Zane
6/3/2024
A photo is worth a thousand words and these tell quite a story. Following from before his happy go life was turned upside down to his recovery now is progress.
Puppies will be puppies and sometimes that manifests itself as an over exuberant, awkward phase when they have little control over their ever-changing bodies. Couple that with the speed of Borzoi and when accidents happen, they happen big.
Zane, one of the young pups from the Lucky 13 Rescue in the North East, recently suffered such an unfortunate event.
click the side arrow > to see more photos
The mechanics of the accident:
Zane sustained a broken humerus bone in his left leg. A dog's humerus bone is located in the upper arm, connecting the shoulder and elbow joints. It's a long, S-shaped bone that supports the body and helps dogs move forward.
He spent the first night at the ER and was moved to an ortho facility the following day where surgery was performed to insert a plate with screws. One week after the initial surgery, the plate failed and began to separate. Further damage was done to the bone that required a second surgery with the addition of a pin and bone graphs.
Due to the location of the break, it is only supported by the plate and the pin, and he is on restricted movement for eight weeks.
The heart of the accident:
Despite being in immense pain, this sweet, gentle boy was kind to the staff of the ER where he was initially taken as well as the orthopedic facility he was taken for both surgeries. He thanked them for helping him with kisses, winning their hearts in true Borzoi fashion. He has a full life ahead of him and WILL get through this, but it will not be easy.
The costs of the accident:
$2,435.80 for initial emergency care
$12,800 for 2 surgeries after 20% discount
Ongoing costs will include: medication, additional X-rays, ortho follow up and possible plate removal after recovery.
NBRF gives many thanks to the specialty vet tech who is giving him his initial home care after his second surgery. She volunteered to help him through this first couple of weeks when he most needs an experienced watchful eye. Proof positive how much this little guy is loved! Once it’s safe for him to be moved he will go to foster care for the remainder of his recovery.
The call for help:
Zane IS expected to make a full recovery and the leg was saved, but the recovery process is going to be a long haul. And the surgeries were expensive. Very expensive.
We can do this together! Please… take a moment to access our secure PayPal account and send a few dollars NBRF’s way to help with Zane’s bills. A little or a lot, every drop in the bucket brings it closer to full!
Choose NBRF USA Rescue Efforts and add Zane to the notes section of your payment page.
No PayPal account? No problem, contact Kate Watts: katenbrf@gmail.com to make a credit card donation.
NBRF also gratefully accepts checks mailed to:
NBRF
PO Box 231
Dix, IL 62830

Roman
8/7/2024
This is not an easy share. The photos are heartbreaking and some may need to look away but this is the reality of Roman. We ask ourselves, how is this much abject neglect even possible? How was not reaching out for help sooner an option? We have no adequate answers to explain his condition.
Roman came under NBRF’s care in the first week of August. He is frail, suffering from a lengthy list of conditions. He is emaciated, HeartWorm positive, has a flea infestation, hookworms, whipworms and a skin infection. Both ears were infected to the point of him scratching them until they bled. His hind end was covered in dried feces and feces were caked in between his paws.

We are so sorry, Roman. We are sorry that you endured so much at the hands that were supposed to keep you safe and well. We are sorry that it took this long for you to get to help.Roman is just 2-3 years old and in what should be the prime of his life.
He is resilient and his desire to live and love are more powerful than his disease and condition. He is an inspiration and has much to teach us of his remarkable attitude. He has already left the past behind, recognizing the love and care he is receiving and embracing his rescue and healing.
This is why NBRF exists. We are the hands that catch them when they fall. We need our community to come together for Roman. NBRF needs your donations. Roman needs your support. Please give what you can, keep him in your heart, share his story and know that we are doing everything possible to give this boy the long, happy life he deserves.
No paypal? No problem: Contact Kate Watts katenbrf@gmail.com to donate using a credit card.
NBRF also gratefully accepts checks mailed to:
NBRF
PO Box 231
Dix, Illinois 62830
Roman/Ruslan
8/23/2024
Roman, now known as Ruslan, journeyed to the family who is fostering to adopt this special boy! And look at the difference loving, tender care has made all ready! We see hope, we see contentment, we see home!
Dear Clif and Carla, our deep gratitude for welcoming Ruslan to your pack! There is still so much love pouring in for him and we know he is in the best of hands. Thank you!




