August 2008

News from Jennifer

Have you marked your calendar for August 9^th?  If not what are you waiting for?

Let me give you the many reasons on why you cannot miss out on this year’s

Boston Birthday Bash (click her for flyer)

Noon to 2pm on August 9^th

Seymour Smith Soap Box Derby off 72^nd and Washington in Omaha, NE.

1.     12 beautiful and unique raffle items.  To see five of the twelve visit our website. 

2.      The August monthly raffle item, Boston Figurine, present.  A must see.

3.      FREE Eye Exam by Omaha’s Eye Specialist

4.      FREE Nail Trim by Vet Tech students

5.      Lunch: Hot dogs/brats, chips and a beverage. And do not forget about the birthday cake.

6.      Doggie cupcakes for the dogs.  Remember it is their day.

7.      Family Photos: $5 sitting fee. Pictures range from $7-9/sheet.

8.      Microchipping with HomeAgain: $25 per pet includes registration and life-time membership

9.      Bone Hunt at 12:45pm

10.  On-going dog activities: Cake walk ($1/walk), bobbing for tennis balls, swimming pool, paw prints

11.  Dog Contest at 1:15pm for Most white, Biggest dog, Longest snout, Shortest tail, Travel the farthest

12.  Kid games: Face painting, Putt Putt, Plinket, Bing Bag Toss – prizes for everyone

13.  Bone Count: Can you figure out how many bones are in the jar?

14.  Personalized embroidered bandannas; $2 each

15.  Shop the Boston Bay for wonder Boston novelties: This year we have two MABTR T-shirts plus the wonderful creation of belly bands and diapers for dogs.

16.  Learn about the breed and met reputable breeders from the Eastern NE Boston Terrier Club

17.  Trash for Treasure: bring and donate your unwanted items to rescue

18.  MEET OUR BOSTONS AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION

New this year:

1.      Memorial Wall.  If you have a four-legged love one that has passed please bring a picture of him or her to add to our memorial wall.

2.      This year we are collecting dog names. Bring your favorite three dog names and get your name into a drawing.

3.      PetSmart Charities: donate your empty inkjets and digital cell phones to help save lives

4.      Pin the tail on the Boston.  Too fun to pass up.

5.      What not to say! is a new game we will play to help increase socialization among pet owners. 

MABTR wants to wish all our four-legged friends a Happy Birthday.  MABTR had a tradition of emailing out birthday cards every month to our adopted dogs however with the overwhelming increase in the number of dogs taken in each year that tradition was put on hold.  So once a year MABTR is giving out a big shout to all of you.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you!!!!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you!!!!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY to all the doggies!!!!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you!!!!  And many more……..

To our Adopting Parents:

On a sad note we want to reiterate that should at any time things are not working out with your new adopted Boston or your situation changes that you can no longer keep your Boston it is in contract that you MUST return the dog to MABTR whether it be two weeks, two months or two years after the adoption date. 

MABTR was contacted by a shelter asking to take in a Boston that was just dropped off by her owners.  We were given some brief history and pictures.  It was recognized immediately that this Boston could have potential been one that MABTR adopted out.  After scanning her microchip it was confirmed that this Boston was one that MABTR rescued from a puppy mill, adopted to a family and then ended up at a shelter with no mention to MABTR at any time of concern or issues with this adoption.

We cannot express enough that as an adopting family to please contact us with any concerns or questions. If we cannot fix the problem we are happy to take the dog back no questions asked.  MABTR can be contacted by phone or email seven days a week.  We cannot help if we are not made aware of a problem.

ALERT-HomeAgain Pet Owners:

It has been brought to my attention that if your dog is microchipped with HomeAgain that you are receiving a letter from HomeAgain requesting you renew your membership for $15.  Please note that HomeAgain is a lifetime membership when we register the chip in your name.  The letter you are receiving is generated by the Advanced Pet Recovery Program.  This Advanced Program is ‘optional’ which provides additional features at an additional cost which requires an annual membership of $15.

It is up to you as the new owner if you would like to enroll in the Advanced Pet Recovery Program at your own expense.  If you decide to pass or decline the Advanced Program your dog is STILL registered with HomeAgain and if lost and found HomeAgain will still provide the service of getting the person who finds you dog in touch with you. 

