SEPTEMBER 2018
ABR FOSTER AND HOSPICE CARE
Feature Dog Bogie
It is a truth universally acknowledged that any dog, regardless of age, can correctly be referred to as a “pup.” Take Bogie, a senior ABR rescue. An owner surrender, he caught the attention (and heart) of Sandi, who decided she was going to be his forever family. She didn’t change her mind after finding out that Bogie was terminally ill with cancer, and with that decision Sandi and her husband became part of ABR’s hospice program.

Hospice care and long term foster dogs are some of the least “adoptable” animals ABR sees. They are usually old, often sick, and almost always require a bit of extra care. It’s easy to imagine these animals as being a burden — on time, wallets, and especially hearts — but you won’t hear that from any of their fosters. ABR receives donations to help cover the medical costs, and as for the time and hearts, it’s more than worth it to the fosters. Bogie lived with Sandi for two months before he passed, but despite the inevitable heartbreak Sandi was glad to have spent those months with him. “Is it hard when the end comes? Absolutely!” she wrote. “Were there tears? Many! Still, we were honored to be the ones to help him cross over.”

There’s no doubt about it, long term and hospice care is not an easy job. That’s why attitude matters. “We never looked at him as a dying dog but as a new love that came into our lives to share his wisdom and dignity with us,” Sandi said. Rebecca, Bogie’s foster before he was adopted by Sandi, adds that her work with the “broken” dogs is “the most rewarding thing [she’s] ever done.” When we consider all the love, joy, and positivity that dogs bring into our lives, the last thing they deserve to feel is unwanted. Thanks to donations and open hearts, dogs like Bogie, no matter what may have come before, get to spend their last days knowing they are loved, cared for, and very, very wanted.
A Volunteer's Perspective
"Give me the broken" - Becca
Hi there! My name is Becca and I've been involved with ABR for almost 2 years and have taken in several fosters.

About a year ago, I contacted my state coordinator and told her to only give me the 'broken' ones. I wanted the ones who were scared or fearful of humans and sounds. After my first international foster, I discovered it was my niche. My husband and I spent countless hours with a dog who had no trust in humans. Eye contact would make him run and hide. To summarize it, it took seven weeks to make his tail wag, and 81 days to get a kiss on the face. And at 83 days, he was adopted. That's when I knew this is what I was meant to do.

Another "broken" foster, Bogie, yes the one you just read about... tugged on my heart. It was obvious he had issues with breathing and we were determined to get answers. After many trips to the vet at the University of Georgia Vet School, it was determined that he had cancer. As you read, he was already adopted and gratefully his family loved him dearly. But my husband and I were ready to take him back into ABR's care and were willing to see it through the end if necessary.

Here is what I learned.. all of my 'broken or terminal' foster dogs do great with my two girls (both Britts). I keep requesting the broken ones because the work is worth it.

And to the people who say they couldn't do what I do, I didn't think I could either. But fostering is the most rewarding thing I've ever done. There is no better reward than seeing your pup flourish or provide the best environment for a dog whose days are limited.

