We are Southern Cross Boston Terrier Rescue, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing dogs from shelters & individuals in Tennessee, Kentucky & Indiana and finding them permanent homes.

We strive to educate the public as to the importance of spaying/neutering and heartworm prevention.

We provide foster care and rehabilitation for abused/neglected dogs to provide them with the opportunity to successfully adapt to a new home.

Milla and Peggy

I would like to share a story that was sent to us by an adopter. This is a great story and we thank you Nick, Tricia, Peggy and especially Milla.

"Hi, I've got a story about Milla that you might find interesting. She was staying with Tricia's parents for a few days last week. Tricia's mom had some burning in her chest in the morning but just thought it was the flu so she went about her day. That night as she slept, Milla was acting weird and woke her up at 2am. When she woke up, the pain in her chest had gotten a lot worse. They rushed her to the hospital where she had a heart attack.

It was a tough couple of days, but Tricia's mom is doing better now. What's interesting is that, as you probably know, time is of the essence when it comes to a heart attack. Milla waking her up may or may not have saved her life. At the very least it prevented tissue damage. I did some research online and apparently some dogs can smell or somehow detect heart attacks and a few other medical conditions like epileptic seizures and possibly diabetic episodes.

Milla is our little life saving doggie.

Nick and Tricia Baumhardt (Sophie and Milla too)

This is the story of one amazing little boy who had more fight and will to live than can be described. Unfortunately on Apri 6, 2009 Amos lost his fight.

An e-mail went out to several rescuers on March 21 that this little guy was in the Harlan, KY shelter and needed immediate medical attention.He was brought in by a Good Samaritan who found him lying curled around a dead opossum, obviously for warmth and security. He was estimated to be 6 - 8 months old. He had a prolapsed rectum that was extremely bad.

With the help of many people we got him to Kingsport, TN where he was seen at the emergency clinic. It was determined that he could make the trip to us in Nashville so once more with the help of wonderful people Amos was on the road again. Our Vice President Wyndi met the transport and picked Amos up. He was taken to Belle Forest Animal Hospital where they did surgery to fix the rectum. He then went back home with Wyndi, but the next day started with vomiting and diarrhea. Amos went back to the hospital for some tests. It was then that we received the bad news that he had Parvo.

This little guy had such a light in his eyes and a will to live that we were determined to fight right along with him as long as he wanted to try. He was treated for the Parvo and kept in isolation, with loving care he was tended to by the wonderful staff. He survived the Parvo, but was still having some bad days with vomiting. Through more testing the Veterinarian discovered the the bowels where backing up. We decided along with the doctor to try surgery to see if there was anything that could be done. When the doctor got inside it was discovered that all of Amos' insides were inflamed. Amos did not wake up from the surgery.

I personally, and we as a rescue would like to extend our gratitude and heart felt thanks to those who touched Amos' life and let him know love and compassion in his final days. This sweet little baby touched us all to the very core of our hearts. A special thank you to Wyndi, Sherry, Tina, Sue, and all the staff at Belle Forest for the care you gave Amos, the love you gave Amos and the tears you shed over Amos.

Amos you were very much loved in the short time we had you. Now that you have reached the Rainbow Bridge go romp and play like the beautiful puppy you are!

Linda Stuerzenberger (President) and all the members of Southern Cross BTR

Amos as he came into the shelter (Harlan, KY)

Amos snuggling with Wyndi at the clinic

Amos gets a bath

Amos with Wyndi and his bear

Amos with "Mom" Wyndi's kiss on forhead

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We would like to thank those who have so generously donated to Amos' medical bills. The total bill was $2,745.00, after the a discount and generous donation from Belle Forest. Names will be added as donations come in.

THANK YOU

Belle Forest Animal Hospital
Darlene Barnes
Kimber Hampton
Shela Walton
Hazel Taylor
Wyndi Harp
Steve & Anita Rich
Helen Gregory
Sherry Snider
Rosy Norfleet
Linda Stuerzenberger
Monica Good
Jo Ann Henslee
Bill Citelli
Mary Moss
Dave and Donna Scanlon