MABTR 2020
Recap & Financials
|
End of year letter from
MABTR Founder, Jennifer Misfeldt
As we ring in the new year, let’s look back not with regret but with lessons learned from our challenges and let’s plan ahead with hope and positivity. Let us also take a moment of silence to remember those we have lost this past year.
“For last year's words belong to last year's language. And next year's words await another voice.” T.S. Eliot
In 2020 MABTR celebrated two milestones: celebrating 15 years of service and 4000+ lives saved. We have been so fortunate to have such great support throughout the communities we serve.
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. I am truly grateful for this wonderful family I am part of. 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.
YEAR IN REVIEW
MABTR 2020 Finances & 2021 Goals
Stats
In 2020 we saved 182 lives (a 40% decrease from 2019). Thank you to everyone involved as this would not have been possible without you!!
Big question asked by many this year is, why have the number of dogs needing rehomed dropped so dramatically? Below are the reasons we have experienced, validated, and/or assumed.
-
Decease from breeders as they admit they are having the best sales year of their life both online and in stores. Puppy sales are up as people find they have more time at home to train. Breeders are holding onto their stock resulting in overbreeding of females and breeding dogs that should have already retired. Unfortunately, rescues did not see many puppies so many families admit they gave up on rescues and reverted to breeders. We will continue to encourage the public to adopt. Shopping for puppies fuels the breeders.
-
Decrease in shelters reaching out to rescues as they were closed for a while due to COVID and some opened back up by appointment only. Less dogs taken to the shelter gives more space for those that end up there resulting in less need for help from rescues.
-
Increase in owner surrenders as they are experiencing financial issues, behavior issues as the humans are home more to deal with and/or medical issues that they cannot afford.
Recap
- 12 (6.5%) of the 182 were Boston mixes
- 12 (6.5%) of the 182 passed away in 2020 (two after adoption and one while in Palliative Care)
- 3 (1.6%) of the 182 were placed in Palliative Care
- Age break down for intakes (count / % of the 182): under a year: 37 / 20%; 1 to 5 yrs: 95 / 52%; 6 to 8 yrs: 25 / 14%; 9 to 11 years: 15 / 8%; 9 and older: 10 / 5.5%
We are proud to state that we rescued 88 puppy mill survivors in 2020. This is our biggest bucket at 48% of our 2020 intake. This is however a 4% decrease from 2019.
Our second largest intake were owner surrenders at 38%. This is an increase of 6% from 2019. 70 dogs were handed over to us by their owners or MABTR solicited them as the dog was being sold online (i.e. craigslist, Facebook). 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 does not validate a safe and happy home.
Our last category for intakes are those from a shelter. MABTR took in 24 dogs from local shelters; this is a decrease of 4% from 2019.
In 2020 MABTR made the difficult decision to not host or attend public events/fundraisers for the safety of our volunteers and supporters. Social events not only raise money but help MABTR interact on a personal basis with other Boston owners and our supporting public. MABTR does not receive state or federal support so we depend completely on adoption fees, monetary donations, sales of Boston Bay items, and fundraisers to raise the money needed to pay the bills each month. We were so blessed by the generous out pour of support in 2020 through not just monetary donations but participation with our online raffles and auctions that we ended the year with money in the bank that will transfer over to 2021.
|
|
15 years of service AND
4000+ lives saved!
|
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 in exchange for your volunteer hours!
Check with your human resource department for details and opportunities on how your donation and time can go further!
Just to name a few companies we know offer such programs:
- 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
- VMLY&R
|
December Fundraiser Results |
Giving Tuesday: $10,680
Thank you to all of those that participated
|
Spread the Word
We want to encourage our followers that should you come across a Boston or Boston mix in a local animal shelter or posted for sale or free on craigslist or Facebook to please share the ad and details with MABTR. Our mission will be to reach out and make them aware of our existence and services when it comes to finding new homes for Bostons.
Though we have been in service for 15 years and over 4000 lives saved some organizations and individuals still do not know about us. We just may be the perfect outlet for the dog and ensuring they land in a safe and happy forever home.
Thank you for spreading the word about us!
|
|
Donations and volunteer help continue to be crucial to our existence.
-transporting a dog between states or to a vet appointment
-babysitting a dog for a night til his next leg of his transport or a foster opens up
-fostering a dog for two weeks or two months
-spreading the word to friends and family to ADOPT, Don't Shop
-adopting a new forever friend
-donating $5 or $100 or a harness
...All these acts of kindness and more allow us to make a difference in the lives of these precious Bostons.
Since November 2005 to December 31, 2020 we have rescued 4,106 dogs.
2020 Financial Report
*We currently have 3 dogs in foster care. $9,500 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 17% increase in medical expenses per dog in 2020. The increase came from owner surrenders and shelter dogs. It is unfortunate how many owners do 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.
We had a large increase in monetary donations this year in lieu of the money that we would have raised during our public events. We also launched our Boston Bay site on Etsy which proved to be a good move increasing overall sales of our online products.
|
|
2021 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 2021.
