Divinity was a sweet, quite, gentle little lady; a retired Therapy Dog.
December 1, 1999 to September 10, 2014
Note: The first post on Divinity’s blog is a “Sticky” and is a tribute to my beloved Miss Divinity. Divinity’s passing notice will always remain at the top of her Home Page
To read new posts, please scroll down the page.
Sincerely,
Divinity’s Dad
Molly (not her real name) ended up in a shelter because she was peeing in the house. Apparently she’d been incontinent for quite awhile, but Molly was never brought to a vet to determine the cause of the problem. Most shelters don’t have the financial resources to pay for extensive vet exams or surgery, so Old Dog Haven was asked to intervene and Molly was immediately examined by one of our vets. Two bladder stones (one quite large) were discovered. The bladder stones were causing bloody urine and a significant degree of discomfort for Molly. Thanks to Old Dog Haven Molly immediately received the surgery she needed to remove the bladder stones and she is recovering nicely in one of our foster homes.
Like Molly, many senior dogs find themselves in shelters because of incontinence. Sometimes the person surrendering the dog is honest about the issue, but more often than not the shelter isn’t told and once the dog is an actual shelter resident, determining incontinence is difficult because dog behavior often changes quite drastically in a shelter.
I mention Molly because I’d like to offer a few thoughts about the issue of incontinence in a home situation. Does your senior dog pee in the house?
Note: This is a repost from Old Dog Haven.
There are many articles available online that give detailed information that you might find helpful, but I think basically there are three main reasons for incontinence in senior dogs:
1) Physical Issues
Perhaps something is going on in your dog’s body that is causing the incontinence. Arthritis in the spine? Neurological issues? Hormonal imbalance? Urinary infections? Bladder stones? Kidney disease? Diabetes? You need to have a vet examine your dog to determine the cause of the incontinence. Should your vet rule out any underlying disease or illness as being the cause of your dog’s incontinence, he or she may decide to put your dog on medication. Many incontinence drugs that are given will help improve the tone of the muscles that hold urine in the bladder. Your vet will tell you which of these are most appropriate for your dog.
2) Emotional Issues
Stress is an often over-looked cause of incontinence because it isn’t a physical problem, but it certainly shouldn’t be ruled out in terms of a factor contributing to incontinence. Dogs process everything emotionally and if they feel stressed, their bodies can’t help but react to how they feel. Here you need to ask yourself what’s going on in your home that would be causing your dog to feel stressed. Are you spending less time with your dog? Has there been a change in family dynamics? How about a recent move? Or, perhaps there’s a new baby in the house? Have you been ill and your dog is worried about you? Is there a new dog in the house? You get the idea. Once you figure out the cause of your dog’s stress, you’ll have a better idea about how to deal with the issue.
3) Mental Issues
It’s not unusual for a dog suffering from dementia to become incontinent. Confusion, impaired thinking, and general lack of awareness contribute to a dog’s inability to control his or her bodily functions.
I could talk in depth about each one of the reasons I’ve mentioned, but all I want to do here is to ask you to address the issue as it might apply to you.
First and most importantly, please take your dog to the vet to find out whether the cause is physical. If your vet finds a physical reason for the incontinence, a course of treatment will be prescribed and hopefully you will see good results.
If the cause is emotional, your job here will be to determine what’s causing the stress contributing to the incontinence and work to eliminate the stress.
If you’re dealing with dementia, the problem of incontinence is liable to be chronic and perhaps not treatable, so you might want to look at the various products (pee pads, diapers, belly bands, etc.) available to help with the problem. If you’re an ODH foster or volunteer and you use Facebook, you might want to go to the ODH Fosters and Volunteers page and explain what’s going on with your dog and ask other people what they’ve tried and found successful.
This weeks Senior Sunday post focus’ on the SAINTS Rescue (Senior Animals in Need Today Society) in Mission, B.C. Canada.
SAINTS not only rescues senior dogs, they also rescue cats, rabbits, birds and other animals!
Note: This week’s Senior Sunday post is in memory of my beloved Maine Coon cat, Little Minx, and my two beloved horses Arthur & Colista.
