The June Bug Spirit Award

June Bug - enjoying the simple pleasures of being a dog in a great family

A new award to be presented annually to the terrier judged to display the most improvement in social behavior. $500 will be given to Memory of Monroe Scottie Rescue in the winner’s name. The recipient will be announced at our Rescue Reunion on September 18, 2010.

What’s a June Bug and why does she have an award named after her?

June Bug is a 10 year-old Scottie female living in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. She was rescued from a puppy mill in Arkansas by Tracey Edwards and, through Memory of Monroe Scottie Rescue, and was adopted by her family in April, 2001. Bob and Paula drove down to Arkansas to pick her up.

June Bug was so small, but beautiful. She was filled with fear, but her eyes gave away a bright spirit hiding deep inside. She had never worn a collar and had no idea what she was supposed to do on a leash. She made not one sound for nearly three days, until she met Otis, our elderly Scottie male. A tiny grrrr came out and we knew she had a voice. She now talks to us all the time and is quite the watch dog. She loves to play like a puppy and loves her squeaker toys, making them interact with each other much like a little girl having a tea party. She loves Otis: rounding him up to go outside; bopping him with her nose to get his attention; and just kind of being a little bully bitch. She’s the Alpha dog in the house!

Though lots of work and patience, it has been a gratifying experience watching her improve: from just coming out of her crate on her own to having full run of the house; from being terrified that we were going to hurt her to demanding that someone to play with her; from cowering in fear when touched to love being scratched and petted and loving to snuggle behind Bob’s knees on the couch.

We often wonder what kind of person could deny her that spirit. We feel blessed that she shares that spirit with us. That’s why she deserves an award named after her. And that’s why Bob and Paula recognize the work of Jan Seeger and all who volunteer for Memory of Monroe Scottie Rescue.

Applications were mailed to adoptive families who adopted a dog from Memory of Monroe Scottie Rescue, where the dog came from an abusive situation or a puppy mill.

How do I nominate my rescue dog? What are the qualifications?

1 – The terrier candidate can be of any age, but must have been rescued from a

puppy mill or an abusive home.

2 – The candidate will have displayed a lack or loss of social interaction with

people and other dogs.

3 – The candidate will have displayed characteristics of extreme caution,

anxiety and/or fear.

4 – The successful candidate will be judged to have shown the greatest

improvement: in social interaction: with people and other animals in

overcoming fear; in extending trust and affection; and in discovering or

recovering the joy and spirit of life.

5 – If your nominee is not chosen, you may nominate your terrier again next

year.

6 -- The rescue dog must be currently residing in its original adoptive home at the

time of the award.

7 - The rescue dog must have been adopted out by Memory of Monroe Scottie Rescue

Using these guidelines, please submit a written story telling us why your terrier should win the “June Bug Spirit Award” by September 11, 2010 to: