My whole life changed the night I googled Boston Terrier Rescue!

I had no idea that there even was/is a Boston Terrier Rescue. Our family had had 2 Boston Terriers; an 8-year old female, Cassie, and a 5-year old male, Curtis Joseph who we affectionately call “CuJo”. Cassie was unfortunately diagnosed with lymphoma in August, and after months of taking care of her, knowing she was only getting sicker, we had to put her down in December. It was heart-wrenching!! The house felt empty and CuJo seemed too quiet. I was thinking about bringing another Boston Terrier into our home EVENTUALLY, but was not anxious to have a puppy. We live in a new house, and I seriously did not want to go through the housebreaking, teething, chewing and training stage from start to finish. I thought that, perhaps, an older Boston Terrier might work, but NOT quite yet, and I didn’t know how to go about it, anyway.

It was a Saturday night in January, and I was home, trying to fill my time. For an inexplicable reason, I found myself googling “Boston Terrier Rescue”. I didn’t know what I’d find, if anything. A website popped up! I am not computer savvy and had some difficulty, but finally came up with a few dogs in relatively close proximity to where I live. Although I thought I wanted a “pure bred” dog, I was drawn to the photo of “Poppy”, who was listed as a “mixed breed Boston Terrier”. She looked so small and sweet, and had the most expressive face. I had to read more!

The next thing I knew I was completing the Application to Adopt, listing references and reading everything I could about this 2-3 year old dog who had come from a puppy mill. I had a conversation with a Boston Terrier Rescue Rep and a phone call from Rita, Poppy’s foster Mom. Within 8 days, I had a reference check, an in-house visit, and had met Poppy. She won me over with her first “lick”. Within another week, she was part of our family.

The truth is, I believed we were adopting Poppy for her… to offer her a wonderful new life. I thought we were bringing Poppy into our home to give CuJo another playmate. I had never considered what Poppy could do for us, and did not anticipate the feelings and emotions Poppy would stir in me every single day. Her sweet nature and cute mannerisms make me smile each and every day. She is loyal, greets me at the door and follows me everywhere. She is content to sit next to me or lay at my feet, asking for nothing, grateful for my presence. When I watch Poppy chew her bone or curl up beside me, I feel good about myself. I laugh every day when Poppy and CuJo chase a ball or play tug-of-war together.

There are times when I wonder about Poppy’s past. I am not at all certain Poppy is a “mixed breed”, as she looks and acts like a Boston Terrier. The truth is, none of it matters when she is with me. I could not love her more if we had gotten her as a pup, and I feel as though we’ve had her FOREVER. We have had many dogs and other pets throughout my life. Some were easier than others, and all were loved. I know that none have ever made me feel quite the way Poppy does. Giving this dog a home has enriched my own life, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Nancy M.