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End of year letter from Founder, Jennifer Misfeldt
I want to first start with a big THANK YOU to all of those that sent in items from our wish list we posted in Dec 2019. It was our first year sharing with you a list of the many supplies we need/use throughout the year that many of times we purchased with monetary donations. Click here to view our wish list
Back in November 2005 MABTR became an official non-profit 501c3 organization that opened its hearts and homes to taking in Bostons (of any age, gender or special need) and Boston mixes that were in need of finding a new forever home. Over the years we have expanded our services across 13 states as the result of volunteer support. We have welcomed many volunteers into our family over the years, some of which are still with us today.
We have been so fortunate to have such great support that we will celebrate 15 years of service in 2020 with over 4000+ lives saved by end of year.
When I review monthly and yearly numbers I am taken back, even more when numbers are spoken out loud. There are so many moving parts to helping just one dog and yet this organization operates with such great success due to the dedication, timely responsiveness, professionalism and open communication by each member, volunteer, and supporter of MABTR.
Remember that MABTR is made up solely of volunteers, not one person is paid including myself. We do what we do because we love the Boston breed and know that all dogs deserve a safe and happy home.
90% of our foster parents, including myself, work a full time job outside of the home with no association to MABTR plus have families of our own. We say that MABTR is our full time non-paying job with no days off.
I am truly grateful for this wonderful family I am part of. Though I may had done the paperwork to get MABTR started there is no way I could do this alone. I truly appreciate the compliments and putting up with my shortness. No matter how much you do or did for MABTR every bit makes a difference to our success and the happiness of many lives that come across our path.
I want to take this time to address one question I am asked each year.
-What is MABTR's biggest challenge? My answer is:
- Always in need of foster homes. We cannot save a Boston if we have no foster home to place him/her in - we do not board or work out of a facility.
- We are especially in need of foster homes that are petless. Unfortunately not all Bostons are dog/cat friendly but yet are great companion pets.
- Transporters - we encourage all of you to share your travel plans by car with us as we are always moving a dog to or from foster care or closer to their forever home across 13 states. We will not fly our dogs. Click here to share your upcoming travel plans with us.
Foster homes cannot be purchased but only made available by people like you who open their homes and lives to helping these Bostons.
Click here to learn more about our foster program.
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YEAR IN REVIEW
MABTR 2019 Finances & 2020 Goals
MABTR is excited to start a new year. 2019 was crazy busy with many rewards, challenges, and new friends and fans.
Stats
In 2019 we saved 303 lives (10% increase from 2018).
Thank you to everyone involved as this would not have been possible without you!!
Recap
- 22 (7%) of the 303 were Boston mixes
- 21 (7%) of the 303 passed away in 2019 (four after adoption and three while in Palliative Care)
- 17 (5.6%) of the 3030 were placed in Palliative Care
- Age break down for intakes (count / % of the 303):
under a year: 63 / 21%; 1 to 5 yrs: 143 / 47%; 6 to 8 yrs: 42 / 14%; 9 to 11 years: 43 / 14%; 12 and older: 12 / 4%
We are proud to state that we rescued 157 puppy mill survivors in 2019. This is our biggest bucket at 52% of our 2019 intake. This is a 5% decrease from 2018. We hope to see this number continue to drop over the year which in return means less dogs being bred and the public adopting more. The key is for the public to not shop but to adopt reducing the demand which in return requires supply.
MABTR prides itself on the ability to give commercial breeder (puppy mill) dogs a second chance at life.
Click here to learn more about puppy mills.
Our second largest intake for 2019 were owner surrenders at 32%. 96 dogs that were handed over to us by their owners or MABTR solicited them as the dog was being sold online (i.e. craigslist, Facebook). No change from last year in the percent of owner surrenders. We want to continue encourage families that our services exist when needed especially as an alternative to selling your beloved pet online to someone you meet in a parking lot and never validate what they say over the phone is true.