Thank you Becca and all of our wonderful current volunteers. If you feel "called" like Becca to help with long-term foster or hospice care, please contact your State Coordinator or complete the Volunteer Application Online.
Our ABR President's Perspective
Terry Mixdorf questions and answers about ABR Long-Term Foster and Hospice Program
Why is hospice/long term fostering a part of ABR?
It's because some of the fosters ABR takes in came from bad situations. Maybe they were injured and the injury wasn't taken care of, or they are heartworm positive which requires 4-6 months of treatment. Some have even been mistreated or abused and they need time to heal and trust again. 
How does ABR know a dog needs longer care? We know based on info from the surrendering owners' completed applications which include info on these Brittanys, as well as information from shelters and other authorities, if involved.  
What is it like for an ABR volunteer who does long term fostering? From personal experience, it can be rewarding and frustrating. You take 2 steps forward, 4 back, and then forward again. But we wouldn't change it for the world. We measure success by moments, when you see the lights come on and they start to "get it". Sometimes that can take weeks or months, but it DOES happen...and when it does...there is no words to describe the joy you feel inside that all your hard work is starting to pay off.
Is there a need for volunteers? YES! It takes a special volunteer who is willing to give what it takes to see it through. You have to be willing to have them stay in your home long enough to recover and heal. Then to be strong enough to let them go to a new home where they can carry the tools and love you have given them to live a wonderful life.
What can be the financial needs of these particular dogs? ranges? ABR will cover expenses to bring the foster Brittany to a point of being healthy for adoption. We also cover based on the information provided and approved, behavioral sessions, or training sessions if the issues we are dealing with are beyond our expertise. The biggest out-of-pocket expenses are your emotions and any items you choose to buy to make your foster comfortable and secure. That can range from $5.00 up to several $100.00 if you have to buy special crates or dog food due to allergies, etc.
When do we know it is time to let the dog cross the rainbow bridge? You'll have us and our expertise to consult with, so you'll feel affirmed about it when it's time. My vet told me that we "just know". If they are wagging their tail, want to eat, want to engage in life, then all is good...when they stop doing these things and you look into their eyes and you don't see that "look" that you always see in them, then it is time. Brittanys are so resilient to pain that many times we do not realize they are that ill till it's almost too late. Brittanys seem to worry more about our happiness then how they feel.  

Memories to share: I have two! The 1st one is Paige, who along with about 13 others we took in from a breeder in Nebraska after a court ordered the dogs' removal or otherwise the authorities would've done it for them. Paige was the last dog still in foster care. She was so introverted, she felt like she died every time we went to touch her. Her 1st few weeks we couldn't get her to eat or even get near her. She was one Brittany who wasn't interested in food or treats. No matter how tasty, she snubbed it. As time went on, she started to stay in the same room with us, would start to watch us, even jumped on the couch or bed from time to time. We knew we were making progress, but it didn't seem like we were making enough.....UNTIL......we had a couple fly in from California looking at one of our other foster dogs. All of a sudden we see Paige following the wife, and close. My mouth dropped! I told her to stop and turn around and she did, squatted down to Paige and Paige let her touch her and pet her. This went on for over 30 minutes. They ended up adopting Paige instead of the other Brittany and now you would never know that old Paige of yesteryear.  She barks for treats, plays with the other dogs, sleeps in their bed, and is living life to the fullest. On this page there are 2 pictures of her - the 1st one was on her way to Colorado to meet her new family (she totally changed after meeting them the 1st time). The 2nd is with her and her brother who also was rescued but fostered in a different home.                                                                                                                        

Second story is of Bear! All across ABR our people know ALL ABOUT BEAR! When we took him in, he was a MESS. He had one eye that bulged out, didn't seem to have a neck, and he had horrible, HORRIBLE habits that took almost a year to overcome. He was a stray when we pulled him from the shelter, but time started to tell his story. He was one we ended up getting approval to take to a behaviorist because he was so ill-behaved and just out of control. We learned through the behaviorist that Bear was kept in a small area, possibly a crate or small kennel... but so small that all he could do was spin around for stimulation... which is why his eye was bulging out. He was poorly bred. He may have been taken from the litter early and never socialized with other dogs. He had ZERO dog manners and was making fostering him a very difficult thing. Through the behaviorist though, we learned how to work and communicate with Bear and he started to blossum. As she said, "he's not a stupid dog at all...he just needs a job." Poor Bear was 5 yrs old and had never been on stairs. But once he learned how to go up and down them, he was like a kid that just learned to ride a bike. We couldn't get him to stay off of them! When Bear came into our fostering, he did a lot of damage to our furniture and such. My husband HATED Bear. After being in our foster care for over a year though, he LOVED Bear so dearly that he cried when Bear was adopted out. They'd become best buddies. Unfortunately, Bear came back into our rescue after being gone only a year as he kept bolting out the adopter's door. We soon discovered Bear had cancer, and he stayed with us till it was his time to cross the Bridge. He remembered us and fell right back into the routine of our home. My husband was so happy to have his buddy back.
YEAR OF THE DOG
International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care
The International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC) is the leading interdisciplinary organization devoted to comfort care for companion animals in their end-of-life journey. Founded in 2009, by Amir Shanan, DVM, it adopts a three-fold approach: the care of our beloved pets, support for us as caregivers and the education of professionals.

