Here is the info that we found out about Bugsy on Petfinder:
Exactly one week before Christmas 2007, 4 month old Fonzi and his littermate Winnie (both then unnamed) were taken to the vet by their breeder to be killed because they had a Demodex outbreak (aka demodectic mange). This is not a life-threatening condition. Of course, it just means that one or both of the breeding pair have a genetically deficient immune system, which also means they should not ever be bred. Since these "backyard" breeders had been breeding their Bostons quite a while, they knew this. But, like most people who buy a pair of "pet-quality" male and female purebred dogs with AKC papers to generate income, the breeders didn't care about the welfare of the dogs they breed--only the $$$ from sale of puppies, puppies, puppies. So, of course, these "backyard" breeders weren't really concerned that the other puppies in the litter could have a Demodex outbreak (or NOT) at any time--only about unloading the "merchandise" before such an eventuality. But they were unable to "beat the clock" in the case of Winnie and Fonzi. The people who buy from "backyard" breeders and/or puppy mills via pet shops deserve exactly what they get because you have to have your head buried in the sand not to understand that AKC registrations don't mean anything about quality and are not even a certifiably truthful representation of a dog's lineage. The biggest value of AKC registrations is that they generate big revenues to increase the AKC "mother lode." The vet to whom Winnie and Fonzi were taken for euthanasia refused to kill them and offered to get them into a rescue if the dogs were relinquished to her. Because this saved the breeders from having to pay for euthanasia and they were able to remain anonymous, they agreed. Although Winnie and Fonzi's foster mom rarely rescues puppies, she took these two because, otherwise, they were facing imminent death. There are two types of mange: sarcoptic (the contagious version, for which a cure is permanent) and demodectic (Demodex being hereditary and not contagious) mange which may or may not have additional outbreaks after treatment. The congenital immune system disorder (Demodex) can go undetected unless the dog suffers an outbreak of mites due to distress or other illness less easily traceable to the weakened immune system. Demodex is a mite which lives at the base of the sebaceous "oil" gland (at the root of the hair follicle of dogs). A healthly immune system will keep this mite under control. When the immune system of a genetically predisposed dog is suppressed by stress or other factors, these mite populations increase, resulting in loss of hair and secondary infection. The allopathic veterinary protocol for Demodex outbreaks is generally to dip the dog with Taktic solution every 8 days to kill the mites which the immune system is inadequate to control. But, because Winnie and Fonzi were so young and tiny, the vet decided it would be better to treat their symptoms orally with a one percent solution of Ivermectin on a daily basis and monthly application of Advantage Multi topical heartworm and flea preventive. Based on her many experiences with Demodex, their foster mom decided to augment this treatment with an herbal immune system booster (Astragalus tablets) to treat the underlying cause of Demodex and possibly preclude additional occurrences during their lifetime. These smart little Bostons love the peanut butter enveloping their Astragalus so much that they promptly appear when their foster mom starts giving the dogs their medications each morning. Then they try to lick any excess peanut butter off the mouths of other dogs and off their foster mom's fingers as well. Since hormonal changes associated with reproductive cycles also weaken the immune system and increase the outbreak of mites, Winnie and Fonzi were spayed and castrated within a week of being rescued from their death sentence. With their early neutering and treatment of their demodectic mange early in their outbreak before it ravaged their entire bodies, the Demodex was completely contained in Winnie and Fonzi by the end of February 2008; and the pinkness seen on their faces in these PetFinder photos had disappeared. Continued monthly application of Advantage Multi, along with continued use of Astragalus herbal supplements, and lots Continued monthly application of Advantage Multi, along with continued use of Astragalus herbal supplements, and lots of love and babying will go a long way toward preventing stress-induced outbreaks of Demodex. Over use of steroids should be AVOIDED in all pets because of the dangers of inducing diabetes, etc. However, in a dog subject to demodectic mange, steroids should NEVER be used except in the most life-threatening emergency because suppression of the immune system will bring on a demodectic outbreak. And, of course, as proclaimed by nationally renowned veterinary immunologist Dr. Jean Dodds for several decades, over vaccination can