Where Are They Now?
Hear Some Of Our Success Stories

If you have adopted a Boykin from BSR and have a Success Story to share, please email bsr@boykinrescue.org and tell us your story. We'll be glad to post it here for others to read how wonderful it is to adopt a Rescue Boykin.

Jake and I are a family you know. It's just he and I living together. He keeps me such great company and let me tell you, he is extremely loyal and extremely protective. I feel much safer living alone with him. He really loves Scott and My family, but even gets protective over me when they are around too. He's just great. Thanks for helping me get him. I'll stay in touch. Hope all is well. Casey Crowell 3/12/2008

Dear Friends, Here is an update on Coco, who came to live in Jackson, MS, via foster parents Tanya and Brian Hilleary in September of 2000. My family has had Boykin Spaniels since the early 1980s, and when it was time for me to adopt a forever friend, BSR came through with flying colors (in shades of brown, of course!). Coco told me right away that she'd prefer to be called Beezus, and that she would like to ride in the car whenever possible. She has been my sidekick and travel buddy ever since! Her favorite activities include scrubbing her head on the furniture and rugs, eating cookies, and hiking on mountain trails in North Carolina. She has grayed over the years, but has enjoyed a new joie de vivre since moving to Salt Lake City to live with me and her new dad in August of 2005. "Dad" is taken with her and agrees that Beezus is the BEST little brown dog this side of the Mississippi (or anywhere for that matter), bar none. She is a treasured member of our small family! Many thanks, Kathleen and Jim Strickland 3/23/2006

We were lucky enough to be selected to adopt a rescued Boykin by the name of Emmie. She is a precious, loving addition to our family of pets. I work with Emmie’s foster Mom, Miriam Duren. Miriam knew that I was looking for a “lap dog” as a companion. I recently went through a serious illness and wanted a companion dog that would be content with that roll. We adopted a puppy, and love her dearly, but Jill turned out to be anything but a lap dog.
After Emmie had been with Miriam for a couple of weeks, I had the opportunity to meet her. She was everything I wanted in a dog and more but I was concerned about having Emmie and Jill in addition to my college-age son’s dog, a rescued Sheltie/Corgi mix named Jack.
But Emmie just kept tugging at my heart and I finally decided to proceed with the application to adopt. Emmie came to our home for a visit to see how she would do with the rest of our pet-family. Like the Princess she is, Emmie was perfectly behaved and got along famously with our Jill and even made tentative friends with the old man of the house, Jack.
It has been several weeks now since Emmie came to live in our home. She is just a love and exactly what I needed in a companion. Although Emmie is crate trained and willingly goes in whenever I ask her to, she most often spends her nights at the foot of my bed or, when my husband is out of town, she makes use of his half.
She is such a sweet, loving dog. She and Jill have become fast friends and will lie together, play together, and groom each other.

(That’s Emmie and Jill in the photo sitting in their favorite chair.)
Having three dogs in the house can be interesting but they have such different personalities I can’t imagine being without any of them. Jack has become Poppa Jack, who minds the girls to makes sure they are not getting out of hand, and will take part in a romp as long as it isn’t too boisterous. Baby Jill (actually the largest of the three) is still all puppy and is constantly “busy”, needing lots of toys and activity to make her happy. And Miss Emmie, the lady of the house, who is content to sit or lie near her humans and gets plenty of belly rubs.
We greatly appreciate the service the Boykin Spaniel Rescue provides and the effort they go to in matching the rescues and their new families. Without them, we’d never have found our Princess, Emmie. Deborah Brumfield, Thomasville, GA 12/15/05

