Boykin Spaniel Health Organization, Inc.

a 501(c)(3) that strives to be the leading advocate for the well-being of Boykin Spaniels, ensuring that each dog enjoys a long, happy, and fulfilling life

[Boykin Spaniel Health Organization, Inc. @BoykinHealth]

🐾 More Than a Dog Event. A Mission.

When you attend Wiggle Butts: A Boykin Palooza on Saturday, August 1, you're doing more than spending a fun day with your dog.

You're helping support the mission of the Boykin Spaniel Health Organization—advancing research, educating owners, and providing hope to dogs and families facing serious health challenges.

Our mission is to:
📚 Educate owners with trusted, science-based information
🧬 Advance research into diseases affecting Boykin Spaniels
❤️ Provide emergency financial assistance through Kona's Legacy Fund
🤝 Build a community dedicated to improving the health and future of the breed

Every registration, every donation, every auction bid, and every conversation helps move that mission forward.

Whether you own a Boykin Spaniel or another breed, we invite you to join us for a day of education, demonstrations, fellowship, and fun.

☀️ Rain or shine! Most symposium activities are indoors, with retriever demonstrations and food trucks outdoors.

🐶 All breeds are welcome!

📅 Saturday, August 1, 2026
🕚 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

📍 Boykin Ridge Farm
(Hosted by Why Not An American Ark)
1106 Charlie Williams Road
Monroe, NC 28112

🚗 Please use this address for GPS. It will bring you directly to the symposium entrance. Do not navigate to Why Not An American Ark, as that may direct you to the petting zoo entrance instead.

��� Learn more: https://t.co/GNnuCKZ8Eg

#BoykinSpaniel #DogHealth #DogEvent #MonroeNC #BoykinHealth

[Boykin Spaniel Health Organization, Inc. @BoykinHealth]

🐾 Only a few weeks to go! 🐾
We're getting excited for the inaugural Wiggle Butts: A Boykin Palooza on Saturday, August 1 in Monroe, NC!
Join us for a fun, family-friendly day dedicated to the health and well-being of the Boykin Spaniel.
✔ Meet veterinary specialists and health organizations
✔ Browse Boykin vendors and merchandise
✔ Enjoy live retriever demonstrations (and hopefully agility! 🤞)
✔ Bid on unique silent auction items and raffle prizes
✔ Grab lunch from our food truck
✔ Let your Boykin cool off in the dog swimming pond! 🐶💦
We've also updated our website with our confirmed vendors and participants, and over the next few days we'll be adding our silent auction sponsors as donations continue to arrive.
📍 Saturday, August 1
📍 Boykin Ridge Farm / Why Not An American Ark
📍 Monroe, North Carolina
Admission is FREE!
Visit the Events page at https://t.co/oXNhq7emth for the latest schedule, vendor list, directions, and event updates.
We can't wait to see everyone there! 💙🐾

[Boykin Spaniel Health Organization, Inc. @BoykinHealth]

🎉 Two Years of BSHO
Two years ago, the Boykin Spaniel Health Organization was founded with a simple mission: to improve the health and well-being of Boykin Spaniels through education, awareness, research support, and community.
What started with one dog's journey became a commitment to every Boykin's story.
Over the past two years, we have worked alongside owners, breeders, veterinarians, researchers, volunteers, and supporters to build something that did not previously exist for the breed.
Together we have:
• Expanded IVDD education and DNA testing awareness
• Built educational resources through https://t.co/oXNhq7emth and https://t.co/LFBQ65aqeY
• Developed research collaborations with institutions including UC Davis, NC State, Texas A&M, and Auburn University
• Supported owners through Kona's Legacy Fund
• Launched new research initiatives focused on conditions affecting Boykin Spaniels
• Begun planning our first health-focused symposium for the breed
Every article published, every research conversation, every shared post, every donor, volunteer, and supporter has helped move this mission forward.
As we begin our third year, our commitment remains the same: providing trusted, science-based information and helping advance research that benefits Boykin Spaniels now and in the future.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
For every Boykin. Every home. Every story.
💙 https://t.co/OuOEzJrZTs
[email protected]
#BoykinHealth #ProtectEveryWiggle #BoykinSpaniel #CanineHealth #DogHealth

