Can I apply to several rescue groups at once?
Submitting applications to multiple groups at one time causes us to spend an inordinate amount of time checking references and processing applications that will be or have already been checked by another group. Letting us know may speed your approval time if they have processed your information (references and home visit). If you have applied with another rescue it does not mean you are exempt from completing our application. Each rescue has their own unique application. While we still need our application completed it may simply save us time and avoid repeat calls to your references. If you have an approved application and we do not have your Boston we will work with our sister rescues to help you and your Boston find each other.
PLEASE Keep in mind that we're all volunteers and most of us work full time jobs. We will process your application as soon as possible and we'll contact you at that time. If you do not hear from us within a week please contact us and ask the status of your application. Thank you for your understanding. If we do not have a suitable match we will WITH your permission submit your information to our sister rescue’s in hopes of finding your new darling.
What to expect when you adopt a rescued Boston Terrier?
Adopting a rescued animal is one of the most rewarding experiences you will have as a pet owner. You are giving an animal a second chance at a loving and caring home – and sometimes life itself. There are many misconceptions about adopting a rescue so we have provided this information to answer the many questions we receive regarding adoption. Please read through it carefully considering your home environment, the time you will have to invest in a new pet, and the special commitment that may be required in adoption.
What is the temperament of a Boston Terrier?
Boston Terriers are special dogs that can do special things. They are highly intelligent and learn quickly. They enjoy showing off in the conformation ring and do very well in Obedience, Therapy work, and Performance events and are gaining in popularity as agility and flyball champions. One of our rescues Maude has been ranked among the top 5 Boston Terriers in agility. Maude started out as Mae Mae the destroyer. Her adoptive mom realizing that Maude needed training and an outlet for her energy started her in agility classes. Maude has taken part in National and Regional Agility Trials. Maude is pictured above. Bostons excel in many roles. A Boston Terrier can be a child's rough and tumble best pal, or a senior citizen's soulmate and confidante.To true Boston people they are part of who each person is, Most of all they excel at being your "best friend"!
Bostons require a lot of time and attention. They are and have been bred to be companions. They will languish without human contact. They are not "outside" dogs! Boston Terriers are very active dogs that love to play. Without some basic training they may jump on you and maybe even give little nips while playing. Some Bostons have been given up for adoption or dropped off the local "dog pound" for these very reasons. If you do not train your Boston they will train you. To live happily with your Boston you must establish your the alpha in the relationship. Boston's respect firm loving humans as their pack leader. An educated owner has a happy Boston.
We are NOT trying to discourage you from having a Boston, We just want people to be aware Boston are true companion animals and as such need to be near their humans as much as possible. Boston's are not suited to everyone. Bored Boston's are destructive Boston's. Not all Boston's need as much time as others. Separation anxiety while not the rule with all Bostons is more common than with other breeds. Each Boston is unique as are our applicants. Boston's as a rule are high energy dogs. Not all Boston's have the same energy levels. Some are quite mellow and will be happy with a person or family that leads a quiet life. Others are active more of the time than not.
Will an adopted Boston terrier be housetrained?
All of our rescued Boston's spend some time in foster care living in a home environment for healthcare and behavior evaluation. If house training is required, the rescue receives this training at his/her foster home. However, we find that almost all rescues require a period of adjustment when going to their new home. A rescue could have spent time as a stray or in a shelter where house training is lost. In addition, each home is different and the dog will need to adjust his/her new routine. Expect to watch your new adoptee closely for at least a week and work with them consistently on their new potty routine.
Will an adopted dog mark in the house?
One of the most common reasons that dogs end up in shelters or rescues is that the original owner did not have them spayed or neutered. Leaving a dog intact will increase their desire to “mark” territory by urinating at certain spots. All of our Boston Terrier Rescue dogs are spayed or neutered prior to being adopted but it takes several months after the surgery for the hormones to completely leave the dogs system. Some dogs – particularly males – may try to mark their new home. This is far more common if a recently neutered male is coming to a home with other male dogs. If they do mark – it usually will happen in the first day or two. Keeping a good eye on your new dog is the best way to prevent this. If this continues after a few days contact us and we can recommend several different products that are very successful is stopping this behavior.
Do Boston Terriers require special diets?
