BTC4nimals Goes Local for Barron and Bristol’s Big Day

by Kim Clune

SHIFTING SCOPE

When Amy and I founded BTC4animals.com, it was to create change for animals in need – everywhere. Our goals were ambitious and our net was cast wide, yet we both still craved a local, hands-on approach. Last week, we made that happen, getting down and dirty in the dog adoption trenches of New York State’s Capital Region together.

A RESCUE IS BORN

In April, four friends and I incorporated Dog House Adoptions in Rensselaer County believing that a dog’s love feeds the human soul and that humans have the ability to offer the same in return. Through our program, we invite people from all walks of life to indulge in the healing power of dogs – from those who need physical healing through occupational therapy or the emotional healing that unconditional love can provide.

A LITTLE HELP FROM GOOD FRIENDS

Amy and her husband Rod have been following our year-long journey to bring Dog House Adoptions to fruition. Staying with my husband Tim and I while searching the Northeast for GoPetFriendly.com travel locations, they generously sponsored the dogs in our care by providing spays and neuters for all.

MAKING MORE ROOM

Because our sweet mama dog’s spay was already sponsored by Kate O’Hara and the “Friends of Bristol,” Amy and Rod’s generosity provided the means for one more dog to enter our program. With 7 waiting in the wings, we are so grateful for the budgetary opening.

GIVING IS GETTING

Amy and I not only gave of our time and the means to deliver Barron and Bristol to Chathams Small Animal Hospital, our hearts were chock full as we safely returned them to the rescue with the best opportunity for a second chance at life.

JOIN US FOR BARRON & BRISTOL’S BIG DAY

Thank you, Amy and Rod!

Boone, Director of Stress Management

By Peggy Frezon

Her business card reads “Director of Stress Management.” But this position is not held by a human employee. The job belongs to a border collie.

Friday was the 14^th annual Take Your Dog to Work Day, sponsored by Pet Sitters International. Many canine pals joined their mom or dad in the field or in the office, helping spread the word that dogs make great companions. One of Pet Sitter International’s goals of the day is also to encourage pet adoption from humane societies, animal shelters, and breed rescue groups.

For some dogs, going to work is just for one day a year. But Sue Reninger’s dog Boone accompanies her to work every day. Reninger is a managing partner at RMD Advertising in Columbus, Ohio.

Boone really does have a job title and her own business cards, and Reninger is convinced that Boone improves morale, increases work productivity, and reduces stress. “Boone is amazingly intuitive and sensitive girl, who senses when someone on the team is in a heightened emotional state. You frequently find her with her head on the lap of a team member, or grabbing a toy and demanding that someone throw it to her.” This helps defuse tension in the office. Boone even has good office sense.

Usually welcoming of everyone, one day Boone reacted strangely to a new client, backing away and growling. Later Reninger learned that the client was attempting to negotiate unscrupulous terms with the agency. Boone sensed a negative energy right away.

Reninger is grateful to share her office with her dog. “Boone keeps my life balanced and in perspective.  She’s amazing.  And, even on the darkest of days, I only need to look below my desk to remind myself of how fortunate I am.” A growing number of companies today are pet friendly.

According to FoxNews.com, one survey reports that one in five American companies allow pets at work. Reports suggest that pets create a more productive work environment.

With 10 volunteers spread clear across the US and Canada, Team BTC members rarely get to meet in person. This week, Kim, Amy and Peggy had a terrific opportunity to get together. Peggy signed copies of her new book, Heart to Heart, Hand in Paw, and we all met Peggy’s dog Kelly and new rescue dog, Brooks. Finding this many of us in one place (aside from a conference) hasn’t happened in two full years and we’re happy to say that the start of year three feels like a lovely family visit.