SAINTS is an end-of-life sanctuary for senior and special needs animals that have nowhere else to go. We promise to love them and care for them and make their dreams come true. We work as hard as we can to find them all homes, but some will never find another home outside of SAINTS, for these special ones, we will be their family for as long as they need us.
SAINTS was started in December, 2004 after volunteers at other animal shelters saw many senior animals spending their last days in a shelter or pound. From the time we opened our doors, the number of animals in need has been astounding and ever-growing. When SAINTS moved into it’s first location it started with 16-cats, 12-dogs and 2-rabbits. SAINTS has since found it’s permanent home on 3-beautiful acres in Mission, BC with a warm and cozy home, a sturdy and well constructed barn, several outbuildings just waiting to be renovated for future use plus fields to play in and a pond to swim in… we have found a little bit of heaven on earth for our very special friends.
We are an end-of-life sanctuary for senior and special needs animals that have nowhere else to go. We provide a special place to be loved,
cherished, and receive proper medical care for the rest of their days. All animals deserve to have hope for a better tomorrow.
At various shelters throughout B.C., dedicated staff and volunteers work tirelessly to find these special animals a place to finish their journey in comfort and in love. Because of their infirmities and physical challenges, many homeless senior and special needs animals have very little chance of finding a new home.
SAINTS exists to help senior and special needs animals when all else fails. If we can, in time, find them a special home of their own, then we do. If that very special home never comes, they will be safe and cherished until the end of their days.
Note: SAINTS registered Canadian charity.
Seniors have a lot to offer, we just need to be willing to watch, listen, and learn… (Divinity’s Dad, 2012)
Note: Please share this post on your social media so that others can learn about these wonderful senior dogs. It’s the only way to spread the word about these seniors who need homes.
Here are some, but not all of the senior dogs currently available for adoption from SAINTS.
Danny is a current resident of S.A.I.N.T.S., a sanctuary for senior and special needs animals. Danny was found as a stray, likely he was either set loose to fend for himself, or he escaped his yard and no one bothered to look for him. Rabbits do not want to live in a cage, they should be a valued member of the family and be treated as such. Rabbits are social animals, they like to live inside the home, and can be trained to use a litter box.
To learn more about Danny, click the link to his SAINTS Rescue– Adoption page
Jet is a resident of S.A.I.N.T.S, a sanctuary for senior and special needs animals. She is about 7-years old. Jet came in with her friend Wiggy after their owner passed away. Jet is a big beautiful girl. She likes other cats and kids, but is unsure of dogs bigger than she is. Jet and Wiggy do not have to be adopted together. These two cats were lucky enough to be loved and cherished in their previous home and are looking for more of the same in their next (and hopefully forever) one. Jet does need another cat in the home, she adores feline company to snuggle with. S.A.I.N.T.S. recommends that you keep cats indoors, however, some cats get frustrated in an indoor-only environment and may benefit from limited outdoor exposure. Should your cat require access to the outdoors, consider building a special cat enclosure or train your cat to wear a harness and leash.
To learn more about Jet, click the link to her SAINTS Rescue– Adoption page
Wanted- One Good (foster) Home!
It is going to take someone very special to be the right fit for Yogi Bear. It could be you! Do you have – No cats, dogs, or very small kids? Do you have a lap? How about a couch? Do you have a fairly regular schedule that would allow for a dog (a really big, really cool dog) to have meals at about the same time every day? Do you live within reasonable driving distance to Mission, Abbotsford or Maple Ridge? Read on!
Yogi Bear is diabetic. He requires insulin, given once a day (his glucose levels are controlled right now on a long acting insulin, but this could potentially change in the future to needing insulin twice a day). Yogi Bear was a backyard/garage dog for his whole life (4-years), he has never known what its like to be a part of a family. He has good manners, is totally housebroken, and loves loves LOVES affection. SAINTS has a permanent foster care program available for Yogi Bear, which means we cover all his vet costs! He likes cats a little too much and can be reactive to some dogs.
