AMERICAN BRITTANY RESCUE NEWSLETTER - JULY 2020
|
|
Winner!
Caden Foley, Age 11
Story: The Life of Luke
|
Excerpt:
Hi my name is Luke, and I am a 3 ½ year old Brittany. I live with my family in Oregon. My favorite thing to do is chase the birds with my friend Daisy, who lives with my kids’ nana and papa about half an hour away. I get to go with my family pretty much everywhere. Life is pretty good. But it was not always this way...
|
|
|
Winner!
Mary Junetta 'Marjorie' Swartzfager, age 14
Story: Typical Dog, Typical Day
Excerpt:
My bedroom door creaked open at 6:15 in the morning. I listened to the stealthy footsteps on the carpet, and counted to five in my head. Right at five, there was a sudden breeze, and a red and white shape was landing on my stomach (impeccable aim, I must admit), and a big, wet, pink tongue was giving me a rather un-welcomed good morning kiss. Shoving a cold, damp nose in my ear, Ajax, a seven-month-old puppy, was right on time. I got up, and was greeted by enthusiastic barking...
|
|
Winner!
Margaret Crowgey, Age 10
Poem: I Am
Excerpt:
I am from the kitchen.
Smelling for food
That might have been dropped on the floor.
And if there is, eating it.
I am from the back yard.
Running all day
Back and forth with a ball
Wanting someone to play...
I am from my dog bed.
All sprawled out
Legs straight in the air and teeth hanging out.
Asleep...
|
|
|
PLUSH PUP CONTEST WINNER!
|
|
|
|
Congratulations Eleanor Weaver for Winning the Plush Pup Contest
|
|
|
|
BEAT THE HEAT
Indoor Exercise to Keep Fido Fit and Happy
|
|
Do you sometimes feel that in the winter, it is too cold, in the summer, it’s too hot, and in the spring, your allergies go haywire and you can’t exercise your dog outside? As much as we’d love the weather to be perfect year-round, mother nature doesn’t always cooperate. But don’t let that keep you from exercising your dog daily. It’s still important for a dog’s physical and mental well-being to have regular exercise. Sometimes that means exercising them indoors!
You may be saying, “Wait, I live in a 900 square foot apartment, how do I exercise my dog indoors?” Yes, it is possible! While you may not be able to do a vigorous run inside without a treadmill (yes, dogs can and do run on treadmills!), you can exercise your dog’s brain, which is often more exhausting than a long run. Consider using interactive toys, playing hide and seek, working on obedience skills, training new tricks, practicing old ones, and playing chase with a favorite toy. Your dog will be thrilled to have something to do and to be interacting with you!
There is always old-fashioned
fetch
,
which when combined with stairs is quite a cardio workout. If you have carpeted steps in your home, take advantage of them to tire out your stir-crazy pooch. You may have to join in the fun in order to motivate your dog, so make sure both you and your pup are healthy enough for this type of indoor exercise.
Puzzle toys and brain games
for dogs have become immensely popular in the past few years. There are many options available, so research them and pick one that you think is compatible with your dog’s personality, energy level, and confidence level. Don’t start with anything too difficult because you want your dog to be successful, so he will enjoy it and be willing to play again.
Click Here
to learn what Good Housekeeping found to be the fifteen best puzzle toys for dogs.
If you don’t have the funds to purchase puzzles (some of them are quite expensive), you can make your own out of items you have around the house. There are many videos on YouTube that you can reference.
This site has directions
and helpful videos on how to make your own puzzles.
Another inexpensive way to exercise your dog inside is to play scent games.
Scent games
and
hide and seek
are excellent indoor activities that not only expend energy but build confidence as well! Here’s how to play:
With your dog watching you, toss a few small, soft, and savory treats onto the floor. Just as your dog runs to eat them, say, “Go find it!” After a few tosses, start placing the treats inside boxes, in corners, or on low shelves (nothing above your dog’s nose level) and always use the “Go find it” cue when she goes to get them.
Once she’s got the hang of it, try putting your dog in another room (added bonus for having her hold a sit or down stay) while you hide the treats. At first, use the same locations where you’ve already hidden treats to guarantee success in finding them. Then, allow your dog back into the room and say, “Go find it!” and watch her go to work searching for her tasty rewards. If your dog has trouble finding the treats, either stand in the vicinity or toss some additional treats in that direction to give him a boost. Eventually her nose will take over and lead her around the room to find the hidden treats on her own.
