Find out what we're doing to support critters and their people for the duration!
Main WAR
index
http://www.therealmartha.com/WAR/index.htm
Go to http://www.therealmartha.com/WADamageContrl/index.htm first. Very cool Boston graphic there to use in e-mail or on pages - the backdrop is Lady Liberty and our flag. Follow links to learn more, including info about "adopting" a K9 soldier.
Update:
Great news!
Meet our adopted K9 unit in Bosnia
http://www.therealmartha.com/WARK9/index.htm
Visit
patriotic pals and grab cool red, white and blue graphics
http://www.therealmartha.com/patriotcritters/index.htm
Don't forget to bookmark before you go - lots of neat stuff to check out below.
Toot - Toot!
Beans, beans the musical fruit ...
Hee, hee, hee - that's my theme song. You were expecting something else from a Boston? Truth told, the kitchen lady is sorta stingy with the people food. Even the old man's not much of a soft touch - I tell ya it ain't right - he, of all people, should appreciate the gastronomically expressive superiority of the male species.
Hold the phone ... I'm getting a little ahead of myself here and forgetting my manners. Welcome to my page. I am, first, foremost and always, a gentleman.
My real name is Buster. The kitchen lady calls me da Dude - it's sort of a take off on da Bomb and the fact that I am such a stylish, charming sorta guy. It just kills her the way I prance and dance myself right up in the air after a good wake-up shake.
and
Where to begin ... I need to get all this down before I forget any of the details - whoosh! time does fly. I arrived in the new digs about a month ago after the old family broke up. (This lady said that's as lame as it gets. Everybody told her to get rid of the dog once too. She suggested they get rid of their kids ... I like that attitude.) Ok, so most of you know that Miss Liberty went to the Rainbow Bridge a few months ago. Then, she became my "angel" and sent me here. The old man kept saying a dog would appear - and whaddya know, a guy at his work told him about me. I was lucky not having to do any "time" before finding a new home but I sure was tired of that nasty old garage. Now that I'm gone, I hear how much I'm missed - tough noogies - their loss, my (our) gain.
My friend Rina drew this - she can make your family star famous too.
Actually, even though the new lady said she's never met a dog she didn't like, this whole deal was set up as a trial only. First off, she'd also said she'd never have another male in the house and did not believe that I wouldn't do all those disgusting things uncivilized types do. However, she also knew that since I'd never been used for stud, the chances were good that I didn't have that marking mania going on. Thought for a while I was gonna get to keep my nuts but even I couldn't argue with the cancer probability statistics. Just to keep the record straight, my aim is sharp as ever - outside only of course. I included that little piece of info for all those "macho" men who are so sure they will experience "phantom" pain. The whole thing was no big deal - snip, snip, nice long nap - the two-legged man of the house didn't feel a thing.
I do hope you will forgive me for being so personal - gentlemen don't usually discuss these things in public. So, on to the fun stuff. How did I live this long without a computer? I even have to credit the 'net for a big part of the sales job on me. Every single site went on and on about what wonderful companions we Bostons are. See some favorite links below. Lots of talented critters out there too - one of the neatest groups is the Boston Symphony. Naturally, I auditioned. Didn't make the cut, but it gave me an idea for forming a special freelance tooting ensemble. Please spread the word - send me a pic, short bio and web address (you can still join if you don't have one tho). Hey, why limit it to toots - dogs make all kinds of hilarious noises - include full descriptions please.
Meet the Tootin' Gang - Toots and More
(Hint, hint ... anyone have any ideas for a cool graphic for the new gang?)
Gotta go for now, haven't kicked up any dirt for a coupla hours. You know how it is. I'll have lots more to report. The folks and I are still getting to know each other - stay tuned. I'm also supposed to tell you that if you get the chance to adopt a Boston Terrier, DO it. I swear these people are crazy about me and hey, it didn't take much to train them at all.