To learn more about Yogi Bear, click the link to his SAINTS Rescue– Adoption page
Ella is an active 9-years old. She loves to go for walks and play fetch, and she has terrific manners as well. Ella is healthy, totally housetrained, and likes toys. Ella is also somewhat reactive, she takes a little while to warm up to people, but once friends, she is completely lovely. Ella prefers women to men, and is not a big fan of children. She does have a bite history, so SAINTS recommends no young kids in the home for this girl. Ella has a bit of prey drive too, so likely no cats either. She is fine with other friendly dogs, but if challenged, she may react. Ella is looking for a special home, her absolute best bet would be in an adult only, no other pets home, with people who enjoy daily walks but are not dog park types. Ella is very intelligent, calm, quiet, beautiful girl chocked full of personality. She just needs someone who understands her limits.
Ricki is about 9-years old. She is friendly, and very playful! Ricki loves toys, she loves to explore, she loves to perch up high. Ricki would make a great addition to any cat loving household. This is one people loving cat, she is always on the lookout for a lap to curl up in. Ricki is not particularly fond of other cats, she would prefer to be the only feline in the home, but this is not an absolute requirement. She was found as a stray, and is used to being outside, so care must be taken around doors. S.A.I.N.T.S. recommends that all cats remain indoors, or have access to a safe, enclosed patio. For more information about Ricki,
Treat is a rabbit looking for his forever home. He is a resident of S.A.I.N.T.S., a sanctuary for senior and special needs animals. Rabbits can be litter trained and can make good indoor pets, though small children may not be suitable as rabbits are not overly fond of being handled. Rabbits want to live in a safe, cage-free environment as a valued part of the family.
To learn more about Treat, click the link to his SAINTS Rescue– Adoption page
Paris’s story likely begins in a pet shop. Bought and sold with no regard for her quality of life, or life at all. Paris was probably a “release dove” used at weddings, a symbolic gesture meaning peace to humans, but a death sentence to a dove. Barbary, or Ringneck Doves such as Paris, cannot survive in the wild. They are completely domesticated, with no fear of predators, and no knowledge of naturally occurring food. They also have no homing instinct, (unlike white homing pigeons, the more humane choice of release birds) but this is not widely known. Paris was lucky, found in a garden, in a pretty residential neighbourhood, and brought to S.A.I.N.T.S. Ringneck Doves can live about 12-years. While her exact age is not known, Paris is an adult, likely between 2-5 years old. She is tame, and she can be handled easily enough to be taken in and out of her cage, while being confined safely indoors. Doves are gentle, easy birds to care for.
To learn more about Paris, click the link to her SAINTS Rescue– Adoption page
To learn about all the dogs, that SAINTS has available for adoption, click the following links:
* SAINTS Rescue – Website
* SAINTS Rescue – Facebook
* SAINTS Rescue – Twitter
* SAINTS Rescue – All Available Pets for adoption
Note: This map is presented with kind permission from Senior Pups
Click the “Brackets” on the right-side in the Map Header below to view the full-size map
I thought it would be nice to start this day with a light-hearted post.
Rollo Bear & Otto Bear are two four month old orphaned Black Bear cubs currently residing at the Appalachian Bear Rescue in Townsend, TN. Later this year, when Rollo & Otto get big and strong, they will be released back into the wild.
Here is a photo of Rollo Bear & Otto Bear enjoying some playtime before eating their breakfast.
I previously featured Appalachian Bear Rescue in a post on the rescue of Noli Bear from the Nolichucky River in September 2015.
This weeks Senior Sunday post focus’ on the Tails of Gray Rescue in Clayton, CA.
Tails of Gray is dedicated to saving the lives of innocent senior dogs left homeless for any reason, providing quality medical care and placing them into loving, responsible and permanent homes whenever possible.
Tails of Gray saves the lives of innocent senior dogs left homeless for any reason, providing quality medical care and placing them into loving, responsible and permanent homes. It is our belief that the life of each senior dog is important. EACH ONE MATTERS.
Tails of Gray is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit rescue organization that offers a safe and loving sanctuary for senior dogs regardless of breed, health or ease of placement. Our goal is to prevent needless euthanasia through the offering of shelter, adoption, foster, hospice and education.
All Tails of Gray senior dogs are spayed and neutered, micro-chipped and receive appropriate veterinary care and treatment.
Tails of Gray welcomes the unwanted and heals the sick. Those precious senior dogs who cannot be healed will spend their final days in a comfortable environment where they experience unconditional love, some for the first time.
