This cute photo of BTRC foster Piper was taken during some supervised ‘cone-free time’ following her recent vulvoplasty surgery.
Piper came to BTRC with a history of urinary issues. Though these have improved significantly with a new diet, the shape of her vulva put her at risk for recurrent UTIs, which could ultimately impact her kidney health. Surgery was the best option to prevent future complications – and she handled it like a champ!
Piper was described as the perfect patient (she’s quite the charmer!). The procedure went well, and an ultrasound was performed on her bladder to rule out any abnormalities. We’re happy to report that everything looks as it should.
Always the trooper, Piper’s not fazed by her cone. She hasn’t attempted to lick her incision, and she hasn’t been showing signs of discomfort – yay for Piper!
Piper is being fostered in Calgary, AB and is not yet ready for adoption – but we promise to keep you posted!
Piper’s walking…IN water!
A few months ago, Piper had bilateral luxating patella repair and though surgery went well, and everything healed as it should have, Piper was experiencing some stiffness in her left leg and would occasionally raise her right one when walking or standing. A physiotherapy assessment noted some tightness in her back muscles, likely due to Piper not fully and equally bearing weight and overusing one leg.
Piper’s recommended treatment was a combination of laser therapy, water treadmill sessions and at-home exercises. We are happy to report that Piper’s been cooperative for all (though we have a feeling that it’s not so much the therapy she enjoys, but rather the copious amounts of attention she receives from the clinic staff and her foster parents).
After just her first water session, Piper’s physiotherapist noticed an improvement in how she used her rear legs and in her overall posture. Add on some massage and time on the vibration board, Piper feels like she will soon be labelled a ‘seasoned pro’ at physio. And now that she’s up to 12 minutes on the treadmill at the highest speed with increased water levels, that title might just be warranted!
Piper’s been keen to show off her improved mobility during her walks outside. She’s noticed lots smiles from her neighbours so she’s quite confident they can see her improvement (we won’t tell her it’s likely the adorable winter get-up she wears!).
Congrats, Piper, on a job well done! ♥
Foster dog Piper has been mingling with other Bostons to see how she might do in a home with another dog. Her first date with a lovely lady Boston didn’t spark a connection (hey, not all matches are made in heaven), but she’s been spending time with BTRC alumni Frank and Allen and seems to do better with boys.
With proper introductions, and a little time and patience, we’re now optimistic that Piper could happily coexist with the right companion – a laid-back, accepting, similarly sized male dog. And if you’re in the neighbourhood, Frank and Allen have offered to keep meeting up with Piper to share more tips on how to be a perfect pup pal!
Piper is urgently in need of a new foster placement or a foster-to-adopt home. If you’re in Calgary or the surrounding area and think your dog might be a great match, please reach out to us! You can email info@bostonterrierrescuecanada.com or send us a DM on social.
And if you’re in the neighbourhood, Frank and Allen will be happy to continue meeting up for socialization.
Not able to foster? Please help us spread the word so Piper can find a new place to call home!
Woof woof! My name is Piper, and I’m a 4-year-old Boston Terrier currently staying with my wonderful foster mom and dad. I’ve been a really good girl this year – I've mastered potty training, my commands (I’m really good at sit and lay!) and being extra cute. I’ve been dreaming of some special treats this holiday season, and I thought I’d share my wish list with you!
First, I’d love some fuzzy sweaters to keep me warm while I play in the snow here in Calgary. It’s so cold outside, and a cozy sweater will help me stay extra snug while I run around! I’d also love a fuzzy donut bed for every room of the house – sometimes I can’t decide where to nap, so it’d be perfect to have a comfy spot no matter where I am!
I’ve been learning how to play with my foster parents too, so if you could bring me my favourite Chuk It ball and Chuk It stick, I promise to share it (well, maybe just a little) with my foster parents during playtime. And of course, I wouldn’t say no to lots of Christmas doggy treats, especially the peanut butter kind – those are my absolute favourite!
Oh, and Santa Paws, my foster parents say I’ll be looking for my forever family early in the new year. I know it’ll be after Christmas when you take your well-deserved break, but maybe you could still keep me on your wish radar? A loving forever home would be the bestest gift ever!
I promise to be extra good if you can make these wishes come true!
With tail wags, face kisses and lots of love,
Piper
Piper’s journey has been a true testament to the power of rescue. Her extensive medical treatment has been a significant investment, one that not every family could afford. That’s why donations like yours are so vital. Through our Holiday Giving Tree, your support helps provide the specialized care and resources that dogs like Piper need to heal, thrive, and eventually find their forever homes. Thank you for making a difference in their lives! www.bostonterrierrescuecanada.com/giving-tree-2024
Halloween might be over, but Piper’s still in the costume spirit! Though, to be honest, she was slightly disappointed because when her foster mom called her over for some pizza, this wasn’t exactly what she had in mind.
Much like pizza, Piper is adored by many and pretty irresistible, so she’s been thinking about changing her name to Piper-oni. (Extra cheesy, of course!)
Piper is being fostered in Calgary, AB and is not ready to be considered for adoption.
BTRC foster Piper recently had bilateral patella repair and we’re happy to report that she’s back on her feet and doing well! With a grade 4 patellar luxation in both knees, Piper’s surgery was essential to maintain her mobility and relieve her constant pain.