The kitchen lady said this sounds like me ... "Arnold was a dog's dog. Whenever he shuffled along walks and through alleyways, he always gave the impression of being onto something big." - M. Grimes
The kitchen lady said so because Buster was, at the time, on hotel grounds patrol - quite a task for a relatively small dog. Nonetheless, judging by the drool ... soooooo many new sniffables every day ... talking major occupational satisfaction/gratification there. We'll soon be moving to the country, he's already discovered the joys of new wild critter and wild flower aromas.
Update on me!
It's been
almost two and a half years. Buster is as much the gentleman as he was from the first
meeting and, at least, twice the clown. He cracks us up just looking at him -
those notorious little Boston brain wheels are conspicuous at all times. Life is running
basically to his satisfaction now that he's convinced us that he will, in fact, die if his
taste-testing duties are not carried out precisely on schedule. He's not a pest, more the
sentinel, ever vigilant, faithful the extra crumb will fall.
I tried to tell him it was OK to take a break while I was tearing lettuce once by offering
- now all greens sampling is a regular cheap thrill. Fat juicy romaine ribs are a real
prize in His Goofiness' estimation - runs off with 'em like they were sirloin!
He "works" every new visitor into immediate enchantment too, be it the
"nobody loves me, can't you tell" story for a snuggle or initiation of soccer
practice.
Quite possibly the most laid-back dog I've ever known, although sincerely intense during
cricket kill season, dental bone/chew hoof disintegration, overall furniture (couch,
recliner, bed) warming,
blanket
arrangement and attention to outside territorial data processing (champion dirt-kicker
too!). He's never barked, one "yowl" is sufficient notice when he means
business.
He has enjoyed learning the computer and taking over Miss Liberty's correspondence
including her award administration as well as his own. While he is a registered purebred,
he is not show quality (according to what we were told). Can't say he was thrilled about
his sacrifice, but accepted the reasoning without complaint and heartily supports all
spay/neuter education efforts.
There's a bit more snow on the ol' rooftop these days but aside from seeming like he needs
an extra stretch to get movin' after a hard snooze, it looks like we'll have several more
good years together. I was thinking about just how nice a sleepin' buddy he is too. Once
the settling-down snorts ease into soft snuffles, it's such a contented sound, it relaxes
me.
What can I say, they're crazy about me :)
rhonchisonant \rong' ki soe" nent\ (adjective): snorting; snoring
Another great definition for a Boston, from a Westminster show runner-up's name: Determinator
I sent this to a BT list discussing breed intellect: Buster never ceases to amaze me. I'm familiar with quite a few breeds and have known many an intelligent mutt, Buster is first BT. Once he likes something we happen to do, he will, by gawd, make sure, that is the way it will be from now on. He's quite patient but persistent while making his demands/preferences known until we "get" it.I started an ear warm-up and all-over quick rubdown routine recently. If I get distracted after a walk - he stands in position until I remember what I'm supposed to be doing. Once the old blood is properly circulating again, he does his happy shake, then it's cookie time. DUH :)
The general agreement from the list was simple - BTs are so charming, you just go ahead and live by their rules, happy in that privilege.
Poor ol' guy can't jump up on the bed by himself any more, sometimes makes the couch, usually OK on the recliner. Had to get him his own station just in case. Cracks me up, looks like a little couch/futon when the pillows are properly arranged. And yes they are dishrags, stuffed, and one fake fur and one velveteen towel.
New pages!
http://www.therealmartha.com/Smile/index.htm - Name that smile ... friendliest, most beautiful, goofiest, mischievous ... show off your best buddy's pearly whites
http://www.therealmartha.com/Watchmy6/index.htm - SEAL pups? It's a cutie
http://www.therealmartha.com/LPNs/index.htm
- Licensed practical noogiests, therapy angels of the four-legged, wet-nosed,
sloppy-kissin' kind
http://www.therealmartha.com/BegRoyale/index.htm
- The Beggar Royale and friends
http://www.therealmartha.com/adopt/index.htm - Hmmmm ... certain people around here have been out seeing other dogs, and cats ... Meet the Shelter Sweeties
http://www.therealmartha.com/Special%20Adopt/index.htm - Special Needs Adoptathon report, includes pics
http://www.therealmartha.com/spayneuter/index.htm - Spay/neuter graphics on printable pages, we'll customize too!
