BTCC RESCUE

BTCC RESCUE

Plume’s Story

Plume is an energetic and lively 9 year spayed female boston terrier that was surrendered by her owner Evelyn because she was moving into a retirement residence that did not allow pets. Evelyn was understandably heartbroken about giving up her cherished companion, but we reassured her that we would give Plume the best home possible where she would be loved and spoiled. Plume found her new "forever" home with Nancy Taylor in Ontario. Nancy recently wrote us this letter:

Plume’s story starts with the box of her things that came with her when I picked her up just before the August long weekend this summer. The contents of the box and the note that was tucked inside spoke a great deal about Plume’s life before she came to me.

Plume – Happy in her new home!

Her owner, Evelyn, had gone into a nursing home in Ottawa and she could not have Plume with her. To add to her worry and upset no one wanted Plume and it was contemplated that she be euthanized. To some this may seem horrible but I think I understand. As Boston lovers how would we feel to have our best friend taken from us after nine years and to not know how the end years would play out. She could have been shuffled about from home to home, not loved or appreciated. Plume’s box spoke to me about how much Evelyn loved her.

First, her papers with a detailed record of her visits to the vet (not many!) and then a little note about Plume. "….she likes a little Tomato before dinner….she loves to have her chewy treats before bed…" Then, her winter coat, some soft towellettes for wiping her feet, her glucosamine tablets for a little soreness in one hip, a jar of milkbones, a sealed container of treats and a bag of food with three different bowls. Looking through her things my heart broke for Evelyn as I realized how loved Plume was. The good news is that Plume is adored in her new home too. I can’t explain how I instantly felt protective towards her after I picked her up on that very hot afternoon to bring her home. Or how secretly happy I was that no one else on the list wanted her because she was nine years old. For me, whether I have Plume for months or years it will have been worth it. She is slim and sleek with a seal-black coat and very little grey. Her tail is a sad little corkscrew and one of her ears flops over halfway. To me, I see her tremendous dignity and strength. She plays at the drop of a hat with more joy than my four year old BT. Watching an older dog rediscover her "inner puppy" is a wonderful thing to behold.

Plume is a "peacekeeper" and keeps my freaky boston terrier Fanny in line. Fanny is normally dominant but gave the position to Plume right away and it seems to have been a good influence on her. They want to play with each other but Fanny worries about "giving in" I think. Plume takes her job of guarding the house seriously and at 23 pounds she is no slouch.

Having her is a reaffirmation that just because we get old it does not mean that we cannot give back. Plume has been a good lesson for me as she has given me so much already. Every day with her I will count as a blessing however long she stands tall and proud guarding my house.

I am hoping to get to Ottawa with Plume to visit her first Mum Evelyn and I have written to her to say how much I treasure Plume and have included some pictures. This will be another chapter in Plume’s life which I hope to share with Evelyn.

Many thanks to BTCC Rescue Representative Kelly Pankatz in Ontario for helping Plume find her forever home!

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