AMERICAN BRITTANY RESCUE NEWSLETTER - OCTOBER 2026 | | |
A SECOND CHANCE FOR COPPER
by Christina Johnson
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Longtime ABR volunteers Chris and Mila Wink know how deeply Brittanys can shape a family. They adopted Simba in 2016 and Doc in 2017, when both dogs were about a year old. Simba and Doc quickly became inseparable best friends - sleeping, playing, eating, and sharing nearly every part of life together.
When Doc passed away from heart failure in March 2026, Simba was deeply affected. Seeing how much he missed his companion, the Winks decided they were ready to open their home and hearts to another Brittany and contacted ABR.
A Journey Marked by Persistence
Their path to adoption included several unexpected turns. In June 2026, the Winks applied to adopt Gunner in New Jersey, but he had already been placed with another family. On July 6, they applied to adopt Copper in Wisconsin and were told that his foster family was not considering long-distance adoptions. Although disappointed, the Winks continued looking for a Brittany they could share their home with.
Later that month, they offered to foster and potentially adopt Bubba, an owner surrender from Alabama. They were prepared to drop everything and drive to pick him up, but after several days without communication, the surrendering family reported that Bubba had found another home. It was good news for Bubba, but another disappointment for the Winks. Then, on July 19, they adopted Daisy, a three-year-old female Brittany located in South Carolina, through NBRAN, another national Brittany rescue.
Just four days later, Copper’s foster family reached out with an unexpected update: they were now willing to consider the Winks’ application and wanted to speak with them. Even though the Winks had already adopted Daisy and despite having previously been told they would not be considered for Copper due to their distance, they remained open to welcoming him into their family.
On July 27, Copper’s foster family selected the Winks as his forever family. Daisy’s recent arrival helped solidify the match because she would give Copper a younger companion to play with. On July 30, the Winks flew to Wisconsin. The next day, they rented an SUV, picked up Copper, and drove him home to Georgia.
Today, Simba is back to his usual self and enjoying not one but two new Brittany companions. Daisy and Copper are settling in beautifully, spending their days with Simba exploring the Winks’ big backyard, which is full of critters and plenty of things to sniff and chase. The Winks’ journey proves that when hearts remain open even after disappointment, the unexpected can become extraordinary, and a dog like Copper can find the forever family he was always meant to call home.
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PHOTOS OF THE MONTH
FALL BRITTS
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SHARE YOUR PHOTOS FOR NOVEMBER:
Brittanys in the Field
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IN TRIBUTE
BRITTANYS THAT HAVE CROSSED THE RAINBOW BRIDGE
| | Freckles - August 17, 2026 | Asher - September 24, 2026 | | |
FOSTER WITH US—BRITTANYS NEED YOU!
Why is fostering awesome?
"Fostering for me brings about a sense of peace. Some of these dogs come from horrible situations, watching them decompress and learn how loved they truly are makes all the hard times worth it. I would do it a million times over!"
- Bobbie
| | BRITTANYS AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION | | |
Blake - NY - 12 y/o
Blake is healthy, smart, love bug! He was surrendered to ABR due to his excessive barking at the townhouse where he lived. He has a clean bill of health and gets around well. He is eager to jump in the back seat of the pickup truck go for a ride. Blake is nimble and jumps a couple of feet on and off the porch. He is more of an inside dog than outside. Blake hates to be alone, and prefers to be near his adult always. He gets along well with the two resident Brittanys and enjoys gentle play. Blake is a peaceful, loyal friend who just wants to be part of the pack. If you have a quiet home and plenty of time to share with a faithful senior dog, Blake could be your new best friend! Adopt Blake
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Gabby - NJ - 7 y/o
Smart, sweet, and full of spirit! Gabby loves squeaky toys, car rides, walks, and spending time with her people and dog friends. Life is pretty great when there’s a toy to play with and someone nearby to share the day! Gabby enjoyed boating this summer, and she loves visit from her 10 and 14-year-old human "cousins." Gabby is blind, but it's always sunny in her world!
Adopt Gabby
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Beau - VA - 3 y/o
Beau is a goofy, cuddly, loving boy with a big personality! He loves to be with his people. He currently lives with several cats and a teenager, and he has playdates with dogs of all sizes. He recently went to a board & train program and learned basic commands, brain engaging exercises and how to stay calm in situations that once caused him panic. He will continue to have “refresher” trainings with his trainer after adoption. His trainer is also willing to teach his new family how to work with all he has learned. We want to ensure that Beau has all of the support he needs to succeed in his forever home! Adopt Beau
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Jack - AL - 6 y/o
Smart, playful and very much a Velcro dog... Jack is the quintessential Brittany! He has juvenile cataracts and as he loses his sight, it's harder for him to safely navigate his home with small children. We are looking for a foster or foster-to-adopt home with a fence and either an ophthalmologist specialist nearby or someone willing to drive him to his appointments. ABR will cover the cost of his surgery. Jack so deserves a home where he can be comfortable with his people and have his energy needs met. Might that be you? Adopt Jack
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Sissy - MO - 6 y/o
Sissy is a fun and goofy dog who loves exploring the acreage, eating veggies, and going for car rides. She came into foster care at 89 pounds, but has lost 29. It turns out she has Cushings disease, which requires a special diet and monthly meds. Sissy is a good girl who learns well, has been the easiest foster, has great house manners, and enjoys relaxing in her crate. She will be a wonderful companion to a lucky family!
