AMERICAN BRITTANY RESCUE NEWSLETTER - MARCH 2025 | | |
MY SPECIAL FIRST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
A YEAR OF HAPPY
by Rudy (fka "Happy")
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Some beginnings are harder than others. Mine started off a little rough by being born with a heart condition that most vets say is not conducive to a long healthy life. Fortunately, the great people at American Brittany Rescue did just what they promised… they rescued me. By the time I was just a couple months old, I had my first heart surgery. Shortly after that I found my forever home.
My family loves me as intensely as I love them. In my one year of life I have already been to three national parks and we go on almost daily hikes. I love to chase the rabbits and lizards, but I get most excited when I see birds. I also love to swim and play in the water — even if it’s freezing outside. I share my home with a cat that is learning to “tolerate” my never-ending energy, and my yard with five chickens who aren’t as afraid of me as they should be.
In January I had another heart surgery. The cardiologist said it might not be my last. We are thankful for the amazing care and guidance the VCA team has given us throughout this whole process. I’ll go every three months for checkups, but in the meantime I will continue to live life to the fullest with all the adventures my family gets to experience.
It’s interesting how fate brings a “family” together. They needed me just as much as I needed them. I know that no matter what the future brings I will enjoy every day, and all the people in my life, knowing that I am loved (probably even spoiled) to the fullest. Thanks to American Brittany Rescue for making this life possible.
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KODA'S SECOND CHANCE
by Joe Leibel
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Our Brittany, Jackson, was getting old so we were looking for another Brittany. We didn’t want a puppy, so when we heard about ABR we applied. Within days, we were contacted about Koda. From what we know, he had been in a crate for most of his three years. He wasn't abused, but the young single man who owned him had a job and would go out at night. The young man's mom convinced him to surrender Koda to ABR, and we were lucky enough to be offered the chance to adopt him.
The problem was that Koda was in Alabama and we were in Eastern Pennsylvania. ABR was reluctant to crate him for a commercial flight so we started making plans to drive south to pick him up. Before we could figure that out, a private pilot offered to fly him to us. The pilot met us at an airport about 40 minutes away. The pilot told us that during the flight he sensed Koda needed a break. He radioed a nearby small airport, informing them that his “co-pilot” required a bathroom stop. Executing a maneuver known as a “touch-and-go”— it's a term from flight training — the pilot safely addressed the situation. He declined our offer to buy him lunch as he was off to pick up the next dog.
We truly lucked out with Koda! Not only was he already house and plane trained, he also became a supportive brother to Jackson as his health declined. Koda was my loyal hiking companion during my recovery from an illness and now goes everywhere with us.
Although Koda's previous owner may not have had ample time to spend with him, Koda arrived to us well-trained. It must have been incredibly tough to part with such a wonderful dog. His former owner made a tremendous sacrifice, demonstrating his love for Koda by giving him a chance at a better life with us. As a result, Koda has greatly enriched our lives.
ABR was fantastic throughout the entire process, making the whole experience wonderful. We are deeply grateful to ABR for their tremendous work.
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PHOTOS OF THE MONTH
BRITTANYS HUNTING
| | Daisy (first bird at 8 months!) | | |
SHARE YOUR PHOTOS FOR APRIL
Brittanys with Spring Fever
| | "QUIRKY" BRITTANY BEHAVIORS | | Greta making herself comfy! | | Finn also making himself comfy! | | |
Share Your Lovable "Quirky" Brittany Behaviors
We have so much fun celebrating those funny things our Brittanys do that make us love them extra. Keep us smiling and submit your Quirky Britt photos to:
social.networks@americanbrittanyrescue.org
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Chubbs - IL - 6/yo
Chubbs is a big bundle of affection who only wants to be with you! He’s happiest when he’s in close body contact with his humans and canine friends. Chubbs is an anxious guy and he’s working hard with his foster family on learning to be brave. He loves exploring outside and playing chase. He is most comfortable with his Brittany pack and will excel in a home with other dogs to show him the ropes. He’s beginning to appreciate a comfy bed. Do you have one he can curl up on at the end of the day and call his own?
