AMERICAN BRITTANY RESCUE NEWSLETTER - OCTOBER 2021 |
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PET INSURANCE: IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
by Judie Cutting
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We talk about life insurance, car insurance, and homeowners insurance, but what about pet insurance? Is insuring your pet’s medical needs the right decision for your dog? How much does it cost? What does it cover? Is insurance worth it?
Out of nearly 70% of households in the U.S. owning a pet, only 2% of dogs are insured. Three main factors are used to calculate the cost, regardless of the coverage you desire. The first factor is the age of your dog. The younger the dog, the lower the price. The second factor is the dog breed. Some breeds have more genetic diseases or disabilities. The third factor is your location. Some areas of the country are assessed at a higher rate because of the cost of care in that location.
There are over 20 major pet insurance companies in the U.S. Finding a plan that works best for you and your dog will require some research. It is quite easy to compare companies’ plans and to get a free quote online. Before you start looking, figure out what your requirements are. Do you want regular exams, emergency visits, and/or vaccines covered? Each plan will offer you something different and only you know what is best for your dog and situation.
Unlike human health insurance, most plans do not restrict which veterinarian can treat your dog. You will have the freedom to make a decision for your dog’s health care needs that is not based on the financial cost. Deductibles are fairly reasonable. There are plans that range from $25 - $79 a month with the average cost nationwide of $48.78 a month.
One out of three dogs will have an accident or injury in their lifetime and the expense will typically exceed what you paid in insurance. No matter the age of a pet, accidents and injuries can happen. In the midst of finding emergency care, you can focus on your pet and not what it will cost you.
The negative side of pet insurance is that if you have an older dog and/or a dog that has pre-existing conditions, your cost will be higher. If you need to use the insurance, you might have to pay a deductible, anywhere between $0 - $250, before the insurance picks up the cost. Even with insurance, typically you will have to pay the bill first and then be reimbursed. Depending on your plan, the reimbursement might be between 20 – 100%. If your dog has no injuries or accidents in the course of a year, the insurance payments usually will exceed the regular cost of care.
Only you know what is best for your dog and family. Wishing a long healthy life to your fur babies.
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BETSY
Foster Tails, Curveballs and Forever Love
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FOSTER TAILS, by foster mom Kay Crandall:
Sweet Betsy came to me at about a year old in late spring 2012. Her transport originated in Pilot Mountain, North Carolina. She was an owner surrender. Like several others I have fostered, I wonder why she ended up in rescue. Cute little Betsy came crate-trained, which made for an easy transition. My Brittany girls, Gabrielle and Gracie Allen, were close to her in age. Sammy, whom I had foster-failed earlier that year, was 11. Truth be told, Betsy was so sweet that I seriously considered adding her to my own little pack. Betsy was good with all three of mine and fit in perfectly.
It appeared she had no training in basic commands, and she LOVED to shred paper, books, dish towels, panties, garbage bags… well, anything that could be shredded. She was such a typical Brittany- she loved toys and cuddles, and she was very mischievous, smart, and super sweet.
One night, all four of them went out after dinner and were enjoying the cool grass, frogs, fireflies, chasing one another, and running after anything that moved. I sat outside with them until the mosquitoes were too bad and then called them in, closed, and locked the door to the fenced yard. A little while later, I realized Betsy was not in the den with us. I checked the kitchen and office. Betsy was nowhere to be found. I checked the bedrooms and living room. No Betsy. I can’t imagine why it took me so long to realize she hadn’t come in from the yard with the other three. I opened the back door, fully expecting to see her waiting on the other side. When she wasn’t there, I went into panic mode, turned on all the outside lights, and started walking around the yard calling her. She didn’t come running, and I feared she had escaped. Then I saw Gracie go in the outside kennel at the back of the fenced yard and come out the gate, followed by Betsy. I guess I closed the door so quickly after my three came in the poor baby decided that she was supposed to sleep outside and had put herself to bed in the kennel.
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Betsy was only with me for about six weeks before a family in Georgia adopted her. They were experienced dog owners with a lovely home and huge fenced backyard. I was so pleased we had found the right family for her so quickly. Little did I know at the time that life would throw her adopter Julie a curveball, and Betsy would have to move again. Julie’s family was definitely the right one for Betsy because when that curveball came, in the midst of their own struggles, Julie and her family made sure that Betsy would have a wonderful life.