[Boykin Spaniel Health Organization, Inc. @BoykinHealth]

He looks normal… until he’s not.
This is paroxysmal dyskinesia, not a seizure.
We’re working to find answers through research — and we need your support:
https://t.co/OceBSiu12H
#BoykinHealth

[Boykin Spaniel Health Organization, Inc. @BoykinHealth]

It only takes one moment for a dog to go missing.
A microchip only works if it’s registered and up to date.
A collar with your phone number and added tracking can make all the difference.
Help keep them safe and found.
#ProtectEveryWiggle #BoykinSpaniel #DogSafety #PetSafety

[Boykin Spaniel Health Organization, Inc. @BoykinHealth]

Not all neurological symptoms in dogs are caused by the same condition.
Signs like weakness, wobbling, tremors, collapse, or difficulty walking can have very different causes. Because of this, a veterinary neurologist is often needed to determine the correct diagnosis.
If your dog develops neurological symptoms:
• Ask your veterinarian if a neurology referral may be appropriate
• Advanced diagnostics such as MRI may be needed for a full diagnosis
• Specialty care may require payment at the time of service
Planning ahead with pet insurance or emergency savings can help families access care when it matters most.
Being informed and asking questions can help you advocate for your dog.
#BoykinSpaniel #DogHealth #ProtectEveryWiggle 🐾

[Boykin Spaniel Health Organization, Inc. @BoykinHealth]

Save the Date 🐾
Wiggle Butts: A Boykin Palooza
Aug 1, 2026 • Monroe, NC
A celebration of health, fun, and community for Boykins.
Details soon at https://t.co/0j0RCXB1bq

[Boykin Spaniel Health Organization, Inc. @BoykinHealth]

New educational resource: IVDD vs IVDE

Intervertebral disc disease can be overwhelming for dog owners, especially when terms like IVDD and IVDE are used interchangeably during a stressful moment. Understanding the difference can help owners ask better questions, understand treatment options, and avoid rushed decisions driven by fear.

We’ve published a new, plain-language article that covers:
• IVDD vs IVDE terminology
• Symptoms and why timing matters
• How treatment decisions may differ
• How current veterinary research is shaping care

This resource is part of our ongoing commitment to education, science-based information, and helping owners feel more prepared when facing complex health decisions.

Read the article here:
https://t.co/3n1DibIjWi

[Boykin Spaniel Health Organization, Inc. @BoykinHealth]

‘I’ll get pet insurance later’ is the #1 thing families tell us —
and the #1 thing they wish they’d done sooner.

We just published a new pet insurance guide on the Boykin Spaniel Health Organization website — written for real pet parents, not sales brochures.

It covers:
– Why waiting often backfires
– The reality of upfront emergency costs
– How age and medical history affect coverage
– What pet insurance helps with — and what it doesn’t
– How to think through a plan that fits your budget
– A neutral way to compare plans and features (not rankings)

This isn’t about fear.
It’s about being prepared — so decisions are made with clarity, not panic.

🔗 https://t.co/s0CQKmYOof

Because advocating for your dog starts before the emergency.🐾

#BoykinSpaniel
#PetInsurance
#DogHealth
#PetParent
#ProtectEveryWiggle

[Boykin Spaniel Health Organization, Inc. @BoykinHealth]

More wiggles, more health, more hope in 2026 ✨🤎🐾
A gentle reminder to keep your pups close tonight — fireworks can be hard on our brown dogs.
Happy New Year from https://t.co/0j0RCXBz0Y 🤎🐾
#BoykinSpaniel #BoykinHealth #ProtectEveryWiggle

[Boykin Spaniel Health Organization, Inc. @BoykinHealth]

Advancing Boykin Spaniel Health Through Education, Research & Collaboration

As we close out 2025, the Boykin Spaniel Health Organization remains committed to a mission that continues to grow in importance:
providing accurate, accessible, breed-specific health education for every Boykin Spaniel owner.

This year, we expanded our Spotlight Articles and resources covering the conditions every Boykin owner — and every future owner — should understand, including IVDD, IOHC, Tethered Cord Syndrome, and the newly emerging neurological movement disorder under investigation.

