Boonie Tails

By Grace Keilbach

Welcome to your weekly dose of all things Boonie, we’re so glad you’re here! Boonie Tails is free to read but if you would like to further support our rescue efforts, click HERE to pledge your support and become a paid subscriber. For only $5 a month, you can help us save the Boonies! To all our paid subscribers, thank you for your support.

Actions speak louder than words

A few weeks ago, after a conversation about my dogs and what it’s like running Boonie Babies, someone asked me if I think my dogs love me back. If you have a dog, you know that without hesitation, my answer was yes. “But how do you know?” he then asked. Our beloved furry creatures may not verbalize their affection but, they sure do know how to show it.

Despite common belief, I never intended to be a mom of three, but when the alternative is taking them to be euthanized, you do what you have to do. First came Lottie and Nellie. Although they aren’t siblings, the two looked remarkably alike as young dogs and became a bonded pair. They could always be found together, napping, playing, or looking for treats. As months went by with zero adoption interest in them, I took them under my wing, and the three of us started doing everything together. In 2022, when we had our first and last Boonie Flight on Saipan, I made the heartbreaking decision to put them on the plane for the chance of a better life off the island. Well, there ended up not being enough space for them, and after that, I decided they were stuck with me.

Next came Tequila, another dog I really didn’t want. Tequila was found buried under the jungle foliage. She had been dumped with her mom and siblings and was just a little bigger than my hand. I was so mad at Aria when she brought them home because adoptions were at an all-time low for us. Most dogs we took in, we ended up nursing back to health and falling in love with, only for them to end up with no adoption interest, and us having to euthanize. Tequila knew her options were limited and quickly began wearing me down.

Over the years, the four of us have developed an unbreakable bond, and I can’t imagine life without them. There’s no denying my love for them (don’t get me started on how much rent we pay to have three dogs), but how do I know they love me back? It’s simple; they show me every day. From every welcome home celebrated by jumping up and down and joyful cries to our tearful goodbyes every time I leave the house. They show me by always being happy just being in the same room with me and when they run back to bed for more snuggles after breakfast. From running to hide under my legs from thunder or a housefly to wagging their tails as their eyes light up every time I say their names, they convey their love in ways far more meaningful and significant than words ever could. Actions really do speak louder than words, and dogs are the best reminder we have of this.

Buy for Boonies

Support your favorite rescue by purchasing your everyday human and dog essentials through our Amazon Store Front. We have everything listed from dog and cat food to our favorite sunscreen and facial bronzing drops. All items listed are used by us and Boonie approved. The best part? Shopping from our storefront comes at no extra cost to you, we just earn commission for recommending it. Click HERE to buy for Boonies!

Already have what you need for you and your pet? Share the love and select something from our wishlist to ship directly to our front door (A.K.A. PO Box on Saipan, no mail is directly delivered). Click HERE to see what items our rescues currently need.

Boonie of the Week

For a while, it ended up being the countertops that she would perch on. Now, she resorts to taking watch atop a table on the deck to keep an eye on the neighbor’s dogs. Because of this feline-like behavior, everyone’s pretty sure she’s actually a cat hiding in a dog’s body. When she’s not finding new ways to outdo us, Alice enjoys sitting by the fireplace until her fur is literally too hot to touch! Nearly every chance she gets, she will find a spot to cuddle up next to the glass and bake for hours; but don’t be fooled, this girl is far from lazy.

She is a beast when it comes to pulling! She is seriously the best sled dog and will go and go if you let her! Bikes, skateboards, anything with wheels, really. You name it! These rides are what I’ve found to be the best outlet for fulfilling her needs, so she no longer feels the need to find other ways. Regardless of the “Malice” part of her name, she is still a wonderful house dog. She is the last one to start barking when everyone else is excited and she has a great “off switch” when it comes to settling down.

When I first brought her home with me, I was about 12 years old, and she was a little under a year old. I had been sent pictures of potential dogs to adopt, and I couldn’t pass up her big ole bat ears. Once she was home, it did take her a long time to come out of her shell. She was always very well-behaved and never caused any problems, but she rarely chose to engage while we were out in public and would rather just watch the world go by. It wasn’t until a few months after I had been working with her that I began to see her tail wag and her head whip up for more treats. Where she used to shy away and move from her spot when other’s approached, she now flips belly-up for more love. I am so proud of how far this girl has come and can’t wait to have more adventures with her.

Have a rescued animal? Help us share the joys and feel good stories of rescue by submitting their story to us via email at [email protected]  to see them featured as ‘Boonie of The Week’! Your pet does not have to be a Boonie or a dog to qualify, just rescued. Don’t forget to include pictures and your name in your submission.

Boonie Tails is free to read. But if you liked this post, support Boonie Babies and this newsletter by pledging a monthly or annual donation. Thank you for reading and we’ll see you next week!