CURVEBALLS, by Betsy’s first mom, Julie Cannon Hudson:
What can I say about our sweet sweet Betsy?
After doing some research, I found a document stating that Betsy's original owner surrendered her because she would spook over gunshots. Her original owner was a hunter and got Betsy to be a huntress. She was never a hunter. She is a lover. In our home, her daddy loved her fiercely. She loved to sleep on his shoulder on the back of the sofa. She fit into our family and life the minute we picked her up. There was never a growl or a bad feeling in our house of three dogs: Pickle, the mis-treated Welshy, Tom, the older retired Welshy, and Betsy.
Kay did an amazing job of picking the right home for Betsy, and we were living in great harmony. One of our fondest memories and quirks about this sweet girl was that when she decided it was bedtime, she would go to bed by herself, leaving us watching TV. It made us laugh all the time.
Our lovely coexistence came to an abrupt end in November of 2015. I was diagnosed with stage 4B cancer. Not knowing if treatment would work and realizing I could no longer care for three dogs, we came to the very tough decision that we needed to reduce our pack by two. We chose to keep the older, calmer Welshy, Tom, as tough as it was. We wanted to find the best home for Betsy, so my son fostered her for a time. We then found her the best home with a friend's mom who lives in the mountains of Blue Ridge, Georgia where Betsy is now living her best life and is much loved.
FOREVER LOVE, by Betsy’s current mom, Helen Daniels:
Betsy is doing well! She just got an excellent report from the vet. She is still the same Betsy-- she does not walk well on leash so she gets to run a few mornings a week and has her own kiddie pool. She loves her little sister Sadie. They are inseparable. They put themselves to bed in the same crate at night where they sleep together. Betsy still gets excited when visitors come. She loves going to the groomer, and they love her, but she is a shedder. My carpet is always a new shade of white!
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Do you have “Foster Tails” to tell?
A foster moment you’ll never forget?
A challenge you overcame?
A funny or heartwarming story?
A tale of encouragement?
A foster who made a special impact?
Whether it's a few sentences, a whole story, or a photo that speaks for itself, we would love to share your anecdotes, thoughts, and experiences. Please connect with us at social.networks@americanbrittanyrescue.org.
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SUCCESS STORY: ELLA
My Forever Home - New Beginnings
Submitted by Joan Vicary
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Hello, my name is now Ella (revised by my new family). I am a seven-year-old Brittany with a perfect heart-shaped patch of orange fur on the top of my head. Everyone tells me I am beautiful. In January of 2017, I came to a new home via American Brittany Rescue. My new mom and dad were as unsure of me as I was of them. Getting acquainted took time and three obedience classes taken at the local kennel club. Yes, THREE. The first two were basic obedience and I did so well I got to take the Canine Good Citizen class and passed. You should see my beautiful yellow and blue ribbon proudly displayed in the kitchen.
Mom is a retired educator. She still likes to interact with students and wanted to bring me along. Through the University of Tennessee Veterinary School there is a program called, Humans and Animals Bonding in Tennessee (H.A.B.I.T.). One component of the program is RUFF Reading, which pairs dogs with local classrooms. Mom took me to the screening process at the university. The first attempt did not go well. The nice ladies suggested to my mom that she bring me back next year for another review. The second try went much better. I was approved as a HABIT dog! I am now in my second year of visiting a fourth grade classroom at a local elementary school for an hour once a week.
My family owns a local used car business and I go to “work” with them every day. My “work” is to be a greeter, make people smile, and have children pet me. Tough job, but someone needs to do it.
A great benefit of being part of this family is that they have three beautiful granddaughters who visit periodically. I get very excited when they arrive. Wherever they are or whatever they are doing, I am in the middle. Board games, puzzles, or outdoors, I’m in. It makes no difference to me, so long as I am near them.
Mom struggles to find the one single word that describes. Over the years she has described me as skittish, vocal, clumsy, curious, silly, loving, and needy for affection. I have a great big fenced yard with a swimming pool (boy that is fun) but mom still takes me for a long walk daily.
American Brittany Rescue is a great organization. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be in a forever home.
