Story submitted by Abbey’s forever family.

My partner and myself recently became approved as foster parents for BTRC. We happen to have been lucky enough to provide a forever home to a BTRC rescue this past spring. Her name was Angie when she was suggested as a potential new family member by Margot. We went to see her at her foster home in Barrie, and March 15 she came home to live with us. We renamed her Abbey as that name seemed more fitting, and she is an amazing little girl.

We got our first Boston in 2003 and fell in love instantly with the breed. Our boy, Mickey was the consummate angel. Great with kids, great with our elderly Grandmother, great with cats and with other dogs of all shapes and sizes. When our elderly Grandmother, who was Mickey’s constant companion, passed away in 2008, it wasn’t long before we looked around for a companion for him. Enter Mouse, Boston number two. Another angel, but with perhaps a teensy bit of tarnish on his halo…another amazing dog but a bit more of a challenge than Mickey. They became fast friends, and kept one another company with their Boston antics while we were at work.

In December 2012, Mickey was diagnosed with Cushing’s disease. He couldn’t tolerate the standard treatment, and while we were willing to do anything to save him, he declined very quickly while our vet was doing everything she could to try and stabilize him. It looked as though it was going to be a tough fight to keep him healthy. As sad as it was to even think about losing our beloved boy, we were just as sad to think that poor Mouse, who had never spent a moment alone since coming home, was facing the prospect of losing his best buddy.

We contacted BTRC and filled out an application form thinking that if the worst came to pass that we could maybe find Mouse a new friend and help a Boston in need. Our schedule wouldn’t suit a new puppy, and truly we couldn’t be that selfish knowing that there are so many worthy dogs in need of a good home.

Before long Margot got in touch and let us know about Abbey (Angie). She was a little girl, about three years old and had come from Quebec. We went to see her and wanted to adopt both her and her foster brother, Boss on the spot. We settled on Abbey however, as we both agreed having four dogs would make us the Crazy dog Ladies 🙂

Abbey came home with us on March 15 2013. She is the sweetest, most special little gal a person could hope to know. There isn’t a day that goes by that she doesn’t make us laugh.

We took Mickey for the cyber knife treatment to kill his tumor in New York in April as he was getting progressively worse on the drug treatments. Things were looking good for a while, but he developed terrible seizures and an ear infection and May 30, after a month of steady decline, we decided we couldn’t make him suffer anymore and we had to have him euthanized. It was the toughest decision we have ever had to make, and the time since his passing has been truly horrible. The one bright spot in our lives is little Abbey and old Mousey. They have become the best of friends, and we are so thankful to have them both. I really don’t know if we could have survived the last six months without this little angel to focus on and watch thrive.

Abbey has learned many commands and a few tricks so far. She LOVES to eat, has learned to give kisses and has put on some needed weight. We had to take her to a special dentist in Guelph to have a few teeth removed, but other than that she hasn’t looked back since coming home.

We thought we were helping save a dog, but in truth I think Abbey may have saved us.

Thanks so much to BTRC. What a wonderful service you offer to these dogs and those fortunate enough to adopt.

Denise