Adopt Chubbs
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Maple and Blue - RI - 9/yo
We’re Maple & Blue, a bonded pair of 9-year-old former show dogs ready to steal your heart! Blue’s a pro snuggler, kitchen helper & hiking buddy, while Maple’s a belly-rub queen & scent aficionado. Double the love, double the fun—who’s ready for the best duo ever?
Adopt Maple & Blue
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Lulu - TN - 5/yo
This sweet girl loves people and will soak up all the attention you have to give. She had a lot to learn about being an indoor dog, but she is very smart and learns fast! She enjoys car rides and long walks, and she even does well on her leash. Lulu is not aggressive towards other dogs but she is a dominant female, so she is looking for a home where she can be the one and only dog.
Adopt Lulu
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Max - WI - 7/yo
Max is a tall tripod who lost his leg in a car accident. He moves fast to help his balance. The outdoors is his happy place, so he needs a home with a fenced yard so he can roam. Max has a fear of strangers, and it takes time for him to trust. He's looking for a single person or retired couple with lots of time and patience to work with him, and a home with not many visitors. He's a truly gentle and loving boy deserving of his second chance!
Adopt Max
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Rosie - CA - 6/yo
Sweet Rosie! She is content to lie by your feet while you work and makes a cute bark to ask you to pet her. She walks well on leash, is crate trained, and learned the doggie door on day one. She gets along with the three resident Britts but will do well as an only dog as well.
Adopt Rosie
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Are you looking to adopt a Brittany but don't see one available in your area? | |
We welcome you to complete an adoption application to start the approval process, so you will be ready to adopt when the time comes!
ADOPTION APPLICATION...
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IN TRIBUTE
BRITTANYS THAT HAVE CROSSED THE RAINBOW BRIDGE
| | Bella - February 19, 2025 | | Fletcher - February 20, 2025 | | Charlie - February 24, 2025 | |
Pheasant Fest
March 7-9, Kansas City
Pheasant Fest attracted over 35,000 attendees, providing an incredible opportunity to raise awareness for ABR. Oakley, an ABR alum, was a standout ambassador, drawing attention and admiration for his role in representing the organization. His presence allowed us to connect with countless individuals, many of whom were hearing about ABR for the first time. (In return, he was showered with love, receiving countless pets and treats!) ABR alum Freckles also made an appearance to help out the cause.
In addition to sharing our mission of helping Brittany dogs in need, we had the privilege of networking with members of the MeatEater crew! We also brought in over $4000 in donations.
President Terry Mixdorf, along with other dedicated volunteers, played a crucial role in making the event a success. Thanks to their hard work, we were able to make a lasting impact and bring attention to the important work we do at ABR. It was an unforgettable experience that truly showcased the spirit of our mission.
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Woodstock Expo
March 7 & 8, Ontario
We attended this show for the first time this year and it was a great success. Many Brittany owners stopped by! We met some fabulous people, made some wonderful connections, and raised some money for ABR.
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Edmonton Pet Expo
March 8 & 9, Canada
Our volunteers had a successful show and made a few awesome contacts while raising awareness about Brittanys and rescue. We were excited to have several new volunteers join us, and we think they’ll be back as they had a great time! We also added to our volunteer roster. And as a huge bonus, our foster boy Kaius who was in attendance may have met his forever match!
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THANKS to everyone who donated to
BEA AND JUNO'S 18 PUPPY EXTRAVAGANZA,
these puppies will get the care they need to be ready for adoption.
We raised a total of $7687!
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VOLUNTEER WITH US!
Volunteering with ABR can take shape in many ways...
Arrange pick-ups from shelters
Call prospective adopters
Transport Brittanys closer to their foster or forever homes
Foster to help a Brittany learn what it means to be a member of a family
Provide outreach so ABR can help even more Brittanys
Each and every role not only fulfills a need, but fills a heart!
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
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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
Peter Stastny
Carol Weaver
AMERICAN BRITTANY RESCUE E-NEWSLETTER TEAM
Brittany Boler
Jeannine Connors
Kristin Davis
Melissa Tapply DiLello
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