Or, you can even hide yourself and let your furriest friend come find you! Start by tossing a few treats on the floor. While your dog eats them, you hide. Begin by hiding in the same room, behind a door or sofa, under a table, etc. As your dog gets the hang of the game, move to other rooms or levels of the house. When hiding, listen to make sure your dog is not anxious and if you sense he is, say his name, cough, laugh, or make some other sound to clue him in to where to find you.
TIP:
If treats don’t excite your dog, scent games and hide and seek can also be played with a favorite toy.
Finally, when you find your dog is still desperate to get her heart racing with some good, old-fashioned physical activity, try these indoor-friendly options:
1.
Tug-o-war
2.
Build an
indoor obstacle or agility course
using pillows, boxes, small furniture, a yard stick, etc. If you decide to play tug, make sure it is structured tug. This involves obedience commands, positive reinforcement, and safety.
Click here
for more information on tug--o-war with your dog.
Social media
is a great place to find suggestions for ways to exercise your dog indoors. One example is “Beyond the Bowl - Canine Enrichment” on Facebook. There are many others, so find ones that may interest you.
No matter what you choose, have fun, and stay safe. Your dog will thank you and you will be happy to have a tired companion!
|
|
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
By Linda Joyce
|
|
Monica Rutt, ABR Volunteer
|
|
Way south in the “Sunshine State” where sand is white and soft like Brittany fur, you’ll find Monica Rutt, ABR state coordinator for Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana. She shares her home in Miami Beach, Florida with her Britt, Reilly, and two Pugs, Paco and Ozzie. With Tom, they foster and care for rescued Brittanys waiting for their forever home.
Monica sought to adopt a Brittany but at the time there wasn’t a dog that was a good fit for apartment living. She then found seven-month old Reilly at a breeder. Shortly after that, ABR contacted her and she began volunteering. That was fifteen years ago when she lived in California. She has served on the ABR Board of Directors and was Southeast Regional Coordinator for six years. During that time she worked with a wonderful team of coordinators in the southeast.
Her boy, Reilly, has an AKC Junior Hunter title and is now sixteen years old. He did lots of bird hunting in his younger years. In his retirement he is a Certified Therapy Dog. Reilly plays an important role in the transition of foster Britts. “Helping the foster dogs helps him keep his good manners,” Monica said.
Monica’s pack is active. Their hobbies include eating, getting treats, taking naps, lizard hunting, and training and obedience. Monica is equally active. She enjoys canine training, working in rescue, boating, fishing, and gardening. Her favorite dog movie is
Lady and the Tramp.
“I am passionate about animals and rescue and love the dogs and people I work with,” Monica said. Then she confided, “Sometimes I cry when the foster dogs leave for their new homes!”
ABR appreciates Monica’s dedication to the organization and to the breed we love. Thank you, Monica, for the years of caring support!
|
|
SUCCESS STORY
Our Dream Team
|
|
Our very first dog together was a rescue from our local shelter, a Brittany named Magoo. We had no idea what we were getting into, but he was everything we wanted; young, energetic (to say the least), fun, affectionate, troublemaker. We had him for ten years before he passed at thirteen. We went on to have Border Collies, Karelian Bear Dogs, and mixed dogs but always wanted to go back to the Brittany (albeit older this time)!
In 2012 we went on ABR’s website to see who we could adopt. We still had two old dogs but wanted another younger dog. We found Sadie (now Molly) aged three. Reading through her story, we were instantly interested and then read the last sentence which said, “Must take mother.” Hmmm, four dogs? Why not? We had the space, the dog door, and the fence. So Caroline (now Truffles) aged seven came along too, and became part of the family.
Molly and Truffles had spent their lives outside tied by a chain to a concrete floor. They were obtained to hunt and neither was willing to hunt so the owner wanted to get rid of them.
ABR literally rescued them. Jill Merrill, foster mom extraordinaire, guided them through the next few months of rehab, heartworm, spaying, etc. Jill actually followed us home – two hours away – to be sure the pair were going to good living conditions – we love that about the ABR Family! As we were going through the adoption process, both of our older pups succumbed to two different cancers at the same time. Timing was tough, as Bosco and Augie were euthanized the same day, the day before we picked up Molly and Truffles.
