In Memory of Raffi
We are saddened to share that we lost BTRC alum Raffi in December of 2023. Not only was Raffi a true example of how love and patience can transform the life of a rescued dog (and how the love of a rescued dog can positively change ours), he was also a hardworking volunteer. Raffi and his family have raised thousands of dollars for BTRC through their empties recycling efforts, with a goal to reach $14K in honour of Raffi’s 14th birthday.
The following tribute to Raffi from his family will surely touch your heart. It sure touched ours. Run free and healthy at the Bridge Raffi. ❤️🌈🐾
——- •••• ——-
This is the story of our big, brave, Boston boy RAFFI.
He was quirky. He was predictable. He was intuitive and he thrived on routine and structure. Raffi would quickly alert us to any changes to his schedule or if something looked less familiar than it normally did. “There is a hose on the lawn.” “You forgot my post breakfast Greenie!” “We always sit on THIS couch to watch hockey after supper!” Raffi was better at telling time than we were and he had his medication times down to the minute. His most cherished items were his beds and blankets. He had one in every corner of our house but if he ever came across an open closet door he would always attempt to “scratch” something together for a bed with whatever he discovered inside. Raffi was comforting, constant, and always close by. But most of all he loved us. He needed us and he brought immeasurable joy and life to our home and hearts.
Raffi came to us as a fearful, anxious, unsure, foster with little self confidence. He perceived all strangers as a threat, except us. On our first meeting he leaned in and we like to think he felt like he was finally home. Raffi excelled at obedience school and the routine made him feel in control and brave. I was always vigilant and watchful to avoid putting him into a situation where he would have to decide how to handle it on his own. He came to trust that he would always be safe with us. He taught me the importance of being calm and to never transfer any anxious thoughts or worries through the leash to him. He helped me become aware of replacing any worries I had with positive vibes and to just enjoy the moment. Our best times were on our walks and we logged hundreds of miles together. Raffi never forgot anything he had learned at school and he would respond without hesitation to verbal commands or to a change in pace or direction. His hearing failed about two years ago but he became a master at recognizing hand signals. He accompanied us on so many bottle picking missions and was a patient companion as I frequently interrupted our walks to pick up empties.
Raffi loved the open road as much as we do and there wasn’t anything he enjoyed more than a ride in the truck or motorhome. He was always up for a road trip. We travelled frequently to Elk Island, Jasper, Banff, and Waterton National Parks here in Alberta and even as far away as a fishing resort in Minnesota. Raffi walked amongst honking flocks of angry Canadian geese, quietly passed by elk, deer, mountain sheep, and ignored squirrels and rabbits. He was such a gentle nature lover and a joy to walk with. His one aversion was getting his paws wet and he would always detour around a puddle if at all possible.
In February 2020, just as the pandemic was about to take hold, Raffi was diagnosed with Addison’s disease and then an eventual heart murmur. He endured countless vet appointments and blood draws over the years since that diagnosis. He willingly did what was required of him
without fear or fuss which speaks very highly of the relationship he had with our our amazing vet and her support team. I think Raffi enjoyed being the object of their attention and he quickly acquired another family who adored him too. In September 2023 Raffi was diagnosed with cutaneous lymphoma which is incurable. Chemotherapy provided him with comfort and energy and for three months he thrived, grew his coat back, and enjoyed requesting and receiving his favourite home cooked meals. On October 27, 2023 he celebrated his 13th birthday, and yes, it was a BIG DEAL! Unlimited homemade pupcakes for him! When he became tired he let us know. We said good-bye to Raffi on December 5, 2023.
Raffi had a glorious life with us and what he gave back to us seems hard to even put into words. He was loved beyond measure. Tom and I will always be so grateful that it was us who were chosen to be entrusted with the safekeeping of something so precious. We all had the best days together. XOX
– Kathy
January 27, 2018
Featured Volunteer: Kathy Sime
BTRC: How long have you volunteered with Boston Terrier Rescue Canada?
Kathy: I have been involved with BTRC as a volunteer for almost four years now. We adopted “Chubby” through BTRC and that is when I became interested in becoming involved.