The IAAHPC offers training for veterinarian personnel who deal directly with animals, as well as mental health workers who counsel the human caregivers during their stages of grief. Certification programs are offered for them through a combination of on-line and on-site modules. In addition, the IAAHPC website provides a number of resources, such as 50-page document for veterinarians and a handbook for social workers. Various business and legal forms are also available.  

The needs of pet parents are addressed at the website as well. The types of diseases and conditions that warrant hospice services are listed. Complementary medicine and other therapies are discussed. In addition, emotional support is available, which ranges from preparing the children in the family to identifying the mileposts that signal the appropriate time for decision-making.        

Membership in the IAAHPC is worldwide and open to anyone. In addition to the U.S., members hail from Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Russian Federation, Israel, Ireland, Sweden, Hong Kong, Korean and Afghanistan. Because the practice of animal hospice varies in different countries, a page is under construction to enable international members to connect with each other.

Through the IAAHPC, hospice and palliative care can become an integral part of quality pet care around the world. In this way, it can help with the physical, psychological and social needs of our beloved pets and comfort us as well. 

Further info can be found at
BRITTANY FEATURE FOSTERS
CHANCE
Chance is an extremely lovable large Britt with excellent behavior for any situation he’s faced. He’s already an adult and he even has the right personality for a therapy dog; he’s calm, affectionate, patient and in love with everyone he meets (and every dog, too). Since puppyhood he’s lived with a family, but after 2 more kids they realized that they just weren’t spending enough time with this people-focused guy who is both loving and playful. Exceptionally well trained, he was trusted off leash in forested park areas away from street dangers. Chance would do well with a stay at home owner as he prefers not to be alone. He’s a fabulous companion dog for anyone looking to easily transition to having a dog by their side. He’s a great dog for a family with young children that wants to skip the time and effort of training a young pup.

PABLO
Ola! This 23lb little 3 year old comes to ABR directly from Spain. Gentle and shy, he is naturally well mannered with both people and other dogs. Pablo is very playful (like any 3 year old) and will require a secure fence due to his strong love of adventure. Pablo has a strong prey drive along with a curious nature but when called he comes in from the yard right away. He allows other dogs in the home to be dominate so he could be okay with an alpha dog around. He’s housebroken, crate trained and knows to sit politely and wait for his treats. He’s a quick study and eager to please so he is easily trained.

"Rescuing one dog will not change the world... But for that dog the world will be forever changed."

These wonderful Brittanys are currently available for adoption. Click on their picture for more information, and if you think your family is a good fit, please complete an adoption application here.
HAPPY TAILS
Congratulations to these Brittanys who have found their forever homes!
Adele, CA
Baylee, now Sage, TX
Beretta, PA
Bentley, now Barkley, TX
Brodie, WI
Buddy, GA
Buddy, TX
CeCe, CA
Ellie Mae, KS
Indy, AZ
JC, OH
Jenny, NE
Knox, MO
Lacy MN
Max, CA
McGee, FL
Milagros, VA
Paula, NY
Pearl, CO
Romeo, CA
Ron, VA
Safira, CA
Sage, CA
Solace, TN
Tyson, KS
Valentine, WI
Yako, NE

SUPPORT ABR
Think Fall. Think Quilt Raffle.

ABR volunteer, foster extraordinaire and quilter, Mariann Jackson, is again donating one of her Brittany-themed creations to ABR. This stunning lap quilt is 48 x 60. This is a link to the tickets: https://americanbrittanyrescue.rescuegroups.org/info/file?file=25315.pdf

Tickets will be on sell until November 1st and each ticket is just $5. Winner will be announced at Nationals.
If you would like to give to American Brittany directly, please click on the button below to make your gift and help a dog in need.
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
Tina Leone, Vice-President/Co-Treasurer
Michelle Falkinburg, Secretary
Diana Doiron, Co-Treasurer
Tiffany Dexter
Terrie Johnson
Nancy Hensley
Sandra Oelschlegel
Monica Rutt
Maria Smith
Ryan Waterbury
Cheri Wilson
 
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
American Brittany Rescue, Inc. | 866.274.8911 |  Visit Our Website