Now – eight years later – best memories? The very first day we had them they escaped the house three times! Went flying through the screen on the porch, climbed the fence and were gone. Another time Molly simply used her paws to open the front door handle and the two of them bolted.
Stressful? Yes! We got calls to pick them up and the last time was when they realized they did not have to run away. Everything they needed they had right here with us. We did ultimately have to put in an invisible fence along with the regular fence, which we had to raise another foot, but we did so happily. The invisible fence was the absolute best investment we made for them. We always say we should have called them Money and Pit!
We take them to Canada every summer where they are allowed almost everywhere; shops, subways, buses, some stores and restaurants, beaches. A very dog friendly country! They swim in the lake with their summer friends and enjoy just being with us. They love cars and food and especially their dog door and laying in the sun on the deck. Maybe it is time for another…
Thank you ABR – for giving us the most affectionate, fun, happiest pups, and for being such good dog citizens!
Carol and Joel Schaer
Raleigh, NC
Post Script-- On May 4, 2020, we received the following note from Carol:
Molly was diagnosed last week with inoperable liver and lung cancer and she passed away early this morning.
She was a dream pup and we still have her mom, Truffles, who is doing well at fourteen and a half. We are so lucky to have had her for eight years. She was truly magical.
|
|
CHARLIE #10197, Illinois
Looking for an active companion? Charlie might be your guy. He's a very handsome, healthy, one and a half-year-old who is looking for a home where he can be included in lots of activities and be close to his humans. On the scale of Brittany activity, he is the Energizer bunny.
Now settled in with his resident Britts, he’s so smart he picked up most of the common commands very quickly. Like most Brittanys, Charlie really wants to please his humans. Unfortunately, this gorgeous boy has not had much attention in the past, so he now likes to be the center of attention and will push aggressively to get it. Charlie can be a little defensive when he feels cornered or unsure, so we don't recommend a family with small children.
Charlie needs to be included in an active family’s day to day life. Being crated for long hours will result in a wild man with excess energy to burn. No long distance or sight unseen adoptions for Charlie. We feel it is important that all family members (human and canine) meet to assure that everyone is a good fit.
Charlie is a sweet and wonderful Britt who is excited to have your forever love. If you're looking for a constant companion, complete the
adoption application
and mention Charlie.
|
|
LUKE #10205 and PETE #10206, South Dakota
If you are ready to enjoy some chill seniors in their golden years, Luke and Pete would be a great fit! They are a bonded pair who have spent their lives together. They hunted together for many happy years, and came into rescue when their lifelong owner passed away.
Luke is a sweet, loving, and lovable fifteen-year-old. He gets around well and absolutely LOVES attention. He is a big boy, weighing in at sixty pounds! Not fat, just big, but Luke likes to eat! Luke really enjoys hanging out and relaxing in the grass outside. Giving and getting love and napping are his best events. Luke is doing very well for his age and makes a great companion.
Pete is an adorable, petite, sweet twelve-year-old senior pup. He gets around well and he loves attention. Pete is one of Luke's pups and is always looking for Luke and watching out for him. Pete loves to hang out in the back yard and is also a superb napper! He loves all kinds of attention from people of all ages. If you are looking for a very chill, relaxed companion, Pete is your guy!
These are loving, happy guys, not
grumpy old men. If you have room in your heart and home for these two lovable old guys, complete the application and mention Luke & Pete.
|
|
|
HEALTH CORNER
Ticks and Your Britt
By Christine Brennan
|
|
If it seems like ticks gain more ground and carry more disease with every passing year, it’s not your imagination. Across the United States, the incidence of tick-borne illnesses has grown dramatically over the past two decades, posing an increased threat to both humans and dogs. Major factors contributing to ticks ever-expanding geographic reach? Climate change, changes in land-use patterns (including re- and deforestation), and different migratory paths for animals, birds, and rodents.
In the canine world, Lyme disease is the best known and most commonly transmitted tick-borne disease. The bacteria that causes it,
Borrelia burgdorferi
, is carried by the b
lack-legged tick (also called the deer tick).
