Baxter came into BTRC’s care last April because he struggled with being left alone all day. He’s a funny, affectionate, playful dog, but finding him the right home has been an uphill battle.
His first foster home quickly realized the level of his separation anxiety. While they were willing to work on it, they simply didn’t have the time or environment to gradually condition him to being left alone. So, Baxter moved.
His next foster home had people around more often, which helped. But as we got to know him better, we discovered another challenge — Baxter can be a resource guarder. When overly excited, he sometimes redirected his frustration onto the resident Boston Terrier, a small, delicate female. It wasn’t a safe or sustainable fit, so he moved again.
His third foster home has been the best match yet. As the only pet, he’s done much better, is becoming more comfortable with his crate and can now be left on his own for short periods. He’s much easier to redirect on walks too. Unfortunately, through no fault of his own, this family is making a major lifestyle change and can no longer keep him. So, once again, Baxter needs somewhere to go — and we have no idea where.
To make things even more complicated, Baxter recently hurt his back. He was treated with a course of prednisone and is now almost weaned off the medication. The great news is that he’s back to his goofy, happy self! However, we want to ensure he’s fully recovered before moving forward with a formal adoption.
And that’s the hardest part — because Baxter HAS been listed for adoption. For six months. We’ve posted, printed, and promoted him everywhere. We’ve reached out to other rescues. For all the exposure, there have only been a couple of applications, but none were the right match for Baxter or for the families who applied.
With no adopters, and no foster home stepping up, we’re feeling helpless. Every move can only make his separation anxiety worse, and we cannot put him in a kennel or boarding facility — it would devastate him. Never in BTRC’s history have we had a dog with so little interest. And it’s heartbreaking.
Baxter is a loving, affectionate, and truly wonderful dog who deserves better. He deserves a home that understands him. He deserves stability. He deserves a future.
We don’t know what our next steps will be, and his deadline to move — the end of this month — is coming fast.
If you’ve ever thought about fostering, now is the time. If you know someone looking to adopt, please share Baxter’s story. He’s been waiting far too long.
Baxter is currently in the Vancouver, BC area. Transport to other provinces will be tricky as he’s too large to fly in-cabin and cargo would be too stressful. But we’re ready to listen to all suggestions and consider all options.
If you can help, please reach out today. Send us a private message or email info@bostonterrierrescuecanada.com
Baxter needs you. ❤️
This sweet, affectionate five-year-old French Bulldog-Boston Terrier mix is in urgent need of a new foster home. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Baxter’s current foster family can no longer care for him, and we are desperately seeking a new foster who can provide the love and care he needs until he is ready for adoption.
WHY BAXTER NEEDS YOUR HELP:
Baxter recently hurt his back and is currently being treated with prednisone. While he’s now back to his playful, goofy self, we want to be sure that there is no further issue once he is weaned off the medication and that he is fully ready for adoption.
WHAT BAXTER NEEDS:
A calm, patient environment with no other pets. While he has lived with other dogs before, Baxter’s tendency to resource-guard and redirect when over-excited has caused conflicts.
Someone home most of the time. Baxter does have separation anxiety, though he’s now doing well being left alone and crated for short 2-3 hour periods. We are concerned, however, that another move might set his progress back.
His ideal foster home would be in a detached home (away from close neighbours as he can be vocal).
Ongoing training to help him manage excitement and anxiety. He is presently on anti-anxiety medication to help calm him and improve his focus.
Medical monitoring as he is gradually weaned off his course of prednisone.
MORE ABOUT BAXTER:
Baxter is a loyal companion who will shower you with affection. He loves nothing more than spending time with his humans, whether it’s cuddling on the couch to watch a movie or just hanging out together. He’s also a bit of a clown, sure to bring laughter to your home!
Highly trainable, Baxter knows commands like sit, lie down, shake a paw, and high five. He’s eager to please and loves car rides, travelling safely with his seatbelt. Long walks are another favourite activity, but he does best when walking solo to avoid pulling (he’s very strong!) or getting overly excited when encountering larger dogs. With some redirection and treats, he is managing these moments better and better.
