AMERICAN BRITTANY NEWSLETTER - APRIL 2019
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What's in a name? (Rose by any other name...)
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Naming your dog can be exciting, daunting, monumental and just plain fun. Is there a wrong and right way to pick a name? How important is it? Do you want to start a new trend or be part of the wave? Where do you start? Let’s jump in and see.
There are many ways to begin the search for a name. It could be as simple as choosing a letter from the alphabet and going from there
–
from Apple to Zipper. Other owners prefer retro names, such as, Fred, Agnes or Harvey. Keep in mind you might find yourself yelling your dog’s name at a dog park or calling your vet to make an appointment. Is the name offensive, political or a swear word?
Your dog’s appearance might make picking a name easier. Look at the dog’s color for inspiration –
Ice or Coal
. Highlight the markings –
Freckles or Spot
. Maybe your dog’s size comes into play –
Moose or Tiny
. A large group to look at for names can be your interests, foods and drink, cities, sports team or cars. This area holds endless possibilities – Colby, Merlot, Rio, Viking, Ford, etc.
Looking at the trending names might help you pick one from the list. If you want a popular name, realize that your Bella might not be the only one at the dog park.
There are lists of paired names for two dogs: Bread & Butter, Black & Decker, Bacon & Eggs, Ben & Jerry, etc. Keep in mind your dogs will not always be together so pick names you love separately besides together.
When you do decide on a name, ask yourself if you really like it? This name is something you will live with for a long time and hear it several times a day. Try the name out for a few days – does it feel right and fit the dog?
Aim for a name that is one or two syllables. A hard ‘k’ or ‘c’ is crisp and easier for a dog to discern than a ‘s’, ‘sh’ or ‘zh’ which may get muddled in the surrounding noises. Does the name you are choosing sound close to a command that will be frequently used? No – Joe, Go – Cole, Stay – Shay or Sit – Kit. Lessening the confusion makes training easier for you and your dog.
You might have rescued a dog that came with a name that you can live with and like. If you find you need to change the name, picking a new name close to the original will make it easier for the dog to learn. You might have just adopted Carly, but your daughter is not too happy to share her name. Changing the dog’s name to Marlie or Harley is easier than Brutus.
Once you have done the hard work of picking the perfect name, will you give your dog a middle name? This can be a way to honor a past dog or to have a continuing thread throughout your dogs. Our daughter gave our first dog the middle name Jones (after Indiana Jones). We’ve loved Wrigley Jones, then Rufus Jones and now Buck Jones Cutting. When your dog hears their full name, they usually know that they have just been caught doing something naughty.
In the end, from the dog’s perspective they are watching your body language, listening to your tone of voice and being aware of your energy. They don’t care what you call them as long as you don’t call them ‘Late for Dinner’.
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Here are the 2018 top dog names:
MALES:
- Charlie
- Max
- Buddy
- Archie
- Teddy
- Toby
- Bailey
- Frankie
- Ollie
- Jack
FEMALES:
- Bella
- Ruby
- Coco
- Molly
- Bonnie
- Rosie
- Daisy
- Lucy
- Luna
- Maggie
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MOLLY AND DUKE
AN ABR SUCCESS STORY
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Gretchen and Brian Beetner had no intention of adopting two senior Brittanys at the same time, especially those living in a foster family over a thousand miles away. That is until they fell in love with the story of nine-year-old siblings Molly and Duke. The littermates had been purchased as puppies by two families living in the same neighborhood. Because the families were close friends, the pups enjoyed lots of playtime together. Eventually, Duke and Molly shared the same home when one of the families stepped up to adopt the other’s dog. But then for reasons that are unclear, that family surrendered the bonded pair to ABR.
Both of the Beetners work full-time and don’t have a real yard of their own, so adopting the less active seniors fits in perfectly with their lifestyle. Molly and Duke had multiple folks interested in them, but Gretchen convinced their foster mom that she and Brian proved the best fit. They flew down to Texas and drove back to Chicago with the adorable duo. It’s been a little over a year now, and Gretchen says living with two Britts proves much easier than she originally thought. As any true Britt lover knows, they never slow down, so Duke and Molly are always up for a romp or a rousing game of fetch. And like most Britts, they believe they are lap dogs. Although Molly is the boss, both “squeeze in” at the same time. And that, says Gretchen, brings true joy.
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Zar
is the perfect dog according to his foster family. He is very well behaved indoors and has full run of the house, even when left alone. He learned his place quickly, does not climb on furniture, and has had no bathroom accidents. He loves to look out the windows at the outside world. He is very interested in what goes on around him. Zar is very affectionate and always ready for attention, but does not beg for it.