BTRC: What made you want to become a BTRC volunteer?
Kathy: I have always admired people who have a passion for something and I knew that after I retired I needed to find something that gave me a purpose, added structure to my days, and kept me connected to people. It has given me a sense of achievement and I have met so many interesting people and made lasting friends along the way. Being a part of BTRC and Empties For Paws was the best decision! And of course…..the dogs!
BTRC: Why Boston Terriers?
Kathy: We owned an amazing yellow lab, Molly, for almost 13 years as our family was growing up and after she passed our home seemed so empty. I did a ridiculous amount of research, typical of how I make a decision, and I was drawn to the breed. We wanted something completely different from a lab and a Boston Terrier seemed to fit the bill. We got our first Boston “Georgia” in 2004, adopted “Chubby” from BTRC in 2014, and then fostered Raffi and eventually made him officially ours on Canada Day 2015. I have found them to be irresistibly endearing, big hearted companions, and THAT FACE!
BTRC: How many pets do you own?
Kathy: We own (or are owned by) our one and only big Boston boy, seven year old, Raffi. He came to us as a foster in April 2015 and officially became ours on Canada Day of that year. He “nailed” obedience classes and continues to gain confidence. He has a few funny quirks, like all Bostons, and is perfect for us.
BTRC: When you’re not volunteering, how do you like to spend your time?
Kathy: I am an avid walker and Raffi and I have logged hundreds of miles together. I enjoy reading, knitting, gardening, camping, and time spent with my family and friends is a priority for me.
BTRC: Favourite vacation spot?
Kathy: I love camping and a few of my favourite spots are Jasper National Park and Waterton National Park, both here in Alberta and nestled among the Rocky Mountains. Raffi is a fantastic traveller, once the motorhome pulls away he finds his “spot” and it is lights out for him. He loves the open road as much as we do.
BTRC: What did you want to be when you “grew up”?
Kathy: I always wanted to be a nurse and that is what I did. I retired 2 years ago after 36 years of caring for newborns, new moms, and their families.
BTRC: Socks and sandals?
Kathy: I live in a northern city so socks and slippers are a must but I live in my Birkenstock sandals when the weather is warm (but never with socks!).
BTRC: Summer or winter?
Kathy: Call me crazy but I really do like winter. I love the crisp air, the quiet carpet of sparkling snow, the sound of snow pack under my boots. I find winter really peaceful and refreshing and of course there is Christmas! I love the fall colors and the smell of the autumn air too. My favourite month of the year is June. I love the long sunlight hours and the fragrance of the flowering trees.
BTRC: What is the craziest thing your Boston has done?
Kathy: Raffi is not really a wild and crazy guy. He is actually very cautious and thrives on routine. Walking has been a great therapy for him and exposes him to new situations daily. Our walks are always a new adventure and I’ve discovered that even as a Boston, he has a great nose! He has sniffed out a wallet that had been stolen and was missing for months, returned a set of keys to frantic owner, unearthed a crushed Tiffany key fob which we sold to a silver collector and donated to BTRC, found a $20 bill (also donated to BTRC), and of course he always comes home with a bagful of empties on every walk. It is always an adventure with Raffi on the beat!
BTRC: Is your Boston Terrier knick-knack collection: mild, moderate, or requiring an intervention?
Kathy: I have to admit that it is moderate and growing. I am always on the look out for more and my family and friends keep an eye out as well.
Fundraising Ideas
I started out collecting empty coffee bags for Terracycle a few years ago and after that specific collection was discontinued I was left looking for another fundraising idea. That is how I became involved with Empties for Paws and I have been involved for just over a year now. It was the best decision and I love being a part of it and the results add up quickly.
It allows me to invest as little or as much time as I am able on any given week and I fit it into my busy life. In addition to friends, family, and neighbours collecting refundable beverage containers for me I have reached out to numerous establishments close to my home and some of them have been donating their refundables for the whole time I’ve been involved. Alberta is a great place to recycle and the return rate is generous and all refundables can be returned to one location which makes it easy. Empties are a big commodity here and the amount raised adds up so quickly. It never ceases to amaze me just how generous and welcoming people are and how much they want to be involved. I have met so many amazing people along this journey and I can honestly say that I am recognized at many drinking establishments as soon as I walk in the door!
