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December 2016
Letter to MABTR's staff   
--from Jennifer Misfeldt

MABTR is blessed to have many great individuals that have the heart to rescuing and adopting out Bostons and Boston mixes in a 13-state service area. I call you my family and friends.

I cannot say enough about each person that has played a role in our organization this past year and years before.  
 
A majority of our volunteers have full-time jobs and family commitments but some how find time for this full-time, non-paying volunteer position with MABTR. There are no paying positions within MABTR and yet thousands of hours are spent each year to make this organization run.

I am very proud on the fact that MABTR provides ...
-the ability to evaluate and find forever homes for hundreds of Bostons each year
-timely and professional communication
-honesty among one another and to the public people
-loyalty to the process and the dogs
-the willingness to continue to improve our program as we know we are not perfect, even though we try
-the ability to provide extensive medical care to each of our dogs while in our care.

Thank you for all you do which does make a difference in many lives.
Without you there would be no MABTR. Your actions are priceless in my book.
Holiday Pet Safety Tips
from the American Veterinary Medical Association
         
December abounds with holiday celebrations, but nothing can spoil good cheer like an emergency trip to the veterinary clinic. These tips can help keep your winter holiday season from becoming not-so-happy - for your pet and for you.
 
Plan in Advance
Make sure you know how to get to your 24/7 emergency veterinary clinic before there's an emergency. Talk with your veterinarian in advance to find out where you would need to take your pet, and plan your travel route so you're not trying to find your way when stressed. Always keep these numbers posted in an easy-to-find location in case of emergencies:
  • Your veterinarian's clinic phone number
  • 24/7 emergency veterinary clinic (if different)
  • ASPCA Poison Control Hotline: 1-888-426-4435 (fee may apply)
Food
Keep people food away from pets. If you want to share holiday treats with your pets, make or buy treats formulated just for them. The following people foods are especially hazardous for pets:
  • Chocolate is an essential part of the holidays for many people, but it is toxic to dogs and cats. Although the toxicity can vary based on the type of chocolate, the size of your pet, and the amount they ate, it's safer to consider all chocolate off limits for pets.
  • Other sweets and baked goods also should be kept out of reach. Not only are they often too rich for pets; an artificial sweetener often found in baked goods, candy and chewing gum, xylitol, has been linked to liver failure and death in dogs.
  • Turkey and turkey skin - sometimes even in small amounts - can cause a life-threatening condition in pets known as pancreatitis.
  • Table scraps - including gravy and meat fat -also should be kept away from pets. Many foods that are healthy for people are poisonous to pets, including onions, raisins and grapes. During the holidays, when our own diets tend toward extra-rich foods, table scraps can be especially fattening and hard for animals to digest and can cause pancreatitis.
  • Yeast dough can cause problems for pets, including painful gas and potentially dangerous bloating.
If you believe your pet has been poisoned or eaten something it shouldn't have, call your veterinarian or local emergency clinic immediately. You may also want to call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline. Signs of pet distress include: sudden changes in behavior, depression, pain, vomiting, or diarrhea.
 