Six years ago, we fell in love with a boykin named Sam. He was up for adoption and we immediately knew we wanted him. During his initial physical, a lump was found on his upper shoulder, and the Boykin Rescue asked if we still wanted him. We decided we did, and our daughter brought him home from the mountains for us. He had surgery and the lump was not cancer, so he became a part of our family; my husband and I just fell in love with Sam. He slept on our bed and wherever we were, Sam was right there. He did tricks, and he just had a funny personality, almost as if he was a person. We are so glad we adopted Sam, he was very special. Unfortunately, in June 2004, he was diagnosed with malignant melanoma, and we lost him last night, Sept.27,2005, he was almost 14. He had to be put to sleep-the cancer was too bad to try to continue on. Right up to the end, he did his best to wag his tail--he was always ready to greet us when we got home, and it was a very sad day for both of us. We are so fortunate to have had such a special little guy in our lives for 6 years--they are very special dogs, and we hope to get another one through the Boykin Rescue. Marilyn and Jerry Colvin Charleston, SC 10/11/05

Well, I feel it is about time I sent a letter to my foster parents, Paula and Graham, to let them know how well I am doing and what I have been up to. I have been in Canada for over one year now and what a year it has been. My mom and dad, Nancy and Paul have really been taking good care of me. We go to the cottage every weekend and I get to chase the squirrels and chipmunks, along with the birds and this really keeps me busy. When we drive up I get to stick my head out the window and catch the fresh air, but boy its cold in the winter time when I do it. I've even had frost on my whiskers. I still love to play catch with my tennis balls and you can't believe how hard it is to find the tennis ball in a snow bank and when you do find it, its frozen solid. In the winter time I get to go out on the ice and in the summer I'm busy swimming. All of this activity certainly makes me tired at the end of the day and that's when the best thing happens, I let my mom and dad share "my" bed with me. I'm usually the one in the middle, trying to stretch out and get comfortable. Sleeping is great but I love the early morning when it is my job to make sure they wake up and get out of bed. My routine is to jump all over both of them, deliver wet kisses and sneeze in any ear I can find. It's amazing how effective my approach is. Everywhere I go people ask what type of dog I am. They have never seen one like me before and I sure get a lot of attention. My mom and dad are very proud of me and can't thank the Boykin Spaniel Rescue Group enough for making me available to them. Parker McGrath(BSR Ambassadog to Canada)7/9/05

We have a very special success story that we would like to share. We adopted a precious little fellow named Charley in March of 2003. His foster mother, Paula Lawrence, told us he was sweet, but we didn’t have any idea that his gentle soul would change us forever. She also told us he had an eye injury in his right eye that left him blind. We secretly wondered if we really wanted a dog with only one eye. Why not wait on one that was “perfect”? Thankfully, we adopted Charley and were so blessed by his presence in our home. After he got over being homesick for Paula and after a few tiffs with his new brother Roo (our 11 year old Boykin), Charley settled right into our family. Last month, he started losing weight and did not have an appetite. We took him to the vet and the blood work showed a bad infection. He got the medical attention he needed and we headed back home. Charley continued to lose weight. He wasn’t the same Charley he had been. The old Charley was so full of life. His tail was always vigorously wagging. He wanted to please us more than anything else in the world. He had an adorable habit of “nursing” a blanket that he carried everywhere with him. He would always jump on our legs and “hug” us no matter how many times we tried to break him of that. Charley loved chasing birds and squirrels and went nowhere any slower than full speed. That was all changing. He ate only to please us after we begged him. He wouldn’t play Frisbee anymore, but would just watch it fall to the ground. He could barely go, much less run at full speed. After consulting the vet, we decided that exploratory surgery was the only answer to find out what was making our sweet boy sick. He went into surgery on June 10, 2005. The vet called and told us that he found a large tumor in Charley’s abdomen and that cancer was also in his intestines, lymph nodes and two other organs. After assuring us that the most humane decision we could make was to let him go, we gave permission for Charley to be put to sleep. We brought our precious Charley home and buried him under a weeping willow tree in our backyard. Why is this a success story? It is a success story for us. We learned so much from that little dog. He was blind in his right eye, but it never slowed him down. Before he came to us he had also been attacked by a pack of wild dogs and a wound in his neck required surgery to repair. He had scars on his back from being drug across the highway by these same dogs. Charley overcame every obstacle he ever faced. He was a survivor. Even when ravaged with cancer, he tried his best to eat, to run, to play, and to make us happy. The last time we ever saw him, he was wagging his little nub, more slowly than he used to, but it was wagging. Charley had a rough life, which could be seen from all the scars his little body bore. Even so, he always was kind, sweet, accepting, happy, and most of all, he was forgiving. He forgave all of the wrongs that had been done to him in his little life and went right on loving life and everyone around him. What a lesson to learn from a little dog. He taught us that we should make the most of life. He taught us how to concentrate on the good in the world. Most of all, he taught us how to forgive and still trust in the kindness of others. We miss our beautiful, little Charley, but we were so blessed to have had him in our lives.
Patricia Price 6/17/05