Seniors have a lot to offer, we just need to be willing to watch, listen, and learn… (Divinity’s Dad, 2012)
Note: Please share this post on your social media so that others can learn about these wonderful senior dogs. It’s the only way to spread the word about these seniors who need homes.
Tails of Gray Rescue also sells “Paintings” made by the dogs they rescue!
To view this Senior Dog paintings, click the following link: Tails of Gray Senior Dog Art
Here are some, but not all of the senior dogs currently available for adoption from Tails of Gray Rescue.
Kevin is a sweet little guy who was picked up as a stray. He came to us scared of his own shadow but now the clown in him has come out. He spins round and round when he’s happy.
He generally gets along with all other dogs, though he can be a little bossy when feeling confident in his own space.
No matter how good he has it these days, Kevin is a big door dasher and will need a very secure yard and home. We are looking for a home without kids due to his “flight risk”. He’s only 7-lbs and we think he’s about 11-years old.
Kevin was treated with a heavy hand in the past and needs a gentle and mellow home. His confidence level has improved significantly inside the home but he needs continued reassurance when he’s out on the town. He still is pretty scared of the big world out there.
Kevin will loyally follow you around the house but is never underfoot. He loves giant belly rubs and is a sensitive softy with a very kind heart.
To learn more about Kevin, click the link to his Tails of Gray Rescue – Adoption page
Ichigo was confiscated as part of a large cruelty/neglect case in the Bay Area. Her prior living conditions were awful but she’s moved on from that and is happily enjoying the good life. Ichigo came to us with her sister Noodle and brother Coco.
She is a ~11-year old Lhaso Apso mix and about 23-lbs. She is good with other dogs and great with older kids but thinks it’s fun to chase after cats. She will do well in a home with access to the great outdoors when her family isn’t home.
Ichigo came to us with severe health issues and an immune system that has been ravaged by neglect. She’s finally reached a good level of health but will likely require close monitoring in her new home.
After years of abuse, our little big girl Ichigo is finally showing her fun side. She is a pretty easygoing girl, very affectionate and loves to be with her family. She enjoys walks/runs, sleeps through the night and has a fabulous playful side.
To learn more about Ichigo, click the link to her Tails of Gray Rescue – Adoption page
Max is our gentle giant. He was turned in to the Martinez shelter as a stray and quickly became a volunteer favorite. Everyone loves Max.
He is very affectionate, loves attention and enjoys being with his family. If you let him, he would be happy to sit on your lap.
He’s almost 100-lbs and we think he’s ~11-years old.
True to his breed, Max is a loyal and devoted boy. He will do anything for his family, and only asks for love, respect, hugs and focused attention in return. We are looking for a home for him where he can live out the rest of his time receiving the love that he so craves and deserves. He is learning to share the love with other dogs in the home, big and small. Max has health issues, including problems with his hind legs and his mobility, and all we can do is manage this through medicine and tons of love. He is happy and content. We believe there is a special home out there with a huge empty dog bed waiting for a dog just like Max.
To learn more about Max, click the link to his Tails of Gray Rescue – Adoption page
Izzy was picked up on the side of the road by Animal Services as a stray, too exhausted to move one more step. We can’t imagine this little girl having to fend for herself.
Despite a past filled with neglect, this little dog isn’t looking back and is moving forward with her tail wagging in full force. She’s very friendly, full of happy energy and has been known to be a bit of a rascal and a sock stealer!
Izzy enjoys going on walks but also loves to be carried around, enjoys showing off her special talent of walking on 2-legs for her treats. She can be a little sassy sometimes but gets along with other dogs of all sizes. She’s ~5-lbs and we think she’s about 10-years young.
Izzy will fit well into most any home. She loves her family and will be a wonderfully loyal companion.
To learn more about Izzy, click the link to her Tails of Gray Rescue – Adoption page
Graham was adopted years ago from the same shelter where he ended up as an unclaimed stray. He is the sweetest dog in the land and we’re thankful to have him in our care.
Graham is a total lap dog, loves to go on walks and is a kind hearted boy. He gets along great with other dogs and loves older kids.
We think he’s about 12-years old and he weighs 12-lbs.