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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT:
ANDREA BOCK
By Autumn Fenton
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AS VOLUNTEERS, ADOPTERS, AND SUPPORTERS OF ABR, WE ALL EMBRACE ANDREA BOCK’S INSPIRING MOTTO, “SAVE A LIFE AND FIND YOUR BEST FRIEND.” I’VE LEARNED A GREAT DEAL ABOUT RESCUE WORK FROM ANDREA, MY MENTOR, WHICH HELPS ME GROW AND IMPROVE AS HER CO-COORDINATOR. WHETHER THE BRITT IS A SENIOR WITH MEDICAL ISSUES OR A HEALTHY, RAMBUNCTIOUS PUP, ANDREA HAS A KNACK FOR DOING THE RIGHT THING. IN ADDITION, ANDREA ALWAYS TREATS THE PERSON “AT THE OTHER END OF THE LEASH'' WITH KINDNESS, RESPECT, AND PROFESSIONALISM. ANDREA TELLS US HOW HER PASSION FOR DOGS BEGAN. SHE ALSO SHARES HOW SHE FIRST DISCOVERED OUR FAVORITE BREED.
One of my earliest childhood memories is running down the street in front of my home, crying out in terror and fear as a little--no more than five-pound dog--was running after me. My parents thought the only way for me to get over my fear was to bring a pet into our home. Voila! A miniature Schnauzer named Buttons entered our lives. After my initial fear subsided, she was my best friend for many years to come.
Q: How long have you been a volunteer with ABR, and how did you become involved with our organization?
A: I met my first Brittany in 1988 when I lived in New York City and bought a two-day pass to the Westminster Dog Show. I fell in love with the breed while visiting backstage and meeting some competing Britts and their handlers. Indeed, I fell in love! When I moved to Maryland in 1989, I knew a Brittany was the dog I set out to bring into my home. I met a Maryland breeder who, at the time, was the MD/VA coordinator for ABR. I purchased my first Brittany, Jessie, from her in 1994, and there was no turning back! The breeder asked me to join ABR, which I did; eventually becoming the MD/VA/DC coordinator and fostering or, should I say, ‘failed fostering’ many Britts.
Q: How long have you been a coordinator?
A: It has been so many years that specific dates are hard to recall. Our ABR website crashed around 1998, so we lost a great deal of historical information.
Q: Despite losing the exact dates, it’s probably been at least 25 years since you first started as a coordinator. How would you say that has evolved over the years?
A: Most of the changes have to do with the experiences you build upon, such as working with your volunteers, creating relationships with shelters, and reaching out to other ABR coordinators for support and help. In addition, over the years, you gain a better understanding of how to match the right forever home for a Britt. You also learn to communicate empathy and compassion for owner surrenders. The most important aspect is what is best for the dog and how we can provide a home that enables the dog to live a better, fulfilling life.
Q: Please detail the various positions you’ve held with ABR.
I designed and produced the print newsletter for several years and was a member of the Board of Directors for around six years. I have also designed and produced the ABR calendar since 2013. 2022 will be my 10th calendar. I like to have a new theme each year, and sometimes my inspiration comes from the great photos I receive from volunteers and adopters each year. You will all have to check out the 2022 calendar. My inspiration this year came from someone contemplating a name for a new pup.
In the earliest years, at dog shows I set up ABR tables and events for the public. I found these shows introduced and created interest in the Brittany breed among folks unfamiliar with them.
I remember one year, I attended a hunt hosted by the local Brittany Club. I had my failed foster, Bodie, with me, and some members expressed surprise that Bodie was a rescue from Kentucky. This happened many years ago, and they did not highly value or regard rescue Brittanys as a true representation of the breed. Over time I think that perception has changed. What is most important though, is the value that we, as an organization, bring to each of the souls we become responsible for.
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Q: Is there a particular rescue story that has made the biggest impression on you?
A: In December of 2011, Prince and Duke came into ABR at two years old because the owner could no longer care for them. Prince had a rare, slow-growing, cancerous bony mass attached to the right side of his skull. We posted a Giving Grid to help fund oncology care for Prince whom I fostered for a little over two years, along with his brother Duke. In the two and a half years Prince was with me, we had our ups and downs with his medical progress, but in the end, the tumor won out, despite all of our efforts. Prince went to Rainbow Bridge in August of 2014. Duke, who is 12 years old now, has been a permanent member of my home ever since.