YES! If you intend to feed a grocery store dog food brand or whatever is cheap you'll need to apply elsewhere to adopt. We do not go through all we do with each Boston that comes to us just to let them go into a home that is careless about nutrition. Dog foods with flashy commercials, publicly traded companies that make toothpaste and household cleaning products are not interested in providing the best quality nutrition to your animals. They are interested in the bottom line and stock holders reports.
Huge companies trying to get into or broaden their pet food trade are buying small companies who make high quality animal foods. Unfortunately they want to cut cost and increase profit. they could care less that they are misleading consumers and short changing our animals.
Make sure the food you feed is what your paying for, write,email or call their toll free number and ask if they have changed their formula in any way even where they buy the products that go into their product. Iams was great dog food until Proctor and Gamble bought them out, now they are buying other high quality brands. Odds are the food will become the low quality junk Iams has become
Why am I down on P&G? It's personal very personal to me. They go above and beyond government regulations on animal testing for the products they manufacture. From tooth paste to laundry soap right down to to the food you feed your animals, when you buy from them your supporting horrific unnesessary animal testing. Write to them and ask if they do more than required by the government. I did. Research animal testing. We can't fault the companies that are required by our government to provide animal testing data. We can fault those who do more than required.
We can work to change laws so that animals won't have to suffer without reason.
Most Boston Terriers, have sensitivity to corn and corn byproducts. One side effect of digesting corn is gas! Another is hyperactivity, giving a Boston a diet high in corn and corn byproducts is like giving a human child a couple of high sugar caffinated soft drinks and a few candy bars. Not a good idea. Many Boston's are given up to shelters and rescue because they are hyperactive and have behavior issues that could be easily remedied with a simple food change. Unfortunately, almost all popular dog foods contain corn and corn byproducts. In addition to corn they may contain BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin. The most carcinogenic is ethoxyquin. While it's against the law to preserve human food with ethoxyquin it's allowed in animal foods. In addition to harmful preservatives substandard meat and other ingredients are used. Many dog food manufacturers use rendered animals as their meat. These animals could have died of natural causes or any number of other reasons. There is vast research on the nightmare ingredients in companion animal foods available on the internet. Google or use your favorite search engine to research what's really in your dogs food.
At Old Dominion Boston Terrier Rescue we work very hard to assure that all of our rescued Boston's are as healthy as possible. This starts with good veterinary care and proper nutrition. In most cases changing food to a high quality holistic diet is all that's needed to change the dogs "attitude" it absolutely changes their life. We watch thin even emaciated dogs gain weight and become shiny darlings in an amazingly short time. Overweight dogs lose weight, regain energy and become the healthy Boston's they should be. Obese Boston's do not live as long as Boston's in a normal weight range for their size. There is no ideal weight for all Boston's. Boston's come in sizes from tiny to wow that's a big Boston. You'll know your Boston is at an ideal weight when you can lightly run your fingers over their ribs and feel but not see their ribs. Most Boston's will have a tuck at their stomach but not all. Some more Bully Boston's have a barrel shaped body. Nothing is wrong with this it's just a recessive gene. My own Maggie is built this way where Frank and Tink have tucks and a noticeable waist when viewed from above. Maggie's not fat and has no problem keeping up with any dogs even the most hyper puppies that come to us. Maggie is 7 and considered a senior - just don't tell her.
Should I crate my newly adopted dog?
Crating gives a dog a sense of security and safety, in addition to prevent accidents and speeding up the adjustment period. We recommend that you crate your dog anytime that you are out of the home, as well as at night. Many dogs become very attached to their crates and you may want to use it for the life of the dog. In many cases, though, a dog can gradually be left alone in the home or at night once he feels safe and secure. We recommend that you do not leave your new Boston alone with your other animals until they truly bond with each other. Bonding may take a month or six months but it will occur.
Do I need to take my newly adopted dog to the vet for a checkup?
We require all new adopters to take their new family member to a licensed vet within the first 30 days after adoption. Once because you'll need a refill for their heart worm medication, two because it's important to establish a repoire with your Boston's new vet. If you're close to one of our wonderful vets we highly recommend you use them. You can find their information on our Vet's page. These vets have extensive knowledge of Boston Terriers and see more Boston's as clients than most vets. It's also wonderful to support the vets that provide us with excellent care at a discount.