Lucky Number 13 Rescue! 5/13/2024
There’s been something afoot for a few weeks and a large scale rescue in the NorthEast is now a reality.
13 Borzoi - 8 puppies and 5 adults - are safe in their foster or foster to adopt homes as we make this announcement. The logistics of a rescue this size are daunting! Your NBRF placement team has worked non stop to make sure these Borzoi had places to land; contacting our network of approved homes, screening new homes, scheduling transport and lining up vet visits. Transport from the NorthEast to the mid West and beyond took unforeseen turns requiring quick thinking, exhausting hours on the road and vehicles full of confused hounds in need of a good cleaning.
A BIG Borzoi shout out to NBRF Team Borzoi who went into action the moment their need was known. Edna, Liz and June went above and beyond to make sure these dogs had homes to go to and got there in a timely, safe manner!
To the rescue community, new and established, who heard the call, made known their willingness to help, filled out applications and stood at the ready to open their hearts and homes to these pups in need! Thank you!
And to all those supporters who hear us now call for monetary help: we need you!! All of these dogs require spay/neuter and general veterinarian care.
This is an expensive endeavor and we are asking the community to continue to rally behind these Borzoi, ensuring that they receive a clean bill of health as each of them go on to live their Happily Ever Afters!
Please donate today.
NBRF also gratefully accepts checks mailed to:
NBRF
PO Box 231
Dix, IL 62830
Thank you!!

Maksym
Maksym was found lost and alone on the streets of Ukraine after being hit by a car. His left, front leg was broken. It is unknown how long he had been surviving on his own. His stomach was full of bones and bad food. His former human was found but he did not want him. “He is of no use to me anymore, if he comes back here I will shoot him.” It is the brutal truth of where this young boy came from.
A local rescue group - at their expense - took him through surgery and post op to repair his leg enough to ensure that he was stable to travel. His quarantine and NBRF’s presence in his life began in Poland.
It has been many months since NBRF - International first became aware of Maksym’s story and need. Circumstances beyond our control kept us on the sidelines during his surgery and post-op and his leg has not healed properly. The leg is bowed and very thick.
Maksym was welcomed to the U.S. in early March and the full extent of his medical condition is just becoming apparent. Poor quality of food and neglect has resulted in dental disease beyond what any three year old should be dealing with.
He was described by his foster family in Poland as a velcro dog who wanted the security of being near a human. The fact that he is blind may be why. Only after arriving to his U.S. foster home did this become apparent; NBRF was not informed of this condition previously. Whether from birth or the trauma of being hit by a car, it is unknown.
Maksym will be seen by an orthopedic specialist for his leg. He will also have his skull x-rayed to assess damage and be seen by an ophthalmologist for further evaluation.
Why does NBRF - International take on this responsibility? Why does Maksym matter? Because we value his life. We value all of their lives. We value their joy, their love, their smiles, their leans. We are the better for having known and loved each of them; they complete our lives.
In spite of his injuries and difficulties Maksym is a happy loving boy that constantly wags his tail and smiles, YES he is a smiler! He has the attitude of a champion, embracing life and his second chance with joy. He is our inspiration and the reason NBRF exists. After having been through hell this sweet boy deserves his Happily Ever After.
With your help, NBRF - International wants to give him just that. He deserves to experience joy and a soft touch, to give and receive unconditional love, to know that he is safe, protected and content. He deserves health and a good life and that is going to require a significant amount of money.
Please… we cannot do this alone. We are the vehicle, our supporters are the fuel. Let’s do this together, let’s change another life! Donate, share, tell his story. It matters!
Thank you.




choose International Rescue Efforts from the drop down menu
Continued...


Worth a thousand words, these most recent photos of Maksym tell a story of his inspiring resilience and the miracle that he is still alive.
There is an indent on the top of his head where his skull was caved in by the car. It has healed in place. Maksym is completely blind in one eye and can see only the difference between light and dark in the other but no clear images. There is no way to regain or improve his eyesight: it is permanent damage from the skull injury.
The leg bone that was broken is infected and there is an abscess on that leg. It is not responding well to antibiotics at this point and needs to be cultured. Physical therapy for a retracted tendon in that leg has already begun and is showing signs of improvement.
He has oral abscesses and his dental will require extractions. How many and to what extent will be determined during the surgery. He will also be neutered at that time.
This darling boy needs positive energy and light sent his way. The bone infection in particular is very concerning. With initial vet costs and transportation coming in at over $4,300 and bills for the coming dental and neuter yet to be added to that amount, he needs your financial support as well.
One look at the joy on his face, his love for life despite the difficulties he continues to experience says it all. Maksym is worth it!! He is worth doing everything we can to ensure a wonderful life!!
Please give Maksym a paw forward. A little or a lot, every dollar matters. Donate, share his story and keep the good energy coming. He still has a long road ahead.