Graham was likely treated with a heavy hand and is still sometimes fearful of being harmed. He’s relieved to finally learn what it’s liked to be hugged and kissed and loved on. He loves to go on adventures but is just as happy to stay snuggled under heaps of blankets at home. Graham will make a great addition to almost any home.
To learn more about Graham, click the link to his Tails of Gray Rescue – Adoption page
Heidy is one of the sweetest little girls in the land! She is a happy dog who is grateful to be alive after being surrendered to the shelter by her family. She’s settling in nicely into her foster home, soaking up the love. She hasn’t had the best of care in the past but seems to know that everything is all better for her now.
Heidy is 12-years old and 16-lbs. She gets along with other dogs and is friendly toward everyone she meets. Heidy is full of beautiful energy and even likes to play fetch. She is a sweetie pie who would do well in most any home.
To learn more about Heidy, click the link to her Tails of Gray Rescue – Adoption page
Paddy Cakes comes to us from a shelter in Southern California, and he is living in a foster home with 4 dogs and a cat. He has poodle fur placed on a dachshund body – a real “low-rider” and a very cute combination.
He is a very sweet boy, and he loves, loves, loves his food, even though he only has a couple of teeth in his mouth. He gets along fine with both large and small dogs and curls up on a cozy couch or dog bed to sleep quietly through the night. He enjoys wandering around outside and lies quietly beside his foster mom while she reads or listens to music.
Paddy Cakes is about 25-lbs and we think he’s about 12-years old. He enjoys being rubbed and patted, although he is worried about being picked up so far. Paddy Cakes will fit nicely into any home.
To learn more about Paddy Cakes, click the link to his Tails of Gray Rescue – Adoption page
Darling little Minnie was left at the shelter as a stray. Hard to believe, as she’s so tiny and vulnerable. Minnie is sweet as can be and has settled in nicely to her loving foster home. She’s grateful to be warm and cozy and is receiving much needed TLC.
Our poor girl has not had a good life. She came to the shelter pretty matted, full of fleas and is quite thin so will need a lot of groceries.
Minnie is blind but manages to navigate her way around. She’s becoming more active and even starting to be playful! Her favorite place to be is right where her family is and she would love to have someone home with her for much of the day. So far, she seems to be house trained.
Minnie is just over 6-lbs and we think she’s 14-years old.
Minnie is a gentle girl who LOVES to be pet and held. She is very calm around other dogs and is loving toward children.
The past wasn’t kind to her but it is only good things for her from here forward. All that’s missing is a doting forever family!
To learn more about Minnie, click the link to her Tails of Gray Rescue – Adoption page
Molly Pitcher had some sad days recently. Her 80-year old dad passed away and his kids came into the home, put Molly Pitcher’s mom in a senior home and gave away her two doggie companions. That left her with less than zero. The family members planned to just have Molly Pitcher put down because “she is old” but a kind rescuer saved her just in time. She reached out to us for help and we were grateful to have an empty dog bed available.
Molly Pitcher is 12-years old and about 25-lbs. She generally gets along with other dogs but thinks bothering cats is fun. Molly has a hard time going up stairs but loves to be carried.
Molly Pitcher has a large inoperable tumor on her back-end. It may or may not limit her time remaining with us, we don’t know. She’s on medication for the days where she feels a little under the weather.
She can be reactive at times and has food guarding issues that we are working on. For this reason, we are looking for an experienced, adult home for her where she may live out her time, just being loved and hugged and spoiled.
To learn more about Molly Pitcher, click the link to her Tails of Gray Rescue – Adoption page
Lucas is a kind and gentle little soul. He’s a neglected boy who ended up in the shelter as a stray. It’s only up from here for him!
He gets along with dogs and cats and loves to snuggle with his family. He is very calm and affectionate, an easy-going dog.
Lucas has a little hitch in his giddy-up but gets around fine and can do 1-2 stairs. He’s even shown a playful side with other dogs.
He is about 12-years old and 12-lbs. We are working with our vet to get him on track with his health. In the meantime, it’s all about snuggles and kisses for Lucas!