Our last category for intakes are those from a shelter. MABTR took in 50 dogs from local shelters; this is an increase from 2018. We continue to build relationships with local shelters as we know not all dogs will thrive in such an environment and space is always an issue. We take in those that are deemed unadoptable due to health or behavior and when the shelter is in need of space.
Generous donations
from kind people like you sustain us with the financial support necessary to care for the hundreds of homeless Bostons we take in every year. Donations and volunteer help are both crucial to our existence.
There are also other ways, other than money, that you can make a difference in these precious lives.
Whether it is....
-babysitting a dog for a night til his next leg of his transport or a foster opens up
-spreading the word to friends and family to ADOPT, Don't Shop
...All these acts of kindness and more allow us to make a difference in the lives of these precious Bostons.
2019 Financial Report
*We currently have 10 dogs in foster care (eight not ready to be placed due to age or health evaluation). $8,577 of uncollected adoption fees are from those still in foster care and for adoption fees yet to be collected (this could due to the dog still in their trial period or adopter is past due).
We experienced a 5% increase in medical expenses. The increase came from owner surrenders and shelter dogs. It is unfortunately how many owners to not provide their pets with the medical care needed such as dentals, regular check ups including bloodwork, treatment of infections, and the list goes on. We also had a few land in hospice after multiple tests for a final diagnosis.
A big THANK YOU to our event coordinators across multiple states that helped raise 33% of our cash flow and to our monetary donors that make up 28% of our cash flow. Medical expenses made up 85% of our expenses this year with adoption fees only making up 39% of the coverage of the medical costs.
2020 Goals
With every successful organization there are goals to be achieved in order for our mission to be accomplished together. MABTR's family and efforts will continue to grow and accomplish the following goals in 2020.
- Grow our foster homes including foster homes with no other pets. Always at the top of our list. MABTR cannot operate without foster homes. The more foster homes we have, the more Boston Terriers we can save. We are actively seeking foster families in Colorado, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. Click here to learn about fostering.
- Build our volunteer base. Volunteers are needed in the areas of helping at local events in Kansas city, Omaha and Colorado
- Increase transport offers as finding drivers to help can be a struggle when we service 13 states. No dog is transported by plane . Click here to share your travel plans if you have room for a four legged friend who is making their way into foster care or closer to their forever home. We will reach out to you if the route is needed.
- Fill the following open position of:
- Communication admin
- this individual will be responsible for scheduling email messages using Constant Contact. Topics are based on your creative interest of what to share with our fans as well as what is sent over by the rescue agent. You will need access to the internet and a computer with Excel. You will be properly trained to use Constant Contact which you access online.
If you have an interest in one of these positions please
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What is tax deductible for 2019?
 MABTR is a 501c3 organization. All donations of any size made in 2019 are tax deductible.
What IS tax deducible:
- miles driven during transporting
- items (used or new) donated to be used in foster care (harness, leash, towels, medication, etc)
- Raffle/auction items
- monetary donations of any amount.
NOT tax deductible are listed below. Simple rule of thumb is if you are getting something in return it is not tax deductible.
- adoption fees
- purchase of chances for raffle items
- purchase of an auction item
- event entrance fee
- purchase amount of items on Boston Bay
Click here to make your generous
2020 donations in 2020
Click here
to view our wish list of items needed throughout the year
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MABTR Medical Corner
Obesity
Obesity is an extremely common problem in pets and, as with humans, is detrimental to the health of a dog. Obesity shortens a dog's life and makes them more likely to develop diseases.
Increased risk for dogs overweight: * cancers of all types * diabetes * heart disease * high blood pressure * arthritis earlier in life * bladder stones
Identify the reason for the extra weight
We cannot assume that your dog is overweight due to overfeeding. Diseases can cause weight gain and it is important to eliminate medical cause before moving onto a change in life style. Obesity may be an indicator of diseases such as hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland) or Cushing's disease (overactive adrenal glands). Only your vet can test and diagnosis these diseases.
