In Memory of Niki
On November 16, 2023, BTRC alum Niki passed away peacefully with her family by her side.
If Niki’s story was a movie, it would be a tear-jerker with a very happy ending. At around 12 years of age (we don’t know her real birthday) Niki found herself in the shelter. She was scared and in need of medical attention. But upon meeting her forever family, Niki’s story transformed into one filled with fun, affection and unconditional love.
Shy at first, Niki’s true personality quickly emerged. Energetic and “full of spunk,” Niki was proof that age is just a number. Among her favourite things was exploring the outdoors and rolling on the grass – she was even known to do somersaults! When she wasn’t involved in the physical activities herself, Niki enjoyed being a spectator. Whether it was watching the neighbourhood children play basketball or sitting back to enjoy hockey on TV, Niki liked rooting for her team. Even though her mom was a Boston Bruins fan, Niki’s favourite hockey team was the Montreal Canadians – she was always up for some friendly rivalry!
Her Thursday night ritual was watching Columbo with her family. Her mom thinks that Niki had a crush on the main character, but we suspect that her enjoyment of the show was because she was nestled next to her people. This was her favourite place to be. Niki knew she was deeply loved, and she loved her family with the same intensity.
“We nicknamed her ‘DIVA’ Niki D. She was so beautiful and friendly. The joy she brought to us we will forever cherish…She was such a lady with her delicate features. We are thankful that we were chosen to be her forever family. We will miss her so much. She is now with her brother Iggy and her new friends.”
Thank you to Niki’s family for giving this sweet senior the life she always deserved. Run free, Niki. You will be missed dearly. 🐾🌈♥
Niki was adopted January 21, 2023
Niki has found her forever home!
Sometimes things unfold just as they should.
One of the recent applicants for Frankie was not a good match as they lived in an apartment and Frankie is, well, loud. They did, however, sound ideal for senior gal Niki, who after eight long months, was finally ready to find a forever home.
Niki doesn’t look her age. She doesn’t act it, either. But would someone applying for a young male be interested in a 12-year-old female?
Absolutely! And it was love at first sight for Niki and her family: “She has so much spunk in her… Last night she slept with us. We adore her.”
Congratulations to Niki and her new family. Thank you for seeing that age is just a number, and for opening your heart and home to a beautiful senior rescued dog!
You’ve come a long way, Niki!
Niki is finally ready to begin the search for her forever home. After joining BTRC in May, Niki has spent many months working closely with her foster family and is now ready to spend her golden years with a new BFF!
Niki is a beautiful 12-year-old female Boston Terrier. When she joined BTRC she was underweight but has received all the vet care needed and is now in fine form. She has blossomed in every way with the care she’s received from her foster family.
Niki is a sweet, loving girl who thrives with lots of attention and love. An easy rider in the car, Niki is happy to accompany you on your travels. Niki is also more than happy to cuddle in beside you at home and requires limited exercise – a 15-minute walk a day is more than enough for Niki. Niki is fully house-trained, however, due to her age, does require more frequent bathroom breaks, and may relieve herself in the home if she is unable to gain access to the outdoors.
Niki doesn’t seem to mind dogs or cats in her space, and while a bit curious, tends to ignore them. Like most Bostons, Niki loves her people and interacts well with adults and children. A highly sensitive dog, Niki seems quite aware when a child is sad and will seek to comfort them. But given her roughhousing days are behind her, any children in the home would need to be respectful and gentle. While Niki is comfortable when left alone, she would be happiest if her family is home more often than not. Niki is crate trained and likes to put herself to bed – and she definitely enjoys her beauty sleep!
Niki does have arthritis and requires a monthly cartrophen injection (~$30) to manage any discomfort. She may also suffer a little age-related hearing loss. Niki has had some eye issues since joining BTRC, but these have been addressed and at this point aren’t a concern for her future family.
Niki is not a highly vocal dog, and combined with her limited need for exercise, would do well in any home environment, including an apartment, as long as she has access to outdoor space for her more frequent bathroom breaks. While Niki can handle stairs, her older gal aches may make it uncomfortable for her at times – but she does like to be carried. (Or maybe she’s just playing you to hitch a ride!) And while she is a beautiful dog, Niki is not a fan of the paparazzi – so she won’t be sharing any winks or smiles for the camera. Perhaps she’s just old-fashioned and doesn’t think EVERYTHING needs to go on Instagram. 
BTRC foster Niki is finding the whole story about Santa Paws travelling the world and shimmying down chimneys to bring gifts for good dogs a little hard to swallow.
Now, Niki has been an exceptionally good girl this year. After finding herself in a shelter, her move to a loving foster home has restored in faith in humans. So, Santa Paws, we’re sure that a present under the tree on Christmas morning with her name on it will make her believe in you, too! 
And Niki is SWEET!
Her foster tells us that she is “extremely friendly, lovable, calm, gentle, endearing. Likes to hug and kiss people. And so easy to take care of”.
With no behavioural concerns to speak of, Niki’s stay in foster care has mainly been spent being spoiled, cuddled, and waiting for vet visits. Given the fact that she is twelve, a thorough senior workup was completed. She has since been brought up to date on vaccinations, spayed, microchipped, and had a dental.
Niki does have some arthritis in her knees, and while surgery was a consideration, given her age at this point management with supplements has been decided as the best course of action. Otherwise, she is in good health, and you couldn’t meet a more loving, agreeable companion.
A trip to the doggie dentist!
BTRC foster Niki had her dental June 14, The teeth on one side of her mouth were chipped, broken and infected. Five teeth were removed, and she is now on antibiotics and pain medication.
Niki was understandably tired (and a bit stoned!) after surgery. She gave her foster mom a scare when she ‘disappeared’ shortly after her arrival home. A frantic search found Niki totally unaware and sound asleep in the pillow storage basket 
Niki is much brighter today, and we know now that those yucky teeth are gone, she’ll soon be feeling better than ever!
Welcome Niki
Niki is a 12-year-old female Boston Terrier who came to us from a shelter in Quebec. Given her age, and some medical concerns, the staff knew the shelter was not the right place for this sweet senior and transferred her to our care.Niki has an appointment with the vet for a through check-up next week. In the meantime, she’s made a smooth transition to her new foster home, and we look forward to getting to know her better. We’re thankful that we have the opportunity to make sure that Niki will spend her golden years in a loving home.
“Old dogs, like old shoes, are comfortable. They might be a little out of shape and a little worn around the edges, but they fit well.”
– Bennie Wilcox