http://www.therealmartha.com/journey/index.htm
- Companion animal tribute
http://www.therealmartha.com/Watchmy6/index.htm
- SEAL pups? It's a cutie
http://www.therealmartha.com/whizlist/index.htm - International Courtesy Whiz Exchange, the one and only virtual whiz-a-roo!
~ All critter pages index ~
http://www.therealmartha.com/CritterIndex/index.htm
For some really good thoughts on older animal adoption, please read Miss Liberty's "Puppies are so cute, but ... "
You can print the page for flyers or copy into newsletters - you can help even more by sending it around to rescue/adoption organizations. Page includes spay/neuter myth busting and more.
http://www.therealmartha.com/puppiesaresocu/index.htm
Go see Libby's home page too. She has lots of fans and believe me, she is still very much alive in spirit.
Don't forget to check all the neat links.
Now that I've learned how to type she even gave my her special award :)
The Libby Award
Exclusively for critters who do their own typing - quite prestigious
And, I have my own award
now!
da Dude Award
Lots more there than winners lists -
some fun, some serious and links galore
See awards
that friends have given me
http://www.therealmartha.com/bustersawards/index.htm
Please also see a project we've started to wake the public to the need for animal protection legislation changes. Too many people are anesthetized to the "normal" forms of abuse - this is the height of depravity, Firecracker Dog. It is a must-read for anyone who cares. Do not be afraid to face it, no gory details were necessary. Your help is needed with circulation, by E or hands-on printout distribution. Tip: you may want to rename the page "Super Dog" to trick the squeamish into opening. All's fair in this kind of battle.
We also have a really neat fundraising idea you'll be able to read about soon - stay tuned!
Thanks for stopping by, don't forget to write.
BusterdaDude@aol.com or the kitchen lady will take a message if my box is full: MarthaJones1@aol.com
Hey, if you're a real busy person who likes real easy recipes, go see her pages too - not to worry, she's not like that other Martha. Most of her recipes use five or less ingredients (from cans, jars or otherwise conveniently packaged). She sells a cookbook - it's the only place in the whole world to find her secret magic beans recipe. How's that for a tootin' coincidence?
The Real Martha a.k.a. Queen Can-ivore
Don't forget to bookmark along your way. Here's my intro page (and some links) in case you came here thru another door.
We'd love to come visit your place or just bark backatcha, so if you have a minute ...
Sign My Guestbook 
View My
Guestbook
Thanks!
~~~~~~~
Boston Links
All include lots more links.
Daisy's Boston Terrier Gallery
Boston Rescue Site
My story is in the spotlight archives there.
The Boston Site
Note: The Boston Site is under construction at new domain http://www.thebostonsite.com/
Boston Terrier Tea Party (N.
East Rescue Support)
Rescue Links - BTCSD
~ More cool sites ~
Bright Spots
Lots of critter stuff, wit and wisdom gathered from every day goings on, special events,
occasions, friends ... real people what-have-yous - includes something for everyone, with
special attention paid to the sneakin'-up-on-50 crowd
Vote for me please!
Joschi's Album
Rate my pages please in
Chazhound's World Famous Directory
(under personal sites) - Thanks!
Dutch Buster's Busters - Busters from all over the world
Just my Dog
Must-see thoughtful words of appreciation - (s)he's not just
a dog.
