How to Adopt a Boston Terrier

Ponch on his adoption day

It’s no secret that we are huge rescue fans. Having been through the process with Shyla we wanted to share some tips on how to go about adopting a Boston Terrier.

Know the Rescues

Currently there are two main rescues that serve Massachusetts that deal with Boston Terriers and Boston Terrier mixes. The first which is dedicated to all smooshy faced dogs is SNORT Rescue. SNORT not only has Boston Terriers but they also have Frenchies, Pugs and English Bulldogs. The other main rescue that serves Massachusetts is Northeast Boston Terrier Rescue. NEBTR primarily deals with Boston Terriers and Boston Terrier mixes.

The next rescue organization that oftentimes has Boston Terriers is Friends of Homeless Animals. FOHARI is a general rescue that rescues all different breeds of dogs. While FOARI doesn’t specialize in Boston Terriers they do have them on occasion.

The third rescue organization that deals with Boston Terriers is Paw Paw Boston Terrier Rescue of Korea. Paw Paw does amazing work rescuing dogs from Korea. The catch with Paw Paw is that they fly their dogs directly from Korea so you’d have to be willing to travel to one of the airports they fly into. The closest airport that Paw Paw flies into is New York City.

Know the approximate age of the dog you want:

Age is everything. You’ll want to know if you’re looking for a puppy, a middle aged dog or a senior dog. Rescues often have a variety of ages when it comes to dogs. While I understand that most people want puppies adopting an older dog is also really great. They’re usually housebroken already and can be left alone in the house without destroying anything. You’ll want to ask yourself do I have time for a puppy? What is my schedule like? Who will take care of my dog when I’m not there?

Sign up to Foster

One of the best ways to know if you're ready to adopt and get to know the dog you would love to bring home is to foster. Not only does this help increase the chance that the dogs you foster will find their forever home because they get a break from the shelter and experience a loving home environment, but also it gives you a chance to practice being a pawrent and seeing what really works for you. If you foster a dog you really want to adopt, then you also get put at the top of the list for that dog.

Stalk the Websites

Really, that’s what I did. If you don’t see a dog you like right away then keep looking. Boston Terriers are a highly desirable breed and go fast. Every day I’d go on to the SNORT site and look at Shyla’s pictures wondering if she was ever going to be put up for adoption. Then one day she wasn’t there anymore and I had a mild panic attack. Turns out she was just moved to the adoptable page where I could quickly put in an application to adopt her.

Don’t get Discouraged

Finding the perfect dog for your home is not a quick and easy process. It often involves lots of patience because sometimes the right dog isn’t ready to be adopted or sometimes it’s not the right fit for your house. Keep looking and keep applying for when you see the right dog. You may get turned down but it doesn’t mean there’s anything specifically wrong with you it could just mean that the rescue felt someone else was a better match. There is no perfect person or perfect dog, you will always need to get to know and understand your unique dog (which takes time), give yourself and your dog consistent training, and understanding that this is a lifelong commitment.

Take on a Special Needs Dog

I know this isn’t for everyone and that’s okay but if you have the time and inclination take on a special needs dog. Whether it be a bonded pair of seniors in diapers or a dog that needs a wheelchair. Special needs dogs are often overlooked because of they don’t fit into the typical vision most people have of dogs.

Did you Adopt your Dog?

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February is Pet Dental Health Month

Did you know that February is Pet Dental Health Month? Here are some tips to help you know if it’s time for your dog to have its teeth checked.

Why is Dental health so Important?

Just like in humans inattention to your dog’s dental health can often lead to issues like a build up of tartar, gum disease, bad breath and other more serious issues like heart disease, lung disease and kidney disease.

At what age does dental disease appear?

It is estimated that more than two-thirds of dogs over three years of age suffer from some degree of periodontal disease, making it by far the most common disease affecting pet dogs.

How can i prevent my dog from getting dental disease?

You know what they say the best defense is offense. Brushing your dogs teeth regularly is the best way to combat dental disease in dogs. You can also add in a dental chew like Greenies every day.

What is the best tooth brush for my dog?

There are so many to chose from that I cannot recommend one specific type because every dog is different. You might want to start slowly to get your dog acclimated to having the tooth brush in their mouth that way it’s not a fight just to get them to sit still for you. You’ll also want to make sure you’re using a pet approved toothpaste and not human toothpaste. Be sure to read the labels so that there isn’t any xylitol in the toothpaste.

What if my dog doesn’t like greenies?

There are multiple types of dental chews out there and it can be hard to know which ones actually work. That’s why the Veterinary Oral Health Council has put together this list of accepted products that help fight plaque build up.

Is there anything else I can do?

