It was a Brittany takeover at Silvershell Beach in Marion on a sunny Saturday, October 3, with temperatures reaching 67 degrees.
At the “pawty,” dozens of Brittanys in all shapes and sizes frolicked, jumping in the water, running across the sand, and playing with one another as their owners looked on. This year’s annual Beach Bash was particularly special: It celebrated the 25th anniversary of New England Brittany Rescue, the organization that connected these dogs to their families.
The Brittany, also known as the Epagneul Breton, is the smallest dog in the pointing retriever group. The Brittany was bred in the French province of the same name in the mid-1800s, quite possibly from crossing French spaniels with English Setters. They were originally bred for hunting, and their functions have been preserved.
Since the New England Brittany Rescue — an all-volunteer foster-based organization — became an official 501(c)(3) organization in 2001, it has rescued 4,500 stray, abandoned and relinquished Brittanys and other mixed breeds, according to Christine Leachman-Yee, the organization’s president, who resides in Maine. The dogs receive medical and foster care while volunteers work to find them permanent homes.
Its business address is the home of treasurer Bonnie Paiva in Marion, which also serves as the organization’s base.
Leachman-Yee has been involved with the rescue since 2004, when the group was considerably smaller. The organization primarily works with Brittanys located in New England.
“We’ve been able to expand,” Leachman-Yee said, pointing to the organization’s volunteer transport team and expanded network of foster homes. The volunteer-run transport system allows the rescue to bring Brittanys from east of the Mississippi into its network of foster homes.
Leachman-Yee said she initially became involved with Brittanys “on a whim.” She had owned dogs throughout her life and grew up with boxers. After one of her dogs died, she began looking at adoptable dogs on Petfinder, which was still relatively new then. She came across a Brittany and was immediately taken with the breed. She applied to adopt a senior Brittany in Kennebunk, Maine.
“Then I got hooked,” she said.
Leachman-Yee said many people who discover Brittanys have a similar experience.
“They are dogs that are not a golden, lab, retriever, or goldendoodle; they are not popularity-contest breeds,” she said. “But once you get to know one, you’re hooked. They are funny, smart, active, keep you on your toes, and are playful.”
The breed was originally developed as a hunting dog, and Leachman-Yee said that combination of athletic ability and an affectionate temperament is part of what makes Brittanys appealing to their owners.
“They can make that switch” between being a family dog and working in the field, she said.
“They like to please you. It makes them easy to train,” she said. “And they are good with other dogs.”
Brittanys are generally between 33 and 45 pounds, making them a medium-sized breed. They are active dogs that require both physical activity and mental stimulation. Most of New England Brittany Rescue’s adopters are in New England, although the organization occasionally places dogs outside the region, including in Pennsylvania.
Leachman-Yee said the rescue typically adopts out between 75 and 100 dogs per year. The organization is still feeling some of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, when restrictions shut down transportation networks at a time when many people were home and looking to adopt dogs.
For Leachman-Yee, the work can be difficult but is ultimately rewarding.
“Dog rescue is a very rewarding thing,” she said. “You bring these dogs in. Sometimes they are sick, sometimes they have problems. Really, it’s a privilege. It’s a privilege having them in your home and watching them grow.”
She said it is especially rewarding to watch the dogs adjust after arriving in foster care and eventually move into permanent homes. The Beach Bash offers a chance to see that process in action.
“It’s ‘wow, look at these dogs. Look at how happy they are,’” Leachman-Yee said. “It’s a testament to the resilience of dogs, moving from maybe one bad situation to a happy home.”
Joe and Mei Wiriadjaja traveled from Weymouth, Massachusetts, to the Beach Bash with their Brittany, Monroe. The couple has owned huskies, labs and other breeds in the past.
“It’s a great experience. We’ve never had a dog this close to the family,” Mei said. “They are so smart.”
In addition to rescuing dogs, New England Brittany Rescue provides breed education and resources for prospective owners and adoptive families. The organization also offers training advice and remains available to families after adoption. The nonprofit relies on donations and adoption fees to cover the costs of caring for rescued dogs. The organization notes that adoption fees often do not cover the dogs’ medical expenses.
By Laura Pedulli