-
We hope to be able to hold our public events again such as our CO Dinner/auction, Birthday Bashes, St Louis Playdates, and Boston Boo. Click here for event schedule.
-
Launch our newly designed website by Feb 28th, 2021. Thank you to Carleen for her donated services.
-
Continue to find new unique items to sell on Etsy. Interested in sharing your homemade items with MABTR email luckypawpals@aol.com.
-
Always keep focus on growing our foster base including foster homes with no other pets. Always a priority. 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.
- Never lose focus on building our volunteer base.
-
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.
|
|
Resources for Dog Medication
Did you know that so many of the medications we purchase from our vet to give our dogs are the same that humans take?
I hear so many times people do not give their pets the medication they need long-term due to price. This can no longer be an excuse as there are discounted medications available to you through many resources other than you vet.
It is important to price check medication between your vet and human pharmacies to get the best price.
Did you know about the following resources? A prescription will be required which you can obtain from your vet, or your resource will call your vet directly.
- WalmartPetrx.com (not associated to Walmart pharmacy)
- Walgreens has a Prescription Savings Club program you can sign up for
- Costco and Sam's club allows for their pharmacy to be used without having a club membership
-
Online pet pharmacies: 1800petmeds.com, Allivet.com, and Chewy.com
|
|
5 Things We Might Be Doing to Hurt Our Dogs' Feelings
A Harvard psychologist recently declared that when dogs dream they are likely reliving their experiences with their humans. Those yips and kicks we see are their reactions to either pleasing us or annoying us in dreamland.
For better or worse, our dogs’ entire lives revolve around us. If they do not get enough of our time or that time is marred by unwarranted punishments, it can leave lasting emotional scars.
Dog owners usually make one of these 5 mistakes because they simply do not understand canine behavior. It’s important to know why dogs do the things they do in order to avoid inadvertently damaging your precious relationship.
1. Rubbing Their Nose In It
Think about it, you use the bathroom during the 6 – 10 hours that you are at work, right? Chances are your dog also has to go during that time, and sometimes he or she may not be able to hold it. Once a dog is potty-trained, accidents in the house can be a sign of distress, physical illness, or simply going too long without a break.
Yelling or “rubbing their nose in it” will not teach your dog to potty outside, but it will teach him to fear you and unnecessarily hurt his feelings.
2. Not Providing Enough Playtime
It’s one thing to halfheartedly pat your pup on the head as you breeze through the door with an armload of groceries, it’s quite another to set aside designated one-on-one time. No matter how busy your life is, it’s important to prioritize time to do something your dog enjoys. Whether it’s 10 minutes of fetch, a nice evening walk or just cuddle time on the couch, a dog’s level of happiness depends on the attention they receive from their favorite humans.
3. Punishing Fearful Behavior
Cowering, raised hackles, flattened ears, tucked tails and growling are all signs that your pup is not comfortable in a particular situation. What they need at these times is to be calmly and quietly removed from the upsetting stimulus. Yelling and over-assertiveness on your part will only escalate the situation. Fearful behavior can often be mistaken for aggression in dogs and vice versa, so if this is an issue you are dealing with, contact a professional trainer.
4. Being Inconsistent With The Rules
We are probably all guilty of this from time to time. It doesn’t matter whether you have one household rule for your dog or fifty. What does matter is remaining consistent. If sleeping on the furniture is a no-no, don’t decide to let your pup snuggle on the bed while you’re sick, then punish him the next day when he hops up for a nap! The same goes for leash-pulling, begging and jumping up.
5. Segregation From The Pack
The one thing on earth that will hurt your dog more than anything else is keeping him away from his family. Remember, you are his whole world! Some owners are unable or unwilling to provide the necessary training that dogs need in order to understand what is expected of them. These misunderstood pups are labeled “bad” and isolated to a kennel or backyard – possibly even abandoned.
Dogs want to make us happy. More than treats or toys they crave our love and approval. If you are having trouble with your dog’s behavior, seek professional help from your veterinarian or an experienced dog trainer.
|
|
What is Tax Deductible?
MABTR is a 501c3 organization. All donations of any size are tax deductible.
This includes miles driven during transporting, items (used or new) donated to be used in foster care (harness, leash, towels, medication, etc) or for raffle/auction items, and monetary donations of any amount.
Items that are 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
|
|
$15 to MABTR for every new customer that makes their first purchase from Chewy using our referral link. We also have a wish list!
|
|
SAYING GOOD-BYE
"Keep their memories close to your heart and remember in another time, in a beautiful place, you will see them again."
|
|
|
|
2021 Fundraiser Auctions are Coming! |
|
We're planning ahead for some fun and awesome auctions to give everyone a chance to add to their stash of Boston gear and collectibles!
At this point, we are planning on not one, but TWO auctions per month (with a couple of off-months here and there). A few guidelines are below:
- Auction items will be posted online (link shared at the start of the month).
- We estimate 20 Boston-themed items during each auction.
- The auctions are held over a three day period (Friday-Sunday).
- We ship USA only and winner pays for shipping costs.
- Items will be shipped at the end of each month.