When Piper returned home after surgery, she was understandably tired and sore. But in true Piper form, she gobbled up her supper before crashing for the evening. In the days following her procedure, Piper’s foster parents made sure she got enough rest, encouraged her to gradually bear weight on her legs and used a belly sling to support her on walks. Piper’s a determined young lady and her fortitude, coupled with her foster parents’ dedication, has yielded great results – Piper’s now walking on her own!
Piper still has some time before she can resume many of her usual activities, so while she’s taking it easy, she’s complied a list of all the things she wants to do once she’s fully healed.
And though Piper still needs to lay low, we have a feeling this spirited gal will be back to her regular routine in no time!
Cost of Piper’s surgery: $5,812.41
Piper is being fostered in Calgary, AB and is not yet ready to be considered for adoption.
BTRC Piper recently celebrated her fourth birthday – and her foster parents made sure it was a very special occasion. With an outfit to match her sass, Piper enjoyed a pupcake in style (all while getting it caught on camera by the puparazzi!).
We asked Piper what her birthday wish was and though she didn’t want to reveal her secret, we suspect is has something to do with a happily-every-after fit for the princess she is. ❤
Happy Birthday beautiful girl!
On June 14, BTRC foster Piper underwent emergency surgery to remove her left eye due to a ruptured ulcer. Extra eyelashes on both eyes were also removed as they were a likely cause of the ulcers (there was one on the right eye too which has now fully healed).
On June 26, Piper had a scheduled dental with 10 teeth extracted. X-rays taken at this time revealed patella luxation in both knees, which will require surgery, and arthritis needing long-term pain management.
On July 11, Piper had four additional eyelashes removed from her right eye due to discomfort and excessive watering.
Then, a few days ago, Piper’s left front leg was noticeably swollen, and she began limping. An ultrasound found a large blood clot in a vein with significant bacterial infection. Piper was lethargic and feverish, prompting aggressive treatment in the hospital with IV antibiotics and pain medication.
Piper experienced difficulty keeping food down, even with anti-nausea medication. Concerning bloodwork led to more IV antibiotics and fluids the next day.
Her vet visit yesterday was encouraging. Vitals are normal, and the swelling in her leg is greatly reduced. Piper was prescribed oral antibiotics and pain medication for inflammation and discomfort, with ongoing monitoring pending culture results. She has been experiencing some regurgitation and is also taking Omeprazole for gastric reflux. But the good news is that Piper can continue her recovery at home where she receives all the TLC she needs from her amazing and dedicated foster family.
Please send positive thoughts and healing vibes to brave and beautiful Piper. Everyone at the vet clinic adores her; she brightens their day with kisses whenever she visits. Despite facing so many challenges, her strength and resilience continue to shine through. ❤️
Piper is being fostered in Calgary, AB and is not yet ready for adoption.
In January, we introduced you to Piper, a young dog facing significant medical and behavioural challenges, in need of a fresh start. We reached out to our Boston Terrier community nationwide and were thrilled when a foster home was found for her. Piper’s journey from Eastern Ontario to Alberta was made possible by a compassionate volunteer driver.
Over the past months, Piper has experienced some positive developments. Her medical issues have been identified, and with the guidance of a veterinary behaviourist, her anxiety is being effectively treated.
Sadly, Piper encountered a setback typical for many Boston Terriers—a painful eye ulcer. While treating this condition, her first scheduled surgery, a dental procedure, had to be postponed. Additionally, her upcoming vulvoplasty, crucial for preventing recurrent urinary tract infections, had to be delayed.
Unfortunately, despite diligent and aggressive treatment, Piper’s eye ulcer worsened significantly. Incredibly painful and with significant irreversible vision loss, her ophthalmologist decided the best course of action was to remove the eye. During this procedure, the vet also addressed Piper’s distichiasis—extra eyelashes likely contributing to the ulcer. Although she also has an ulcer in her remaining eye, we’re optimistic it can heal.
Piper is currently recuperating in the loving environment of her dedicated foster parents. However, the unexpected costs associated with Piper’s emergency (approx. $6,000) and the estimated cost of her dental and vulvoplasty procedures (exceeding $4,000), mean our bank account has taken another big hit.
You can help by donating at https://bostonterrierrescuecanada.com/donate/
In early January, we posted about Piper, a three-year-old Boston Terrier requiring a special type of foster home. A wonderful family was found, but they were in Alberta, and Piper was in Ontario. With the help of BTRC volunteers and a kind and caring truck driver, we are excited to report that Piper has made her way to Alberta and is now getting acquainted with her new digs.
Piper has a long history of urinary tract issues that treatment to date has not resolved. Adding to Piper’s health concerns, she also has separation anxiety and can be reactive when highly stressed. Piper’s family wanted her to get the specialized medical care and behavioural training she requires and felt BTRC was her best chance to live the happy and healthy life she deserves.
Since arriving at her foster home, Piper has been an active, inquisitive and snuggly guest! A polite leash walker, she enjoys exploring the new sights and sounds. She even had a staring competition with a bunny she encountered on a walk but was startled when it hopped away. LOL
In between walks, Piper enjoys her beauty rest as most Bostons do – burrowed right under the covers. Piper has a nice set of pipes too! She will let her foster parents know when she is hungry or suspects something suspicious is happening outside (those darn squirrels are always causing trouble!).
As Piper settles in and we get to know her better, we will share updates. Thank you to everyone who cared about and shared Piper’s situation. Though her road trip has ended, her journey to a new future has just begun!
Piper is being fostered in Calgary, AB and is not yet ready for adoption.