All Old Dominion Boston Terrier Rescue dogs are fully vetted while in our care. They receive all of their vaccinations and are micro chipped before leaving our care. All dogs are are given a comprehensive wellness examination and are heart worm negative and on prevention when adopted. The Wellness Blood Profile includes tests that provide a more complete picture of your pet’s overall health than can otherwise be determined on a physical exam alone. These tests can help identify occult or hidden problems - before they become serious. Early testing and detection of medical problems often allows for a more favorable and less expensive outcome. Likewise, if the lab work is normal, these tests provide a baseline for future results and a comforting peace of mind that your pet is in good health! More extensive testing is done on our older Boston's. Our goal is to adopt healthy happy Boston's. All vet records are available to your vet prior to adoption if requested.
You will be given documentation of vaccinations, rabies, and heart worm testing for your records and our vets will fax the detailed test results and health record shortly after adoption. It is absolutely imperative that your Boston be given a heart worm preventative every month. Not only is it a good idea but you will sign documentation agreeing to give your adopted Boston heart worm preventative every month. We use and recommend Inteceptor and Sentinal brand heart worm and heart worm plus flea control. Other brands do not cover all the worms that our preferred brands do. Sentinal also has the added protection of flea control without topical toxins which are not permitted to be used on our adopted Boston's. Please see our flea/tick and pest page for information on why poisoning your pets is wrong and why we insist that you agree not to use such topical poisons on dogs adopted from ODBTR.
All ODBTR Boston's are adopted on a 30 day trial basis. We will gladly refund your adoption fee if for any reason you and or your adopted Boston are not happy. We care much more about our Boston than your money. Remember most of our Boston's adopt for less than their actual expenses. We will extend this trial period if you contact us and agree to our training and advice. We do not refund vet expenses or any other cost incurred to care for your adopted Boston. Only adoption fees are refundable. Redundant I know but sometimes we need to make sure we're clear ;)
Old Dominion Boston Terrier Rescue strongly suggests that you purchase a handbook on Boston Terriers to further your understanding of this breed. We are here for you from the day your approved to adopt throughout your dogs life. Our commitment to them is lifelong.
Submitting applications to multiple groups at one time causes us to spend an inordinate amount of time checking references and processing applications that will be or have already been checked by another group. Letting us know may speed your approval time if they have processed your information (references and home visit). If you have applied with another rescue it does not mean you are exempt from completing our application. Each rescue has their own unique application. While we still need our application completed it may simply save us time and avoid repeat calls to your references. If you have an approved application and we do not have your Boston we will work with our sister rescues to help you and your Boston find each other.
PLEASE Keep in mind that we're all volunteers and most of us work full time jobs. We will process your application as soon as possible and we'll contact you at that time. If you do not hear from us within a week please contact us and ask the status of your application. Thank you for your understanding. If we do not have a suitable match we will WITH your permission submit your information to our sister rescue’s in hopes of finding your new darling.
What to expect when you adopt a rescued Boston Terrier?
Adopting a rescued animal is one of the most rewarding experiences you will have as a pet owner. You are giving an animal a second chance at a loving and caring home – and sometimes life itself. There are many misconceptions about adopting a rescue so we have provided this information to answer the many questions we receive regarding adoption. Please read through it carefully considering your home environment, the time you will have to invest in a new pet, and the special commitment that may be required in adoption.
What is the temperament of a Boston Terrier?
Boston Terriers are special dogs that can do special things. They are highly intelligent and learn quickly. They enjoy showing off in the conformation ring and do very well in Obedience, Therapy work, and Performance events and are gaining in popularity as agility and flyball champions. One of our rescues Maude has been ranked among the top 5 Boston Terriers in agility. Maude started out as Mae Mae the destroyer. Her adoptive mom realizing that Maude needed training and an outlet for her energy started her in agility classes. Maude has taken part in National and Regional Agility Trials. Maude is pictured above. Bostons excel in many roles. A Boston Terrier can be a child's rough and tumble best pal, or a senior citizen's soulmate and confidante.To true Boston people they are part of who each person is, Most of all they excel at being your "best friend"!
