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Boston Terriers and Birman Cats



I cannot begin to tell you all that my companions have meant to me. They have stayed by my side during the good days and the bad days. All they have ever asked in return was food, water, shelter and affection. They give far more than they could ever receive in return. We have been owned by many loving dogs and cats through the years. Many have gone to the Rainbow Bridge and are waiting patiently, but happily for us.

For many years now our dog of choice has been the Boston Terrier and at one time we were involved in Boston Terrier Rescue...to give a home to a wonderful pet someone has decided to throw away. Without a doubt they are the sweetest dogs in the world. They love to play if you are in the mood...but, they can also be a couch potato if it's just one of those days. Nothing delights them more than to go for a ride in the car. If adopted from a reputable breeder they are everything the Boston Terrier AKC Standard expects them to be. Bostons are patient with children, very affectionate with everyone, highly intelligent and always alert. They are wonderful watchdogs....but don't expect the little ones to be guard dogs.

Bostons come in three different sizes. We prefer the small ones because it is much easier for us to travel with them. And they go everywhere with us. They become so excited when they see us packing for a trip....they just love to go and visit their friends....or, better yet, stay in a hotel. What a treat!!!!!! As small as they are they have no fear of larger dogs....if they have been properly socialized........ and enjoy playing with our daughter's Mastiff.

My Bostons are perfect for me due to my disabilities. They are so easy to groom....just an occasional bath, clipping their nails frequently, brushing their teeth and keeping their ears clean. That's all there is too it!!!!!!!! Bostons, however, are NOT outdoor dogs.

Because they have a squished-in nose they have some difficulty breathing .....I think their snorts and snores are the most delightful noises I have ever heard. The all American dog...the perfect gentleman of dogs....was actually developed in the United States. They come in several color.....black, seal, brindle....but all must have white markings on their chest, head, and feet. However, it isn't necessary to get a show dog to enjoy your Boston....pet quality dogs from a reputable breeder are just as good!!!!!!

My other companion is a Birman Cat.......the Sacred Cat of Burma. If you want an aloof cat DON'T get a Birman. They love to be with their family...so they follow wherever we go. Our cat sleeps on the bed with us...and of course, our Bostons. We often see him grooming them which I find delightful but they manage to tolerate because they love him. Birmans are very clean cats and very affectionate....they begin to purr as soon as you touch them. I love being awakened in the morning with scratchy kisses on my face. He, too, loves to go visiting and travels very well.

Keeping a Birman groomed is very easy. Mine loves to take a shower. So, an occasional shower, clipping his nails frequently, and brushing his teeth as well as his coat is all that is required. Unlike other long-haired cats the Birman's coat does not mat. This makes it very easy for me to keep him looking beautiful inspite of my disabilities. It's just so easy to brush him and he truly enjoys it. If it were up to him that is how we would spend the entire day!!!!! Really, you should hear him purr when he's being groomed!!!!!!

All Birmans are born white with magnificent blue eyes. As they get older their color points develop. And, Birmans come in a wide variety of colors.......seal, chocolate, blue, lilac, red, just to name a few. But, all Birmans have those big blue eyes, white boots, and color points on their ears, tail, legs and mask. It's so exciting to watch their color change and become darker as they grow from being a very young kitten to an adult. As with other breeds finding a reputable breeder is a must.....whether you are looking for a show quality or a pet quality....you will want a true Birman.....one who loves to be with you. Birmans have a soft meow that tingles like a bell.....and when they are slightly upset they will give you the "Birman Huff". All Birman are highly intelligent, inquisitive, loving and playful. But, on my difficult days he is content to just snuggle with me and of course the Bostons. They all get along remarkably well.

There are a few more things I must say. First, please do not allow your pets to roam freely. Far too many have been killed by cars or people who delight in torturing animals. Keep their vaccinations up to date...it will help them live longer healthier lives. And, please, have your pet spayed or neutered. There are too many animals euthanized daily because of negligent owners. Also, your local animal shelter has many pets available for adoption. They have strays, kittens, puppies, older dogs, older cats and even pedigreed animals whose breeder or owners have decided they no longer want them or for various reasons can no longer keep them. These animals make excellent pets and we have adopted many of ours from shelters.

Due to my disabilities I prefer to adopt only Boston Terriers and Birman Cats......but, there are so many animals in shelters that would be grateful to be in a home where they are loved and cared for.

Although our pets are pedigreed they have all had some type of medical problem. They may be my breed of choice but they also need extra medical attention. It was my choice to adopt them dispite their disability or medical conditions. One of our Bostons and our Birman both see a veterinary opthalmologist because of eye problems and our Boston required surgery when she was 5 months old. Our other Boston needs to be coaxed to eat or she will starve herself. I have chosen these breeds because of their dispositions and the fact that they are so easy to groom. However, my pets need more attention......medically and physically (daily medication) to remain happy and healthy. There are many Boston Terriers, Birman Cats, and other breeds of animals that do not have these medical problems. Your animal shelter or a reputable breeder will tell you before you adopt a pet if it has any special needs. Since I, too, have a disability it was very important to me to give a loving home to animals who also have medical problems.

At one time we adopted another Birman cat to keep Sammy company. His name was Barry and he, too, had a medical condition that needed special attention. The vet believed that Barry would only live two to three months at the most.and I did not want him to live those few months with the breeder who worked full time. I wanted him to know what it is like to be in a normal, loving environment. Much to our delight Barry lived to be 18 months old.

When Barry became seriously ill we knew it was time to say good-bye. It broke our hearts but we did not want him to suffer. When the time came we made all the necessary arrangements. We miss Barry but I truly believe we'll meet again one day at the Rainbow Bridge.

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an
animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet
goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our
special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty
of food, water and sunshine and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and
vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong
again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times
gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small
thing: they each miss someone very special, someone who was left
behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one
suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are
intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly, he breaks from
the group, flying over the green grass, faster and faster. You have
been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet,
you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The
happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the
beloved head, and you look once more into those trusting eyes, so
long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart. Then
you cross the Rainbow Bridge together...


*Author Unknown*

REST IN PEACE

Father, in Thy starry tent
I kneel, a humble suppliant....
A dog has died today on earth,
Of little worth
Yet very dear.
Gather him in Thine arms
If only
For a while.
I fear he will be lonely....
Shield him with Thy smile.


*by Wilfred J. Funk*

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SHORT STORIES And DISABILITY INFORMATION

A Child's View How It Began Fibro What???
The MonSter
multiple sclerosis
My Journey Boston Terriers and Birman Cats
Cecil Frozen Shoulder Meniere's Disease


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