Decorating
Greenery, lights and Christmas trees can make the holidays festive, but they also pose risky temptations for our pets.
  • Christmas trees can tip over if pets climb on them or try to play with the lights and ornaments. Consider tying your tree to the ceiling or a doorframe using fishing line to secure it.
  • Water additives for Christmas trees can be hazardous to your pets. Do not add aspirin, sugar, or anything to the water for your tree if you have pets in the house. 
  • Ornaments can cause hazards for pets. Broken ornaments can cause injuries, and ingested ornaments can cause intestinal blockage or even toxicity. Keep any homemade ornaments, particularly those made from salt-dough or other food-based materials, out of reach of pets. 
  • Tinsel and other holiday decorations also can be tempting for pets to eat. Consuming them can cause intestinal blockages, sometimes requiring surgery. Breakable ornaments or decorations can cause injuries.
  • Electric lights can cause burns when a curious pet chews the cords. 
  • Flowers and festive plants can result in an emergency veterinary visit if your pet gets hold of them. Amaryllis, mistletoe, balsam, pine, cedar, and holly are among the common holiday plants that can be dangerous and even poisonous to pets who decide to eat them. Poinsettias can be troublesome as well. 
  • Candles are attractive to pets as well as people. Never leave a pet alone in an area with a lit candle; it could result in a fire.
  • Potpourris should be kept out of reach of inquisitive pets. Liquid potpourris pose risks because they contain essential oils and cationic detergents that can severely damage your pet's mouth, eyes and skin. Solid potpourris could cause problems if eaten.
Hosting Parties and Visitors
Visitors can upset pets, as can the noise and excitement of holiday parties. Even pets that aren't normally shy may become nervous in the hubbub that can accompany a holiday gathering. The following tips will reduce emotional stress on your pet and protect your guests from possible injury.
  • All pets should have access to a comfortable, quiet place inside if they want to retreat. Make sure your pet has a room or crate somewhere away from the commotion, where your guests won't follow, that it can go to anytime it wants to get away.
  • Inform your guests ahead of time that you have pets or if other guests may be bringing pets to your house. Guests with allergies or compromised immune systems (due to pregnancy, disease, or medications/ treatments that suppress the immune system) need to be aware of the pets (especially exotic pets) in your home so they can take any needed precautions to protect themselves.
  • Guests with pets? If guests ask to bring their own pets and you don't know how the pets will get along, you should either politely decline their request or plan to spend some time acclimating the pets to each other, supervising their interactions, monitoring for signs of a problem, and taking action to avoid injuries to pets or people.
  • Pets that are nervous around visitors should be put it in another room or a crate with a favorite toy. If your pet is particularly upset by houseguests, talk to your veterinarian about possible solutions to this common problem.
  • Exotic pets make some people uncomfortable and may themselves be more easily stressed by gatherings. Keep exotic pets safely away from the hubbub of the holidays.
  • Watch the exits. Even if your pets are comfortable around guests, make sure you watch them closely, especially when people are entering or leaving your home. While you're welcoming hungry guests and collecting coats, a four-legged family member may make a break for it out the door and become lost.
  • Identification tags and microchips reunite families. Make sure your pet has proper identification with your current contact information - particularly a  microchip with up-to-date, registered information. That way, if they do sneak out, they're more likely to be returned to you. If your pet isn't already microchipped, talk to your veterinarian about the benefits of this simple procedure.
  • Clear the food from your table, counters and serving areas when you are done using them - and make sure the trash gets put where your pet can't reach it. A turkey or chicken carcass or other large quantities of meat sitting out on the carving table, or left in a trash container that is easily opened, could be deadly to your family pet. Dispose of carcasses and bones - and anything used to wrap or tie the meat, such as strings, bags and packaging - in a covered, tightly secured trash bag placed in a closed trash container outdoors (or behind a closed, locked door).
  • Trash also should be cleared away where pets can't reach it - especially sparkly ribbon and other packaging or decorative items that could be tempting for your pet to play with or consume.
When You Leave the House
  • Unplug decorations while you're not around. Cats, dogs and other pets are often tempted to chew electrical cords.
  • Take out the trash to make sure your pets can't get to it, especially if it contains any food or food scraps.
Holiday Travel
Whether you take your pets with you or leave them behind, take these precautions to safeguard them whenever you're traveling.  Learn more about traveling with pets. 
  • Interstate and international travel regulations require any pet you bring with you to have a  health certificate from your veterinarian - even if you are traveling by car.  Learn the requirements for any states you will visit or pass through, and schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to get the needed certificate within the timeframes required by those states.  Even Santa's reindeer need to get health certificates for their annual flight around the world.
  • Pets in vehicles should always be safely restrained and should never be left alone in the car in any weather.  Proper restraint means using a secure harness or a carrier, placed in a location clear of airbags. Never transport your pet in the bed of a truck.
  • If you're traveling by air and considering bringing your pet with you, talk with your veterinarian first. Air travel can put some pets at risk,  especially short-nosed dogs. Your veterinarian is the best person to advise you regarding your own pet's ability to travel.
  • Pack for your pet as well as yourself if you're going to travel together. In addition to your pet's food and medications, this includes bringing copies of their medical records, information to help identify your pet if it becomes lost, first aid supplies, and other items. Refer to our  Traveling with Your Pet FAQsfor a more complete list. 
  • Boarding your dog while you travel? Talk with your veterinarian to find out how best to protect your pet from  canine flu and other contagious diseases, and to make sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccines.
Hospice Homes Needed

MABTR has made our mission to take in and care for as many Bostons as possible, especially those who are terminally ill and need a loving place to spend their final moments

 
Dottie is looking for a hospice home with no other dogs, cats are fine.