Guess what! Libby and I are famous now - you can send a postcard with our pics - http://www.kateconnick.com/postcards/page8.html, look for Boston terrier and chewing captions - Miss Liberty is the newshound, poodle mix, poo-mix pup and well-dressed (in her stars and stripes): http://www.kateconnick.com/postcards/page3.html
Miss Muddy
Muck Liberty
after playing with the "big dogs" (the ones with hooves) at a friend's ranch
http://mydarndog.com
A showcase of pets in all their wreckage (and dirty) glory - just gotta love the little monsters
http://www.ahimsatx.org/nnl/humorus.htm
NeuterNeuterLand - spay/neuter graphics, etc. promoting neuter with humor
Spay/neuter article by a
veterinarian with real pics
(More health info links below)
Angel,
Christmas piano dog
"dashing through the keys"
http://www.therealmartha.com/PianoDog/index.htm
Tully the Scottish Terrier
I borrowed the following from Tully ... have to admit, does sound a lot like me (even
though some people say Bostons aren't really terriers).
Top
Ten Reasons to Love Your Terrier
10. He's tough and scrappy, but only vicious with the vacuum cleaner.
9. You can fit him in your gym bag.
8. 'Earth Dog' sounds environmentally friendly.
7. He's more entertaining than a night at the comedy club.
6. He annoys your in-laws.
5. He outwits your neighbor's cat.
4. He's got more energy than a Tasmanian Devil on speed.
3. You'll never have to hire an
exterminator. (You bet! I surprised the folks with my hunting prowess. Brought
down a big ol' cricket just the other day.)
2. He's got more personality than your spouse.
1. He's your holy terror!
~~~
Send me your link, I'll be happy to swap.
Hot Tip: You can register this page with Mind It to receive auto e-mail notification when links are added.
True Blue - The
Boston Terrier
by C C Sandorfi
slightly edited for this publication
Janet Dillard had no intention of falling in love with a Boston terrier. In fact, she was
running a Pug rescue in Cosmopolis, Wash., and had no interest in branching into other
breeds. That all changed with a phone call. "My vet asked if I could board a Boston
until he could find a home for her," Dillard said. "She put her paw on my knee,
and that was it." The personality that won Dillard's heart is typical of Bostons -
active, playful and bright. They are also outgoing, curious, sometimes sly but always
entertaining. "She's just wonderful," Dillard said of Cider, who is now 10 years
old. "She's incredibly smart and has a big vocabulary. She knows a lot of the words
that I say."
These small dogs - ranging up to 25 pounds, according to the American Kennel Club standard
- have more going for them than great attitudes. They also have the distinction of being
American blue bloods. Sometimes known as the American Gentleman, the Boston terrier is one
of the few* American breeds. It originated
around 1870, when Robert C. Hooper of Boston purchased a dog known as Hooper's Judge, a
cross between an English bulldog and a white English terrier.
Hooper's Judge and his descendants were commonly called Bull Terriers or Boston Bull
Terriers, but Bull Terrier clubs objected because these new terriers were significantly
different from their breed. The AKC was also unconvinced the breed would reproduce true to
type. But undeterred supporters changed the name to Boston Terrier in honor of the
founder's hometown and in 1891 established the Boston Terrier Club of America. In 1893,
the AKC admitted the breed and gave the club membership status - making it the first
American breed to be recognized.
Today's Bostons should be brindle, seal or black in color with even, white markings. Their
tails might appear docked, but they are either short or corkscrewed, according to Emily
Lane, vice president of the Golden Gate Boston Terrier Club in Berkeley, Calif.
Boston Terriers rose in popularity after the turn of the century when the breed became a
high society status symbol. "They were the society dog in the 1920s through the mid
to late '40s," Lane said. Today, the Boston terrier is still popular, ranking No. 18
in AKC registrations with 18,185 individuals registered in 1997, the latest year figures
were recorded. Nostalgia is part of the breed's popularity, chosen by older people because
they had them as children.
That was the case with Ellen Dresselhuis, a lawyer from Minneapolis who recently turned
60. "We had our first Boston when I was about in junior high," she said.
"She was by far the best dog I'd ever had, and from then on, they were the only breed
I'd ever live with." Dresselhuis purchased a Boston in 1971 as a pet. She
participated with her dogs in obedience competition as a hobby, but one of her Bostons
became a superstar.