Your support also strengthens our ability to:
• Collaborate on research related to spinal, orthopedic, and neurological conditions
• Provide emergency assistance to families experiencing IVDD injuries
• Offer clinical guidance and educational materials at no cost to owners
• Build a health-focused community that serves all Boykin Spaniels, regardless of registration or background

As we move into 2026, we are actively exploring opportunities to partner with additional universities and veterinary specialists to expand research, deepen our educational reach, and improve outcomes for this breed.

If your company participates in year-end charitable giving, or seeks meaningful nonprofit partnerships connected to animal health, research, or community education, we welcome your support. Contributions may be designated to General Support, Health & Research, or Kona’s Legacy, our emergency assistance fund.

Donate via Zeffy: https://t.co/mU5PMFRMXC

Thank you for helping us drive meaningful, evidence-based progress for a breed we all care about.

— Teresa Bell
President, Boykin Spaniel Health Organization

#BoykinSpaniel #BoykinHealth #ProtectEveryWiggle #GetPetInsurance #BoykinOwners

[Boykin Spaniel Health Organization, Inc. @BoykinHealth]

If you love Boykin Spaniels like we do 🤎🐾 Emmy & Jakey say hi 👋 Please share to help us reach every little brown dog🐾❤️🐾
follow @boykin_health (IG/X) and like our FB page Boykin Spaniel Health Organization— for every wiggle, every hunt, every home. #BoykinSpaniel #BoykinLove #ProtectEveryWiggle

[Boykin Spaniel Health Organization, Inc. @BoykinHealth]

Most of us recognize the early indicators of IVDD — subtle pain, stiffness, hesitation to jump, slowing on stairs. But occasionally, symptoms that look like disc disease trace back to a different spinal condition entirely.

This month, we published a case spotlight on a Boykin Spaniel named Indigo — a patient whose pain signs mirrored IVDD, yet was ultimately diagnosed with Tethered Cord Syndrome (TCS), a condition not previously documented in our breed to our knowledge.

Her trajectory underscores three critical points for clinicians, breeders, and owners:

🔹 Spinal pain can present with nuance — not all cases are disc disease
🔹 Advanced imaging, including dynamic MRI, may be needed for differentiation
🔹 Referral to a board-certified neurologist remains essential when symptoms persist

Our article includes:
• Indigo’s case story, from first symptoms through surgery and rehab
• Direct clinical explanation and warning signs from veterinary neurology
• Signs of TCS that may mimic IVDD, DM, or FCE
• Why awareness matters for early intervention and mobility outcomes in sporting breeds

📄 Read the full feature:

https://t.co/QBp85fQHVP

As always — our mission is education, supported by evidence whenever possible. Awareness leads to earlier intervention, better recovery, and healthier Boykins.

#VeterinaryMedicine #Neurology #TetheredCordSyndrome #IVDD #SpinalHealth #CanineResearch #BoykinSpaniel #ClinicalCaseDiscussion #VeterinaryEducation #Neurology

[Boykin Spaniel Health Organization, Inc. @BoykinHealth]

Thinking about a Boykin Spaniel pup? 🤎
Here are just a few things worth knowing.

They’re smart, high-energy, devoted little shadows — and they thrive with structure, health planning, and a purpose to pour themselves into. Pet insurance and DNA testing aren’t scary topics — they’re love in advance.

Protect the wiggle, protect the future.
https://t.co/oXNhq7emth

#BoykinSpaniel #BoykinPuppy #Wigglebutts #BoykinHealth #ProtectEveryWiggle

[Boykin Spaniel Health Organization, Inc. @BoykinHealth]

As Giving Tuesday winds down, we’re asking for one last bit of support for the mission that protects every Boykin’s health. 🤎🐾

Your contribution helps us:
• Expand owner education
• Support Boykin-specific research
• Provide IVDD emergency assistance
• Document emerging health issues in the breed

If you believe in healthier, longer lives for these dogs…
👉 This is the moment to help:
https://t.co/aEhTOX7rDX

Every Boykin. Every wiggle. Every hunt. Every home.
#GivingTuesday #ForEveryBoykin #BoykinSpaniel

[Boykin Spaniel Health Organization, Inc. @BoykinHealth]

Today is Giving Tuesday — a global day dedicated to supporting mission-driven organizations making meaningful impact in their communities.

At the Boykin Spaniel Health Organization, our work focuses on improving long-term health outcomes, education, and support for families who depend on this versatile working breed.