Here is the tentative schedule, subject to change:
-
February: collectable figurines. Auction 1: small size statues; Auction 2: large size statues
-
March: sleepwear. Auction 1: adult sizes; Auction 2: children sizes
-
April: collectable figurines. Auction 1: small size statues; Auction 2: large size statues
-
May and June: off months
-
July: Christmas in July. Auction 1: Buy it now ornaments; Auction 2: all about Christmas
-
August : Auctions 1 and 2: Artwork
-
September: Auction 1: Blankets; Auction 2: Socks / slippers
-
October: TBD
-
Nov and Dec: off months
Click here for auction info and any schedule updates!
|
|
We adopted Rambo from MABTR in April 2017 after he was purchased from a puppy mill auction. Jennifer fostered him so he was transported from Omaha to St. Louis. I arranged for another MABTR volunteer to help with the introductions as our MABTR alum Annie is sometimes reactive to new dogs. The introductions went well but the volunteer quickly noticed that Rambo was probably deaf. I called Jennifer a few days later. She had only fostered him for a few days and he took cues so well from her other dogs that she did not notice his lack of hearing. She asked if we wanted to keep him and I said most definitely! She provided some resources to help us as we had never owned a deaf dog before.
We weren’t sure about the name Rambo at first but we soon realized with his abundant energy and no fear that the name suited him. He is extremely intelligent and everyone that meets him at the playdates and doggie daycare say you would never know he is deaf. He takes cues so well from other dogs. It is only when you can walk into a room that he doesn’t see you first or when he has no other dogs to cue from that you notice.
He is definitely the easiest dog that we have ever adopted. Other puppy mill dogs we have adopted were not socialized, potty-trained or able to walk on a leash. Rambo already had these things down pat and used the doggie door on the first day. He is everyone’s favorite at doggie daycare, where he goes twice a week to burn off some energy. They say he is one of the few dogs that gets along and wants to play with everyone from the smaller dogs to an 80lb St. Bernard puppy and a bull mastiff. He is a Casanova that charms all the girl dogs, and there is an English Bulldog named Ellie that has claimed Rambo as hers and gets jealous when he plays with other dogs.
Rambo is very food motivated so he is the easiest dog to train. We put a doggie doorbell on the sunroom door because sometimes the dogs come back that way versus the doggie door. He learned within a few days to touch it with his nose and now his favorite thing is to go out the doggie door and come back up to ring the doorbell so he can get his training treat. Rambo is the fourth dog we have adopted from MABTR and it has always been a great experience with wonderful support. -- Susan C.
|
|
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.
Do your part and help spread the word of MABTR's Existence!
|
Thank You for Your Donation! |
$500 in memory of Robert Leland Wignall
$250 in memory of Pepe
$250 in honor of Dakota Schilt
$200 in memory of Nanners
$150 in memory of Tootsie
$150 in honor of Julep
$100 in honor of Abner and Tito
$75 in memory of Brighton
$75 in honor of Blue
$50 in memory of Coby
$30 in honor of John Dean
$1,500 Janet V
$1,270 Faceboook
$747.23 AmazonSmiles
$555 Blackbaud Giving Fund
$500 Lauri H
$250 Hawkeye Boston Terrier Club, Stephanie B
$208 Community Shares of CO
$200 Elizabeth S
$190 Paypal fund
$120 Raymond N
$100 Cynthia A, Heather H, Megan F, Elise D, Cassidy B, VMLY&R Matching Fund
$70 Chelsea M
$60 Veronika V
$50 Michael M, Paula S, Elaine W, John P, Kathy W, Carol M, Northpointe, Caroline M, Carol N, Gina W, Patricia P, Andrew M, Jennifer K, Marnie W, Candice L, Charles B, Rachel K
$48 Benevity Giving
$45 Petfinder.com
$35 Duane C
$30 Lori L, Leslie M, Cynthia K, Natasha C
$25 Gary H, Dennis D, Kimberly W, Laren L, Valerie B, Charity C, Linda F, Tiffany S, Erik B, Stephen C, Paul M, Kelli Y, Blackbaug Giving Fund
$20 Matthew S, Jennifer C, Haley S, Sonya B, Pam M, Sara S, Michael M, Lisa B, Mountain Colors Paint & Design, Rozlynn H, Chrisi, Reynolds P, Tammie P, Susie M
$15 Leah G, Annabelle H
$10 Ann A, Angela C, Kelly H, Robin B, Angela P, Mart D, Rita B, Cindy F, Loni D, Jim L, Danielle K, Amy H, Nanette S
$5 Nancy W, Pat M, Andrea M, Maritza M
|
|
13 dogs rescued
in December!
182 dogs rescued in 2020!
4,106 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.
|
GOLDEN PAWS
Did you know that MABTR has such a program where an adopter 60 or older adopting a Boston 7 years and older receives $50 off the adoption fee?
|
|
|
|
|
Rescue is a Lifestyle
It’s not a hobby.
It’s not a passing fad.
You live it….
Breathe it….
Love it 24/7.
Your purpose for living is
to change the lives of
homeless animals….
one at a time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