"When I got Mackie, I went to obedience with him, and, lo and behold, he was very
good," she said. "I kind of got hooked into [obedience], and what that dog did
was change my whole life. My retirement plan is to practice law till I'm 70, then raise
dogs and go to shows for the rest of my life." Brother Mack Duff - his full name -
became the only Boston to earn the AKC's Obedience Trial Champion title, which he earned
in 1991.
Bostons are intelligent and quick to please, traits that helped Mack become a champion
Dresselhuis said. "They're very people oriented, and they're easy to train in many
ways. They want to do what you want them to do." However, Bostons usually don't reach
the top echelon in shows because they often get lost in the crowd. "It's very
difficult when they get into the group ring to place because they're in the Non-Sporting
Group competing against Chows, Dalmatians, Poodles and so on," Lane said. "It's
difficult for them to get a lot of recognition."
But if Bostons don't make waves in the show ring, they're champions in their element - the
home. Bred to be indoor dogs, they are adaptable and considered ideal apartment dogs.
Their short hair makes them intolerant to cold, and their short noses make them overheat
easily, so they need to be indoors. Bostons are also easy to groom, and they don't need
constant supervision.
"The main thing is it's such a companion dog," said Karen Milham, a breeder and
AKC judge from Phoenix. "It's small enough that it can be a lap dog or sit on the
sofa, but it's a sturdy dog with a lot of vitality." Don't think this is a
low-maintenance breed, however. Bostons need plenty of love and attention from their
owners. "Most Bostons are very social - they have been bred to be a companion for 100
years," said Linda Trader of Mather, Pa., coordinator of the BTCA's national rescue
program. "People are the most important thing in a Boston's world, and the cruelest
thing you can do to a Boston is to isolate them from people."
Aside from their affinity for beds - and their habit of sleeping under the covers and
snoring in their owners' ears - Bostons enjoy getting up on anything high. They're agile
and good jumpers. This, coupled with their innate curiosity and sense of fun, can put them
in some interesting situations. A friend told Dillard about a Boston that managed to get
to the highest spot in the kitchen. "The dog had gotten up on a bar stool, climbed
onto the bar and worked his way to the top of her fridge," Dillard said. "He
looked like a big vulture."
Dillard said Bostons have a definite sense of humor. "When you look at their eyes,
you can tell there's something going on in there," she said. "Their little minds
hardly ever go to sleep; they're always cooking up something." Bostons are also adept
at appropriating the furniture or, better yet, their owner's lap. "They're just
terribly spoiled; they have us wrapped around their little paw," said Jean Craig, a
breeder in Indianapolis. "When we sit in a chair to watch TV, it's usually a race to
see who gets in the chair first. And then to try to get up ... it's not easy. Not too long
ago, I had three of them lying across my legs."
Bostons are sociable with people and other dogs. They make ideal family dogs, but their
sociability can get them into trouble. Bostons will follow almost any friendly person and
are often stolen, Trader said.
Bostons vary in their eating habits, but many seem to be gourmands who'd rather share from
your plate than eat from their own dishes. Dillard has a friend in Canada whose Boston is
a big fan of steak and kidney pie. "Her Boston got into it and ended up looking like
the Goodyear blimp," she said, laughing. Most will get on tables, said Trader, who
tells of attending a Boston club meeting where members were talking about this habit.
"The lady hosting the meeting exclaimed that her 'Bostons would never do that!' We
happened to glance in the dining room at that point, where her dogs ... were strolling
among the dishes, selecting their favorites."
Although owning Bostons can be fun, they can have health problems. They are genetically
prone to cataracts, epilepsy, cleft palate and luxating patella, in which the kneecap
slides out of its groove. Prospective owners should buy from reputable breeders who have
an available health history of their dogs. Bostons have a difficult time giving birth
because they have a narrow birthing canal and the puppies' heads and shoulders are
disproportionately large. Also, short-nosed build makes them prone to breathing
irregularities, such as snoring, and prevents them from engaging in prolonged exercise.
