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Frequently
Asked Questions and Other Information About Adoption
 Downloadable
Application Forms are at bottom of page
The Mission Statement
of
The Boston Terrier Rescue of East Tennessee
Our Honorary Chairman and Official Spokesperson for the Boston Tea Room Society
of East Tennessee
Mr. Zeke Chapman Greene, Esq.
Passed Away October 12, 2004
All breeds have their own particular needs and rescued pets have
special requirements as well, very often in want of medical care, often
lacking nourishment and kindness, and often expensive to rehabilitate.
Because we have had Boston Terriers of our own for several years, we are
familiar with their habits, peculiarities and their special needs.
We operate from the Maryville/Alcoa/ Knoxville areas of East Tennessee
under the auspices of the National Boston Terrier Rescue mission but
cover the state of Tennessee, Eastern Kentucky, Southwestern Virginia
and Western North Carolina with the help of our Representatives and
Foster Homes. We share information and resources throughout all of the
Southeast and Midwest USA with affiliated Boston Rescue shelters and
independent shelters, rescues and friends.
We will not refuse any dog for rescue, regardless of background or
medical condition except for those who have been confirmed as
"people biters" (rather than scared dogs or fear biters, etc)
and under those circumstances we will work VERY diligently to help the
parents resolve the issues. This is a very difficult matter
of liability for us. All dogs who come into our care are
treated for any illnesses including heartworms, are spayed or neutered
unless there is a veterinary order otherwise based on a serious medical
condition, are brought up to date on all vaccinations, are treated for
parasitic worms, ticks and fleas, bathed and have their nails clipped
for comfort. All are placed on flea, tick and heartworm preventative.
We will not euthanize, nor allow euthanasia except in those rarest of
cases of continued suffering as a result of some injury or illness, and
then only on the hard recommendation of our veterinary, after all other
means of relief are exhausted.
Adopting a friend
Adoption is a simple process but matching the right pet to the right
owner can be more difficult. There is an adoption application that must
be completed, reference checks, vet checks, etc., and an adoption fee
depending on specific circumstances as well as an adoption contract to
protect both the pet and the new owner should for any reason,
"things not work out."
These are not 'free dogs,' they're not 'dogs for sale,' they're not for
breeding (NO puppy mills or backyard breeders for those who don't
understand how neutering works), they're absolutely NOT for fighting or
gaming and they won't be placed in an unsuitable environment or home.
Because pets who've been rescued are often in need of medical care, lots
of nourishment and sometimes extended foster care, there is a very real
and often substantial cost that we absorb prior to the adoptions, in
addition to the required vetting, vaccinations, worming and
neutering/spaying. There is also always a risk of heartworms which
must also be corrected successfully before the dog is placed available
for adoption.
Some, but certainly not all of these dogs have various problems often
not associated with the normal "house pet" relationship. Some
come from cruel, hostile and abusive situations; some are near starving
or have other physical problems. They may come to us with broken spirits
as well as broken hearts and special dogs like these need special people
to care for them.
But fortunately, most others come from loving and caring families who
simply find themselves in circumstances where for a variety of reasons
they can no longer care for their pets as they would wish. These good
people do the right thing: they allow others to adopt and care for their
pets as lovingly as they would if they could.
People interested in pups need to be reminded that they most often
AREN'T housebroken and usually require training. That means
letting them out 'to take care of business' and often going with and
walking them, every 3-4 hours at a minimum, day and night, all day and
all night, whatever the weather. If you're not absolutely sure you can
handle this process for the several weeks that may be required, an adult
or senior dog may be a better choice.
Most dogs need to be allowed to take care of personal
dog business every five hours or so (during waking hours) or they will
eventually develop urinary track infections and other diseases later in
life. Also always be mindful that if you
can't wait 8-10 hours between trips to the bathroom without discomfort, you should not
expect the dog to.
Another very good way to help manage the training and housebreaking task
and (keep everybody happier) is to let the pup learn from an older,
mature dog, Boston or otherwise, if they're compatible. It's a big job
when done right, and not to be underestimated.
Fees
The fee is generally based on the dog's age and provides for neutering
or spaying when required, all required shots being made current,
heartworm testing & treatment if required, placement on a monthly
prevention program for fleas and heartworms, treatment for other
parasites, any other vet visits or urgent medical attention required,
dog food and our travel expenses for pickup and required adoption home
inspections. (It is both our expectation and a contractual requirement
that these same preventative routine medications be continued as well as
any required vet visits after the pet is adopted.)
If for some reason a match isn't made the first time around, we will
keep your application on file for the next opportunity to arise although
it's your responsibility to watch the website and tell us when you see
something that might work. Although applications are reviewed in order
and references contacted as they are returned fully completed to us,
they are not necessarily serviced in that order. Our primary goal is to
place a dog in the most suitable environment, based on the animal's
individual needs and its temperament. The commitment is lifelong and the
Boston's interests are always foremost.
Travel and Transportation
One thing that you should consider first, before going
any farther here, is that we are located in the southeast United States. If transportation between you and
us (your
responsibility) is likely to be a problem, we suggest that you look at a
shelter nearer your own location.
Since 911, airport delays have eliminated the possibility
of anything other than the dog riding NEXT to YOU in the cabin. We
will not chance a dog sitting for hours on a runway in a cargo hold.
Distant adoptions are handled
strictly on a case-by-case basis and are made for distances over 100
miles only on an exceptional basis.
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