The Advanced Program features that require an annual membership fee are:

• Immediate engagement of a vast network of professionals actively looking for your pet if he or she should become lost
• Email alerts (including your pet's picture) instantly sent to shelters, vet clinics, and other members of the HomeAgain network where your pet was lost or near your home
• Trained counselors to assist you in your pet's recovery
• A "lost pet poster" with your pet's picture that you can post in the neighborhood to aid the search for your pet
• Medical Insurance for Lost Pets is available with your annual HomeAgain membership through PetFirst Healthcare. It covers up to $3,000 (less a $50 deductible) of medical treatment for injuries your pet suffers while lost, upon proof of a lost pet incident. This coverage is not automatic - once enrolled in HomeAgain, call PetFirst to activate your pet’s Lost Pet Medical Insurance coverage.

Pet of the Month

Itsy is 7 years old.  Se is a purebred Boston who is black and white.  Weighs 23 lbs. Itsy owners fell ill and could no longer care for her. That is when she arrived into foster care on July 5, 2008.  Itsy is spayed and in good health. 

Wish List

Our item of focus this month is a Monetary Donation.

The month of July was an expensive one for MABTR.  In July 2008 MABTR recorded $7,743 in medical expenses.  What took us over the top was the diagnosis of parvo in five puppies.  On June 26 MABTR was asked to take in a litter of eight week old Boston Terrier mixes from a breeder in MO.  On July 5^th all five puppies fell ill.  It was only within a few hours did we diagnose them to have parvo which ended up being too late for Tyler.  We then had four puppies remaining of which two were just adopted to new homes the day before.  Missy, Todd, Terry and Joey lived at the vet clinic for nine days in intensive care.  It was touch and go for a while with temperatures as high as 105 degrees, the lack of strength to pick up their fragile head and no interest in eating.  We had the new families and foster parents visiting the puppies through out each day.  There were moments when I did not want to answer the phone afraid to be given bad news.  Then the day came when I was told they could go home tomorrow.

We knew that we needed to fight just as hard as the puppies fought to get through this.  We are happy to announce that Missy, Todd, and Terry are in forever homes and doing well.  Joey is still recovering and is waiting for that special family.

If you would like to make a donation towards the medical care recorded in July note that your donation is tax deductible.  On behalf of all rescued animals – THANK YOU!

How to make a donation:

1. Check make payable to 'MABTR' and send to 14826 Spaulding Street, Omaha, NE 68116. Note on the memo line: ‘medical expenses’.

2. By credit card   Click here to proceed

Event Calendar

*August 9 - Boston BIRTHDAY BASH in Nebraska (click here for printable flyer) - Join MABTR for another year celebrating birthdays.  Join the Bostons and their buddies in Omaha, NE from Noon to 2pm at Seymour Smith Park Soap Box Derby off 72nd and Harrison.  All breeds welcomed and people too.  $5.00 entry fee per person (children under 12 free).  Bring additional cash for raffles, games, novelties, and food.

****On July 15^th check out our website for pictures and details of some of the items we will be raffling off on August 9^th.  You will be able to purchase raffle tickets in advance.  Note that you do not need to be present and winning items can be mailed.  Good luck and thank you for your support in advance.

*August 17 - Dog Dip in Nebraska - Join MABTR and many other rescue groups for a dog pool party at Gallagher park (2936 N 52nd St, Omaha).  The last day of the season.  The party will go from 6pm to 8pm.

*August 23 - Bandanna DOG DAYS in Nebraska (flyer coming soon) - Join MABTR and many other rescue groups from Omaha, NE at the Third Annual Dog Days for games, raffles and much more.  Dogs available for adoption will be present from 11am to 2pm.  The location is at 182nd and Center Rd.  Look for the sign. 

    *****Have dog items you are no longer needing or using?  Bring them to the park and MABTR will allocate them among other rescue groups in need.

Monthly Raffle

Boston Statue - This beautiful Boston figurine of high details by Jim Shore. Features a colorful quilt pattern and a handcrafted look.  Made of stone, resin. Measures 5.25' H

Adoption Corner

MABTR’s Rescue Stats (Stats are updated daily at www.adoptaboston.com/adoption_process.htm)

Can you guess how many dog's MABTR has taken in this year alone?  Note that in 2007 we took in a total of 139. 

For 2008 from January through July 31 plus the six dogs already spoken for as of August 1st we have taken in 175 dogs.  On top of that we have 12 pending arrival within the first week of August.  We project that for 2008 we will have taken in around 290 dogs.

With that said help us spread the word. We have over 20 Bostons in foster care at all times.

June: 23 Bostons arrive, 22 adopted to date. Max needing a home.

July: 29 Bostons arrive, 18 adopted.

August: 18 Bostons on the books to arrive within the first week of August. Already six are spoken for.