Bostons require a lot of time and attention. They are and have been bred to be companions. They will languish without human contact. They are not "outside" dogs! Boston Terriers are very active dogs that love to play. Without some basic training they may jump on you and maybe even give little nips while playing. Some Bostons have been given up for adoption or dropped off the local "dog pound" for these very reasons. If you do not train your Boston they will train you. To live happily with your Boston you must establish your the alpha in the relationship. Boston's respect firm loving humans as their pack leader. An educated owner has a happy Boston.
We are NOT trying to discourage you from having a Boston, We just want people to be aware Boston are true companion animals and as such need to be near their humans as much as possible. Boston's are not suited to everyone. Bored Boston's are destructive Boston's. Not all Boston's need as much time as others. Separation anxiety while not the rule with all Bostons is more common than with other breeds. Each Boston is unique as are our applicants. Boston's as a rule are high energy dogs. Not all Boston's have the same energy levels. Some are quite mellow and will be happy with a person or family that leads a quiet life. Others are active more of the time than not.
Will an adopted Boston terrier be housetrained?
All of our rescued Boston's spend some time in foster care living in a home environment for healthcare and behavior evaluation. If house training is required, the rescue receives this training at his/her foster home. However, we find that almost all rescues require a period of adjustment when going to their new home. A rescue could have spent time as a stray or in a shelter where house training is lost. In addition, each home is different and the dog will need to adjust his/her new routine. Expect to watch your new adoptee closely for at least a week and work with them consistently on their new potty routine.
Will an adopted dog mark in the house?
One of the most common reasons that dogs end up in shelters or rescues is that the original owner did not have them spayed or neutered. Leaving a dog intact will increase their desire to “mark” territory by urinating at certain spots. All of our Boston Terrier Rescue dogs are spayed or neutered prior to being adopted but it takes several months after the surgery for the hormones to completely leave the dogs system. Some dogs – particularly males – may try to mark their new home. This is far more common if a recently neutered male is coming to a home with other male dogs. If they do mark – it usually will happen in the first day or two. Keeping a good eye on your new dog is the best way to prevent this. If this continues after a few days contact us and we can recommend several different products that are very successful is stopping this behavior.
Do Boston Terriers require special diets?
YES! If you intend to feed a grocery store dog food brand or whatever is cheap you'll need to apply elsewhere to adopt. We do not go through all we do with each Boston that comes to us just to let them go into a home that is careless about nutrition. Dog foods with flashy commercials, publicly traded companies that make toothpaste and household cleaning products are not interested in providing the best quality nutrition to your animals. They are interested in the bottom line and stock holders reports.
Huge companies trying to get into or broaden their pet food trade are buying small companies who make high quality animal foods. Unfortunately they want to cut cost and increase profit. they could care less that they are misleading consumers and short changing our animals.
Make sure the food you feed is what your paying for, write,email or call their toll free number and ask if they have changed their formula in any way even where they buy the products that go into their product. Iams was great dog food until Proctor and Gamble bought them out, now they are buying other high quality brands. Odds are the food will become the low quality junk Iams has become
Why am I down on P&G? It's personal very personal to me. They go above and beyond government regulations on animal testing for the products they manufacture. From tooth paste to laundry soap right down to to the food you feed your animals, when you buy from them your supporting horrific unnesessary animal testing. Write to them and ask if they do more than required by the government. I did. Research animal testing. We can't fault the companies that are required by our government to provide animal testing data. We can fault those who do more than required.
We can work to change laws so that animals won't have to suffer without reason.
Most Boston Terriers, have sensitivity to corn and corn byproducts. One side effect of digesting corn is gas! Another is hyperactivity, giving a Boston a diet high in corn and corn byproducts is like giving a human child a couple of high sugar caffinated soft drinks and a few candy bars. Not a good idea. Many Boston's are given up to shelters and rescue because they are hyperactive and have behavior issues that could be easily remedied with a simple food change. Unfortunately, almost all popular dog foods contain corn and corn byproducts. In addition to corn they may contain BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin. The most carcinogenic is ethoxyquin. While it's against the law to preserve human food with ethoxyquin it's allowed in animal foods. In addition to harmful preservatives substandard meat and other ingredients are used. Many dog food manufacturers use rendered animals as their meat. These animals could have died of natural causes or any number of other reasons. There is vast research on the nightmare ingredients in companion animal foods available on the internet. Google or use your favorite search engine to research what's really in your dogs food.