Dottie is only 6 years old with a bad heart. Her owner died and family members did not have time for her.
When she arrived she was fainting leading us to the diagnosis of just how bad her condition was so she went into hospice care.
The only medical care she is receiving is medication daily but the time will come when this will no longer support what her heart needs.

Dottie is currently in Colorado but can be transported. She is living with dogs and cats but unfortunately when the other dogs start playing and barking she jumps in not to play but to fight.  She is great with people. 

Click here to learn more about our hospice program
and how you can support this effort
Check out the Facebook
Groups for Boston Fans
based on location

-get the current news and event notices for your area

-read others stories
and share with those in your area

Click below for the link and JOIN today! 


Minnesota
St Louis
Des Moines
 
NEW BOSTON BAY ITEM


MABTR's 2017 T-shirt

Check it out.  A must have.  One more design to add to your Boston shirt collection.
Full color on an indigo blue shirt
Sizes X-small to 4x.  *Run big 

Shirts will be shipped in early December, in time for the holidays

Click here to purchase these items and others
-think 'Holiday Gifts'-
MABTR Alumni - Milo
         
"I wanted to adopt a rescue dog, and my husband wanted a Boston Terrier. Enter MABTR which was the perfect place to find our new best friend forever. We went online and fell immediately in love with all the beautiful dogs and their stories. After filling out the application, we started requesting that we be considered as new parents for several dogs before we hit the jackpot with Milo. 

Early on he was extremely shy and uncertain, and exhibited all the behaviors you would expect to see from a dog "released from a breeder". Both my husband and I spent lots of time with him every morning going through training (potty training, basic commands, etc).  On his first hike with us he was terrified of a small stream crossing as he had obviously never seen one before. We are happy to report that today he leaps over the streams like an Olympic athlete.  His early behavior was tough given the amount of time we were spending with him. It was disappointing to not see a positive response from Milo. But then, slowly but surely, his eyes warmed and started showing more trust and love than uncertainty, emptiness, and sadness. Today he sleeps in our bed, loves to play, goes for a 3-4 mile hike every morning (even in the winter) and is known around the neighborhood as quite the walker. 

Milo is smart and a bit stubborn. He minds much better when a treat is involved (go figure). He loves his sunspots around the house. He enjoys chasing squirrels and bunnies, but can never catch anything. An interesting fact is that he has acted as a therapy dog. We took him to a local rehabilitation center/nursing home as part of a church group activity and he did great.  The people loved him, and he loved them.  It really brightened everyone's day, including Milo's! 

Milo has brought much joy, laughter, love, and fun into our lives. It was a challenging adjustment for all of us, but he trained us too. In his own way he was able to communicate what he likes and does not like. He is a gentle, kind soul, and we cannot imagine our lives without him. Our life really revolves around him now, and our family loves him too.  We can't thank MABTR enough for all they do, and for allowing us to provide Milo a forever home.  Looking back on the adoption selection process, I have to hand it to them for taking the time and consideration to place the right dog into the right home. We could not be happier!

Sincerely,  Paul, Deidre, and Milo 
MABTR 2017 12 Month Calendar
Full Color, Wall Hanging 
available for purchase - supply is limited

*Calendars will be shipped within a week so you will have for the holidays*
Adoptable Dog of the Month

Hi, my name is  Milo . I am a 10 year old Boston mix and weigh 17 pounds with a tail (I could stand to gain a few pounds). I need a new home because my owner could not take care of me any  more. I am being fostered in Omaha, NE.

I am a really nice boy and you would never guess I am 10. I can jump really high so I need a 6 foot privacy fence. 
I like to play fetch and tug of war with my foster mom a lot. I don't play with my foster brothers and tend to be dominant over them, so I prefer to be the only pet.  
 
I like all people, I am very friendly and will sit on your lap, especially if you pet me. I also really like my crate; it is my safe place and I go in there when I need quiet time.  
 