You can learn more about the Bostons still available for adoption at www.adoptaboston.com.

Dogs that Bit Part 2

Dogs nip and bite for a variety of reasons.  This article will focus on dog who bite for attention or in play.

In interactions between dogs nipping and biting is a way for one dog or puppy to indicate they don’t like what is going on.  It is a way for puppies and dogs to say “Stop” to each other.

Each type of nipping and biting will require a different type of correction and understanding why your dog is nipping is a starting point.

Think about the times that your dog has nipped, then answer the following questions:

1.     What was your dog doing at the time?

2.     What was I doing (or the person that was nipped)?

3.     Was the dog in a new environment or with new people?

4.     How did I respond to the nipping?

5.     How did the dog respond?

6.     What happened after the dog nipped?

Biting for Attention or in Play

Dog and puppies may have learned that biting or nipping gets them attention or that is all part of the game. Some owners may try to pay additional attention to a dog that nips to keep it from nipping or biting them again. In this situation the dog has trained the human, not the other way around.

Usually attention and play type biting is more prevalent with puppies that are learning how to interact with humans.

How Should You Go About Stopping The Nipping Then?

To play nipping & biting follow these guidelines:

• Give a sharp, high pitched “Ouch”, “Stop” or “Ow” then “No Bite” in a lower tone, without yelling or verbally intimidating the dog or puppy
• Immediately leave the puppy or dog alone, don’t speak to them or touch them at all.
• If your dog continues to try to bite after you give the verbal “No Bite” try putting a few pennies or marbles in a clean tin can. Shake the can at your dog immediately after the “No Bite” command. This will usually startle the dog or puppy and will reinforce the verbal instruction.
• If the bite or nip occurred during a game immediately stop the game and do not continue until the dog is calm and in control.
• When they are calm, immediately provide attention and praise. 

FAQ

Q: How can I get my dog to stop chewing on things he is not suppose to?

A: It's natural for dogs to put things in their mouths. It feels good. They eat with their mouths. They drink with their mouths. They even play using their mouths.

You should know that your dog is not trying to make you mad. He is just doing what comes naturally. You have to help him learn new ways to entertain himself.

If it is very important to know that what ever is on the floor is fair game to a dog.  A dog cannot tell the difference between his toy or a child’s toy.  So the first thing to do is pick up all objects from the floor that you do not want your dog to chew on and put them where they belong, or put them in a closet and shut the door

Dogs chew for many reasons. Most commonly because they are puppies teething or grown dogs because of stress, separation anxiety, fear, phobia, social isolation, boredom, attention seeking.

For puppies teething is not a comfortable stage.  Make sure to not only provide durable toys to chew but also safe.  One tip is take a clean washcloth and soak it with water. Then twist it real tight. Put it in the freezer. Later, after it's frozen, give it to your puppy to chew on. It will numb his sore gums and he will feel better.  Nyla bones and kings are also great teething toys.  Your puppy should never been left unattended in a house. If you cannot monitor your new puppy place him or her in a crate with a safe toy to keep them occupied.

Adult dogs can get bored and stressed easily just like humans.  Grown dogs face stress and frustration at being confined and isolated for long hours. The dog may bark excessively or chew on any object it can get hold of. To overcome this separation anxiety, you need time to train it to expect you to return after every separation. Bring your dog out for regular exercise to release its pent up energy.  Some dogs deliberately seek attention with negative behaviors. You need to reinforce your dog for the good behaviors and ignore it for the bad ones.  Adult dogs may suffer from gum problems, which they try to relieve by chewing. Have your vet check for dental problems.

Try to find out the reasons behind the chewing. Punishment alone is not the answer. When you remove the cause for chewing, this destructive problem disappears.

If you have a question please email luckypawpals@aol.com and we will get it answered in the next newsletter.

Inspiration Corner

Animals teach us to live and love from the deepest part of our hearts.

Doggie Tips

* Boston Bay:  Check out our new MABTR T-shirts. Just in time for summer.  Do not forget about the many fun and safe toys for your Boston plus many great items for you and your family members.  With every purchase your dollars benefit MABTR.  PRICES HAVE BEEN MARKED DOWN.  Check us out at www.adoptaboston.com/Boston_bay.htm.

If you know of someone who would like to subscribe to The Boston Times please have them provide us with their contact information.  They will then be added to our database for all future communication.  This newsletter is free.   If there are past issues of The Boston Times you would like to view let us know and we will email them to you.  The first newsletter was sent out February 1^st 2005.

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