MEET THE TFTR BOARD MEMBERS

Hi, my name is Patty Blair. I have lived in NH most of my life except for the 10 years I spent in Nashville, TN. I grew up riding horses and my parents owned a kennel where they bred GSDs. My love for TFTs started in 1975 when I got my very first boy, Foxy. I began my TFT rescue work in 2004 when rescue was a part of the American Toy Fox Terrier Club (ATFTC) and continued until the time it became its own organization in May 2009, and have been involved with TFTR since then.  I have owned a handful of TFTs and have fostered about a dozen over the years. 

I am the Office Manager for a large commercial construction company. I am an avid New England sports fan. I also enjoy working in the yard, camping, doing ceramics, and reading books when I can find the time. My immediate family lives here in NH, but my very large, extended family is scattered across the country. My volunteer work outside of rescue includes being on the board my residential cooperative community. 

My name is Chris Chrestay and I live in Ohio.  I have a BA in Psychology and an MSEd in Counseling and have worked in the field for 33 years. I have done everything from teaching college to counseling. I am also a founding board member of Yellow Brick Place, a cancer wellness center. We provide all of our services free of charge so that involves a lot of fundraising.  I was on the founding board since the first meeting when we were a dream. I now serve as Vice President on the board of directors.  We are a 501(c)3. I was a football mom for 6 years which meant I ran what the coach didn't. I organized double practice meals, pregame meals, and game day meals. Made sure seniors had special treats on game days, etc. Organized a quarter auction to be able to fund feeding the boys and raised $5,200 on my first attempt. My daughter, Gabrielle, rescued two TFTs and that is when our love for the breed began. Although she paid for them, I say they were rescued as they were puppy milled. Pogo is disabled and was in bad shape when rescued. I helped Gabrielle fundraise to be able to get Pogo’s initial treatment. He was born with 2 broken legs and left that way for 5 months. Pogo is thriving. My first dog as a child was a TFT and I always wanted another. Now I have the love of my life, Rascal. I love the breed and want to help in the small way that I can in order to provide happy homes for TFTs and people that love them. 

You can check out Yellow Brick Place on Facebook and on the web. And I have to brag that Gabrielle managed to shut down the man's kennel from which Pogo and Roscoe came. But the Mennonite puppy mill hasn't been found. 

Hi, my name is Lorraine Dunsmore. I am a lifelong resident of Rhode Island. I am a local Real Estate Agent here, as well as in Massachusetts. I love my job, I really enjoy helping people, which is what lead me to my work in Real Estate and my work with rescue. I love all of the seasons here in New England and really enjoy getting outside enjoying nature. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, crafting, working with reclaimed wood, painting, writing, photography, and watching local sports. I love my Patriots and Red Sox! 

I am a huge animal lover. My fur babies mean the absolute world to me. My first Toy Fox Terrier Buttons came into my life about 25 years ago. He was such an amazing little guy. At five years old he had to have both eyes removed but never let that stop him or hold him back. His spirit was infectious. I totally fell in love with this breed. In his honor I rescued my Elmo and it went on from there. I am hooked! I am very happy to be a member of Toy Fox Terrier Rescue. I absolutely love that I am able to help these incredible dogs on their journey to finding happy, new lives in wonderful loving homes. Seeing the love and happiness that these amazing little pups bring to their new forever families is so incredibly rewarding. 

 Hello, my name is Patrick (Pat) Bealer and I live in Pennsylvania.  I am a forklift technician by trade, and a race car driver by hobby.  I am long known as “The Icon” in the 270cc and 600cc Micro Sprint classes, speedster and indoor TQ Racing Series.  I love auto racing and would drive just about anything with wheels and an engine.  I have been racing since the age of 13 and have achieved many championships at multiple racetracks and other prestigious races in the Northeastern United States, as well as in Florida, with the support of my wife, Kristine, and son, Zackery.  I joined TFTR in March of 2021.  I have always had a soft spot in my heart for rescues.  After losing our beloved K9 Shepherd mix, Zena, we needed more furever love in our home.  In May 2016, we rescued Micro from a Craigslist post.  He was about to be placed into a shelter.  Quickly we found the love, laughter and unique personality of TFTs.  I am so glad we did.  He made our house his home.  At times, it can be quite a comedy show.  Fast forward to today and we have a pack of four TFTs; Micro 5, Gio 6, Marty 3, and Simmon 9 with a frequent visit from grand puppy, black Shepard Maverick who also thinks he is a TFT.  I enjoy my role as a Dog Facilitator.  It is quite rewarding when doing research, making sure care and placement are a perfect match for both family and TFT rescue candidates.  Whether it be from foster family to a furever home, the reward is beyond words and has a special place in my heart.  Through the process, I have gained some great friends / TFT family.  I look forward to meeting more people and growing our community.  Thank you all for your love and dedication to making this world a better place, one TFT at a time.  I am most positive that they are more grateful than all the cuddles and kisses they could offer.