DIGGER

DIGGER IS NOT AT THE HUMANE SOCIETY ANIMAL SHELTER. DIGGER IS A COURTESY POSTING FOR A FELLOW RESCUER AND FOSTER MOM. DO NOT CONTACT THE HUMANE SOCIETY SHELTER ABOUT DIGGER AS THEY HAVE NO INFO ON HIM.

On 5/21/08, about 10 minutes after agreeing to take Meg (a 3-month old Boston Terrier puppy with Demodex), this Boston Terrier boy's foster-mom-to-be received a second telephone call from the same veterinarian in southern Ohio--again on behalf of her long-time, high-volume backyard breeder client. Stating that it was suspected that he was passing along the Demodectic disorder and, thereby, inferring that this boy was the father of Meg, the vet said that the breeder wanted to get rid of him if she could get the rescue volunteer to agree to take him in addition to Meg.

Although this boy's foster mom rarely takes breeder or other owner dumps, she took him because she suspected that he would, otherwise, continue to perform breeding "duties" in this Appalachian Region. However, when she went to the vet clinic 5/23/08 to pick up Meg and Digger (renamed Freddie after rescue), his foster mom found out that this boy was NOT the parent of Meg--and that he has only one eye and has aperiodic allergies and luxating patellas.

Digger's right eye was removed in September 2005 because of swelling and attendant secondary glaucoma as a result of an injury. He gets along just fine with one eye but his one-sided vision may be why he often feels threatened by the physically close proximity of one of the larger dogs in his foster home.

After having been in his foster home for a month, his foster mom realized that she had not noticed any incidents of his limping as a result of luxating patellas (slipping rear kneecaps)--so this is almost a non-issue.

In regard to "allergies," Digger is particularly susceptible to breathing difficulties when he is outside in extreme heat and humidity even when he is not being overly active...but this is fairly common in Bostons. Because of their short noses and short coat, Boston Terriers are extremely vulnerable to heat prostration and must be protected from extreme weather. Some Bostons may require a sweater in extremely cold weather, but most enjoy a romp when the air is cool. Because of their sensitivity to weather extremes and their reputation as escape artists, Bostons should not be left unattended in the back yard.

The vet stated that the breeder was willing to give away these two dogs for FREE because she was afraid that her husband would get rid of a bunch of her Boston Terriers (her multiple breeding "stock") when she went in the hospital for major surgery. Since the breeder did not even consider "unloading" either or both of the breeding pair which produced puppies like Meg with deficient immune systems which spawn Demodex, it is assumed that she was able to SELL the dogs with two eyes and not outwardly manifesting Demodex--and, most certainly, without having them spay/neutered. The breeder did not have Digger/Freddie neutered before giving him away and since, as with all of the backyard breeders in Appalachia and elsewhere, this breeder's puppies are not sold with a contract prohibiting breeding and requiring spay/neuter as soon as possible, this backyard breeder has essentially effectively REDISTRIBUTED and EXPANDED the Boston Terrier breeding base in southern Ohio.

Born 4/17/03, Digger was 5 years of age when rescued 5/23/08. When neutered on 5/28/08, standing 12" tall (height at the top of his shoulders) with a torso of the same length (12" from the base of his neck to the base of his tail), Digger weighed 15.5 lbs.--on the small side for a Boston Terrier. Boston Terriers generally range from 10 to 25 lbs. when fully grown, with some reaching 30 lbs. While Bostons closely resemble French Bulldogs physically, they are not as stout and, of course, lack the wrinkling on their faces around the muzzle.

Although markings vary in Bostons, they usually look like they're wearing tuxedos with dark markings over and/or around the eyes. Digger has the commonly seen "tuxedo" markings but in brindle (brown/black) and white rather than well-known black and white. Regardless of the fact that his breeder had AKC papers on him ("You pays your money, you gets your AKC registration ! "), Digger's breeder should not be breeding dogs with ANY genetic defects (including luxating patellas which are commonly found in small breeds because of unethical breeders).

While Digger is relatively calm compared to some Bostons, it is important for prospective adopters to understand that Boston Terriers are BIG DOGS IN SMALL-DOG BODIES. Bostons are full of energy and need to expend it. Bostons usually enjoy a game of fetch and other play but also enjoy curling up next to their favorite people in a relaxed moment. Lively, loving, communicative, and protective, Boston Terriers make loyal companions and excellent watchdogs.

If properly socialized, Boston Terriers love children but, as with any dog--particularly those of the smaller ilk, should never be left unattended with babies or toddlers since judgement in these human rug rats is nonexistent. Therefore, Digger is NOT a candidate for being a little child's playmate. Dogs as small as Digger are not appropriate for children under 8 years of age. Many members of the public seeking a family dog think the perfect formula is "small children, small dog." That uneducated premise all too often ends sadly for the dog: Either the dog bites a child because he/she was hurt by an unsupervised child or the dog is crippled by the child sitting on them or some other action taken by a child below the judgmental age threshold. Either is a death sentence for the dog.

Obedience training is always recommended for bonding and safety's sake for any new canine addition to a family. Easily trained using positive reinforcement, Boston Terriers reputedly make wonderful obedience competitors. Since Digger does not obey when told to quit terrorizing BIGGER dogs in his foster home (which earned him a cut on top of his "noggin" in one instance), he definitely needs to be taught the basic obedience commands if nothing else. While it would be nice if DIGGER were adopted into a home where there is a GENTLE and COMPATIBLE resident dog with whom to play when the humans are gone and with whom to snuggle for sleeping, he is old enough to be okay as an "only canine child." Although he often sleeps in a crate at night with Meg (the Boston Terrier puppy dumped by the same disreputable breeder), he also frequently sleeps alone.

He has had very little exposure to cats in his foster home but he has shown absolutely no interest in them when a few, limited introductions have been made. Although he does not have an aggressive attitude toward cats, most cats would probably feel threatened by the quick movements inherent in Boston Terrier exuberance with life in general.

Having been vaccinated and neutered, Digger is ready to join his permanent family to share life, love, fun, and happy memories for many years to come. Maintained in good health (the responsibility of guardians--not their veterinarians), Bostons usually live 12-15 years with some living as long as 18 years.

BOSTON TERRIER ISO PERMANENT HUMAN FAN CLUB FOR MUTUAL ADORATION AND LAUGHS.

TO REQUEST AN ADOPTION FORM, WRITE TO [email protected]. To request an adoption form, write to [email protected].