 Obesity due to current diet
The very first step in dealing with an overweight dog is to recognize and acknowledge that there is a problem. Then you move onto to a life style change that will include exercise and a weight management diet that you as the pet owner need to follow. The goal is to reduce calorie intake correctly and increase your dog's physical activity.
Adjusting Meal Time
It is not appropriate to simply reduce the volume of food you feed your dog. This will cause malnutrition over time and organ damage. It is important to feed a nutritional product that is lower in calories, yet maintains an appropriate nutrient balance. Most dog brands now carry a line of weight management food. We recommend dry kibble over canned food. Also important is providing the right portion of food two to three times a day. One meal a day puts the body in starvation mood.
Humans find themselves displaying love to their dog by giving them extra food, treats, and human food (higher in calories and fat than pet food) which is actually shortening their lives with us. Not all human foods are bad for dogs but you need to know what is healthy and what is not. The healthy foods make great snacks for in between meals or replacement for treats that will keep your dog's stomach feeling content. Think healthy treats such as fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables. Also look for Low Sugar products.
Exercise
Many pet owners hope a run in the yard however this this is not enough exercise to keep him healthy. Dogs require our participation and interaction. Some dogs love to swim, others prefer to fetch, and some breeds do best with a physical job. For many dogs, however, a simple daily walk is all that is required for them to stay at their ideal body weight
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MABTR 2020
Monthly Auction & Raffle Schedule
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MABTR 2020 T-shirt
(supporting our military)
Add to your collection
Adult short sleeve shirt sizes: XS to 4X - $18
-prices above do not include shipping-
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Tallula (then known as Dashing) came to us on December 15th 2017. She had been a puppy mill mommy and not real sure how to be a dog. She was also very shy.
She soon learned how to go up and down stairs and play with toys. While still shy she has a trusted group of humans she loves and who love her. We are so glad for her sweet presence.
-Paula S
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MABTR Alumni Stories NEEDED - If you would like to share your experience with your boston from MABTR please email your story (3-4 paragraphs), a photo of your adopted boston/boston mix, and your name to
Jennifer at luckypawpals@aol.com.
Thank in advance
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Thank You for Your Donation!
$1120
in Memory of David Nielsen
$50 in honor of Bentley
$50 in memory of Howard Luetkenhaus
$50 in memory of Bosco
$30 in honor of Boo and Chopper
$25 in honor of Kristin Moore (foster parent)
$20 in honor of Deepak & Hiyasha Kirpalani
$20 in memory of Elvis
$1250 Live Nation
$1000 David and Kristine E
$500 The Schilt Family, Susan S
$420 Hawkeye Boston Terrier Club
$300 Carol B, Buddy D
$250
Claudia E
$200 Jennifer H, Lori S, Laurie S
$150 Danielle P
$142 PayPal Giving Fund
$140 Emy R, Raymond N
$115 Facebook
$100 Jana W, Lacy , Coleen O, Connie S, Kellee S, Candace L
$90 Sheri M
$85 Dennis D
$50 Thomas J, Julie R, Ryan M, Angela P, Paula B, Shirley F, Kathy B, Bridget Wayne M, Gail W, Caroline W, Kendal S, Kristin D, Susan C, Sharon I, Martha W, Lindsey W, Richard B, David H, Heather S
$35 Duane C, Lori L, Leslie M, Cynthia K
$25 Charity C, Paul M
$20 Susie M, Tammie P, Matthew S, Pam M, Sara S, Michael M, Mountain Colors Paint & Design, Reynolds P, Leah Gordon
$15 Danielle F, Annabelle H, Allstate
$10 Nanette S, Tangle Me Up, Ann A, Angela C, Kelly H, Angela P, Robin B, Mart D, Lisa B, Cindy F, Loni D, Danielle K
$5
Andrea M
$3 Paws Pet Resort
All donations are tax deductible!
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No anesthesia Dental Cleaning
Boulder, CO
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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!
