Oyez, oyez, oyez! All rise for her Ladyship Lydia, upon the auspicious occasion of her being available for adoption!

Since Lydia first arrived in Rescue, her foster mom has entertained us with stories written from Lydia’s perspective. In every shared adventure, Lydia has been the royal mistress, and her foster mom, the loyal servant – tasked with everything from preparing her meals to drawing her baths. We have all come to think of our Lydia as nobility, and although she may not be actual royalty, she is undoubtedly a treasure! 

Lydia is loving and affectionate with people of all ages. At 10 years of age, she is active and social – she enjoys playing with squeaky toys, balls, and appropriate chew toys. Her foster mom is a dog walker, so Lydia enjoys “pack” walks with five other dogs of various ages and sizes twice daily. She is good on leash and enjoys the company of other canines with no issue. She is also friendly with the resident cats.

When Lydia first came to Rescue, her allergies were out of control. Through a period of trial-and-error, we have found a raw diet* that works for her. Her coat is still a bit patchy, but her condition is dramatically improved. Lydia is also taking Apoquel (a non-steroid allergy medication / approx. $100 monthly). It will be important for her new family to continue both, as managing Lydia’s allergies will be a life-long commitment.

During her spay, a small mammary lump was found to be a low-grade mass cell tumour. Lydia underwent a unilateral mastectomy, and all tests came back benign, so she is now cancer-free. Up-to-date on all routine vetting, Lydia has also had a full dental.

Lydia’s adopter should be aware that she can be a tad mischievous. Despite her social aspirations, she is not above liberating food and other riches from garbage cans, so it’s best to avoid leaving food there. She also found a small hole, which she gleefully enlarged, to escape a fenced backyard and explore the neighbourhood so she shouldn’t be left alone unsupervised. When you meet this darling lady, however, you will soon realize how really hard it is to remain upset with her because of her outgoing personality and Boston terrier sense of humour.

If you think that your home would make a great match with Lydia’s needs, please read more about her Ladyship, and find her adoption application here: 

LYDIA IS LOCATED IN DURHAM REGION, ONTARIO • 10 YRS • FULLY VETTED • HOUSE- AND CRATE-TRAINED • GOOD WITH CHILDREN • GOOD WITH CATS/DOGS • REQUIRES SPECIAL DIET & MONTHLY MEDICATION

Click here to apply to adopt Lydia!

*Lydia’s raw diet has been generously sponsored by Iron Will Raw Pet Food.

UPDATE – Nov 10

Time to check-in with her Ladyship, Lydia.

After a prolonged wait, we finally received the results of Lydia’s biopsy, done when she was in hospital for her mastectomy. All samples that went out for testing came back benign! Lydia is cancer-free!

Because of this great news, her oncologist does not feel that the second mastectomy is necessary. Although she may look a bit different in her bikini next summer, Lydia is nothing if not confident, and has no qualms about showing off her new body. And the fact that she does not have to undergo another invasive and complicated surgery is a huge relief for everyone.

The next thing on the agenda for Lydia is a dental. This has been scheduled for early December. The quote is $1174.60 to $1645.66 – the higher end being if any “hidden” dental issues become apparent from xrays or during the procedure. 

A huge “thank you” must go out again to everyone who has supported Lydia’s journey by giving so generously to the 911 Vet Bill Fundraiser and sharing her story. Because of you, rescue is able to provide this wonderful girl with all the care she needs.

We hope the next Lady Lydia update we share will be the one where it’s announced that she is ready to find her forever home!

UPDATE – Oct 18

Lydia had her surgery on October 5. She underwent a unilateral chain mastectomy – the removal of all the mammary glands on her right side. Because of the amount of skin needed to close her incision, it was not possible to remove the left side at the same time.

This is not the best news, as no one wants to put Lydia through another surgery. We are still awaiting the results of her biopsies, but if a second surgery is what Lydia needs, it will be scheduled in a couple of months’ time.

Lydia did come through her surgery with flying colours! Her post-op notes from Toronto Veterinary Emergency Hospital described a “very comfortable and bright” dog with a “great appetite” and her discharge paperwork showed “no concerns”.

And she continues to recuperate very well at her foster home. Her foster mom describes her as real trooper, sharing that Lydia runs around the house as if she didn’t have any surgery at all, even though she has been basically opened up from her chest to her abdomen on one side!

Although, because she IS our Lady Lydia, we suspect if she could talk she would still take the opportunity to regale her foster mom with the untold indignities of spending one long night in a hospital kennel with only the most basic of amenities, and how every special consideration she is now being shown is only what a lady dog of her standing and stature is due.

