Zinnia was rescued by BTRN. She appeared to be around eight years of age and because of her long muzzle, she didn't have the typical Boston expression. But she was black and white with an abundance of brindle. She had a white chest and each of her four feet also had white. But even though her appearance was far from the Standard for Boston Terriers, her persona and intellectwere all Boston.

Zinnia was brought to the Johnson City, Tennessee Animal Shelter in December of 1998 by a kind lady who found her wandering through her neighborhood. At first she made inquiries to find her home. Several people recognized her and said her owners had moved from the area several weeks earlier. The shelter named her "Boston I" and determined by her pitiful physical condition that it was doubtful if she would be adopted. The local Boston Rescue Net volunteer was called and this little Boston was taken into foster care and renamed Zinnia.

Zinnia had a tennis ball size mammary tumor, subsequently discovered to be malignant. Four toenails had been allowed to grow until they pierced her pads and had become infected. Her teeth, desperately in need ofcleaning, were worn down to half of normal size with one split down the middle. She had a skin condition that caused her to constantly bite at herself to relieve discomfort. Even though the Veterinarian performed some free services to rescued dogs and discounts surgery, Zinnia had a sizable vet bill. Thanks to the Boston TerrierRescue Net, the bill was paid. The local volunteer just could not afford the almost $300.00 needed to bring help to this poor abandoned Boston Terrier.

Sadly, the prognosis for Zinnia was not good. The Veterinarian believed the Cancer had spread and would, in time, reach her lungs. When her breathing becomes labored, she will have to be put down. That said, she had already outlived the earliest predicted date for her demise and showed no sign of being anything but a healthy, happy little dog.

Zinnia had bonded with the other three Bostons in the household and had even gone on a week long camping trip with her new family. Because of a nutritious diet her skin condition cleared and her coat had a lustrous, healthy looking sheen. Thanks to Boston Terrier Rescue Net, another little Boston was saved from her previous world of abuse and neglect to live the rest of her days in a comfortable and loving environment.

"It was one year ago that the Boston Rescue Network paid for the medical expenses that gave this miserable little dog a chance for a better life where she could be loved and where she could return this love and affection. She has now outlived the prognosis that she may only have from three months to a year of life left. We are under no illusion that she is cancer free; to the contrary, we know that she may have trouble breathing any day and her life will be almost over. We are grateful for the priviledge of having her this past year and for as long as she remains healthy.

Zinnia, with the rest of the family, became a full time RVer in October and is now enjoying the sun and warmth of the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas. She has taken to this lifestyle like a veteran. She gets to take long walks around the park with the other three Bostons and loves to hear the residents talk about how mannerly she is.

Since all of you had a part in her rescue, I felt you should know how she is and where she is. We are in the McAllen, Texas area until May. We have made no plans beyond then, but will find some cooler area for the summer months. Mariclaire and I thank all of you for letting us care for Zinnia this past year. She acts like a very happy little dog."

Sincerely,
Jack and Mariclaire Wine

"Zoe was a stray, picked up on the side of a road outside of Kansas City, MO. She was underweight and tested heartworm positive. The local animal control called Kansas City Toy Breed Rescue and they rescued her. Through a donation from BTRN, Zoe was able to be treated for her heartworm. KCTBR told me that they felt Zoe was about 5 years old and you could definitely tell she was used strictly for breeding. She had never lived inside, was totally unsocialized towards humans (she didn't have much human contact) and her stomach was severely stretched out from the many litters she produced.

I saw her on The Boston Site Rescue Center and called KCTBR to talk to her foster Mom. Zoe was fine with dogs, but had a hard time trusting humans. She wasn't comfortable at all with being held or touched. Petting was just about out of the question. I was able to provide a quiet home and give her the time and love she would need to start her socialization. I adopted her in October, 1999. I have a chihuahua terrier mix named Jose who is a great guy, totally loving. He has been great with Zoe and they have been best friends.

When I first got Zoe she was very frightened. After about a month with us and a lot of work, she finally let me pet her. She has come a long way. She now will sit with Jose and I, and sleeps with us as well. These were monumental steps for her. I think the day she decided to jump up on the couch and join Jose and I, he was as shocked as I! He gave me a look that seemed to say "hey look, she sitting next to me!" She hasn't given out any kisses yet, but has licked me on the leg 4 times (I'm counting - I get very excited over these licks!) She has learned to walk on a lead and loves her walks. She makes tiny steps toward socialization everyday. Today she even chased a ball but had no idea what to do with it. We are working on her training and she's making progess.

Zoe recently tested heartworm negative and is very healthy, thanks to KCTBR and BTRN. You all helped her when she needed it the most and I can't thank you enough. She is a sweet, sweet girl who is getting a second chance. I feel very honored to provide her a home and have her as a member of my family.

God bless you for the wonderful work that you do for His special babies."

Margie Elsesser

Before

After

Trudy was originally called little "Alien" and was adopted from the Roswell, New Mexico shelter. Sadly, after a lifetime of neglect, Trudy passed away in October of 1999. Her medical problems were simply too many. Trudy's last few months were happy ones and she was loved and well cared for by her adopter.