteer or coordinator.”
C: “I have YET to find another Bessie, but I have enjoyed the journey of fostering several hundred Brittanys over the years.”
Thank you, Terry, for your hard work, dedication, and love of the breed, and your commitment to ABR!
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FOSTER TAILS:
SADIE & PEPPER
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Pepper at time of rescue. |
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Sadie, age 12, and Pepper, age 7, were surrendered to ABR and started their new life with foster parents Robin Flood and Bob Simons in New York in December of 2020. Their owner had purchased them as puppies. The owner’s daughter reported that the dogs were frequently left alone for several days at a time.
Sadie (formerly “Lady”) had no fur from her waist to her back paws at the time of surrender. She had active fleas, ear infections, and weakness in her hindquarters. At her vet visit, Sadie was vaccinated, her ears were packed for the infection, and she had a much-needed nail trim that allowed her to stand more normally. Her senior blood panel was perfect other than slightly low iron, likely due to the fleas. The significant fur loss and skin growths that had developed over time from chewing indicated to the vet that she had a severe flea allergy. By the end of the first week in foster care, her fur started growing back. Daily walks, good food, and exercises improved strength in her hindquarters. After two weeks, Sadie was flying up and down stairs, and fully enjoying the outdoors where she loves to be.
Pepper (formerly “Peppers”) came to foster care significantly overweight, with active fleas, ear infections, a very long and fluffy coat, "Grinch feet," and long nails. She piled in the truck where she then propped her front feet on the console to ride to her foster home. Pepper got a bath to get rid of the fleas. Robin cleaned her ears and worked on her coat. Pepper weighed in at 52 pounds and started a diet right away. Pepper showed that she was the bossy one of the two girls, but she soon learned she could relax and just take care of herself. She loved the daily pack walk and treats of carrots and cucumbers. She lost ten pounds and was able to move more comfortably.
The girls soon went to separate forever homes. Although they had lived together, they were not bonded. It was in their best interests to live apart so they could continue to blossom individually. And blossom they have! Their forever families checked in with us a month after they were adopted and shared these updates:
Sadie (Myndy and Kate Woodruff)
Our wonderful old Britt, Rose, crossed the rainbow bridge last year. We adopted her through ABR when she was seven, and she quickly became a welcome addition to our family. Saying goodbye was not easy, and it took a few months before we were ready for another Brittany. By then Covid protocols were in place and rescued dogs became scarce. “Lady” popped up with the foster’s excellent description that nicely met our needs. We are seniors and wanted a senior dog companion to grow old with. We passed ABR's inspection and were paired with Lady. A very happy day for us!
We met lucky Lady and her fosters, Robin and Bob, on a blustery mid-January day at PetSmart in Amsterdam, New York. Lady was now in great shape and we quickly bonded. I asked Bob where Lady slept and he said “everywhere.” We had put out an assortment of dog beds which were quickly explored. Then on to the Lazy Boys and sofas!
The name Lady is socially clumsy. We tried a few alternatives and settled on Sadie. The names sound similar and the transition was seamless.
As is often the case with rescue dogs, she did not come with a manual. Is she not trained, is she deaf, or does she just not understand the King’s English? “Sit, stay, and come” (with hand signals) are primary commands for us. A pocket full of treats and a daily training session helped, but the big breakthrough came with the whistle. Two toots and she comes running!
Pepper (Marge and George McLaughlin)
It was just a short month ago in many ways, and a long month in that it seems we’ve known Pepper for much longer! We are a happy family. We thought Pepper felt right at home immediately. But it’s great how we now realize she’s settled further into her new life here.
I’m not exaggerating when we say every day how fortunate we are to have found each other, and how SWEET she is, such a good girl. She loves her life here. The food is good (and her weight is excellent now), she gets tons of pats, has outdoor squirrel and bunny watching time, indoor naps in any of a dozen different spots, and of course a daily long walk around the neighborhood.
We’re so happy to have found each other. Thank you so much for the important parts you contributed in order to make it happen for all of 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 share your anecdotes, thoughts, and experiences. Please connect with us at social.networks@americanbrittanyrescue.org.
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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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Super Cooper from Illinois is a sweet and friendly youngster looking for a loving family! This 2-year-old boy needs a family where he can be included in lots of activities and be close to his humans. He tends to be a very Velcro dog and will do best with someone home a good portion of the day. Another playful dog would be a big asset! He is super smart and has learned commands readily. Cooper knows no strangers, just friends he has not met.
Cooper has idiopathic epiliepsy and was surrendered by an owner who did not have the time or resources to manage his condition. He needs an experienced dog owner, preferably someone who has experience with canine seizure disorders. His seizures are relatively controlled with medication, averaging one episode (typically a cluster of 2) every 5 weeks. The medication is not expensive, but he will require blood work every 6 months or so to assure blood chemistry is where it should be.
Cooper needs to be included in a family’s day-to-day life. While Cooper is crate trained, he is NOT a fan, so left there for long hours will result in a very unhappy wild man. No long distance or sight unseen adoptions for Cooper. We feel it is important that all family members (human and canine) meet to assure that we have a good fit.
If you think you're a perfect match, please visit Cooper's profile on our website to complete an adoption application!
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HEALTH CORNER:
HEARTWORM QUICK FACTS
by Brittany Vester Boler
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Mosquitos are the culprit for infecting dogs with heartworm. A single bite can lead to a big infection!
- Checking your dog for heartworm is a quick blood test, usually done in your vet clinic at the yearly exam.
- It may take up to 7 months for a dog to test positive, so getting yearly tests when you renew your prescription is the best practice.
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Signs of heartworm are persistent cough (mild), fatigue/lack of desire to exercise, decreased appetite and weight loss.
- Use a YEAR-ROUND heartworm preventative. Several commercial options exist, so talk to your vet about which one is right for you and your dog.
- What about treatment for dogs that are already infected?
- Luckily, treatments exist to eradicate the infection, but it is a long and expensive process.
- Dogs must be kept quiet and are not allowed to exercise… not an easy task for a young or old Britt!
Bottom line- provide year-round heartworm preventative, if you can. Watch for signs of infection- especially in rescue and foster dogs that may not have been on a preventative.
Resources:
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GOOD GOLLY, MISS MOLLY!
by Terrie Johnson
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As a person who has not had any experience with amputees of any type, I am blown away by Miss Molly. Twelve hours after her surgery, Molly was up and walking around. Her surgery was 4.5 hours long on Wednesday March 3rd, with the surgeon completing the surgery around 6pm. She was released from the hospital that Friday afternoon. She was so happy to see me that she tried to jump into my SUV. Luckily we were ready for her exuberance and stopped her.
Saturday morning, I packed Molly up and drove her to meet her new Foster-to-Adopt family. The first thing she did upon getting out of the car was point the birds in the parking lot. She was so interested in everything that was going on and happy to be outside sniffing everything.
She is now settled into her new home in Reno, NV. She has a fur sister that she likes, but most of all she is in heaven being treated like a princess. She is walking well, even maneuvering stairs! Her wound has healed so well. She had little swelling, and seepage from the sutures. She rested quietly on the floor while the vet removed her stitches with her foster mom, Lori, giving her a belly rub.
Lori and her family just can’t consider parting with Molly. She has found her forever home with a family that loves her more than anything.
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PAMPERED CHEF FUNDRAISER
Thanks so much everyone for participating! We raised $550 for ABR with all of your help! It's very appreciated!
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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
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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