I would make a great companion and a good watch dog.  I am looking for a forever home with someone who will spend time with me, love me and help me adjust. I am a really good boy if you give me a chance! I am very loyal so I will make a great companion.   

~~~Eligible for the Golden Paws Program~~~
 Adoptors who are 60 years old and up who adopt a dog 7 years old and up get $50 off the adoption fee!  
 
Ask Jennifer

Q:
How do I know if my dog is in pain?  
 
A:  When people are in pain, it's pretty hard to miss most of the time. Dogs, unfortunately, aren't always quite so easy to read. 
 
First off, to start with the obvious, they can't tell us if something hurts because of that whole not-talking thing. Plus they have a higher tolerance for pain than humans.

Many times dogs will hide their pain, if possible, as a natural survival mechanism. Remember these are pack animals - the weak are left behind or killed.  So just because your dog is not showing you the signs you expect to see doesn't mean they are not in pain.  One general rule of thumb to remember -- if you would be in pain then they are.

Some pain symptoms include:
  • excessive grooming, licking
  • heavy panting
  • lack of appetite
  • avoidance behaviors - not wanting to participate / being a loner
  • aggression - all of a sudden snapping/biting and not wanting to be touched
  • excessive vocalization
  • mobility issues
  • changes in posture
  • restlessness

       

                              See more: Link to our FAQs here 

Thank You for Your Donation! 
 
$100 In honor of Roxy
$30 In honor of Brook Ryan
$20 In memory of Oreo
$20 In memory of Ebony 
 
$250  Hyatt Hotel and Resorts
$200 Robert G
$140 AT&T 
$120 Raymond N
$65 Mandi D  
$50 Colleen O, Audrey C, Caroline W
$45 Poundwishes 
$30  Lori L, Leslie M, Kelly B, Cynthia K
$25 Ann A,  Charity C
$20 Nancy S, Susie M, Matthew S, Pam M, Diana Z, Ashley H, Christine W,
Sara S, Candace L 

$13
Betsy H
$12 Dainty Itty Bitties
$10 Angela C, Katherine F, Angela P, Robin B, Mart D, Lisa B, JoAnn F, Lori D, Veronica Z, Danielle K, Gerald P   
$5 Angie V 
 
All donations are tax deductible!

Wall of Fame  

Quick Links
F AQ
All donations
(monetary or items)
are tax-deductible.

MABTR is
100% volunteer-driven. Your entire donation amount goes towards rescuing, rehabilitating, and re-homing Bostons in need in foster care.
Employer Match Programs
Did you know that many employers will match your donation to a 501(c)3 organization? Some even pay a flat fee to the organization for volunteer hours! 
Check with your human resource department for details!
A few companies we know of are:
  • AT&T
  • Wells Fargo
  • MidAmerica Energy Holding Comp.
  • Pfizer
  • Allstate
  • CenturyLink
  • CNA Surety
  • CSG
  • 8z Real Estate
  • Great Western
  • Thrivent Financial
  • Western Union
  • SalesForce
  • Microsoft
  • United Way
  • First National Bank
  • Lockhead Martin Corporation
  • Benevity: Apple, Google, ADP
November   
Fundraiser Results
 
CO Paw Prints $280      
CO Wine Auction $1,357 
KC Painting for Paws $145
Thanks to ALL  
who participated!!!
  Adoption Corner...
~~Happy Tails~~

 23 Bostons rescued

in November!

 

239 Bostons rescued so far in 2016!

   

3,082 Bostons rescued since November 2005!

 

We ask that you help us educate the public about their options when looking for a new pet. We appreciate the fact that you are not purchasing your pet from a pet store that sells lives animals, since 98% of all puppies in a pet store come from terrible situations such as puppy mills. For more information on puppy mills visit our site and read all you need to know about puppy mills.

 

If you are interested in a breed other than a Boston check out the links below.

-Petfinder 

-Rescue list by breed 

-Google search under

" "breed" rescue"

AGE is just a number
 
I wish applicants would make personality and behavior priority when adopting a dog but the truth is that a majority are not even interested in learning about a dog if it is out of their age range.