Hello, I am Willie the marina dog! (A black Boykin?)

My mom Pawley was found wandering and was picked up as a stray near Charleston SC. Beth Bair ended up being her foster mom. Well Pawley had a mess of puppies on August 28th and I was one of them. My foster mom Beth hand raised us all until Linda and Steven Tully of Beaufort, SC adopted me.

Now I am four months old, 23#’s and have lost a couple of my puppy teeth. I sleep in a wonderful bedroom each night with Linda and Steven and have my own cozy bed/crate. In the Morning I wake up and chase Augie and Mia the other two critters in the house. Cats – they have sharp claws you know. After the chase, I eat then hop into Steven’s truck (the back seat) and it is off to work we go. I sleep, chase pigeons, greet customers, and generally take the place over. The customers love me and sneak me treats all the time. It is a good thing I like to swim because we have fallen off the dock twice and got to practice the doggie paddle. On occasion I am forced to go fishing or to the island camp or hunting and get all muddy, when I get home Linda make me get into the sink or tub for the full body wash/massage. Ahhh life is good. On Tuesday evenings we have been going to puppy obedience class with some other dog buddies of mine. I am the best cutest there. The teachers pet of sorts. I am a good sitter and lay down when told and stay when they are watching me and even learned to roll over for food. When I am six months old we are going to visit the veterinarian and get some more treats and they will fix me? Sounds ok to me... Then it’s off to big dog school where I get to chase real ducks, Yahoo.

Yes life is good in the Low Country.

Respectfully Begging,

Willie (Sometimes wet Willie) the Marina dog and Steven and Linda Tully.12/17/03

I wanted to give an update on Buster Brown, who my wife and I adopted back in the beginning of March. First of all I would like to give my sincere thanks to the wonderful volunteers we delt with in back in Charleston, SC, when we adopted Buster. Jane Lunn and Tessa Burns were such a great help in our adoption with Buster. Buster was Jane's first foster boykin and she spoiled him rotten. She was so unbelievably accomadating, always willing to give advice and offering to "babysit" any chance she got. Buster definitely stole our hearts from the beginning and hasn't stopped there. His teeth are now sparkling white, much different from the black they were when Jane first picked him up. He is a very handsome boy, and everyone who meets him always comments on his looks. Buster has bonded well with his older sister, our little maltese. He absolutely loves the water and can't get enough of it at the beach or the lake. Since our move up to Chattanooga, TN, in May we have shown him off every chance we get. Due to some chewing habits Buster recently had to undergo surgery to remove a piece of plastic from a toy that he was unable to pass. By the time his stay at the vet was over he had won over everyone in the office. He didn't miss a beat after the surgery and is his same old loving self. Some pictures are attached to place on the site if possible. Thanks again.
Brian and Kelly Weatherby and Buster Brown 07/16/03

Hi -- I've attached a picture of Lily -- who I think is the first Bokin rescued by BSR. I thought you might like to put this on the WEB site. She's a very happy couch potato/huntress in Asheville, N.C.
Keep up the good work! Cathy Mitchell & Lily 04/17/03

Wanted to take a moment to share with you how Hunter is doing. It's been 9 months now and I believe he has finally begun to understand that we are his new family.