If anyone is looking for an easy way to become involved in fundraising without a structured time commitment I would highly recommend looking into becoming a part of Empties For Paws . In addition to generating funds for BTRC, it has provided a social connection and I look forward to my weekly bottle pickups.
I guarantee that you will never be able to walk away from an empty can or bottle again! It changes the way you look at refundables forever and you will always have a poop bag and a can bag in your pocket when you are out for a walk!
IN MEMORY OF RAFFI
We are saddened to share that we lost BTRC alum Raffi in December. Not only was Raffi a true example of how love and patience can transform the life of a rescued dog (and how the love of a rescued dog can positively change ours), he was also a hardworking volunteer. Raffi and his family have raised thousands of dollars for BTRC through their empties recycling efforts, with a goal to reach $14K in honour of Raffi’s 14th birthday.
The following tribute to Raffi from his family will surely touch your heart. It sure touched ours. Run free and healthy at the Bridge Raffi. ❤️🌈🐾
——- •••• ——-
This is the story of our big, brave, Boston boy RAFFI.
He was quirky. He was predictable. He was intuitive and he thrived on routine and structure. Raffi would quickly alert us to any changes to his schedule or if something looked less familiar than it normally did. “There is a hose on the lawn.” “You forgot my post breakfast Greenie!” “We always sit on THIS couch to watch hockey after supper!” Raffi was better at telling time than we were and he had his medication times down to the minute. His most cherished items were his beds and blankets. He had one in every corner of our house but if he ever came across an open closet door he would always attempt to “scratch” something together for a bed with whatever he discovered inside. Raffi was comforting, constant, and always close by. But most of all he loved us. He needed us and he brought immeasurable joy and life to our home and hearts.
Raffi came to us as a fearful, anxious, unsure, foster with little self confidence. He perceived all strangers as a threat, except us. On our first meeting he leaned in and we like to think he felt like he was finally home. Raffi excelled at obedience school and the routine made him feel in control and brave. I was always vigilant and watchful to avoid putting him into a situation where he would have to decide how to handle it on his own. He came to trust that he would always be safe with us. He taught me the importance of being calm and to never transfer any anxious thoughts or worries through the leash to him. He helped me become aware of replacing any worries I had with positive vibes and to just enjoy the moment. Our best times were on our walks and we logged hundreds of miles together. Raffi never forgot anything he had learned at school and he would respond without hesitation to verbal commands or to a change in pace or direction. His hearing failed about two years ago but he became a master at recognizing hand signals. He accompanied us on so many bottle picking missions and was a patient companion as I frequently interrupted our walks to pick up empties.
Raffi loved the open road as much as we do and there wasn’t anything he enjoyed more than a ride in the truck or motorhome. He was always up for a road trip. We travelled frequently to Elk Island, Jasper, Banff, and Waterton National Parks here in Alberta and even as far away as a fishing resort in Minnesota. Raffi walked amongst honking flocks of angry Canadian geese, quietly passed by elk, deer, mountain sheep, and ignored squirrels and rabbits. He was such a gentle nature lover and a joy to walk with. His one aversion was getting his paws wet and he would always detour around a puddle if at all possible.
In February 2020, just as the pandemic was about to take hold, Raffi was diagnosed with Addison’s disease and then an eventual heart murmur. He endured countless vet appointments and blood draws over the years since that diagnosis. He willingly did what was required of him
without fear or fuss which speaks very highly of the relationship he had with our our amazing vet and her support team. I think Raffi enjoyed being the object of their attention and he quickly acquired another family who adored him too. In September 2023 Raffi was diagnosed with cutaneous lymphoma which is incurable. Chemotherapy provided him with comfort and energy and for three months he thrived, grew his coat back, and enjoyed requesting and receiving his favourite home cooked meals. On October 27, 2023 he celebrated his 13th birthday, and yes, it was a BIG DEAL! Unlimited homemade pupcakes for him! When he became tired he let us know. We said good-bye to Raffi on December 5, 2023.
