Mission Statement of The
Boston Terrier Rescue of
East Tennessee
All breeds have their own particular needs and rescued pets have
special requirements as well, very often in want of medical care, often
lacking nourishment and kindness, and often expensive to rehabilitate.
Because we have had Boston Terriers of our own for several years, we
are familiar with their habits, peculiarities and their special needs.
We operate from the Maryville/Alcoa/ Knoxville areas of East Tennessee
under the auspices of the National Boston Terrier Rescue mission but
cover the state of Tennessee, Eastern Kentucky, Southwestern Virginia
and Western North Carolina with the help of our Representatives and
Foster Homes. We share information and resources throughout all of the
Southeast and Midwest USA with affiliated Boston Rescue shelters and
independent shelters, rescues and friends.
We will not refuse any dog for rescue, regardless of background or
medical condition except for those who have been confirmed as "people
biters." All dogs who come into our care are treated for any
illnesses including heartworms, are spayed or neutered unless there is
a veterinary order otherwise based on a serious medical condition, are
brought up to date on all vaccinations, are treated for parasitic
worms, ticks and fleas, bathed and have their nails clipped for
comfort. All are placed on flea, tick and heartworm
preventative. We will not euthanize, nor allow euthanasia
except in those rarest of cases of continued suffering as a result of
some injury or illness, and then only on the hard recommendation of our
veterinary, after all other means of relief are exhausted.
Adopting a friend
Adoption is a simple process but matching the right pet to the right
owner can be more difficult. There is an adoption application that must
be completed, reference checks, vet checks, etc., and an adoption fee
depending on specific circumstances as well as an adoption contract to
protect both the pet and the new owner should for any reason, "things
not work out."
These are not 'free dogs,' they're not 'dogs for sale,' they're not for
breeding (NO puppy mills or backyard breeders for those who don't
understand how neutering works), they're absolutely NOT for fighting or
gaming and they won't be placed in an unsuitable environment or home.
Because pets who've been rescued are often in need of medical care,
lots of nourishment and sometimes extended foster care, there is a very
real and often substantial cost that we absorb prior to the adoptions,
in addition to the required vetting, vaccinations, worming and
neutering/spaying. There is also always a risk of heartworms
which must also be corrected successfully before the dog is placed
available for adoption.
Some, but certainly not all of these dogs have various problems often
not associated with the normal "house pet" relationship. Some come from
cruel, hostile and abusive situations; some are near starving or have
other physical problems. They may come to us with broken spirits as
well as broken hearts and special dogs like these need special people
to care for them.
But fortunately, most others come from loving and caring families who
simply find themselves in circumstances where for a variety of reasons
they can no longer care for their pets as they would wish. These good
people do the right thing: they allow others to adopt and care for
their pets as lovingly as they would if they could.
People interested in pups need to be gently reminded that they often
AREN'T housebroken and usually require training. That often means
letting them out 'to take care of business' and often going with and
walking them, every 4-5 hours at a minimum, day and night, all day and
all night, whatever the weather. If you're not absolutely sure you can
handle this process for the several weeks that may be required, an
adult or senior dog may be a better choice. Always be mindful that if
you can't wait 8-10 hours between trips to the bathroom, you should not
expect the dog to.
Another very good way to help manage the training and housebreaking
task and (keep everybody happier) is to let the pup learn from an
older, mature dog, Boston or otherwise, if they're compatible. It's a
big job when done right, and not to be underestimated.
Fees
The fee is generally based on the dog's age and provides for neutering
or spaying when required, all required shots being made current,
heartworm testing & treatment if required, placement on a
monthly prevention program for fleas and heartworms, treatment for
other parasites, any other vet visits or urgent medical attention
required, dog food and my travel expenses for pickup and required
adoption home inspections. (It is both our expectation and a
contractural requirement that these same preventative routine
medications be continued as well as any required vet visits after the
pet is adopted.)
In some cases this can amount to several hundred miles per month and to
the extent possible, we share these tasks within the Boston Rescue
family and local humane societies, with whomever is closest to keep
expenses to a minimum.
If for some reason a match isn't made the first time around, we will
keep your application on file for the next opportunity to arise
although it's your responsibility to watch the website and tell us when
you see something that might work. Although applications are reviewed
in order and references contacted as they are returned fully completed
to us, they are not necessarily serviced in that order. Our primary
goal is to place a dog in the most suitable environment, based on the
animal's individual needs and its temperament. The commitment is
lifelong and the Boston's interests are always foremost.
Travel and Transportation
One thing that you should consider before going any farther is that
although our fosters are located through out the southeast,
transportation is your responsibility and if that is likely to be a
problem, we suggest that you look at a shelter nearer your own location.
We have flown Bostonians but the travel guidelines are extremely
stringent for the safety of the dog and the additional cost, which can
be substantial, is yours. Out of state and distant adoptions are
handled strictly on a case-by-case basis and are made for distances
over 100 miles only on an exceptional basis. The only way
that we will fly a dog in this post 911 era is if and when the pooch is
sitting in the seat next to you.