Yes you can have your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned by the Veterinarian under anesthesia. Now I know that sounds like a scary thing and I thought so too but decided it was necessary to have my dog’s teeth professionally cleaned at 12 years old. I was more than pleased with the results and so glad I ended up doing it.

How to Find a Responsible Breeder

I’m often asked about breeders and people wanting puppies and truth be told I don’t know any breeders.  I only know the ones you guys mention in your Meetup Member of the Month posts. While in a perfect world everyone would chose to rescue I do realize that it’s not for everyone. So here’s some tips for finding a responsible breeder.

home is where the heart is

A responsible breeder will allow you to visit their house and shows you all areas where puppies and breeding dogs spend their time.  The areas are clean, spacious, and well-maintained. Meeting your puppy will let you see first hand that he/she does not have any existing health or behavior problems and that he/she is being raised in a caring environment.

MEET THE PARENTS

Responsible breeders want you to spend time with the puppy’s parents when you visit.  The parents are a glimpse into the kind of the dog your pup will become. Everyone should be healthy and friendly. 

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE GENETICS

A good breeder will know about potential genetic and developmental problems native to the breed and provides documentation that the puppy’s parents and grandparents have been evaluated in an effort to breed those problems out. (This should include genetic testing for diseases where a valid testing protocol is available).

CHECK THEIR REFERENCES

Provides references from other families who have previously purchased one of their puppies.  Has healthy, long-lived adult dogs and contact info for previous buyers. The health and lifespan of a breeder's dogs are a sneak peek into the pups' futures. Find out as much as you can about them. Speak to people who own adult dogs bought from your breeder. Have there been any recurring medical problems like chronic ear infections? Do any of them have high-maintenance health issues like food allergies? Epilepsy? How long do the dogs generally live for?

TALK TO THE BREEDERS AT DOG SHOWS

Good breeders are often actively involved with local, state, and national clubs that specialize in the specific breed; responsible breeders may also compete with the dogs in conformation events, obedience trials, tracking and agility trials, or other performance events.  They love to show off their dogs and will often have pictures of the dogs in competition on their websites.

SELLS TO PEOPLE THEY KNOW

Sells puppies only to people he/she has met in person or even in a detailed phone conversation, not to pet stores or to unknown buyers over the Internet.  Reputable breeders don't sell their puppies to strangers! They want to get to know you. They'll ask you about your family, if you rent or own your home, who will be caring for the pup, etc. etc.  Watch out for those who don't ask for much more than your credit card number.  

PROVIDES A HEALTH GUARANTEE

Provides you with a written contract and health guarantee and allows plenty of time for you to read it thoroughly.  Has a veterinarian individually examine and vaccinate each puppy and has verifiable proof of this. Proof of veterinary care is NOT a vaccination schedule with dates written on it by the seller. This is a common way sellers will deceive puppy buyers. True proof is paperwork from a licensed veterinarian. All puppies should have been vaccinated and examined by a licensed vet and you should be provided with paperwork that details the results of the exams.

what kinds of health testing

A lot of breeders will say that they provide health testing but don’t mention what specific tests they perform or sometimes they’ll say that they did health testing through Embark. Unfortunately those are big red flags. The kinds of testing you want to ask your breeder if they do are, Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) which measures the electrical activity as the brain receives the auditory stimulus of sound, Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER) which screens dogs for inherited eye problems . Breeders will also test for Juvenile Hereditary Cataracts and check the patellas since Bostons are prone to Luxating Patella.

COLORS

A reputable breeder breeds for the betterment of the breed and to breed standard. According to the AKC website the breed standard colors are Black & White, Black Brindle & White, Brindle & White, Seal & White, Seal Brindle & White. Anyone saying we breed all colors or off colors or even non-standard colors doesn’t actually care about preserving the breed standard. They only care about money. Anyone selling any sort of merle dog is not a reputable breeder so please stay far away from that.

It’s a Waiting Game

Reputable breeders often have waiting lists so anyone who has puppies available right away is very suspect. IF you’ really want to get a well bred puppy then we suggest getting on a few waiting lists. It takes time to find the right fit for your family so don’t rush it. You’ll get there eventually.

STILL UNSURE?

Come to a Meetup and talk with our members about their experiences. They’re happy to talk to you about their breeders and what to look for.

What to Get Your Pup for the Holidays

Still looking for that perfect gift for your pup for the Holidays? Well, we’ve complied a small list of some fun things you can get. We’ve got some great recommendations for you but want to see what you got your pups. See the end of the article for more!

A new perch bed from Perch Pet Products.

If your pup is anything like mine then you know that one bed is never enough. Even if your pup sleeps with you there’s always the need for another bed. I saw this really awesome bed and knew I had to share.

New mugs from Boston Terrier Love

No holiday is complete without a nice hot drink and what better way to get your morning cup of joe than in a seriously cute Boston Terrier mug.

