Starting his journey with BTRC as a stray senior, both blind and deaf, Nelson has finally found his fairytale ending!
Nelson and his sister, Prim, a BT-Pug mix, are already fast friends. Upon meeting, they explored the yard together, went on a walk, and eventually napped nose to nose. ❤ At nine years of age, Prim is the perfect match for Nelson – a little bit of play mixed with the perfect amount of snooze.
We are so happy for Nelson and can’t wait to share more updates about this handsome boy and his forever family!
Found as a stray, we have no history about Nelson’s past, but his foster family quickly discovered that this senior boy is handsome, sweet, confident and affectionate. Nelson is vision and hearing-impaired, but with his years of experience at being a very good boy, he doesn’t need either to navigate his home or the outside world. At 28 pounds, Nelson is solid and fit, and he truly believes that age is just a number – he is nimble, agile and full of spunk!
A perfect day for Nelson includes some food, a leisurely stroll, naps and snuggles. Nelson is a confident leash walker and a sniffer extraordinaire! A gentle tightening of his leash is Nelson’s cue to anticipate a step or barrier he might not fully see. Light and shadows appear in his peripheral vision, so he is an expert detector of a warm sunny spot – his favourite napping location. Dogs are incredibly adaptable, and Nelson uses cues of touch, vibration, scent and memory to help him get around, but stairs or other hazards in the home should be blocked off for his safety. “Often, we forget he has vision and hearing impairments because he just manoeuvres around so well,” says his foster mom.
In true Boston Terrier fashion, Nelson dislikes cold and rainy weather. He loves to burrow under the covers but will gladly emerge for a treat, a cuddle or a walk. Nelson’s 10-year-old Boston Terrier foster sister has helped him become more social and playful, and they can often be found side by side or grooming each other. Nelson has been good with all the animals he has met and with people of all ages. But as a young child may not understand that a senior dog with sight and hearing limitations isn’t a good partner for rough and tumble play, a home with children 12 years and up is preferred.
Nelson arrived with itchy skin and ears, but this has improved with an all-fish diet and weekly ear cleanings. He’s received all necessary vetting, including vaccinations, heartworm testing, neuter, microchipping, a dental, lump removal, and treatment by an ophthalmologist.
As a bonus, his visits to the eye doctor have given him more confidence in the car. With smooth highway driving, he will now lie down and snooze. He’s a little less relaxed in stop and go traffic, but who doesn’t find that annoying? Nelson is well-behaved at the vet and takes eye medications like a champ! Nelson has been diagnosed with chronic keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye), a lifelong condition, and requires two medications that cost approximately $215 a month. Nelson’s adoptive family should monitor his eyes for any changes in appearance or vision.
Nelson sleeps well through the night (even better if he gets to share the bed with his humans). He’s not a fan of the crate but can be left uncrated when home alone. A cozy spot with warm blankets makes him settle in quickly. Nelson needs bathroom breaks more frequently at his age, so is best suited for a family who is home often. Nevertheless, Nelson prides himself on holding his pee for up to 5-6 hours, which is impressive for a senior dog. Nelson is an earlier riser and will tell you when he needs to go outside or wants breakfast. Afterwards, it’s often back to bed.
Nelson’s foster mom says, “He is such a sweet, gentle dog, and for everyone who has met him, it’s love at first sight. He just has a look and demeanour that you can’t help but fall in love with.” If you think Nelson might be your future sweetheart, please fill out his application form.
NELSON • NEUTERED MALE BOSTON TERRIER • 12 YEARS (APPROX) • 28 LBS • DOGS AND CATS OK • KIDS 12+ • FOSTERED IN LONDON, ON
PLEASE NOTE:
From the time applications are opened through the selection and screening process, adoptions can take approximately three weeks to finalize. IF YOU FILL OUT AN APPLICATION FORM AND DO NOT RECEIVE AN EMAIL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT – CHECK YOUR SPAM/JUNK FOLDER OR REACH OUT VIA PRIVATE MESSAGE. BTRC will respond to all applicants by email, but only those who best fit each dog’s requirements in a forever home will be contacted for an interview.
BTRC foster Nelson recently had two fatty lumps removed from his stomach. Because we know this handsome man loves to nap, we are happy that he will now be more comfortable while he snoozes. He also had a papilloma removed from his eye. Although commonly referred to as ‘eyelid’ papillomas, these benign growths can also form on the eyeball itself. While it did not bother Nelson, it was removed to prevent any future irritation that may have caused him to rub his eye.
Nelson is doing well and his only complaint is the surgery suit he is being forced to wear. Though Nelson is blind, he is adamant that a more studly camo print would have been his preferred choice. To cope, he has resorted to covering his eyes in silent protest to signify that he can’t bear the look of his fashion failure.
Nelson is being fostered in the Southwestern region of Ontario and will be ready for adoption very soon. If you want to add this distinguished senior to your family, stay tuned!
The dating scene here in Saskatchewan is slim pickins so a few of my friends encouraged me to go online. Scrolling through the BTRC dating app, I got a bit discouraged. It was full of young pups who didn’t seem ready to settle down, and weren’t fussy about whose butt they sniffed. I’ve been looking for a distinguished fella – one who knows what he wants and won’t play games (aside from tug that is).
Then it happened – a BTRC match! At first glance, I knew you were the one. Silver, blind and senior. I swiped right faster than I gobble up my supper!
Every time I look at your picture, my heart skips a beat – but my vet says that I need to be careful because of my heart murmur, so I’ve had to limit my screen time. My friends say I need to slide into your DMs, but that sounds like it might hurt and I’m not very mobile anymore. So, because I’m a traditional gal, I decided to write you this letter instead.