weaken and destroy the immune system of a dog or cat and, therefore, pets should NEVER be re-vaccinated unless a titer reveals no antibodies to the disease (parvo and distemper in dogs). So, while this precaution should be followed by a responsible guardian for any pet, it is even more dangerous to arbitrarily schedule re-vaccination of a dog that is subject to Demodex unless dictated as necessary by a blood test. These two Boston Terriers were born in mid-August 2007; so they were 4 months of age when rescued the week before Christmas 2007. On 12/19/07, Winnie weighed 5.9 lbs. and Fonzi, 7.7 lbs. By 2/29/08, Winnie weighed 10 lbs. and Fonzi weighed 11.5 lbs. Boston Terriers generally range from 10 to 25 lbs. when fully grown, with some reaching 30 lbs. While Bostons closely resemble French Bulldogs physically, they are not as stout and, of course, lack the wrinkling on their faces around the muzzle. Although markings vary in Bostons, they usually look like they're wearing tuxedos with dark markings over and/or around the eyes. Since Winnie and Fonzo do not have the commonly seen "tuxedo" markings, they more closely resemble French Bulldogs than other Boston Terriers. Regardless of the fact that their breeder(s) had AKC papers on the parents, they should not be breeding dogs with any genetic defects (including predisposition to Demodex) or "pet quality" physical characteristics. Because of their short noses and short coat, Boston Terriers are extremely vulnerable to heat prostration and must be protected from extreme weather. Some may require a sweater in extremely cold weather, but most enjoy a romp when the air is cool. Because of their sensitivity to weather extremes and their reputation as escape artists, they should not be left unattended in the back yard. While it is assumed that Winnie and Fonzi will max out under 25 lbs., it is important for prospective adopters to understand that Boston Terriers are BIG DOGS IN SMALL-DOG BODIES. Bostons are full of energy and need to expend it.
Bostons usually enjoy a game of fetch and other play with human and animal companions but also enjoy curling up next to their favorite people in a relaxed moment. Lively, loving, communicative, and protective, Boston Terriers make loyal companions and excellent watchdogs. If properly socialized, they love children but, as with any dog--particularly those of the smaller ilk, should not be left unattended with babies or toddlers since judgement in these human rug rats is nonexistent. Obedience training is always recommended for bonding and safety's sake for any new canine addition to a family. Easily trained using positive reinforcement, Boston Terriers reputedly make wonderful obedience competitors.
Since they are teething, they both will need to be taught to use acceptable items for chewing...and Winnie will definitely need to be taught that shoes should not be "stolen." Winnie and Fonzi are very bonded to each other and to a sweet 4-year-old, 35-pound dog with similar physical characteristics in their foster home. They play together constantly--whether tussling or "retrieving" the same bone or toy in unison--and always nap together. Although they frequently take daytime naps in bigger dogs' beds (and especially cuddled up next to their 35 lb. buddy named Flint), they are soooooooo smart that they usually retreat to their own little bed in their own little crate at night before their foster mom even decides it is their bedtime. We rarely will consider the adoption of canine siblings to the same human family because people generally lack the time, expertise, and commitment to obedience train and house train two dogs simultaneously; however, exceptions to this policy are occasionally granted where justified. Therefore, Winnie and Fonzi probably will need to be adopted into homes where there is a resident GENTLE but active dog to play with and snuggle up to for sleeping to mitigate the stress of being separated (aka possible opportunity for Demodex outbreak). The resident dog may outweigh the Boston by 10 lbs. or even more and probably would be more suitable than a dog who weighs less than the Bostons and may be intimidated by the constant "invitation" to play with the Boston Terrier. They have had very little exposure to cats in their foster home. Their limited experience has amounted to quickly sniffing a cat placed in front of them, then retreating to the baby gate to be let out of the cat room and back into the canine area of their foster home. Although they do not have an aggressive attitude toward cats, most cats would probably feel threatened by their quick, jerky movements in expression of their exuberance with life in general. Having been vaccinated and neutered, Winnie and Fonzi are ready to join their permanent families to share life, love, fun, and happy memories for many years to come. Maintained in good health (the responsibility of guardians--not their veterinarians), Bostons usually live 12-15 years with some living as long as 18 years.
