Albert was adopted November 26, 2023
We usually don’t adopt dogs out to other dogs for obvious reasons. For one, the application form is invariably soggy and torn, and the writing is completely illegible. Sure, there will be a promise of sharing ALL of the toys, but there’s often that one well-worn stuffy with a ripped-off ear that both dogs ‘need’ at the same time. And who pays for food? Vet visits? New squeaky toys? Most dogs don’t have well-paying jobs.
You also need to be at least 18 years of age to sign a contract. In this case, Moose, who is about to turn 5, told us that in dog years he’s definitely legal. And that his humans BOTH agreed that BTRC foster Albert, aka Bertie, needed to become a permanent family member.
Bertie ended up in the shelter as part of a neglect case. From the minute he was sprung, Moose took it upon himself to teach Bertie all the best things about being a dog. Hikes and nature adventures. How to play with toys. Games of tug. And, of course, sleeping in the big bed. Moose also nursed and nurtured Bertie through all his vet visits.
The boys were separated for a week when their humans went on vacation. Upon their return, Moose was more excited about seeing his bro Bertie than mom and dad. And he was very happy to see mom and dad!
This joyful reunion confirmed what Moose and Bertie knew – that they were brothers, BFFs, and already a family. And so, with help from the humans, the i’s have been dotted, the t’s crossed, and the paperwork drooled upon.
Congratulations Moose – your brother Bertie is officially home!
Bertie in Alberta: Update
Albert, or Bertie as he’s called, is flourishing in foster care. From standoffish to snuggle bug, with the guidance of his foster family including foster brother Boston Moose, Bertie is loving life. He’s excited to go on nature hikes, enjoys car rides, relishes treats and mealtime, and is even finally learning what these things called ‘toys’ are all about!
Unfortunately, the news isn’t as good on the medical front. Bertie has a bilateral perineal hernia. Most common in middle-aged, unneutered dogs, this soft swelling around his bum could have been caused by trauma or general muscle weakness due in part to hormones. Although a surgical repair is advised, the veterinarian informed us that Bertie had a much more urgent concern.
Bertie has another lump on his scrotum. Mast cell tumours in this area can be more aggressive, and as Bertie just had a low-grade MCT removed in July, it is of even greater concern.
On the vet’s recommendation, Bertie will undergo a series of tests and procedures known as staging. First, chest x-rays will be taken. If these are clear, an abdominal ultrasound will be performed to screen Bertie’s internal organs for any signs of cancer. If both tests are clear, Bertie will undergo surgery to remove the mass. The mass will then be biopsied to determine whether it is malignant.
This is all scheduled to take place in one day, and it’s going to be a costly one. Even with a generous discount, the estimate is $3,955.67 – $4,746.80. And if his prognosis is positive, Bertie will still need to have his hernia repaired.
To see how this once frightened shelter dog has blossomed into a happy family companion, there is no question that Bertie is worth it. But unexpected expenses like these are why fundraisers such as our Move Your Way 5K are so important. To those who have supported this event, thank you! If you prefer to donate directly to Bertie’s care please visit www.bostonterrierrescuecanada.com/donate/.
(If you have a pet, please think about getting pet insurance so that you won’t have to worry about covering the cost of extraordinary veterinary care.)
Hey Hey Hey Albert!
It’s been about a month since Albert came to BTRC. Thanks to the amazing TLC he’s receiving from his foster family, this shelter boy is really coming out of his shell.
Timid, Albert wasn’t one for being handled when he first arrived, and would shy away from any pats. It takes time to learn to trust, but he’s definitely coming around to the fact that cuddles, belly rubs and butt scritches are very good things!
He’s also been loving his hikes and outdoor adventures with his foster family, which includes Boston Terrier Moose. Moose tries to engage his new friend in play, but Albert doesn’t understand games or toys at all. Albert was initially afraid of squeaky toys too, so Moose took it upon himself to ‘desensitize’ him to the sound by squeaking a toy right on Albert’s head. Not a method we’d recommend, but it appears to have worked. 🤷🏼♀️
Albert is unquestionably one clever canine, improving his basic manners and picking up new commands quickly.
He’s also been working hard at training his trainers. Albert has figured out if he comes when called he gets a treat. He also knows that he is not supposed to go upstairs alone. So, logically, the thing to do is to combine these two bits of information. He will stand at the bottom of the steps and then, when attention is on him, start to head up very sloooowly – so he’ll be called back and can snag that tasty snack for doing so. (We think they are on to you Albert!)
Albert, fostered in Edmonton, has some upcoming medical appointments so is not yet ready for adoption.
Introducing Albert!
Our newest arrival is settling in very well in his foster home. He was happy to be out of the shelter – but he needed a new name! With 212 responses, there were so many fantastic names suggested. We narrowed it down to the most popular three and after the votes were tallied, it was Albert that reigned supreme!
Along with his new moniker, Albert has been having a great time discovering lots of other new things – getting into the groove of his foster home, sniffing out the neighbourhood, even picnicking at the lake. He will be off to the vet this week for a thorough check-up.
Thanks to all who took part in choosing a name for this happy, friendly guy. We hope to share more new Albert adventures soon!
Albert is being fostered in Edmonton, Alberta and is not yet ready to be considered for adoption.