Q: Please share a phrase or two about each of the Britts you have welcomed into your family.
Jessie. My first introduction to the breed. Oh, so sweet! Ready for an adventure and a great companion. She helped welcome fosters into my home and lived a full life just shy of 14 years.
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Bodie. A sweet, gentle soul who recently passed this year.
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Chester. More of a follower than a leader.
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Duke #1. An awesome, gorgeous Britt who struggled with seizures early in his life.
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Sam. Strong-willed, but oh so sweet.
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Prince. Gone too soon.
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Duke #2. He has always missed Prince and has now entered his senior, ornery ways.
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Remi. A new addition to the family and my only female since my first Britt, Jessie.
Q: If you could describe a Brittany in one single word, what would that be?
A: Irresistible.
Three Non-Dog Related Facts About Andrea:
- I am originally from New York. I attended the School of Visual Arts and worked as a Graphic Designer for 17 years in NYC.
- I am a cat lover! While living in NYC, I had several cats. KoKo, an Oriental shorthair, lived with my first Britt, Jessie, in Maryland until he went to the Rainbow Bridge. Cats have such unique personalities that can be most appreciated when they live with you.
- Now that I am in my retirement years, I am branching out to broaden my interests in areas I have not had time for in the past. I have been learning the craft of Macrame and creating macrame wall hangings. I find this very relaxing and satisfying. I have also started to learn billiards and have joined a league. I am now the proud owner of my own pool cue.
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HALLOWEEN PHOTO CONTEST
FEATURED SUBMISSIONS
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Benny - Santa Rosa, CA #10376: Benny is a very handsome 2-year-old Brittany mix who lives for people, food and walks. He’s experiencing a good life for the first time in his foster home and adapting well. He was taken from his prior home for suspected neglect and was initially very timid. Amazingly, he has grown into a calm and relaxed good guy.
Benny is housebroken and likes to sleep in his crate with the door open. He still needs some training, but that should come quickly as he is very eager to please, smart, and adaptable. He adjusted well to walking on a leash within only a few days. He has grown quite attached to his foster big sister and gets along well with other dogs. He would do great with another dog for companionship or in a family as the kids’ best friend.
He loves all people and children, and rides well in the car. He seeks affection and no doubt will bond very quickly to his new owner and family. Anyone looking for an easy going, loving dog will find Benny to be a perfect addition to their home.
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Kandy Korn - Pingree Grove, IL #10396: If you are looking for a sweet, calm, loving Britt, Kandy is your girl! She is a very well-trained 13-year-old. She is very much a house dog, and loves being around people at all times. She is crate trained and settles down quickly.She likes to supervise kitchen activity and mealtimes. (While she enjoys her own food very much, she is a counter surfer!).
Kandy enjoys opportunities for long and short walks. She was a hunter in the early days, but now wants to enjoy the golden years exploring the local neighborhood and hanging out with her humans. She has some geriatric issues but is one big sweetheart!
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George - Los Angeles, CA #10377: This is George, a very handsome 2-year-old Brittany mix. George was one of nine dogs picked up due to neglect. He arrived at his foster home incredibly skittish and fearful of people, afraid to explore the house and terrified of stairs. In just a few short weeks, he has made incredible progress! Despite his fear, George has always been incredibly sweet and loves to give kisses. He has recently discovered that cuddling and belly scratches are actually pretty nice! He’s such a lover….and a great dog in progress…
George is fully housebroken. He does not seem to know any commands and would benefit from a basic training course (sit, stay, down, etc.). He is learning his name and to come when called. He’s not super playful just yet - squeaky toys scare him – but, he does like chewing on bones and rope toys (and shoe laces!). He is quite the couch potato, but does do well on the leash, although some noises and people in the neighborhood will spook him.
He usually does well with other dogs but lacks confidence and is occasionally fearful. He would do well with another gentle dog in the household to show him the way. He would also do just fine as an only dog. George would do best in a quiet home and environment with a family who will respect his boundaries and quirks and give him lots of time and love!
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Lyla- Sugarhouse, UT #10382: Lyla is a beautiful 5-year-old Brittany mix with a long-feathered tail and a sweet freckled face. She gets along with people and dogs and loves to play chase in the yard. Foster Dad can't say enough good things about her, especially about how SWEET she is. Lyla loves attention and cuddles and will give you happy kisses all day.