Fortunately, he and our 11 year old Boykin, Grayson, still get along very well together (I was just reading about Cocoa). We never did get him to obedience training at Waterdogs (too expensive with Marc being out of work), but have spent some time with him ourselves.

He still howls when left in his crate (and now Grayson howls with him)... but we've sorta grown used to it, and they usually just do it when we leave them to go out somewhere. When we're home, we usually let them roam around the house and he'll follow either my husband or me around. He likes to chew on his doggie bed and pull the stuffing out, so we've thrown it away but at least he leaves our son's stuffed animals alone now (unless he wants attention, which isn't too often).

This morning, Grayson opened the gate (again), and both dogs were out of the backyard. When we discovered it, I went to the front of the house and saw both dogs (on the sidewalk) about 4-5 houses down the street. My husband Marc whistled and Grayson looked up and ran right over to him. Hunter, however, kept sniffing the mailbox and ignored me, working his way nonchalantly in my direction. After calling him for a minute or so, I decided I didn't want to run and chase him down (he usually runs in the other direction when I run towards him) so I turned back up my drive way to get my car to see if I could pick him up (he loves car rides). So I called his name one more time and started running away from him towards my house, and he looked up and came running to me and we entered the house together! I was so excited. My husband Marc couldn't believe it. Progress has been made!

So just wanted to let you know that he is settling in and I am very grateful to have him. I love his energy and he has become quite affectionate with the family. He still chases our cat, and can be stubborn and pig-headed at times, but oh what a sweetie.

I keep checking the BSR website to see what's happening out there in the world of Boykins. I'd love another one, but my husband says NO, so we'll stay as is for the time being. So please encourage folks who have adopted older dogs to hang in there initially. Things do improve! Kathie Battillo & Hunter 02/28/03

I first would like to thank Miriam Norman. She was such a help with Levi. We flew him to Kentucky from Florida. Which we all were never nervous. But he made it safely. He is such a joy. My other half Jim has had Boykins before but I haven't, so I had no idea what I was in for. But I do now. He hasn't left my side since he has been home. He is so fun. The lovingest dog I have ever seen. He wants your affection all the time and I don't work so I enjoy it allday everyday. The Boykin Spaniel Rescue is a great way for anyone to find just the right dog. Levi is sure the right dog for us and he is going to love his new home. Thank you SOOO much for everything you all did for us and helping us get Levi home. Melissa and Jim Priest in Kentucky - 10/01/02

Just a short note to let you know that Warf, now Worf, is doing very well. After several weeks of co-existing with our Basset-blend Bosco, they are now the best of friends. Worf's enthusiasm and wonderful temperament are always a surprise. He likes to throw his chew bone across the room and pounce on it. I can't help but wonder why he hadn't found a good home before, but that has permitted him to join our family. He's much more responsive than our previous three Boykins. He's a great joy and says HI to Bill. We recently had some workers at our home and one had a large red truck which Worf attempted to jump in, so he hasn't forgotten his foster family! Helen & Ed Morgan - 09/12/02

Just wanted to say thanks to BSR. I adopted Moe on Memorial Day in Charleston. He is doing well. We went to the beach in FLA for a week and he loved the water, couldn't keep him out of it. He crazy about tennis balls and frizbees, and destroys them in a matter of minutes. His next trip is to Cleveland and Lake Erie for a week. Can't wait to watch him in the water again. Thank you to all who helped me adopt MOE. I'll eventually send pictures. Ron Marchant & Moe