Although they love to run and play, this breed is not a running companion.
People who want to purchase Bostons will find they are in short supply because of the
breed's birthing problems and small litters. Craig said owners should allow two to three
years for research, interviewing breeders and finding a puppy. She recommended locating a
reputable breeder and getting on a waiting list. Dillard advised potential owners to
consider getting an older Boston from a rescue. "I'm looking at it from my rescue
point of view of course, but, oh, you get a lot of gratefulness from the dog," she
said.
If you're an informed owner who's willing to wait for the right dog, you can have a
wonderful companion in this feisty breed. "They're great little dogs to just pamper
and have a ball with," Lane said. "They're like people in little fur
coats."
*It has been my understanding, according to numerous sources, the Boston is the only true pure American breed. Recently, in honor of American pride, they're being tagged the American Original. I approve, that gentleman thing was rather sexist! In any case, I think they must know their roots. There is not a jauntier gait going. Buster's swing-butt, tough-guy swagger absolutely kills me - been on that end view of many a breed to qualify the judgment.
We have just been through quite a scary time with Buster having "spells" that almost seemed like mini-strokes or mild seizures, without twitching or thrashing. Hard to describe ... he'd go into a head-down stance, back legs unsteady, shoulders tensed and shivering. Didn't seem like he was in pain as much as bewildered and he would gobble a treat like nothing was wrong. We tried holding him, rubbing neck and shoulders, but he didn't seem really comfortable in a lap - better if laying down in bed. Took about 30 minutes to come out of it, he'd be rocky on his feet for a few minutes, then perfectly fine, drinking a lot of water. X-rays showed a "crimped" disc space in his neck, causing a pinched nerve. He did well for about 24 hours after a cortisone shot before having a new spell. First medication didn't seem to do much good except maybe shortening the length of time. Changed Rx - seemed to do a little more good - faster recovery - now he's been fine for four days. Don't know it was the new medicine or time naturally working off the spasms. Vet said to put his food dish up off the floor to ease strain, and not let him jump off the bed or beg. Yea right on those last two - when Bostons quit fartin' - not in this lifetime!
http://www.nuzzled.net/ - Promoting animal issue awareness in Illinois and beyond
http://www.angelfire.com/ca5/rescuecats/ - Rowdy's Rescues, Memphis area
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Garden/4266/ - Our responsibility to animals
http://www.metroanimal.org - St Louis Metro area, T-N-R program for feral and stray cats
http://www.fanciers.com/other-faqs/owned-cats.html - most interesting statistics, cats and dogs, stray/feral/owned
VetInfo
http://vetinfo.com/
U.S. FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine
http://www.fda.gov/cvm/
Cornell University Veterinary Medicine Feline Health
http://web.vet.cornell.edu/public/fhc/FelineHealth.html
University of Minnesota Pet Care
http://www.petcare.umn.edu/
NetVet
http://www.avma.org/netvet/nvredirect.asp
Disabled Pets
http://www.petadopt.com/rescueadopt/disabledpets/
Disabled Pet Network
http://disabledpets.tripod.com/
Special Needs Pets
http://www.specialneedspets.org/
Pets with Disabilities
http://www.petswithdisabilities.org/
AbleDogs
http://www.abledogs.net/
Handicapped Pets
http://handicappedpets.com/
Pets with Diabetes
http://www.petdiabetes.org/
Blind Dogs
http://blinddogs.com/
Deaf Dogs
http://www.ukwebpages.co.uk/deafdogs/index.htm
Canines in Crisis
http://www.caninesincrisis.org/
Special Needs Rescue
http://www.felinerescue.net/RESCUES_BY_LOCATION/SPECIAL_NEEDS.htm
ASPCA
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServe
National Directory of No-Kill Shelters
http://www.saveourstrays.com/no-kill.htm
PetFinder
http://www.petfinder.org/