BTCC RESCUE

BTCC RESCUE

Griffin - A Rescue Story

Every now and then a special dog comes along in the BTCC Rescue Program and I realize why the rescue program exists and why it is so important. Griffin is a special boston terrier that serves to remind us all why we have to continue to support boston terrier rescue.

I was contacted by a fellow dog rescuer in late October and was asked if I could help a boston terrier in need. I was warned that the dog had been through a "difficult time" but no more information was given. They did not know where he came from except that they had been contacted by a vet to see if rescue was available for this dog. The boston terrier was being brought up by a rescue transport to Seattle, could I possible drive to Seattle and pick this young boy up?

My husband and I set off for Seattle on November 1, 2003 to pick up the one and a half year old neutered male boston who didn't have a name. When I first met him, I was shocked to see that he was very thin and wore a plastic collar around his neck with some type of code written on it. As we started to drive home to BC, my husband informed me that the dog that we had just rescued was wearing the type of collar that is standard for a research facility. The poor boy, who was named Griffin on the long drive home, was sick then entire way. We had to stop and clean the car on several occasions.

When we arrived home, we did some investigating and determined that Griffin was indeed from a medical research facility and he had been used as a test dog for skin toxicity testing. His medical ID number was traced and we found out that he had been claimed as a stray by an animal shelter and was due to be euthanized 3 days later. He was saved from euthanization by being sold to a nearby medical research lab to be used for testing. It was there that one of the doctors took a liking to him and contacted a nearby rescue organization who in turn contacted BTCC Rescue.

Donna Cole fostered Griffin for a short time until his permanent home was found. A wonderful couple adopted him and has been able to provide excellent medical care for him as he recovers from his ordeal. We would like to thank Anne Marie and her husband for adopting Griffin and giving him a loving permanent home.

Griffin is alive today and living a wonderful life because of the BTCC Rescue Program. Thank you to all BTCC members for supporting our rescue efforts!

Kelly Pankatz
BTCC Rescue

Donations to the BTCC Rescue Program can be made by mailing a donation to:

BTCC Treasurer
Marlene Allott
525 Nootka Street
Comox, BC
V9M 2L8