At Old Dominion Boston Terrier Rescue we work very hard to assure that all of our rescued Boston's are as healthy as possible. This starts with good veterinary care and proper nutrition. In most cases changing food to a high quality holistic diet is all that's needed to change the dogs "attitude" it absolutely changes their life. We watch thin even emaciated dogs gain weight and become shiny darlings in an amazingly short time. Overweight dogs lose weight, regain energy and become the healthy Boston's they should be. Obese Boston's do not live as long as Boston's in a normal weight range for their size. There is no ideal weight for all Boston's. Boston's come in sizes from tiny to wow that's a big Boston. You'll know your Boston is at an ideal weight when you can lightly run your fingers over their ribs and feel but not see their ribs. Most Boston's will have a tuck at their stomach but not all. Some more Bully Boston's have a barrel shaped body. Nothing is wrong with this it's just a recessive gene. My own Maggie is built this way where Frank and Tink have tucks and a noticeable waist when viewed from above. Maggie's not fat and has no problem keeping up with any dogs even the most hyper puppies that come to us. Maggie is 7 and considered a senior - just don't tell her.
Should I crate my newly adopted dog?
Crating gives a dog a sense of security and safety, in addition to prevent accidents and speeding up the adjustment period. We recommend that you crate your dog anytime that you are out of the home, as well as at night. Many dogs become very attached to their crates and you may want to use it for the life of the dog. In many cases, though, a dog can gradually be left alone in the home or at night once he feels safe and secure. We recommend that you do not leave your new Boston alone with your other animals until they truly bond with each other. Bonding may take a month or six months but it will occur.
Do I need to take my newly adopted dog to the vet for a checkup?
We require all new adopters to take their new family member to a licensed vet within the first 30 days after adoption. Once because you'll need a refill for their heart worm medication, two because it's important to establish a repoire with your Boston's new vet. If you're close to one of our wonderful vets we highly recommend you use them. You can find their information on our Vet's page. These vets have extensive knowledge of Boston Terriers and see more Boston's as clients than most vets. It's also wonderful to support the vets that provide us with excellent care at a discount.
All Old Dominion Boston Terrier Rescue dogs are fully vetted while in our care. They receive all of their vaccinations and are micro chipped before leaving our care. All dogs are are given a comprehensive wellness examination and are heart worm negative and on prevention when adopted. The Wellness Blood Profile includes tests that provide a more complete picture of your pet’s overall health than can otherwise be determined on a physical exam alone. These tests can help identify occult or hidden problems - before they become serious. Early testing and detection of medical problems often allows for a more favorable and less expensive outcome. Likewise, if the lab work is normal, these tests provide a baseline for future results and a comforting peace of mind that your pet is in good health! More extensive testing is done on our older Boston's. Our goal is to adopt healthy happy Boston's. All vet records are available to your vet prior to adoption if requested.
You will be given documentation of vaccinations, rabies, and heart worm testing for your records and our vets will fax the detailed test results and health record shortly after adoption. It is absolutely imperative that your Boston be given a heart worm preventative every month. Not only is it a good idea but you will sign documentation agreeing to give your adopted Boston heart worm preventative every month. We use and recommend Inteceptor and Sentinal brand heart worm and heart worm plus flea control. Other brands do not cover all the worms that our preferred brands do. Sentinal also has the added protection of flea control without topical toxins which are not permitted to be used on our adopted Boston's. Please see our flea/tick and pest page for information on why poisoning your pets is wrong and why we insist that you agree not to use such topical poisons on dogs adopted from ODBTR.
All ODBTR Boston's are adopted on a 30 day trial basis. We will gladly refund your adoption fee if for any reason you and or your adopted Boston are not happy. We care much more about our Boston than your money. Remember most of our Boston's adopt for less than their actual expenses. We will extend this trial period if you contact us and agree to our training and advice. We do not refund vet expenses or any other cost incurred to care for your adopted Boston. Only adoption fees are refundable. Redundant I know but sometimes we need to make sure we're clear ;)
Old Dominion Boston Terrier Rescue strongly suggests that you purchase a handbook on Boston Terriers to further your understanding of this breed. We are here for you from the day your approved to adopt throughout your dogs life. Our commitment to them is lifelong.