Zar is an international rescue and was an inside dog living in Spain. He absolutely loves the outdoors and is very energetic. He does not challenge the fence in his foster home. He does have a blast with the squirrels and birds who reside in the neighborhood, and he is the first to come inside when hands are clapped to come in. His papers said that he may have problems with male dogs, but his foster home has only female dogs. He has been nothing but a great companion to them. They love to play together, and there have been no issues with them. He loves to chase balls and frisbees when thrown. He’s a perfect angel!
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Austin
came to the attention of ABR volunteers as a stray in a shelter in Austin, Texas. From there he went to a vet's office to be neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. He is now in the comfort of a foster home and is loving life. Austin age is estimated at 10 years old. And like most seniors he is still active, loves to explore, loves his foster companions and is very, very sweet. He has the sweetest look about him, especially when he wakes from a nap. Austin is deaf but he handles it just fine. He compensates by looking for you or his foster companions therefore a home with another dog is a must. If you ask Austin, he would love to go with Daphnee as he has filled up her dance card.
Austin is up to date on all vaccinations, neutered, chipped and is on heartworm preventative and flea & tick protection. Austin weighs 45-48 pounds and looks great at that weight. He does pretty well on a leash, not sure if he would be great off leash as his nose appears to be the leader when he is out on a walk. He rides very well in a vehicle. He is interested in cats, just not sure if he could be trusted by himself. He gets along with all of the neighborhood dogs and has stood up to another dog trying to get a bit too frisky. As previously mentioned a home with another dog(s) would be necessary since Austin takes a lot of cues from his foster companions.
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Daphnee
- If you are familiar with the "Life is Good" t-shirts then you can picture Daphnee. She is such a happy-go-lucky Brittany! Just yesterday, after running and playing all day in the yard chasing butterflies, cormorants, lizards and anything that moves she tears off running in large circles and flops on the ground for a wiggle session to scratch her back. So much fun to watch. Don't let her age fool you, Daphnee does not act 10. Be prepared to let her run off leash to burn her energy. She behaves beautifully inside. Daphnee does great around all dogs of all sizes and plays well with dogs of all sizes. She is interested in the indoor cats but does not bother them - just curious. Daphnee does well riding in a car. She has been without a kennel - haven't tested her with one. We are working on the off-leash training. The only time I could not find her she was back at my home sitting on the front porch - Good girl. She definitely needs a secure fence and will test every weakness in any fence.
Daphne is up to date on all vaccinations, spayed, heartworm negative and on preventative. She is also microchipped. She currently weighs around 30 pounds and looks good at that weight. She eats a bit more (1.5 cups, 2 times a day) than my other Brits however she burns it off running and playing. Daphnee's forever home will need to have another dog to help burn her energy. She adores Austin and we hope to re-home them together although it’s not necessary.
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Congratulations to these Brittanys who recently joined their forever families!
Bindi, AL
Cooper, NJ
Cutter, NE
Fitz fka Bubba, NE
Johnny, GA
Lady, CT
Leia, KY
Madison, MD
Sadie kna Katie, MO
Tucker aka “Tuck”, TX
Yankee, IN
HAPPY TAILS - Would not be possible without your support!
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Thank you for helping Elliott. It only took 3 days to reach our goal!!
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Elliott is an abandoned hunting dog from Spain. He was struck by a car and left for dead. A kind person brought him to a vet and contacted American Brittany Rescue. His broken leg was repaired but has not mended properly. Elliott needs additional surgery. It will cost over $2000 to get this two-year-old to a happy home in the US. Fees include vet care, boarding in Spain, a crate, plus airfare for both him and a volunteer. Please help.
We raised over $2100 in less than three days. THANK YOU!! You can still contribute to Elliott! The campaign will remain open until May 31st. Also, please watch for other Giving Grids to help our International dogs one by one!!
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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
Tina Leone, Vice-President/Co-Treasurer
Cheri Wilson - Chair
Michelle Falkinburg, Secretary
Diana Doiron, Co-Treasurer
Tiffany Dexter
Nancy Hensley
Sandra Oelschlegel
Monica Rutt
Maria Smith
Ryan Waterbury
AMERICAN BRITTANY RESCUE E-NEWSLETTER TEAM
Lisa Bagwell
Brittany Boler
Jeannine Connors
Judie Cutting
Autumn Fenton
Lori Gartenhaus
Patricia Gillogly
Melissa Tapply
Rachel Schollaert
Maria Smith
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