Lyme is now present in all fifty states, with the highest concentration in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and the upper Midwest.
In addition to Lyme, there are several tick-borne illnesses that can also result in serious health consequences for your Britt: canine ehrlichiosis, canine anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, canine babeiosis, canine bartonellosis, and canine hepatozoonosis (a severe and possibly fatal disease which results from a dog ingesting an infected Gulf Coast tick).
It can take as little as a week and up to a year for a dog to begin exhibiting signs of infection from Lyme or other tick-borne diseases. Lameness, joint pain/stiffness, fever, lethargy, anorexia (lack of appetite), and enlarged lymph nodes are some common early warning signs. Additional symptoms may include increased thirst and/or urination, vomiting, or diarrhea. (Unlike humans, dogs don’t develop the classic “bullseye rash” that is present in about 25% of human Lyme disease infections.)
If you notice your Britt developing these symptoms, call your vet immediately so he or she can order blood work and consider whether or not to prescribe antibiotics.
As always, prevention and early treatment are key:
Check your Britt for ticks
.
Certainly you want to do this after a romp in a wooded or grassy area, but with the prevalence of ticks today you really should check daily during warm-weather months and year-round in warm climates.
“Brush your fingers through his fur, applying enough pressure to feel any small bumps. If you feel a bump, pull the fur apart to identify it. An embedded tick will vary in size, from a pinhead to a grape. Ticks are usually black or dark brown. Depending on the size and location of the tick, its legs may also be visible. Tick-borne disease can be transmitted within 3 - 6 hours of a tick bite according to the AKC Canine Health Foundation.
But, if you’re concerned about doing it, consult your veterinarian for the next steps. Incomplete removal of a tick may result in disease transmission.
Tick preventative medication.
There are several medications on the market-- Bravecto and Nexgard are two-- to help prevent disease transmission. None, however, are considered 100% effective. A medication’s efficacy can depend on geography, so consult your veterinarian on the best preventative for your particular area.
An annual “snap” test.
Also called a 4Dx test, this
test detects antibodies for six kinds of vector-borne illness, including heartworm, Lyme, and two strains of both ehrlichia and anaplasmosis. The results are back in minutes, and if your dog tests “positive” for antibodies your vet will determine if more investigation or a medication is required.
Dealing with ticks has never been a walk in the park, but these days they’re more problematic than ever. Keeping a sharp eye out for these small villains and watching for any signs of tick-borne infection will help keep both you and your Britt safe and healthy all year round.
|
|
FALL BULB FUNDRAISER BEGINS AUGUST 1, 2020
American Brittany Rescue will receive 50% profit on all fall-planted, spring-blooming flower bulbs ordered! Place your order
by September 15, 2020, and it will ship directly to you in late September - just in time for Fall planting.
Click the link below and use group code SWZ5XG!
|
|
Last month’s
Pampered Chef Party
raised $500 for ABR! A huge thank you to everyone who joined the fun, with a special thanks to Wendy Boyce for organizing!
Our
garage sale in Davenport, Iowa
made $1142.25 for ABR! Thanks to all the shoppers who came by to support us on such a hot summer day!
|
|
|
2020 ABR PICNIC CANCELLED
Stay Tuned for 2021 Date
|
|
The 2020 ABR Picnic has been cancelled. We are unable to book a 2021 date yet, but we hope to be able to schedule for April. We will keep you posted. We look forward to getting together with our ABR family as soon as we can!
We hope all our dear friends stay healthy during this time of uncertainty.
|
|
|
|
Keep up-to-date on dog food and treat recalls on
DogFoodAdvisor.com. You can also sign up to have recall alerts delivered to your inbox!
|
|
|
|
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
Michelle Falkinburg, Secretary
Debbie Clark, Treasurer
Diana Doiron, Co-Treasurer
Sandra Oelschlegel, Chair
Tiffany Dexter
Nancy Hensley
Bobbi Tolman
AMERICAN BRITTANY RESCUE E-NEWSLETTER TEAM
Brittany Boler
Christine Brennan
Jeannine Connors
Judie Cutting
Kristin Davis
Autumn Fenton
Lori Gartenhaus
Patricia Gillogly
Linda Joyce
Melissa Tapply DiLello
Debra White
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