The cost for the first of Lydia’s surgeries and specialist’s consult was $4,107.34. Because we did not expect to fund a second operation, if you are able to help our 911 Medical Fundraiser reach our goal with a donation of any size, we would be grateful!

UPDTAE – Sept 17

Lydia’s rescue story is still unfolding, and her journey so far has taken some twists and turns.

Lydia came into BTRC’s care in March. Our immediate concern was the condition of her skin – she had severe generalized dermatitis, with patchy hair loss, crusty spots, open sores, and infection. Despite her discomfort and itchiness, Lydia was friendly, social and outgoing. We knew we had to do our best to get this happy girl feeling better.

With time, medication, and lots of TLC from her foster mom, Lydia’s skin condition improved. Thanks to the research done by her foster, and the generous sponsorship and support of Iron Will Raw Pet Food, skin flare-ups lessened dramatically and we were finally able to address some of her other medical needs.

The plan was to first have Lydia spayed, then address her dental issues. (She has at least two fractured teeth, and is in need of a dental cleaning as well). But complications arose which put her dental on the back burner.

Lydia had a small mammary gland growth; this was removed, and biopsied, during her spay.

It seems nothing is easy for our Lydia. The mass was mammary carcinoma (cancer). Fortunately, it was the lowest grade, so prognosis for recovery was excellent, if the cancer had not spread.  Sadly, mammary cancer is much more common in unspayed dogs, as was the case for Lydia.

Next Lydia was off to a specialist. The Oncologist took radiographs and did an ultrasound to check that the cancer had not metastasized. Everyone did a happy dance when we learned it had not!

The good news: there is a surgical cure! – “chain” mastectomies of Lydia’s remaining mammary glands.

The not-so-good-news: the estimate for surgery is  $3,027.84 – $4,419.05!

Lydia will have her life-saving surgery, but she could use your help.

With vet bills over the $5000 mark, and a dental surgery still to come, we need to fundraise to offset the cost of Lydia’s veterinary care.

Lydia may be nine, but don’t let a number fool you. Her personality is generally laid-back – she relaxes by covering herself up in a blanket surrounded by her toys. She also loves to play, and squeaky toys are her absolute favourite! She enjoys her walks and is well-mannered on her adventures – but off-leash the occasional “zoomies” came come out of nowhere!

UPDATE – May 17

Lady Lydia’s Lessons:

Lesson #7: The Importance of Weekly Baths

Lady Lydia here letting everyone know how much I abhor this weekly ritual. I cannot believe that anyone could get any enjoyment out of it although I sometimes think FM does just because she knows I don’t. She tells me that it is Doctor’s orders – some Dr. Birss told her that I have to have at least one each week for my skin and if that is true, you can let that Dr. Birss know that I abhor her too. It wouldn’t be so bad if the shampoo smelled pretty like lilies of the valley or lilac or lavender but it does not, not at all! And where FM bathes me is just as insulting – no bubble bath or gentle soak for me …. No, guess what my bathtub is … the kitchen sink?! Really?! I have to stand in the sink and she scrubs me down like I am some dirty plate or something – can you now understand why I hate this?! Lydia definitely out!

UPDATE – April 22

Wanted to share a little good news!

Iron Will Raw has generously offered to sponsor foster “Lady” Lydia, and is working with her foster mom to provide an appropriate raw diet – free of charge!

Kudos, too, to foster mom as Patti from Iron Will commented on how well Lydia’s needs were documented and researched.

UPDATE – April 16

Her Ladyship Lydia’s Lessons: (Ssshh! Don’t tell Foster Mom know I am using this title)

Lesson #5: Sharing

Apparently last weekend, on what you humans call Easter weekend, I had to learn a new word …. one that I can barely say because it is so nauseating to me and so unfair and should be banned in my presence … the word is Shhh … sorry I am having problems saying it … sharrr …. aagh – Sharing! There, I said it – ugh! Yes, I had to once again share my time, my home, my back yard, my walks, MY SPACE with that lame cockapoo Louie! For 5 whole days – 5!!!! Can you believe it – he even had the audacity to chew on some of my toys, especially my squeaky ball and pig – if I wasn’t such a lady, I would use another bad word right now to express how disgusted I was. Foster Mom said that this “sharing thing” is important for me in finding my forever home (whatever that is) and I will let you all know that I was nothing if not a perfect lady (even if I was seething inside! How dare he chew on my pink pig!!) And let me tell you, I definitely know why he is called a cockapoo – that is all he did with his one leg on every walk I had to ssshhhaare with him!! Uggghh! I will tell you ONE thing I did discover I LIKED about this sharing thing – the fact that I could also SHARE sleeping on his dog bed – Lydia over and out!