Raffi had a glorious life with us and what he gave back to us seems hard to even put into words. He was loved beyond measure. Tom and I will always be so grateful that it was us who were chosen to be entrusted with the safekeeping of something so precious. We all had the best days together. XOX
– Kathy
IN MEMORY OF RAFFI
We are saddened to share that we lost BTRC alum Raffi in December. Not only was Raffi a true example of how love and patience can transform the life of a rescued dog (and how the love of a rescued dog can positively change ours), he was also a hardworking volunteer. Raffi and his family have raised thousands of dollars for BTRC through their empties recycling efforts, with a goal to reach $14K in honour of Raffi’s 14th birthday.
The following tribute to Raffi from his family will surely touch your heart. It sure touched ours. Run free and healthy at the Bridge Raffi. ❤️🌈🐾
——- •••• ——-
This is the story of our big, brave, Boston boy RAFFI.
He was quirky. He was predictable. He was intuitive and he thrived on routine and structure. Raffi would quickly alert us to any changes to his schedule or if something looked less familiar than it normally did. “There is a hose on the lawn.” “You forgot my post breakfast Greenie!” “We always sit on THIS couch to watch hockey after supper!” Raffi was better at telling time than we were and he had his medication times down to the minute. His most cherished items were his beds and blankets. He had one in every corner of our house but if he ever came across an open closet door he would always attempt to “scratch” something together for a bed with whatever he discovered inside. Raffi was comforting, constant, and always close by. But most of all he loved us. He needed us and he brought immeasurable joy and life to our home and hearts.
Raffi came to us as a fearful, anxious, unsure, foster with little self confidence. He perceived all strangers as a threat, except us. On our first meeting he leaned in and we like to think he felt like he was finally home. Raffi excelled at obedience school and the routine made him feel in control and brave. I was always vigilant and watchful to avoid putting him into a situation where he would have to decide how to handle it on his own. He came to trust that he would always be safe with us. He taught me the importance of being calm and to never transfer any anxious thoughts or worries through the leash to him. He helped me become aware of replacing any worries I had with positive vibes and to just enjoy the moment. Our best times were on our walks and we logged hundreds of miles together. Raffi never forgot anything he had learned at school and he would respond without hesitation to verbal commands or to a change in pace or direction. His hearing failed about two years ago but he became a master at recognizing hand signals. He accompanied us on so many bottle picking missions and was a patient companion as I frequently interrupted our walks to pick up empties.
Raffi loved the open road as much as we do and there wasn’t anything he enjoyed more than a ride in the truck or motorhome. He was always up for a road trip. We travelled frequently to Elk Island, Jasper, Banff, and Waterton National Parks here in Alberta and even as far away as a fishing resort in Minnesota. Raffi walked amongst honking flocks of angry Canadian geese, quietly passed by elk, deer, mountain sheep, and ignored squirrels and rabbits. He was such a gentle nature lover and a joy to walk with. His one aversion was getting his paws wet and he would always detour around a puddle if at all possible.
In February 2020, just as the pandemic was about to take hold, Raffi was diagnosed with Addison’s disease and then an eventual heart murmur. He endured countless vet appointments and blood draws over the years since that diagnosis. He willingly did what was required of him
without fear or fuss which speaks very highly of the relationship he had with our our amazing vet and her support team. I think Raffi enjoyed being the object of their attention and he quickly acquired another family who adored him too. In September 2023 Raffi was diagnosed with cutaneous lymphoma which is incurable. Chemotherapy provided him with comfort and energy and for three months he thrived, grew his coat back, and enjoyed requesting and receiving his favourite home cooked meals. On October 27, 2023 he celebrated his 13th birthday, and yes, it was a BIG DEAL! Unlimited homemade pupcakes for him! When he became tired he let us know. We said good-bye to Raffi on December 5, 2023.
Raffi had a glorious life with us and what he gave back to us seems hard to even put into words. He was loved beyond measure. Tom and I will always be so grateful that it was us who were chosen to be entrusted with the safekeeping of something so precious. We all had the best days together. XOX
– Kathy