We are committed to supporting Baxter’s continued improvement with more appropriate behaviour by offering training support to show how to best deal with any situations that may arise. Depending on your location and availability, BTRC will arrange this either in person or online with a positive reinforcement trainer.
HOW CAN I HELP:
If you think you can provide Baxter with the loving foster home he needs during this critical time, please reach out to us immediately. This special boy deserves a chance to heal and feel safe again, and we’re hopeful that someone can offer him the home he needs to do just that.
We would also be open to a foster-to-adopt placement, which means you would officially become his forever home when the time comes. With the right support, we know Baxter can thrive and finally find his happily-ever-after.
Please email info@bostonterrierrescuecanada.com if you can offer Baxter the safe haven and loving environment he needs!
Follow foster dad everywhere ✔
Keep an eye out for foster dad and alert everyone to his return ✔
Help foster dad with household chores ✔
If there is one word to describe Baxter it’s loyal. He’s his foster dad’s shadow and accompanies him wherever he goes. When he found out that dad needed to plant a new tree, Baxter got right to work – digging holes is his specialty!
Baxter also likes to take on the role of backyard security. While he thinks he’s protecting his family by patrolling the fence and those who come near, his foster dad is working on showing Baxter that they are safe and his efforts are not needed (and not always appreciated by neighbours).
Baxter’s also trying to win the award of “Best Crate Companion.” If his foster family is home, Baxter has learned to enjoy his crate time. However, when he’s left alone, his separation anxiety causes him stress. This is a work in progress and Baxter’s future family will need to continue to work on this with him – especially because Baxter will be up for adoption soon!
Foster Baxter is catching some rays in style! When it comes to warm weather, Baxter is happy to find a sunny spot to relax in. From day one in foster care, Baxter has made it clear that he loves to nap and just ‘chill.’
Another thing his foster family has learned – he’s quite the fashionista! While he knows the importance of eye protection when out in the sun, he can’t deny that he’s one handsome fella and sunglasses take his ‘cool dude’ persona up a notch!
Baxter is being fostered in Calgary, AB and is not yet ready for adoption.
BTRC alum Sasha has been spending time with foster boy Baxter, showing him the ropes. When Baxter first arrived, he was anxious when left alone and did not like his crate. We’re happy to report that he’s doing a little better. We thought this was due to the patience and commitment of his foster caregivers, who are gradually increasing the length of time Baxter is crated so he can learn to be relaxed in his safe space. Apparently, however, that’s not the only reason for the improvement!
BTRC foster Baxter was recently neutered and though he isn’t impressed with the cone, he’s loving the extra attention from his foster family. He can’t get enough of his humans and wherever they are, that’s where he wants to be.
His BT foster sister has welcomed Baxter with open paws, and while he’s excited to have a playmate, he doesn’t quite understand the concept of sharing. Baxter can be a bit possessive of his toys, so when it’s playtime, his foster family has decided that Baxter needs to enjoy toys in solitude.
When it comes to snuggling, however, Baxter enjoys company – whether it’s his foster sister or his humans! Luckily for him, everyone in his household is well-versed in cuddles and TLC, so his recovery should be a quick and sweet one. ❤
Baxter is being fostered in Calgary, AB and is not yet ready for adoption.
This handsome Boston-Frenchie mix recently joined the BTRC family. Baxter was having trouble adjusting to a change that found him spending much of the day on his own, so it was decided that he would be happier with a family who could spend more time with him. Once we get to know him better and bring his vetting up to date, we will find him just the right one!
So far, Baxter has been a polite houseguest and even aced his first meeting with a feline! Described as a “very sweet-natured” dog, Baxter is content to lounge around the house and snuggle with his humans. When taken to the pet store to buy a harness, he was a very good boy, patiently trying on five different options while being surrounded by dogs and kids.
As Baxter gets acquainted with his new digs, he plans to lay low, play with his BT foster sister and accept all the pets he can get. ❤
Baxter is being fostered in Calgary, AB and is not yet ready for adoption.
