Sometimes New Year’s Resolutions are easier to keep when you have a partner, and what better partner than your Brittany! Make this year one in which both of you will become happier and healthier.

Walks 

Your dog will never turn down a chance for a longer walk or even an extra one. Not only is walking great for your dog, but studies have shown there is a link between pet ownership and heart health. Pet owners with a dog walk more minutes and in some cases have significantly lower blood pressure than non-pet owners. Walks lower stress, build muscle, and strengthen your relationship with your dog. Our high energy Brittanys need at least an hour a day of exercise. Let’s help them get what they need, while also helping ourselves.

Mental Stimulation

Our dogs are bright and therefore need a workout for their brains along with their bodies. You can buy busy boxes that stimulate and encourage your dog to figure out how to unlock treats. Or you may use things found around your home, such as empty boxes and plastic containers, to hide treats for your dog to find. Nosework can be done through a class or with purchased target odors and proper boxes. A low-cost way to do nosework is to hide treats in your home or in a small area outside and have your dog find them. Don’t discount a good old-fashioned game of hide and seek to get your Brittany very excited to find you, especially if you have a treat to reward them.

Training

If it has been a while since your dog has had formal training, refresh their sit and stay in novel areas. Some owners and dogs thrive on taking classes and adding new titles. Even if your time is limited, you can still find new and simple training tricks to do at home to stimulate your dog’s mind and strengthen your bond. Check out the ABR May, 2018 e-newsletter for a detailed description of Agility, Rally-O, Flyball, Barn Hunt, and Nosework.

Healthy Eating

As dogs age they gain weight easier. Work with your vet to help your dog maintain a healthy weight or lose pounds in a healthy way. Be mindful of the extra treat here and there and the weight it can add. If your dog has not discovered how tasty fruits and veggies can be, this might be the year to introduce them into their diet. Try carrots, green beans, sweet potato, broccoli, watermelon, bananas, strawberries, and cantaloupe. As with everything, moderation is the key.

Teeth Brushing

As crucial as daily brushing is to a dog’s health, many of us are not very good at hitting this daily mark. Some dogs do not like fingers or toothbrushes in their mouths, and it can take some time to get used to. Use only a small amount of toothpaste formulated for dogs. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle and aim for 30 seconds on each side of the mouth, working in a circular pattern. Some synthetic bones and chew toys are designed for gum health and stimulation of the gums. Be careful of cow hooves, pig’s ears, and bones that can cause harm and broken teeth.

Togetherness

That special down time when you can be in each other’s presence does wonders in helping with stress (theirs and ours). It is very calming to be in the moment and not worry about the future. Our dogs have a way of helping us slow down and do this. Enjoy the feel of their fur, the love in their eyes, and the warmth of their bodies. Some of our rescues had a hard life before they came to ABR and many of our dogs have a huge hole that needs to be filled. Let’s both enjoy some extra “special bonding” time this year.

Tripper, aka “Trippy,” was an exuberant, handsome little boy who slowly learned to enjoy life as a dog despite his many quirks and fears. He made his journey to me across the United States nearly fourteen years ago. Though aptly named for said journey, Trippy came to me suffering from the aftermath of being either severely abused or neglected. Nearly everything and everyone frightened him, so much so that he initially hid between my legs, wrapping the leash around my ankles and causing me to constantly trip and nearly fall down — thus doubly earning his name.  

Building trust with Trippy was not easy. Going out in public, he would have an accident on my shoes if anyone approached us. At home, getting him to eat in daylight, and from a bowl, was a major feat. Slowly but surely, Trippy began to trust me, rely on me, and enjoy being with me and with other dogs. And, eventually with other people. We made friends at the local park, and within a year or two Trippy became famous for his love of being chased around, “catch me if you can” style. He particularly loved to run into the lake and promptly drop down, tail floating, and enjoy the cool water. 

Everyone remarked at what a gorgeous dog he was. He had at least three “girlfriends” he would meet to walk around the lake. He was generally known and loved by everyone. My yard was a place he could roam, chase deer away, or just sniff and chill as I mowed or gardened. Unlike my previous Brits, he never considered running away. He was content to chase a squirrel to the edge of my property and come back to be near me. Inside, when he wasn’t following me everywhere, he would rest under my office desk while I worked, prance around while I cooked, and vie for the best spot on the couch in competition with the cat when it was time to sit and relax. In time, I would find the cat snuggling him. At some point, Trippy began to make noises that mimicked purring when he was content, especially when he was allowed under the covers at night to snuggle. When the cat passed away, Trippy was distraught. He would circle the house and lay on her gravesite in the backyard.  

Although Trippy became more confident and independent through the years, he never really was “okay.” He rarely took his eyes off me when he wasn’t snoozing.  I suppose we were inseparable. When I did need to leave him at home, I couldn’t wait to get back to him. Over the years I developed a language that only Trippy and I spoke, and he knew a remarkable number of silly phrases that would make a dog trainer cringe. He was my constant and grateful companion. He provided me with great joy. By the time he reached old age, I can honestly say I enjoyed his company more than anyone else, save my grown son, and even then there was some competition.  



We continued to take walks as he aged, maybe only to the lake and a small chase around. Towards the end, shorter walks in my neighborhood where he would greet a few dogs with less enthusiasm, worried he might get bumped and lose his balance. While I was always his emotional support and he mine, I became his physical support as well, helping him up the stairs and, in the last few days, carrying him outside and into the car to take a last trip to the ocean. He never complained, even when he no longer quite knew where he was. Although his little legs gave out, his dear little heart was still strong; he fought hard to hold onto life. When the vet came to euthanize him, he lay quietly in my lap and never gave her any notice, as my beloved little friend trusted me completely, and took his last breath content in my arms. My son and I celebrated his life by sprinkling his ashes at his lake, as this is the place we wished to remember him conquering the world and all his fears.

We're having so much fun celebrating those funny and quirky things our Brittanys do that make us love them extra. More coming next month! Keep us smiling and submit your Quirky Britt photos to: social.networks@americanbrittanyrescue.org

Ryder enjoying a moment of zen

Gwinnie's favorite spot is on someone's feet!

Sammy and Santi

Ruby and Lilla

Sadie and Jake

Rusty and Dak

Sammy, Pumpkin and Santi

Ridgeway

Lucy

Saba

Molly and Twizzle

Dutch and Meadow

Leia and Kenobi

Gili and Penny

Brody

Zoey

Mabel and Murphy

FEATURING FUR HEARTS:

Where do your Brittanys wear their hearts?

Don't forget to include your dog's name!

EMAIL PHOTOS TO: social.networks@americanbrittanyrescue.org

Lady - July 22, 2023

Here’s a sneak peek at our 2024 CALENDAR!

ABOUT 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

Michelle Falkinburg, Vice President

Joe Herslip, Secretary

Terrie Johnson, Treasurer

Sandra Oelschlegel, Chair

Deb Grove

Wendy Boyce

Becca Whitley

AMERICAN BRITTANY RESCUE E-NEWSLETTER TEAM

Brittany Boler

Jeannine Connors

Judie Cutting

Kristin Davis

Rebecca Sweet

Melissa Tapply DiLello

Debra White