To learn more about Lucas, click the link to his Tails of Gray Rescue – Adoption page
To learn about all the dogs, that the Tails of Gray Rescue has available for adoption, click the following links:
* Tails of Gray Rescue – Website
* Tails of Gray Rescue – Facebook
* Tails of Gray Rescue – Twitter
* Tails of Gray Rescue – All Available Dogs for Adoption
Note: This map is presented with kind permission from Senior Pups
Click the “Brackets” on the right-side in the Map Header below to view the full-size map
University of Minnesota has announced the breakthrough trial of a new drug that improves survival rates in dogs diagnosed with a cancer called hemangiosarcoma (HSA). The research and results were published recently published in the journal of Molecular Cancer Therapeutics.
“This is likely the most significant advance in the treatment of canine HSA in the last three decades,” said study co-author Jaime Modiano, V.M.D., Ph.D. professor in the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and member of the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota.
Lead study author, Antonella Borgatti, D.V.M., M.S. and Copper
Canine HSA is a common, aggressive, incurable sarcoma, and is remarkably similar to angiosarcoma, which affects humans. Both cancers typically spread before diagnosis and the survival time for affected patients is extremely short, even with aggressive treatment. Only 50 percent of humans diagnosed with angiosarcoma live longer than 16 months; the prognosis for dogs with HSA is similarly dire. Less than 50 percent of dogs will survive 4 to 6 months and only about 10 percent will be alive one year after their diagnosis.
The study tested a drug called eBAT, invented by study senior author Daniel Vallera, Ph.D., professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School and Masonic Cancer Center.
“eBAT was created to specifically target tumors while causing minimal damage to the immune system. HSA is a vascular cancer, meaning it forms from blood vessels. eBAT was selected for this trial because it can simultaneously target the tumor and its vascular system,” Vallera said.
Traditional cancer treatments have side effects that can be very hard on patients. “In this trial we aimed for a sweet spot by identifying a dose of eBAT that was effective to treat the cancer, but caused no appreciable harm to the patient. Essentially we’re treating the cancer in a safer and more effective way, improving quality of life and providing a better chance at survival,” lead study author Antonella Borgatti, D.V.M., M.S., associate professor with the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine said.
eBAT was tested on 23 dogs of various breeds, both large and small, with HSA of the spleen. Dogs received three treatments of eBAT after surgery to remove the tumor and before conventional chemotherapy. The drug treatment improved the 6-month survival rate to approximately 70 percent Furthermore, five of the 23 dogs that received eBAT treatment lived more than 450 days.
Not only is that good news for dogs, it’s good news for people too. The similarities between this cancer and angiosarcoma in humans, and the fact that many other tumor types can be targeted by eBAT, make a strong case for translating this drug into clinical trials for human cancer patients. The researchers want these results to bring hope to those touched by this disease.
“This drug was invented here at the University of Minnesota, developed here, manufactured here, tested here and showed positive results here. We would also like this drug to achieve positive outcomes for humans here,” Modiano said.
“The ultimate goal for all of us is to create a world in which we no longer fear cancer,” he added.
This weeks Senior Sunday post focus’ on Rusty’s Angels Sanctuary in Phoenix, Az
We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a safe and caring environment for senior and special needs canines. Through rescue, foster, adoption, education and hospice; we create secure nurturing homes for them to live out their twilight years.
Our goal is to rescue senior and special needs canines who have been displaced from their homes. We then foster these animals until they are well enough to go to a new forever home.
Note: Rusty’s Angels Sanctuary provides unconditional love until the very end.
Seniors have a lot to offer, we just need to be willing to watch, listen, and learn… (Divinity’s Dad, 2012)
Note: Please share this post on your social media so that others can learn about these wonderful senior dogs. It’s the only way to spread the word about these seniors who need homes.
Here are some, but not all of the senior dogs currently available for adoption from Rusty’s Angels Sanctuary.
Ralph is a 12-year old Dachshund. If you are interested in making Ralph a part of your family, please fill out our adoption application or contact us for more information.
To learn more about Ralph, click the link to his Rusty’s Angels Sanctuary – Adoption page
Hello my name is Snow White. I am a 12-year old Spitz/American Eskimo. Looks can be deceiving, I only weigh about 20 lbs. I am a very calm girl who just wants an unconditional home to retire in.
My original owners thought I was around 15-years old but the amazing people here have a hard time believing that since I have done so well. I am potty trained, crate trained, leash trained and good with cats and dogs. I love daily walks but also love just watching the birds laying in the sun. I would prefer a home that is calm where I can be someone’s companion.