Adopt Sissy
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Ace - CO - 8 y/o
Ace, here! I like to keep life interesting. Whether I’m exploring the world around me, checking in to make sure you’re still nearby, or dreaming up my next bit of mischief, I’m always looking for the next adventure. I bond deeply with my people and always make time for a cozy evening at your feet.
I’m looking for an active home where I can be your adventure buddy—and one without cats, please.
Adopt Ace
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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!
ADOPTION APPLICATION...
| | | | "QUIRKY" BRITTANY BEHAVIORS | | Murphy Brown just hanging out! | | | Share Your Quirky Photos for Next Month | |
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THE 2026 ABR QUILT RAFFLE IS HERE!
Get into the holiday spirit with a chance to win this gorgeous Christmas-themed quilt, measuring an impressive 5.5 x 7 feet!
Large enough to cover a queen-size bed or make a beautiful holiday wall hanging, this quilt features a snowy Christmas scene complete with Santa Claus, reindeer, Christmas trees in subtle greys and earthy tones. Flip it over for a festive checkerboard design in holiday red, green, and black!
Tickets are just $5 each!
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WHAT AN AMAZING BARK AUCTION
Our online auction raised an incredible $5,652 to help our foster dogs.
- 74 items found new homes
- 67 bidders joined in
- 362 bids were placed
Thank you for your support!
| | | SNEAK PEAK AT 2027 CALENDAR | |
ABR-IL 2026 PICNIC
New Location, Same Great Time!
by Lynn Zadcovic
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ABR-IL hosted the 24th annual picnic at a new location in Naperville on September 12. The west shelter at Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve offered a covered pavilion, convenient parking, modern restrooms and electricity as well as several shade trees.
ABR volunteers, adopters and guests numbered 39, along with their 18 Brittanys. Proceeds from registration, the raffle, donations, and ID tags amounted to $1630. Attendees donated raffle baskets which were coordinated by Lynn Zadkovic, and tickets were sold by Dorene Glotz, Julie Glotz and Kristie Glotz. Maury Brancamp announced the winners.
A highlight of the picnic was the drawing for a beautiful quilted wall hanging, sewn and generously donated by Janice Van Male. The design was inspired by her Brittany, Penny Jane, whom she adopted from ABR in 2021. Jan said, "I hope this quilt captures the curiosity, playfulness, and affection of your Brittany. I tried to reflect the breed's signature 'heart' pose in her front legs. The sparkle in her eyes, to me, shows a Brittany ready to play and chase butterflies."
The raffle was coordinated by Dorene Glotz, who promoted it as a fundraiser with the help of Melissa Tapply DiLello, who featured it in the ABR eNews and social media. As a result, entries were mailed in from several states. Picnic attendees were also able to purchase tickets that day. Proceeds totaled $365. Jan's granddaughter, Abi, drew the winning ticket, and Laura Fitzpatrick was the lucky winner.
Registration greeters were Jeanette Seely and Connie Hoffman. ABR-IL coordinator, Deb Giesler, handled picnic publicity and online registration, though she could not attend this year because her husband Ted was recovering from surgery.
A delicious buffet lunch was prepared by Nancy and Lou Pignotti and their daughter, Jessica. The Britts were not forgotten, thanks to Margo Domino, who provided pup cups for all. Jessica Peretti operated the machine that created personalized ID tags for the dogs. Set-up and clean-up were handled by Joe Koszulinski, Nik Zadkovic, and Chris Strauss.
After lunch everyone gathered for a group photo snapped by Nik Zadkovic.
The picnic committee is already planning the 25th annual gathering for September 11, 2027 again at the Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve's west shelter. Save the date!
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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
Wendy Boyce, Secretary
Terrie Johnson, Treasurer
Sandra Oelschlegel, Chair
Deb Grove
Joe Herslip
Peter Stastny
Carol Weaver
AMERICAN BRITTANY RESCUE E-NEWSLETTER TEAM
Brittany Boler
Jeannine Connors
Kristin Davis
Christina Johnson
Melissa Tapply DiLello
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