BTCC rescue alumni "Wendel" (adopted 2004) was recently chosen as a winner in the Boehringer Ingelheim calendar contest and is proudly "Mr. July 2007". Wendel also received a bandana, leash and plaque and his vet, Dr. Pankatz from Harbourview Veterinary Hospital in Collingwood, was presented with a stethoscope from the company who manufactures the
heart medication, Vetmedin, that Wendel is taking. 

Wendel's entry, which appears along side his picture in the calendar, reads:

"Dirty, starved and in poor physical condition, with an open sore around his neck from where he'd broken free of a chain, this senior Boston Terrier male was picked up as a stray. Unclaimed, and in bad health, he was deemed unadoptable by the shelter and scheduled to be euthanized. Rescue learned of his situation; he was saved and brought to Harbourview. A big concern was his heart condition, which made any other treatment (including a much-needed dental and neuter) precarious
at best. “Wendel” was put on Vetmedin and the change was remarkable. Not only did he improve enough to allow him to undergo surgery, the turn-around in his condition took years off the earlier estimates of his age. Almost two years later, he is a playful and happy companion thanks to this wonderful drug."

Way to go Wendel! Wendel's story goes to prove that there can be happy endings and second chances even for the most neglected and mistreated Bostons, given the right care. A real rescue 'happy tail'!