Roger (my husband) and I adopted Cocoa on Thanksgiving Day. We drove for 8 hours on Thanksgiving to Millidgesville, Georgia from Benson, NC to pick up Cocoa. It was four longs down to Millidgesville. However, the time on the trip back went quickly. We brought Megan, our 13 year old Boykin, with us on our trip. She immediately liked Cocoa. Megan's best friend of 12 years had just died and she was extremely lonely. We also picked up one of Cocoa's puppies for my sister and her husband. Their dog had just died (Megan's best friend). Cocoa did great on the ride back home and as you can see from the picture has settled in very well. She enjoys going up to Lake Norman with us. Cocoa is an expert swimmer and she loves retrieiving. We are so happy to have Cocoa with us and so is Megan! Boykin Spaniels make the best family members of any breed available. They are very loving and extremely loyal. Anyone thinking about adopting a new family member should definitely consider a Boykin Spaniel!! Teresa Langdon & Cocoa 04/11/02

Update on Cocoa - This is my second success story about Cocoa. When she first came to live with us, she didn't respond to voice commands. Almost one year later, no one can believe how well behaved she is and how quickly she responds to commands. Everyone loves her. Cocoa and Megan walked with their Mom and Dad in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk this year. All the walkers were asking about Cocoa and Megan. They always stand out where ever they go. We once again used this opportunity to tell everyone about Boykin Rescue and the wonderful companions available. Cocoa is an absolute angel and we love her so much and she loves us!! Teresa Langdon & Cocoa 10/22/02

Beau is doing super!! He is getting lots of love, and returning it many times over. I still have a dozen or so pictures on my roll of film from the opening pheasent weekend, so I am yet to get the pictures of him developed, I can't wait to see how they turn out. The weather has been very nice as of late. This weekend, we went to my cabin on the lake, Beau was in heaven, he was running in the water and playing in the weeds, he was having a blast. I think Beau's potential as a hunter is very high, I have been talking with Pam Kadlec about sending Beau to hunting school for a couple of months in the spring/summer...I really think he could be good, he has the drive and determination that's for sure. But everything is well, real well, I think soon he may miss the warm weather as it begins to get cold, but he has adjusted to house great. We absolutely adore him, what a blessing! Nick Garry & Beau 11/05/01

Just a note to let you know that Baxter is doing wonderfully with his adoptive family. He walked with his friend Megan and her "Mama" in the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation Research Walk and was the hit of the show. Everyone loves Baxter. He is Mr. Personality. Baxter used this opportunity to tell everyone that he had been adopted from the Boykin Spaniel Rescue and urged others to check out the web site for dogs just like him for adoption. I wish you could see Baxter's face in the picture below but at least you can see that he is healthy and happy. Teresa Langdon & Baxter (and friend Megan) 10/29/01

"I would like to thank Christy Whitlock--not sure how to reach her to thank her for helping me get "Allie" last year.

I had been visiting your site for over six months and bugging her for a dog. I felt somewhat that my living in an apartment and working full time was a detriment to my getting a Boykin. (However, there were never as many Boykins available then as there are now--wish I could adopt them all!)

I received Allie via air travel on St. Patrick's Day, 2000. It was quite an adventure for both of us. (Northwest Airlines treated her like a "queen". They called me two hours early from our airport to inform me she was here. (Hardly ever does a flight get into Sioux Falls on time much less early--makes me think they put her on an earlier flight from Minneapolis.) When I got to the "baggage" building, she and no one else were in sight. I saw an old telephone (really old, an old-fashioned dial phone) and dialed a number that was just taped on the counter. This got me to the Northwest Airline Ticket counter in the terminal. Yes, Allie was there. I had to go there to get her. They did not let her stay alone--just took her with them. Yes, she was still in her kennel, but there with all the workers.

It took us awhile to get to know each other, of course. Whoever had her, trained her very well. She is such a good dog--actually she is my baby--I don't really think of her as a dog. She sees the vet regularly. (I truly never pictured myself as an old lady dog person, but guess what--I am. She is spoiled, I guess, but she spoils me, too.) Yes, I still work full time (but not for long; I can retire soon) but she has the run of the apartment. I am in a complex of about ten 6-to-8 apartment buildings at least two yard lengths apart. Because she lives inside, going "outside" is quite an adventure. We don't hurry unless it is 20 degrees below zero! There are pocket gophers all over--their holes are everywhere and we must investigate each hole whenever we go out! (Helps me get some exercise--we don't go fast--she does sometimes. However--she can drag me off, whenever she sees gophers, birds or rabbits she goes for it!.) We have large fir trees and other trees that house many little birds. She even stands on her two feet to look--even in the snow. It is so cute that I took pictures and carry them in my wallet.