Our initiatives include:
• Expanding owner education to prevent avoidable medical crises
• Supporting Boykin-specific research to advance early detection and treatment
• Providing guidance and advocacy for families navigating complex medical decisions
• Documenting emerging health conditions that are under-recognized in the breed
��� Offering targeted IVDD emergency assistance through Kona’s Legacy

As a young nonprofit, community support plays a critical role in our ability to grow these programs and build resources that have never existed before for this breed.

If your company participates in corporate philanthropy, employee matching, or year-end charitable giving, we welcome your partnership in helping us continue this work.

👉 Donate to our Giving Tuesday campaign:
https://t.co/aEhTOX6TOp

Thank you for supporting organizations dedicated to creating healthier, more informed communities.

— Boykin Spaniel Health Organization

[Boykin Spaniel Health Organization, Inc. @BoykinHealth]

As we head into tomorrow, we wanted to share why BSHO exists — not instead of other groups in the Boykin community, but right alongside them.

There are incredible organizations saving Boykins in crisis every single day. We support them wholeheartedly — and always will.

BSHO fills a different, desperately needed role in this breed: prevention.

We focus on the work that keeps Boykin Spaniels healthy, stable, and home with the families who love them.

💛 Through owner education
Pet insurance, early warning signs, trusted veterinary guidance, and real health information Boykin owners can use.

💛 Through research and genetic understanding
Funding studies and collecting data that can reduce preventable suffering in future generations.

💛 Through emergency IVDD assistance
Helping families during one of the scariest medical crises a Boykin can face, so they don’t have to go through it alone.

💛 Through community support and advocacy
Giving owners answers, resources, and a clear voice in their dog’s care.

We believe in a future where fewer Boykins end up in crisis because owners were prepared…
and where dogs live longer, healthier lives because the community knew better and did better.

If the Boykin Spaniel has ever touched your heart, we’d be honored to be part of your Giving Tuesday tomorrow.

🤎 For every Boykin.
🏡 Every home.
📖 Every story.

🔗 Learn more or donate early:
https://t.co/aEhTOX6TOp

#GivingTuesday #BoykinSpaniel #ForEveryBoykin #BrownDogNation #BSHO #KonasLegacy

[Boykin Spaniel Health Organization, Inc. @BoykinHealth]

🤎 Giving Tuesday is almost here

Every donation — big or small — helps us protect the dogs we love.
Your support fuels research, owner education, and programs like Kona’s Legacy so families never have to face crisis alone.

This year, your generosity helps us:
• Support IVDD, IOHC, and movement-disorder research
• Educate owners to be their dog’s best advocate
• Provide emergency help for families in need
• Strengthen health resources for all Boykin Spaniels — regardless of registry status
(That’s what sets our mission apart.)

Thank you for standing with us and believing in this work.
For every wiggle. Every hunt. Every home.

Donate anytime on Zeffy (zeffy gives 100% of your gift directly to our mission https://t.co/aEhTOX6TOp

#GivingTuesday #BoykinSpaniel #BoykinHealth #KonasLegacy #BrownDogNation

[Boykin Spaniel Health Organization, Inc. @BoykinHealth]

3 days to go… 🤎🐾

We know this year has been tough for so many families — and that several wonderful organizations in our Boykin community are also asking for support right now. Truly… we understand.

But if the Boykin Spaniel has ever left pawprints on your heart, we hope you’ll consider counting us in.

Your kindness helps us build something this breed has needed for a long time — education, research, and emergency IVDD assistance through Kona’s Legacy. Together, we’re protecting Boykin Spaniels before crisis hits and keeping more families whole.

Every gift matters.
Every share matters.
Every act of generosity helps keep one more brown dog healthy, happy, and home.

🔗 Donate early:
https://t.co/aEhTOX6TOp

Thank you for believing in what we’re building — and for standing with Brown Dog Nation. 🤎🐾

#GivingTuesday #ForEveryBoykin #BrownDogNation #BSHO

[Heartworm Society @AHS_Think12]

The bad news: your dog has tested positive for heartworms. The good news: he or she CAN be treated. Veterinary parasitologist Dr. Andy Moorhead shares the lowdown in this PetMD article. https://t.co/rxkAIxBdXZ