Home > Out of the Cage! > February/March 2005 > New York Breed Rescue Network (NYBRN): American Bullmastiff Association Rescue Service: Proactive, Efficient, and Saving Lives

New York Breed Rescue Network (NYBRN)

American Bullmastiff Association Rescue Service: Proactive, Efficient, and Saving Lives

For nearly 30 years American Bullmastiff Association Rescue Service (ABARS) has been finding homes for orphaned Bullmastiffs across the country. ABARS operates under its parent breed club, the American Bullmastiff Association, which provides some of the group's funding.

Andrea Kelly, a volunteer with ABARS in the NYC metropolitan area and "mom" to five Bullmastiffs and several cats, tells us that the breed was originally developed to work alongside an English estate's gamekeeper, fearlessly guarding the grounds against poachers. Many of the traits originally encouraged in the breed are still apparent today. "These dogs tend to be extremely loyal and closely bonded to their family and friends," she says. "They are calm, generally quiet, and usually gentle, but their protective instincts are sharply honed, and they can be formidable guardians." Andrea cautions that Bullmastiffs are not appropriate for every household. "It is extremely important for them to be carefully placed by people experienced with the breed," she explains.

ABARS' local chapter operates in NYC's five boroughs, Long Island, New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and southern New York State. While they make every effort to care for the dogs in the immediate area, sometimes sheer numbers force them to transport local rescues to other parts of the country. Each dog remains in foster care until an appropriate permanent home is found. ABARS maintains a network of 75 foster homes nationwide.

Like most breed rescue organizations, ABARS limits its activities to its chosen breed. ABARS has an experienced volunteer personally identify and evaluate any potential intake that appears to be a Bullmastiff. "It can be difficult to recognize the differences between the various Mastiff-type breeds, and poorly bred Bullmastiffs can sometimes bear little resemblance to the more classic type," explains Andrea. In order to help as many dogs as possible, the group's breed identification parameters, she says, tend to be somewhat "elastic."

Bullmastiffs in need of new homes come to ABARS from a variety of sources, including owner surrenders, strays from the streets, found tied to trees, or rescued from junkyards. And they also come from AC&C shelters. "When we take a dog from one of the AC&C shelters, we do so with the understanding that it frees up a space for another needy animal that does not have the support of a strong breed rescue behind it," Andrea explains.

ABARS locates adopters in much the same way as other rescue groups — through web sites and adoption events. However, through its association with its national breed club, ABARS employs additional means that have proved extremely effective in securing adoptive homes. For example, volunteers raise awareness (and funds) within the national breed organization, at dog shows and working trials held across the country. "Many breeders suggest a rescue dog as an alternative to a spot on a long waiting list for a puppy," explains Andrea. She says that the best recruiters for new adopters are well-placed, happy adopted dogs and their families.

Elaborating on the support provided by ABARS' parent breed club, Andrea explained that the American Bullmastiff Association maintains an active committee that addresses health issues within the breed, and provides funding for research studies in an effort to improve the health of Bullmastiffs — an important aspect relating to rescue since many dogs are surrendered for health reasons.

ABARS' New York coordinator, Janell Granier (who also is the Director of Programs for the Mayor's Alliance) was instrumental in ABARS' joining the Alliance. Andrea says ABARS' participation with rescue groups sharing the same goals will give it a strong base with which to help dogs in the shelter system, as well as better opportunities to publicize its efforts. "Having an active, effective liaison among the shelters and our rescue group has been very helpful to our organization," she says, "and our relationships with the various NYC shelters has improved dramatically."

Describing the benefits of being a member of the NY Breed Rescue Network, Andrea explains that, apart from the obvious improvements in the process of moving dogs out of the shelter system and into foster care, being part of the network has helped ABARS in several ways. For example, the Alliance has sponsored or participated in numerous special events that have brought attention and, perhaps more important, media coverage to the breed rescue process. "These events have provided a wonderful forum for the exchange of ideas among representatives of the rescue community."

Andrea feels that by having a pro-active, well-organized rescue program in place, ABARS can respond quickly and effectively when there is a Bullmastiff in need. A key to the group's success is its volunteers. "Our volunteers are dedicated to the breed. They work tirelessly to help any Bullmastiff in need, anywhere in the country. We have an active network for identification, transport, and foster care, and a generous collection of veterinarians that provide us with low-cost medical care for our rescue dogs," says Andrea. Volunteers also conduct home checks and thorough investigations before adoptions are finalized. They also provide ongoing mentoring services to adoptive families.

In addition to ABARS' volunteers, Andrea acknowledged Virginia Rowland, ABARS' national director, who has been helping Bullmastiffs for more than 20 years. "She has been the driving force behind what is now a well-organized, smoothly functioning rescue system," says Andrea.

For a related article, see "Brandy – Not Someone Else's Dog," this month's Success Story written by Andrea Kelly.

Click here to learn more about American Bullmastiff Association Rescue Service.

The New York Breed Rescue Network (NYBRN) is a sub-coalition of groups within the Mayor's Alliance who have chosen to concentrate on the placement of purebred (or nearly pure) dogs and cats. These groups view puppy mills, pet shops, and irresponsible breeders as the problem, and believe that by combining efforts toward a common goal, they will make a real difference. For a list of NYBRN member groups and links to their web sites, click here.