From Our Executive Director, Jeannine Culbertson
Dear Friends-
What a couple of months! First and foremost, for those impacted by hurricanes, fires and/or floods, our hearts are with you. The safety of you, your family and your pets is so important to us. Here are a few things we are and will continue to do:
- We will assist with coordinating temporary homes for dogs for those displaced.
- Are are contacting shelters and rescues, and stand ready to assist at-risk Boykin Spaniels that need us.
- We have redirected our Fall dog food donation to Texas. If you are in need of food, please contact us.
- Our Junior Volunteers are collecting gift cards for our Boykin community families in need (more information below).
BSR has had an incredibly busy year. Year-to-date we have taken in 50 dogs. This is more than we took in ALL of 2016. Of the dogs we have taken in, 50% require spay/neuter and approximately 30% are heartworm positive. Sadly, five of our PFC dogs have crossed the Rainbow Bridge- they are dearly missed. We have added five new PFC dogs to our Program, with a total of 19 currently in PFC care.
We have also been busy with all kinds of events and fundraising activities! There is more information and photos included in this newsletter, however I would be remiss if I didn't put a huge THANK YOU out to Chevis Haynie, Jane Durieux and Alyson Brown for the Boykin Bash! The hours and effort put forth by these folks was incredible, and a fun time was had by ALL!
As we begin to wind down the year, I want to thank all of you!
To our volunteers: We have had a huge number of intakes, and I have called upon you time and again. We can never say it enough-- we have the BEST VOLUNTEERS anywhere! You never let the dogs down. Thank you!
To our donors: You make what we do possible. It is as simple as that. To those who provide monthly donations, employee matching, rise to the call, and are there when we ask....thank you will never be enough.
Enjoy the newsletter! LOTS happening. And more fun and heartwarming stories to come!
Jeannine
We Need Fosters!
EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
The 2nd Annual Boykin Bash was a SMASH HIT!
Over 150 people, dozens of Brown Dogs, and over $2,000 raised to support BSR!
Check out event organizer Chevis Haynie and "Chief", along with BSR volunteer Jen Strock and BSR alum "Faith" on Fox24 Charleston!
Unfortunately, hurricane Irma forced the cancellation of the Junior Volunteer's participation at the "Dog Day Afternoon" in Charleston on September 10th. But BSR volunteer Adeline Tucker, along with PFC "Sammie" did a great job in an interview with Charleston's "Low Country Live". Click here to view the segment:
COOL COMPANIES & ARTISTS WHO GIVE BACK TO BSR!
We are so fortunate that there are great companies, artists and individuals who support BSR.
This awesome NEW children's book is part Boykin Spaniel History, and part mystery. It is available via Amazon (and PLEASE choose Boykin Spaniel Rescue as your charity of choice) as well as Barnes and Noble. A portion of the proceeds benefits BSR.
Do you know a company who would like to support BSR through an offer? Contact boykinrescueevents@gmail.com
In Memoriam
BSR Junior Volunteers in Action!
Cool NEW stuff on ShopBSR, plus more ON SALE!
We are working diligently to bring on new products! But, we want to have a really FUN shop! Some products we launch will be available directly from us, others will redirect you to the manufacturer (in which case we will get a portion of the proceeds from the manufacturer). We will be streamlining ShopBSR, and want to have new stuff for you to check out each month. HAPPY shopping!
Working with a Dog with Anxiety
Many of our BSR rescues come into our care afraid or fearful. They exhibit behavior issues related to separation anxiety, fear of loud noises/thunder, discomfort with being touched or brushed, fear of sudden movements and even aggression. There are a few things more sad and sometimes more scary than a fearful dog. But the last thing they need is our pity. They need our calm presence and help.
Fearful dogs are usually not born that way (although sometimes it can be genetic). They become fearful, many times because of human actions or things they experience in their environment. Most fearful behavior can be traced to one or more of the following causes:
- lack of early and on-going socialization
- abuse or neglect
- trauma
- learned fears (i.e. wind after a hurricane)
- physical pain or illness
Our first job is to learn to read a dog's body language for signs of fear (lip licking, tucked tail, whites of eyes to name a few). When you think you know the cause, select the best approach with the help of the BSR team, the on-call BSR dog trainer or another canine professional.
Several or combinations of complimentary strategies may be needed (conditioning or counter-conditioning, training, body wraps, massage, pheromones or flower essences and possibly vet prescribed medications). The most important tools we have are our calm, assertive energy and providing structure, routine, exercise and safety for the dog. Too much affection can cause insecurity and make the problem worse.
For more detailed information on specific fear-related challenges, watch for articles in future newsletters.