No one could get a better welcome than I do when I get home (from work or anywhere--needless to say, she doesn't know how long I've been gone). (Another thing, I hate to leave her, so work and church are the only times I leave her--otherwise she is with me, or I don't go.)

When she first got here, I had a large kennel I put her in--she got more and more reluctant to go in there--even had to "pull" her in and use treats. So, I finally got brave enough to leave her and she does just fine. Food and water are available. But she waits for me to get home to eat or drink. Rarely does she have an "accident" which is so cool and appreciated. She "talks" to me. She lets me know when she has to go "outside". During the day, she often barks at the door. But at night (yes, she sleeps on the bed with me, on her back, which I never knew larger dogs did) she "woofs" ever so quietly as if she knows NOT to make a loud noise at night. Lately, she is beginning to "talk" to me by making sounds. I ask her if she has to go out and she will run to the door. (See how smart she is.)

Anyway, I just wanted Boykin Rescue to know how much I appreciate my Boykin. This is MY very first dog--as a family, you know the dogs always belong to the men and children. Also, I wanted you to know that we have bonded well and she is well taken care of.

Thanks again & God bless all of you and the babies. Hope you find homes for them all." - Barbara Constant & Allie 09/08/01

"I wanted to let you know that Hunter, our boykin that you helped us with at Christmas, is doing very well. My nervousness and difficulty adjusting proved to be needless. Each month he has been with us, he has gotten calmer and sweeter – I guess finally realizing that this was going to be his permanent home. He is a real character and has a very distinctive and playful personality. He and my other dog get along fine. He loves to run and swim and follows me everywhere. I am crazy about him and he seems to be very happy, relaxed and at home. Thanks again for all of your help. I just wanted you to know that he is OK and doing great! He is a true gem." - Mary Adams Bacon & Hunter 8/16/01

"I can't begin to tell you how perfect this dog is...and perfect for me. She has bonded and adjusted so well; we're still introducing new adventures, but she seems to take each quite well. We've gone walking and done errands and met human and dog friends. She's found her favorite spot...on the couch or just anywhere I am. One reason I wanted to get her now is because I'm off for two weeks, and we will have a chance to adjust before workshop begins. Early yesterday morning I was running a bath, complete with bubbles, and she proceeds to hop in...three times. It's 5:30, and I'm laughing out loud. Thursday, I'm taking her to the vet to get heartworm preventative and introduce her; they are the best. Thank you so much for this opportunity, this companion, this blessing." Peggy VanDevender & Java 7/31/01

"Snickers (formerly known as "Coffee Bean") has really adjusted well. She is a wonderful dog, and we feel fortunate to have found her. She is absolutely great with my daughter. She often goes to work with me, and the guys at work all love her. The first week here she kind of picked at her food, but now she wolfs it down. I think she just needed to be somewhere awhile and get relaxed. She really is at home here now. I get a kick out of her...she loves to run and play, and we make sure she gets out and runs every day. She is fast!!! And she is one of the best retrievers I've seen. She'll chase a ball all day. She is a beautiful dog and she's so alert and interested in everything. We plan to start obedience classes with her next week. She knows sit, but that's about all right now. She sure loves people. I just wanted to let you know she's doing great, and she seems real happy. She'll be even happier in a month. My husband's 7-year-old grandson will arrive. He'll be here for two months, and he loves dogs. He'll help play with her and take her for walks, and give her lots of attention. Thanks again to you for a wonderful service. It sure is a wonderful way to get a dog, and it's nice for the dog to get someone who appreciates them." - April Hargett & Snickers 4/14/01

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