Remember that just because a dog is young does not guarantee he/she will live to be 14. MABTR cannot promise anyone how long a dog will live. We unfortunately have experienced the loss of a life at a very young age unexpectedly.

MABTR is not prejudiced when it comes to rescuing. A life is precious no matter
*gender   *age
*disability  *health
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Love

has NO
age limit!
Raffle Results
Congrats to
Karen M of CO 
who won the Boston Holiday, which raised $455 !

Thanks to everyone who participated!
December
Monthly Raffle
Boston Bobble  Head
Plush boston bobble head. Stands 7 inches tall by 6 inches wide with a sticker underneath should you want to attach to your dashboard.

Make a donation
in Memory of..
or
in Honor of...
of someone special
(human or pet)
 
MABTR has a program that will mail your special someone a card recognizing the individual pet or human
that your donation was made in behalf of.

  Make your donation here
Boston FB Groups to 'Like' by city
Did you know that there might be a Boston Terrier fan page on FB in your area?  You should consider joining in!

Click below for the link in your area! 

Minnesota
St Louis
Des Moines
Saying Goodbye



"Keep their memories close to your heart and remember in another time, in a beautiful place, you will see them again."
   Golden Paws for Golden Years


Did you know
that MABTR has such a program where an adoptor 60 or older adopting a Boston 7 years and older receives $50 off the adoption fee?

No anesthesia Dental Cleaning
Boulder, CO
Well Animal Institute offers dental cleanings that are anesthesia-free.

So many dogs are in need of dentals; however, health concerns may deter them from getting what is needed. 

Here is your solution for only $185!

For every dog that  comes in and gets their teeth cleaned, 
$30 goes towards a rescue.

Win-win for MABTR and the dogs!

Local MABTR Events 
Join us!
~all breeds welcome~
   
Colorado
Saturday, Dec 3
Centennial 
Photos with Santa
11am - 3pm
at Chuck and Don's -
2253 E. Briarwood  Ave.
$10 includes photo/frame.
 
Sunday, Dec 4 
Longmont
Photos with Santa 
2 - 5pm  
Chuck and Don's - 
1250  S. Hover St.  
$10 includes photo/frame. 
 
Saturday, Dec 10 
Colorado Springs 
Photos with Santa 
11am - 3pm  
at Wag n Wash -
5830 Stetson Hills Blvd. 
$10 includes photo/frame.
See flyer at left for details!
 
 
Missouri
~~KC area~~
Dec 2 - Dec 11
(except Dec 7)
Leawood , MO
Holiday Gift Wrapping
for donations
at  Barnes and Noble
Town Center Plaza -
4751 W. 117th St.

 
Saturday, Dec 17
Independence
Photos with Santa
11:30am - 3pm
at Petco -
4201 S Noland Rd.

Monday, January 2
Kansas City, MO
Pizza Ranch Fundraiser
5 - 8pm
4801 North Oak Trafficway
10% of all sales go to MABTR!!

~~St. Louis area~
Saturday, December 17 
St Louis
Celebration of the Dog
Noon - 2:30pm
at AKC Museum of the Dog in Queeny Park.  
1721 S. Mason Rd.
Free event!!
We will have raffles, food, dog games, vendors, adoptable dogs talent contest and much more.  *Jennifer Misfeldt will be our special guest.
See flyer at left for details!

Nebraska
Saturday, December 10
Omaha
Meet and Greet
11am - 1pm
at Long Dog Fat Cat
16909 Burke St.
(Village Point)
Stop by for a holiday craft!  
Volunteer Opportunities

Our rescue organization has a very hard-working and dedicated crew of volunteers committed to improving the lives of Boston Terriers and Boston mixes across 13 states.

  

If you are interested in helping please email your interest and contact information to luckypawpals@aol.com.

  

Also make sure to add yourself to our email list by clicking here

Include your state so you get the proper notices.

 

You're in for a rewarding experience! Opportunities to help include:

  • Newsletter articles
  • Volunteer at local events
  • Fundraising
  • Fostering
  • Babysitting
  • Transporting
January 2017
issue recap 
 
In the January 2017 issue of The Boston Times MABTR will recap their 2016 finances, 2016 goal achievements and 2017's goals.
Stay Connected...