BTCC RESCUE

BTCC RESCUE

Trinket - A Success Story

This is the story of a little dog who managed to work her way into many hearts and in the process managed to save her own life.

Trinket was born in July 2000. Her parents came from excellent lineage, nothing could have predicted the unfortunate results of their breeding. Two pups were born in the litter. Sadly, one was euthanized three weeks after birth as her rib cage grew into her chest and began to slowly suffocate her. That left Trinket, who showed the most promise of the litter.

She had beautiful markings and everyone agreed that she would be a promising show puppy. It was not to be. As she grew it became evident that Trinket was not developing as a Boston puppy should. Her spine grew crooked and a large hump developed on her withers at 16 weeks of age. Her legs grew long and gangly and she began to resemble an overgrown cricket. The soft spot on her head never closed. Then the most devastating news: Trinket was deaf. Her breeders were left with an agonizing decision, what could they do with such a homely little deaf dog? She was handicapped in many ways and it would be very difficult to find her a home. They tried to keep her as their own pet but she quickly proved to be a spirited little gal who needed a great deal of supervision and individual help. The breeders were exhausted! Trying to keep up with Trinket as well as manage their other dogs was too much. The breeders had a difficult decision to make: find this dog a home or euthanize her. The breeders were responsible, kind hearted and compassionate people who had always put their dog's best interests first. They chose to try and help Trinket. They had her spayed and began the search for a home.

It was at this time when I contacted the BTCC to express my interest in Boston rescue. I have long been involved in all breed ("mutt") rescue and wanted to get involved with Boston rescue as I had recently adopted a rescued Boston from Donna Cole. I went to investigate the Boston Terrier Club of Canada website. I emailed a few people indicating that I would be interested in helping with rescue. The timing turned out to be perfect! Trinket's breeders contacted me and asked me to help them place her in an appropriate home. If a suitable home could not be found then Trinket would have to be euthanized. My intentions were to help the breeders find this little dog a home but as I listened to them describe the little dog with so many problems I realized with a sinking heart that it would be next to impossible. I didn't even think about it, I didn't even check with my husband, I simply blurted out "We'll take her."

I have never regretted that decision. It turned out to be one of the smartest things I've ever done. Trinket is not the prettiest little Boston you've ever seen, but she is beautiful to us. Her spirit, her willingness to overcome her handicaps and her simple joy and zest for life have taught us a lot about how to live a life to the fullest. Trinket is a delight, she makes us laugh every day. She does not know that she is different from other dogs, and she is able to do everything they can do. When she first arrived my husband and I worried about Trinket's deafness and how it may affect her life in our three dog household but it has never been a problem. She has been accepted and loved by our other two dogs from the beginning. She has enchanted every person who has ever met her with her spunky and friendly personality.

We have begun to work with Trinket by training her to recognize hand signals. Now we can truly communicate with her. It is such a thrill to know that she understands us and she has proved to be a quick learner. At this time she can recognize 5 hand signals. Not bad for a little pup that is not even a year old!

I want to encourage all breeders and pet owners who may read this story to please consider assisting a rescued or "special needs" Boston. It isn't as difficult as you may think to own a dog that is not "perfect". It may be difficult to find them homes but the homes are out there, it takes a bit of patience and time but you can find wonderful homes for deaf, blind, or otherwise challenged Bostons. We opened our hearts and home to a little dog that almost didn't make it, and our lives are the richer for it.

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