A new fleece from Wag The Nub

It’s no secret that we LOVE Wag The Nub sweaters. Seriously we own probably closer to ten now. Nothing else fits as well as these do which is why we keep ordering them. With the option to customize it with a heart or as I just recently saw a star your pup will be warm and stylish all winter long.

Winter boots from Pawz Dog Boots

Truth be told we have tried on so many different pairs of dog boots. So far these are the only ones have have not only fit but also stayed on. These are not super insulating so if you’re scaling the Matterhorn you might want more warmth. The best part about these boots is that all you have to do is hold your dog’s paw to the back of the packaging to see if they fit.

For the naughty pup Lumps of Coal from Bocce’s Bakery

We love all the Bocce’s Bakery treats and found these hilarious Lumps of Coal at Wag Nation and had to pick them up. With limited ingredients these are great for pups with allergies. They come in all sorts of yummy flavors too. For the good pup Bocce’s Bakery also makes Ginger Snaps.

A long lasting Summit Dog Chew from 2 Dogs Treats

All the time I see people looking for something that lasts a while to keep your pup occupied while doing chores, etc. Look no further than these amazing chews, they’re made from cow & yak milk, lime juice & salt. The best part is when they’re down to a nub you can pop them in the microwave for a few seconds and they puff right up.

An interactive slow feeder bowl from Amazon

Does your pup inhale their food in seconds? I know my dog does for sure which is why I have a slow feeder for her. This bowl combines mental stimulation while also slowing them down when eating. It’s a two for one.

A Knottie candy stripe Santa from Hugglehounds

What pup doesn’t love new toys? I love the entire line of Hugglehounds toys. They’re always so cute and so much fun to watch my pup enjoy!

Did you get something special for your pup for the Holidays? Show us on Facebook or Instagram

How to Have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Turkey day may seem like an okay day to treat your pup to some extra goodies, but did you know that some of what we make can be deadly to dogs?

Here are some ways that our dogs can celebrate Thanksgiving with us while staying safe at the same time.

Let’s start with the almighty turkey. I’m sure some of you may think “what’s so bad about turkey?” When we cook turkey we usually use seasoning and lots of butter so it’s best to be sparse with the turkey. Breast meat only and no skin.

Cooked bones are a definite no, they can splinter and can puncture your dogs intestines.

Stuffing is also off the list as it often contains alums like garlic and onions.

Sweet potatoes without the butter are okay to share but should also be given in small portions.

We don’t want any dogs to end up in the ER with pancreatitis, which is why we’re sharing this important information. As a matter of fact veterinary staff often call the Friday after Thanksgiving ‘Pancreatitis Friday.’

What is Pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which is an organ integral to the digestive tract. The inflammation disrupts the natural flow of enzymes secreted by the pancreas, resulting in an interruption in the normal digestion of food.

Warning Signs of Pancreatitis:

Hunched back

Repeated vomiting

Pain or distention of the abdomen (dog appears uncomfortable or bloated)

Diarrhea

Loss of appetite

Dehydration

Weakness/lethargy

Fever

How can my dog celebrate Thanksgiving without the risk?

Merrick offers these really great “Thanksgiving Dinner” meals made just for dogs. They actually have ones for several different occasions like Christmas Dinner and Easter Brunch. You can also give your dog a frozen marrow bone. Primal makes them and you can probably get them in most pet stores. The frozen marrow bones are a much better treat than a plate of leftovers and they last a lot longer.

Make your own Thanksgiving Treats with these recipes from the American Kennel Club:

Frozen Pumpkin Dog Treats

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain yogurt

• 1 cup pumpkin puree

Directions

1. Mix pumpkin and yogurt together in a bowl

2. Divide the mixture evenly into an ice tray or molds

3. Freeze for 24 hours

4. Pop the treats out of the mold and put into a freezer bag for storage. You can also leave them in the ice tray if you have space in your freezer

Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Treats

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour

• 1 cup canned pumpkin

• 1/2 cup peanut butter (make sure it is Xylitol-free)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F

2. In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin and peanut butter

3. Stir in the flour and combine the mixture into a dough

4. Roll out the dough onto a floured surface

5. Cut the dough into shapes with your favorite cookie cutter

6. Place the treats half an inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet

7. Bake for 12 minutes

Banana Pumpkin Dog Treats

Ingredients

• 3 cups whole wheat flour + extra for dusting counter

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup pumpkin puree

• 1 banana, mashed

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Mix eggs, banana and pumpkin together. Add flour and mix until all the flour is incorporated.

3. Lightly dust the counter and a rolling pin with flour, then roll out dough to approximately 1/8″ and cut out treats.

4. Lay on a baking sheet and bake for approximately 20 minutes. Cool completely before giving to your pup!