Petfinder Post: American Bobtails and Boston Terriers

This week we look at a breed/type of cat and a breed/type of dog that can be considered fancy, but that are fairly easy to find in shelters. American Bobtail cats and Boston Terrier dogs have some features in common: a tendency to have naturally short tails, sturdy body shapes, short low-maintenance coats, and normally friendly, loyal, lovable personalities.  

The American Bobtail gene is sometimes described as a different natural mutation from the Manx or Japanese Bobtail gene. Japanese Bobtail cats may have a different gene, since the "bobtail" trait is recessive in Japan. It would be harder to prove that American Bobtails, whose "bobtail" trait is dominant, aren't just throwbacks to a Manx ancestor. The effects of the gene are similar. The cats have a chunky build and a stubby tail, can grow larger than people expect domestic cats to be, and tend to be friendly to everyone while bonding with one particular person. People who live with American Bobtails say they like to climb trees and may bring toys to you so you can throw the toy for them to chase again. However, American Bobtail cats normally have either stubby or normal tails, rather than being completely tailless. 

In some cases shelter staff know whether a shelter cat is Manx, American Bobtail, or Japanese Bobtail. Sometimes they either look at a whole litter of kittens and guess that, if some or most of the kittens are tailless, their ancestors were Manx, or just guess that chunky stump-tailed cats are Manx since that's the most popular short-tailed breed. It's all about the cats showing traits associated with a breed since, in any case, shelter cats aren't going to have kittens.

Zipcode 10101: Tulip from Houston by way of NYC 

Her web page: https://www.petfinder.com/cat/tulip-79029390/ct/rocky-hill/lears-legacy-tx2906/

There is a New-York-based organization dedicated to helping place surplus shelter cats from Houston, Texas. Tulip is one of them. Her web page indicates that she's the last of a litter to be adopted. Tulip is still a kitten and is said to be friendly and cuddly. Her adoption fee is high in New York because it includes transportation; if you can drive to Houston it might be more reasonable. As always, research the history of "out-of-town" shelter animals; the idea is benign but it's also easy for petnappers to exploit.

Zipcode 20202: Bobby from Kentucky by way of Frederick 

His web page: https://www.petfinder.com/cat/bobby-78069116/md/frederick/bourbon-county-rescue-ky395/

There is also a Frederick-based organization dedicated to helping place surplus shelter cats from Bourbon County, Kentucky. Bobby is one of those. His ancestors are believed to include Bombay cats as well as American Bobtails, so he may be less thickset than a purebred Bobtail. He is reported to have been abandoned by a human who couldn't stay in one place.

Zipcode 30303: Jesse James from Ball Ground

His web page: https://www.petfinder.com/cat/jesse-james-77884066/ga/ball-ground/semper-fi-legacy-rescue-ga1079/

There are four of these little fellows, all named after popular characters from "Western" movies. They are at the most active stage of their lives and will need another kitten to play with--why not adopt two of the brothers? 

Zipcode 10101: Apple from Manhattan 

Her web page: https://www.petfinder.com/dog/apple-78461878/ny/manhattan/social-tees-animal-rescue-foundation-ny835/

Three-year-old Apple is a mix of Boston Terrier and some other things, thought to include French Bulldog and Pug and ???. She is available as a foster pet, so you can confirm for yourself that she's as good a pet as they say she is. Despite a look that can be a phobia trigger, Boston Terriers have a history of being popular pets for children. They are strong and stubborn but normally calm, gentle, and teachable.

Zipcode 20202: Jake from Westminster 

His web page: https://www.petfinder.com/dog/jake-76659678/md/westminster/reach-out-rescue-resources-md356/

Being part Beagle gives Jake an unfair advantage over other dogs on Petfinder's Boston Terrier page. He's an older dog, but said not to know it. He is described as having a beagle personality, calm, friendly with everyone, and "wise." 

Zipcode 30303: Athena Jade from Social Circle 

Her web page: https://www.petfinder.com/dog/athena-jade-78894954/ga/social-circle/pound-puppies-n-kittens-incorporated-ga163/

Athena Jade is an extrovert dog--"super friendly" with people and fast-moving. That is why she was picked up as a street nuisance and has apparently not been claimed. If you can keep up with this type of dog, AJ might be the dog for you.