UPDATE – April 7

Lady Lydia’s Lessons:

Lesson #4: Manners on the Walk

Apparently I am not even supposed to ask you to call me Lady Lydia as that is presumptuous (big word) and rude?! Hmm! Just when I was going to extend my name to Her Ladyship Lydia – sigh! Sheesh!

Foster Mom is now telling me that I need to learn some manners on the walk, mainly that I am not supposed to stop and smell for pee on every single tree, hydrant, electrical outlet, etc. – that a walk is just that – a walk to get exercise and “do my business” whatever that is?! I keep telling Foster Mom that I am practising the epitome of Social Distancing – I am getting to know each and every dog in the neighbourhood without ever meeting them?! How does she not get that?! And the worst is that she has started to call me a name when I do this – she says that I am rude and, in fact, a “Rudy Tudy” for doing this. Talk about Bad Manners – what about her calling me such names?! Maybe Foster Mom needs to learn some manners herself! Lady Lydia Out!!!

UPDATE – March 27

Lydia’s Lessons: First I would like to let everyone know that you may now address me as Lady Lydia as I have decided that I need to elevate my status if not my stature (no control over that one unfortunately – I tried stilts but they did not work!) Ahem … onto the lesson:

Lesson #3 – Socialization. Apparently Foster Mom believes that I now need to share my morning walks with other dogs as I am now no longer under the 2 week “isolation period”. I find that funny because I have heard that many of you humans are now practising what I have just been freed of – self-isolation?! Hahaha! Enjoy! Anyhow, in an effort to “socialize” me, Foster Mom had me share my time with a cockapoo (which means mutt or plebe – really?!) named Louie (even more a mundane, muttly name). Well, you will be pleased to know that I held my tongue and acted like the Lady I am (hence my new status) even if it meant allowing that oaf to smell my private parts – the nerve! Thankfully, Foster Mom told me I won’t have to do that again for a week or so as she is not walking him again till April – having to socialize can be soooo exhausting!!! Speaking of exhausting, time for bed – Night Night everyone!

UPDATE – March 22

Lydia’s Lessons: Lesson #2 – Household Etiquette.

Apparently Foster Mom says that there are certain household rules I am supposed to follow? No going into either the basement nor the upstairs – something about the upstairs being for “humans?” and and the basement not being safe because it is unfinished? All I know is that I love being chased from either?! (hahaha!) I am sorry but, being 9 years young, you must understand that I suffer from something called “Selective Hearing” – all that I hear from Foster Mom is “Blah, blah, blah – Basement” and “Blah, blah, blah Upstairs”? Right?! Also she says that I am only allowed on the “beige” couch – that the “brown” one is for her? I think Foster Mom is not the brightest bulb because doesn’t she know that dogs are colour blind?! Lydia Out!

UPDATE – March 13

Lydia’s Lessons: Ahem … Hi there! Lydia here or actually, I would prefer Miss Lydia in deference to my age and much obvious wisdom.

Lesson #1: Please do NOT even think of referring to me as IBL or Iddie Biddie Liddie ever again – I have already schooled Foster Mom today and came close to sending her to the corner for suggesting this to you! I mean really! Putting a label on anyone or anything is just plain rude! Can I help it if I am a bit petite and am delicate in nature? It just adds to my natural beauty. Besides, I may be mini in stature but I can be mighty in personality! Who wants to find out? Who?!! End of Lesson!

Everybody please welcome our new foster girl, Lydia! 

Lydia arrived at her foster home on Sunday and what we know about her so far is she is a petite 15lb brindle girl, 9 years young.

Lydia or IBL (Foster Mom’s new nickname for her – Iddy Biddy Liddy) is still just settling into her new digs but has already claimed the one couch as her own as well as a comfy pillow 4 times her size that was very generously donated to BTRC.

Did you know that Lydia is the 7th dog to come into our care recently? Each dog needs to be fully health-checked and vetted to get them ready for adoption. These vet bills really add up. Please consider making a small donation to help us help them. https://www.bostonterrierrescuecanada.com/donate/ 

LYDIA IS IN FOSTER CARE AND IS NOT UP FOR ADOPTION YET. Check our facebook page for updates on this cutie.