To learn more about Snow White, click the link to her Rusty’s Angels Sanctuary – Adoption page
Dakota is a sweet 10-year old Queensland Heeler active girl that loves dogs but especially people and her toys. She came to us very over weight and slowly with restricted diet and exercise we are getting the weight off. She recently had her exam with our vet and was given a clean bill of health so now she is looking for her new forever home.
Dakota would love a home with large dogs her size, no cats and with someone who is active and would enjoy taking her for daily walks. Dakota is kennel trained, potty trained, leash trained, never barks, loves to go in the car and is just an all around joy to be with.
To learn more about Dakota, click the link to her Rusty’s Angels Sanctuary – Adoption page
Jody is a 13-year old Dachshund/Chihuahua Mix. Jody is so very loving and loves walks and playing fetch. Jody would enjoy a calm home with other dogs.
To learn more about Jody, click the link to her Rusty’s Angels Sanctuary – Adoption page
Charlie is a 10-year old Chihuahua. More information coming soon.
To learn more about Charlie, click the link to his Rusty’s Angels Sanctuary – Adoption page
Nubby is a 14-year old Chihuahua. Nubby is so sweet and loves walks and sitting on the back of the couch. She also loves belly rubs and giving kisses. She would love a human and doggy companion to retire with.
To learn more about Nubby, click the link to her Rusty’s Angels Sanctuary – Adoption page
Bristow is the most loving boy you will ever meet and has the best manners. Bristow really loves, loves, loves people and would love a home with someone who is retired and home a lot.
Bristow wants someone who doesn’t mind me laying at their feet snoring while you watch TV but also someone who will take me for walks everyday. Bristow lived on the streets for a very long time so he wants to know that he has a safe and comfortable place to spend the rest of my life.
To learn more about Bristow, click the link to his Rusty’s Angels Sanctuary – Adoption page
To learn about all the dogs, that Rusty’s Angels Sanctuary has available for adoption, click the following links:
* Rusty’s Angels Sanctuary – Website
* Rusty’s Angels Sanctuary – Facebook
* Rusty’s Angels Sanctuary – Twitter
Note: This map is presented with kind permission from Senior Pups
Click the “Brackets” on the right-side in the Map Header below to view the full-size map
This weeks Senior Sunday post focus’ on the Young at Heart Pet Rescue in Palatine IL.
Note: In memory of my beloved Maine Coon cat, Little Minx, this week’s Senior Sunday post will include senior cats!
Young at Heart is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to saving the lives of senior pets. Young at Heart rescues 100% of our senior pets from open-door shelters, reducing the euthanasia rate for adoptable senior pets at area shelters. Young at Heart also provides community outreach to help keep senior pets out of shelters in the first place, from providing pet food to low-income food pantries, to educating the public on senior pet care, to helping other organizations network their senior pets.
Young At Heart does not have a shelter facility, but saves lives through the use of donated boarding and foster homes throughout the Chicagoland area. We have a small donated adoption centers for cats inside Best Friends Pet Care in Prairie View, IL and Petco in Lake Zurich, IL.
Note: In 2017, Young At Heart Pet Rescue will be opening Chicago’s first adoption center and sanctuary specifically for senior dogs and cats on 8-acres purchased in unincorporated Woodstock, IL!
Seniors have a lot to offer, we just need to be willing to watch, listen, and learn… (Divinity’s Dad, 2012)
Note: Please share this post on your social media so that others can learn about these wonderful senior dogs. It’s the only way to spread the word about these seniors who need homes.
Here are some, but not all of the senior dogs currently available for adoption from Young at Heart Pet Rescue.
I’m Martha, a gorgeous and sweet All-American Mutt! My adorable frosted mug will win your heart over the minute you meet me, and if that doesn’t win you over, my sweet demeanor will. I’m a healthy girl with a bit of arthritis, so I am taking daily medication to help me be more comfortable. I will need a quieter home, and love to be with you, so I would make a nice companion for someone who is home a lot.