Lyla is crate trained and sleeps there all night, door open, without any fuss. She does not do well when the crate door is closed, acting very panicky and desperate. She is otherwise a perfect lady in the house! Lyla is a typical Britt who likes to pull on leash, but we are working on that with her and she is improving very well.
Lyla was surrendered to ABR because she was having some “resource guarding” issues with her dog brother. She was not happy to share her toys with him. As long as toys and "objects" are kept away from her, she is an absolute sweetheart. She does well around children, but we cannot place her in a home with young children that may leave toys around that she could consider "hers."
If you think Lyla would be a match for you, please fill out the adoption application and mention Lyla.
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Ashe - #06149: Meet Ashe, a very handsome 7-year-old being fostered by a trainer in North Carolina. He came back with ABR after a long and successful adoption due to human hardships within his family. Ashe has been assessed as a very nice dog who would benefit from physical and mental stimulation from his forever humans. Ashe is very active and loves to run and explore. He bonds very quickly to his owner and can be protective.
To hear more about Ashe, fill out an adoption application - but please review the requirements below before applying:
- No children
- No other dogs, or just one if determined a good match for Ashe, and no cats
- At least a 5-foot fence or higher with no possible escape routes
- No visits to dog parks, stores, etc.
- One or two residents in the household
We would prefer applicants within driving distance of his current foster/trainer in Ramseur, NC who will prove to be a good resource for transitioning Ashe to his new home. These requirements may sound strict, but we are looking out for both the adopter’s and Ashe’s well-being and pursuit of a happy life. If Ashe is a Brittany that that may suit your home and lifestyle, please submit an adoption application and a coordinator will get back with you.
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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!
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AMERICAN BRITTANY RESCUE
2021 QUILT RAFFLE
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The stunning design of this year’s unique quilt is by Mariann Jackson, a veteran volunteer, foster and gifted quilter.
This vibrant 9 patch on point quilt is done with hand dyed batik fabrics in autumn colors. The leaf quilting is done with variegated thread that enhances the look and feel of the batiks. It is a BEAUTIFUL close-to-twin, oversize throw measuring 49″ x 62″. It also has a channel at the top for hanging!
Raffle tickets for this original masterpiece are $5/each. Drawing to be held on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at the ABC Nationals.
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After a year's hiatus due to covid 19 restrictions, ABR-IL volunteers and adopting families gathered together for the 17th Annual Picnic.
Almost perfect weather attracted 61 people and 38 Britts to the Green Valley Forest Preserve in Naperville, IL on September 11, 2021.
Illinois coordinator, Deb Giesler, greeted everyone saying, "It's so good to see all of you! It's always wonderful to witness so many dogs and families so happy."
Probably the happiest was Michael Tsonton when he adopted Astro, an ABR foster who got to go to his forever home that day.
Over $1580 was raised through registration fees for the BBQ and raffle ticket sales for the many donated gift baskets. ABR merchandise such as plush Britts, notepads, and masks were also sold.
Picnic committee members who organized the event included: Deb Giesler (publicity and registration), Nancy and Lou Pignotti (chefs), Dorene Glotz and Lynn Zadkovic (raffle), Jeanette Seely, and Jessica Peretti. Maury Brancamp served as announcer for the raffle.
The 18th Annual Picnic is planned for September 10, 2022 at Green Valley Forest Preserve.
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Healthy Pet Products Customer Appreciation Event |
ABR-PA had a great weekend at the Healthy Pet Products Customer Appreciation event October 9th and 10th. We visited with so many generous customers Saturday at the McCandless store and Sunday at the Cranberry Township store. Thank you to Karen Bazner and mascot Rogan who did a fabulous job representing ABR and collecting an impressive amount of donations.
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THANK YOU! Once again we are humbled by and grateful for the generosity of the American Brittany Rescue supporters and friends who donated a total of $4705 for Taylor’s TPLO surgery to repair his cranial cruciate ligament (CCL)! In less than 12 hours, we exceeded our goal. Taylor had his surgery on October 19. He did great and he is well on the way to be able to move pain free again!
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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! |
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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
Jeanette Seely, Interim Treasurer
Sandra Oelschlegel, Chair
Diana Doiron
Nancy Hensley
Bobbi Tolman
Melissa Tapply DiLello
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
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