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Why you aren't seeing our Facebook Posts
Have you noticed that you aren't seeing our Facebook posts very often? Well it's not just you! Due to changes in the way Facebook works, less and less of our posts are showing up on your timelines. If fact, less than 5% of you see our posts daily! And sadly, this means you are missing a lot of our amazing rescue stories and videos!
The good news is Facebook has created a way around this using new settings.
Read the instructions below, go to our Facebook page and update your settings on your desktop or mobile device so you won't miss a thing!
- Visit our FB page - https://www.facebook.com/MABTR/
- Make sure you have clicked the "LIKE" button on our page.
- Click the "Follow" button.
- Under the "Following" drop down menu, select "See First" in your news feed.
- Under the "Following" drop down menu, select "On" for notifications.
And last but not least, be sure to routinely "Like", "Share" and "Comment" on our page. If Facebook doesn't see that you are interacting with our posts, they will remove us from your Facebook Feed.
Plus, by sharing our posts, you are helping our mission in educating and rehoming Bostons.
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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.
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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:
- Pinnacol Assurance
- 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
- Johnson and Johnson
- United Healthcare
- Walmart
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-- FB Giving Tuesday: $3680
-- CO photos & Toy Exchange: $1099
-- KC photos: $247
Thanks to ALL
who participated!!!!
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Have upcoming travel plans? Do you have room for a four legged passenger?
MABTR is always in need of transports moving our dogs across our 13 state territory as they enter foster care or move into their forever homes
Share your travel plans with us, and if the need approaches we will be in touch.
Click here for more information.
The doggies thank you!!!
Remember that you can write off at tax time your gas or mileage when transporting our Bostons.
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Adoption Corner...
~~Happy Tails~~
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25 dogs rescued
in December!
303 dogs rescued so far in 2019!
3,924 dogs 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
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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
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Getting ready to start your holiday shopping?
Switch to Amazon Smile!
Same Amazon (including login and prices) just a different URL:
Choose your charity as MidAmerica Boston Terrier Rescue
Thanks in advance for the support!
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Nov/Dec Winner for
~ Craziest Sleeping Position ~
Congrats to
Sawyer and his owner Whitney P
Second place Chyna, Jaxson, Zoey and Xena
Third place Bluebell and Izzy
Send us your pics of your Boston...
for January's contest
Theme: Funny Signs
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Other online shopping networks that give back to MABTR with each of your purchases are:
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Saving Labels to
Save Lives
MABTR is participating in the
Best Choice Save-A-Label Program! Not only will you help earn funds for our group, but you will also save money on your weekly grocery bill with Best Choice products!
Purchase Best Choice products at your favorite store and save the UPC (proof of purchase). MABTR will earn $30 in cash for each bundle of 1,000 UPCs sent in.
Please send saved labels to the following address:
MABTR Save-A-Label
C/O Kristin Hashbarger 530 North Woodland Road
Olathe, KS 66061
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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
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Boston FB Groups
to 'Like' by City
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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!
MABTR Main Page
St Louis
Iowa
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Saying Goodbye
"Keep their memories close to your heart and remember in another time, in a beautiful place, you will see them again."
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Thank you...
...to those families who think of MABTR when it comes to donating items that belonged to their pets who have passed.
MABTR will accept any used items that we can use for our rescued Bostons and in our foster homes
If we come across items that we cannot use we have relationships with other local rescues to give to.
Click here to see a list of items that we generally need.
And as always, thank you for everything you do to help us help the doggies!
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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?
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Local MABTR Events
Colorado
Iowa
2020 dates coming soon!
Playdate
10am - noon
Urbandale
2800 78th St
FREE event for Boston and Boston Mixes!
Fenced-in area with shade and water.
Children welcome!
~KC Area~
Coming soon!
~St. Louis area~
2020 Playdates begin on Jan 18th!!!
1 - 3pm
Arnold
Playful Paws, 2160 Tenbrook Rd
Off-leash play area indoors and outdoors.
$5 per dog; ALL breeds and children welcome!
Dogs must be people- and dog-friendly and current on rabies vaccine.
Nebraska
Coming soon!
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