To learn more about Martha, click the link to her Young at Heart Pet Rescue – Adoption page
My name is Tinkerbelle, and I am a social and talkative 10-year-old little girl. I would love a very quiet home with an adult or retired person where I can enjoy a relatively predictable lifestyle and where peace and quiet reign. Once I am settled into my new home, you will find that I am a happy and talkative kitty who is very social and loving. I might even do well with one other chill kitty friend.
To learn more about Tinkerbelle, click the link to her Young at Heart Pet Rescue – Adoption page
Howdy folks! I’m Murray, and if you are looking for a happy dog to bring a smile to your face, then I’m your guy! I’m a very sweet boy who is enjoys other dogs, but definitely cannot be around kitties. I’m pretty sure they taste like chicken. I am a healthy boy. The rescue is just getting to know me in my foster home, and will post more as they learn more.
To learn more about Murray, click the link to his Young at Heart Pet Rescue – Adoption page
I’m Sadie Lou, the world’s most wonderful 10+ year old pittie girl! I am sooooo sweet and absolutely adore everyone I meet. I am such a good girl that, prior to coming to Young at Heart, I was the dog that little kids got to walk at the shelter! I’m wonderful on a leash and very laid back. I’m good with other dogs and good with kitties, too! I’m house trained (but will need a little patience adjusting to your schedule at first) and am very happy snuggling up on the couch with you. I would do best in a home where someone is around a lot since that is what I was used to in my old life, and would love a home with another dog. I’m already a fast favorite here at the rescue!
I’m Ora, a 23-year old kitty. Yes, that’s not a typo, I’m really 23-years old. I am a happy and beyond sweet old gal. I’m really not too fond of other kitties, so I’d love to find a quiet home where I can just be the lone kitty who is spoiled rotten for whatever time I have left. I am looking for an adoptive home that will just let me live out my days in comfort and full of all the love I could ask for. I love my people and if I could just be in a lap all day.
To learn more about Ora, click the link to her Young at Heart Pet Rescue – Adoption page
My name is Mindee, and I am uber super duper beyond sweet!!! I am such a wonderful little girl, and I am so happy to be at Young at Heart. I am 12-years old, quiet (and sometimes a little shy). I am really good with other dogs and pretty much ignore cats. I am a healthy girl overall, but do have chronic skin issues due to allergies that Young at Heart is currently getting to the bottom of to see what exactly makes me itch. I enjoy spending my time snuggling and being petted, so if you need a buddy to keep you company, I’m your girl.
To learn more about Mindee, click the link to her Young at Heart Pet Rescue – Adoption page
I am a very sweet 9-year-old kitty. I am very mellow, love the company of my family, and enjoy a good snuggle. I am good with other kitties, good with my litterbox, and healthy, too. I would love to spend my days curled up next to you on the couch, watching the birds out your windows, and enjoying quiet Sunday mornings warming your lap while you drink your coffee. Are you my new family? I’d love to meet you!
To learn more about Milo, click the link to his Young at Heart Pet Rescue – Adoption page
I’m Lucy, and I am a very sweet and very snuggle one-eared lab mix! Yes, you read that right – one ear! I’m super unique and everyone wants to talk about me on walkies! I get to meet so many new friends! I am good with other mellow and respectful dogs, and am housetrained. I probably should not live with kitties. I love to lay my head in your lap to soak up your love, go for walks and car rides, and I loooove treats! I like kids, but also shouldn’t live with small ones since I can’t hear them coming up to me when I’m sleeping. Older kids that can remember that I cannot hear them coming would be just fine with me. I love love love to be your sidekick, so I would be a great dog for someone who is home a lot – I love it! I am so very sweet and cannot wait to start my new life with you!
To learn more about Lucy, click the link to her Young at Heart Pet Rescue – Adoption page
To learn about all the dogs, that the Young at Heart Pet Rescue has available for adoption, click the following links:
* Young at Heart Pet Rescue – Website
* Young at Heart Pet Rescue – Facebook
* Young at Heart Pet Rescue – Twitter
* Young at Heart Pet Rescue – Youtube
* Young at Heart Pet Rescue – Meet Our Newest Seniors!
* Young at Heart Pet Rescue – Adopt a Dog
* Young at Heart Pet Rescue – Adopt a Cat
Note: This map is presented with kind permission from Senior Pups
Click the “Brackets” on the right-side in the Map Header below to view the full-size map
