Decatur, AL

My name is Bettina Rister, and I am 27 years old. Almost 12 years ago, I purchased a Scottish Terrier from a "breeder" in Alabama. It turned out that "breeder" was what most people refer to as a "puppy miller". She was breeding about 12 different types of dogs and didn't even allow us to see the mother when we looked at the puppies. The puppy I bought that day, changed my life forever. She had tons of medical problems, red mange, allergies, thyroid deficiency, and eventually succumbed to cancer just a few short months ago at the age of 11 1/2, far too young for a Scottie to be dying. She taught me about training, she taught me patience, and she brought to my attention the need for rescue. We spent untold sums on keeping her healthy, and I often wondered what happened to her siblings had they gone to homes not as dedicated as ours were or as financially able to provide for them. It was this driving worry that prompted me to start doing rescue.

STRNA, or Scottish Terrier Rescue of North Alabama was officially formed in 1995 and has since rescued and placed or helped in placing dozens of dogs in new homes. I decided to concentrate my rescue efforts and keep myself from being overwhelmed, so I dedicated myself to Scottish Terrier rescue.

I rescued my first Scottie almost 6 years ago. She was a stray, and in terrible shape. I took her to the vet's office and she was running a very high fever. Her hair was missing from her shoulders back, she was skinny and covered in fleas and ticks. The vet's were worried that she might have distemper. It was nearly 3 weeks before she began to recover, but she pulled through very well. She now lives with her adoptive family and has a wonderful life. Her owners named her Madeleine. Since then I have rescued many more animals, not all Scotties, and found them permanent loving homes as well