Nelson, we can navigate the world paw in paw, with fuzzy vision and open hearts. Will you do me the honour and be my Valentine?
Love,
Lilly
Nelson is happy that the snow is melting in his neck of the woods! Always burrowed in a bundle of blankets, Nelson emerges only for meals and snuggles. The outdoors has been reserved for a quick potty break – then right back inside and under the covers!
Nelson’s foster family says that he has an impressive ability to navigate their home even though he is hearing and vision impaired. He is more playful with his BT foster sister, Charlie, who has helped him come out of his shell. A BTRC supporter recently gifted Nelson with a calming blanket, which he happily shares. You can find Charlie under the blanket, while Nelson sleeps on top of it (and on top of Charlie). Nelson appreciates that Charlie wants to keep warm just like him and the two make a perfect blanket sandwich.
Nelson recently visited an ophthalmologist and has been taking his prescribed eye drops like a champ! Though suspected to be just fatty tissue, common in seniors, two lumps on Nelson’s belly will need further investigation: even if they are harmless lipomas, their size and position could cause him discomfort so removal may be necessary.
Nelson has proven to be a brave boy, navigating life with limited vision – first as a stray, then in his new home, and now during his vet visits. We will update once we have more information after his next appointment.
In the meantime, Nelson prefers to stay warm and cozy. ❤
BTRC foster Nelson has decided that this weekend will be dedicated to some R&R. December was a busy month for this boy – two surgeries, visits to grandpa’s house and lots of holiday festivities. He even humoured his foster parents and dressed up as a reindeer for Christmas. He is also tired of the rain which makes his potty conditions “deplorable” (Nelson’s words, not ours!).
Well, Nelson feels as though he’s been a good ol’ sport. So, today he is laying low, burrowing in some blankets and snoozing.
He says, “All those willing to snuggle are welcome to join.” ❤
Sorry I didn’t get to write to you before Christmas – life’s been a bit busy with me getting off the streets, out of a shelter and having two surgeries. I finally got the time to write you now.
You know, Santa, there was a time not long ago, that I didn’t know if you’d come visit. I didn’t have an address. Being alone on the cold streets was scary for me, especially because I’m blind. It seems like you were watching over me because I’m not alone anymore. I have a foster family who cares about me in a way that I never knew was possible. They told me this group of volunteers called BTRC helped rescue me.
Life’s been pretty awesome since I met my foster family. I have so many beds, Santa – it’s amazing! I can’t see good, but ya know what? My foster family is impressed at how well I get around. It helps that I feel comfortable exploring. My fosters have this special way about them making me feel safe – especially my foster sister. She’s a BT too and she liked me from the moment she met me – I could tell. I think I can really get used to this thing called unconditional love. ❤
Santa, I gotta give you credit. I thought your elves only made toys for the puppies, but your team really works magic. You gave me all the cozy beds and blankets I could ask for, so many yummy treats, a foster sister who adores me and two foster parents who are the best snugglers ever. I don’t know how you did it, but man am I grateful.
I know New Years is coming and I gotta make a resolution. I’m keeping things simple. I want to cherish every day because I’ve learned you don’t know what each day brings. (But I have a feeling that BTRC is gonna try and make my days pretty darn awesome).
Your bud,
Nelson
P.S. I know Christmas just passed, but can I ask you for my Christmas wish early? Next year, can you tell my family to not dress me up? I humoured them this year because they were so excited, but honestly, I’m gettin’ kinda old for dress up.
Nelson had a full day at the vet on December 12, and came through his neuter and dental with flying colours!
Nelson’s age is in the double digits, so you might wonder why we would worry about neutering him now. One of Nelson’s testicles was grossly enlarged and hormonal changes also caused swelling of his prostate. If left untreated, this could lead to complications with urination, constipation, cyst formation, and infection.
Nelson’s mouth also needed attention. There were clear signs of dental disease and gingivitis. He had an epulis on each side of his mouth. An epulis is a mass that is caused by chronic inflammation of the gum tissue. Age, genetics, poor dental care, and trauma to the gums from chewing hard objects or teeth rubbing against the gums are all potential causes.
Anesthesia at any age is never without risk, so it was essential to carefully weigh the risks against the benefits of both procedures. Nelson had pre-op bloodwork to make sure nothing indicated that proceeding would be unsafe. A board-certified surgeon could do both procedures at the same time, so Nelson would only need to be put under once. Since both issues were causing pain and discomfort and could lead to further health problems, it was decided to proceed.
When he returned home last evening, Nelson was a bit groggy but happy to suck up extra cuddles and attention. He did have four teeth removed as well, so he’s on some pain meds. Foster mom reports that he takes his pills without any issue (which is always a bonus!) and seems to be feeling much better already.
Nelson came to BTRC as a shelter transfer. This blind senior was found as a stray and no one came to claim him. We are happy to report that Nelson is now safe and living in comfort at his foster home.
Newly arrived, we are still getting to know Nelson, but he already has some rave reviews! We have been told that he gets along well with his foster sister, walks politely on a leash and takes his eye drops like a champ. In true Boston form, he burrows himself under the blankets at bedtime and doesn’t stir until morning. Then, after a brief potty break, back to bed he goes!
He also also has great sun-detection skills and will seek out any beam, no matter how small. Where there is sun, there is Nelson laying belly up.
Nelson is being fostered in the Southwestern region of Ontario and is not yet ready to be considered for adoption.