Read more...
Maksym's dental and neuter did not go off without an issue. He had just one molar removed which was great news but the neuter was more complicated. He has 3 incision sites underneath him… One in the abdomen/groin, one in the inguinal area, as well, as one in the testicle… That was all due to looking for the missing testicle, which they never found!
The infection in Maksym's leg bone is MRSA - an antibiotic resistant infection - which is not good news. Both the infection and the treatment for it are serious. He begun an 8 week course of heavy antibiotics before having the leg cultured again. He will likely be on more medication afterward. Please keep this sweet boy in your thoughts.
Donations to help offset this priceless young boy's bills are still being gratefully accepted.

Hamlet
“Hi, my name is Hamlet!
I’m a BIG, strong, handsome boy with an irresistible sweet side. My life until this point revolved around someone I thought would be my human forever. He loved me like no other. We walked through life together: we played, we explored, we slept, side by side and I adored him. But now his health is failing and I must leave him in the care of his family.
Thank you dear human for doing everything you could to make sure that I would remain safe and loved. Thank you for calling NBRF. I am in good hands and will have another family of my own soon.
Though it’s been a bit confusing for me, I am adjusting well. I’ve been promised a wonderful next chapter in my life and I believe that to be true.
I am happy.”
Hamlet is easy going, well mannered, and oh so sweet. He loves to play (bring on the squeak toys!), go for long walks, and has impeccable house manners. At just three years young, he is at the age… of perfection. Our promise is to give him the next chapter of his happily ever after. Are you the right person/family to make that happen?
Hamlet is being fostered in the SouthEast. Secure fencing is a must. No small dogs or human littles.


The first step to adopting an NBRF Borzoi is to tell us more about yourself and what you bring to the table for a Borzoi in need by filling out an adoption application.
Starr
Chapter Three




Starr is a five year young sweet beauty of a girl being fostered in the midwest. She is very smart and eager to learn more but she needs time and patience in order to fully blossom. Her happily ever after may include a pack-mate equal to her size but human companionship makes her happiest.
No littles, either canine, human or cat.
The first step to adopting an NBRF Borzoi is to tell us more about yourself and what you bring to the table for a Borzoi in need by filling out an adoption application.
"Can you say DIVA? Because, BABY, I’M A STARR!! The QUEEN of all that I survey! Be not faint of heart darlings for if you are, you will fall under my spell.
Really, I expect so little… Do not bother me with parades out and about; the commoners are of no interest to me. A private estate without the clamor of puparazzi is much more to my liking! Large, sighthound minions to fawn over me are perfectly acceptable but not necessary. Humans and my place on a couch cushion of my choosing is primary! A girl needs her sanctuary; a place for beauty rest, and relief from the demands of life as a Diva. That is what’s important!
Do not dally, humans. Tell me more about what you bring for me! Be the chosen, the lucky, the worthy to be my family.”
Starr is a five year young sweet beauty of a girl being fostered in the midwest. She is very smart and eager to learn. She needs a human who will consistently continue her education on proper family dynamics.
Her happily ever after may include a pack-mate equal to her size but human companionship makes her happiest.
Secure fencing is a must. No littles, either canine, human or cat.
Chapter Two
"Hi it’s me, Starr, sharing highlights from foster land!! I am learning so much about living a wonderful life!! Does everyone know about couches?? I mean WOW!! they are SO COMFORTABLE!!
And I LOVE my foster sibs!! They are teaching me how to play and it is so much fun. They are very patient with me and though I’ve only got the paw stamp down we’re having a blast!
And have I mentioned? I’m a dream!! I heard it, my foster Dad said that I am a DREAM walking on lead! It was easy to learn because I always want to be near him when we’re out and about. Apparently it’s a big deal. Who knew?
I’m so happy and can’t wait for my very own forever home! There is still so much to learn and experience."
Chapter One
“I need patience and security, the safety of forever. Is your touch one of kindness? Will you stand close beside me while I gain trust?
Please to call me Starr; a name of brilliance, aspiration, guidance, and hope. I will shine brightly with your patience and security.
Change my life! Allow me to join you on your journey and teach me the joys of being welcomed home. I have lived with other Borzoi and still desire a companion. Please do not leave me alone. My fate was not predetermined!! With your help, still I rise.”
I need your kindness and stability. I want to learn confidence. Treat me gently so that I may discover trust.”
Starr is an empathic soul looking for a soft hand and a kind heart. She will learn well by the example of a companion; a stable pack-mate secure in their own right. Someone to demonstrate that life can and will be wonderful from now on.






























