The St. Louis Senior Dog Project

Buddy sees a specialist

The St. Louis Senior Dog Project is a not-for-profit dog rescue organization specializing in older dogs but taking in and finding homes for dogs of all ages and even a few cats.  See our adoptable pets at www.olderbetter.petfinder.org.

Ellen's Notes:

Buddy's foster mom describes him as "the sweetest dog I've ever known."  Since Buddy's also spent some time at my place, I can second that.

He's a sweet guy, a beautiful Shetland Sheepdog.  But he has a few problems.  And he has a mysterious but probably unhappy past.

The good samaritan who first took Buddy in found him wandering in the middle of a busy street.  He was flea and tick infested, matted, and dotted with bald spots.  She cleaned him up and treated him for fleas and ticks.  Buddy received vet care and even had his teeth cleaned.

But his problems continued. Buddy couldn't stop scratching, and his bald spots stayed bald. He also had bad hips.  Before long he was taking three different medications, eating a special (and rather expensive) diet, and receiving frequent medicated baths.  And his problems continued.

Finally, the young samaritan couldn't afford Buddy's expenses.  She asked us to take over.

We did. Buddy was slowly recovering from flea dermatitis and a fungal infection.  But he still had bald spots and itchy skin.  He still took three different pills.

Today Buddy went to see an animal skin specialist.  We found out his infections were gone, so we're probably dealing with allergies now.  He'll be eating a special venison and potato dog food -- something the specialist thinks he's most likely to tolerate.  He'll finish out the current course of medication, but then he'll switch to some new antihistamines.  He'll try one for a week, then the second, finally a third.  We'll see which one keeps him from itching the most.

And in another month or two, maybe we'll know exactly what will keep Buddy healthy and comfortable.

We don't take our dogs to specialists too often.  We can't afford it.  But if one of our dogs needs special help, we take it where it can get that help.

Buddy will never be low maintenance.  He'll always be more expensive to own that the average dog.

But he'll also always be the sweetest dog some of us have ever known.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

EllenE9466@aol.com

Frankie's Having Fun

The St. Louis Senior Dog Project is a not-for-profit dog rescue organization specializing in older dogs but taking in and finding homes for dogs of all ages and even a few cats.  See our adoptable pets at www.olderbetter.petfinder.org.

Ellen's Notes:

Looks like Frankie has found his perfect home.  He's the one on the left having a tug-of-war with his new housemate. Frankie's new name is Rudy and his friend is Winnie, a cockapoo.

Frankie was a little too active for his first foster mom, who had a housefull of geriatric dogs who huddled together to look in horror at the playful Frankie.

So Frankie came to my place and found some playmates and my sister's lap.  He proved to be a real cuddler.  Frankie, now Rudy, is having a ball in his new home.

I picked up a dog from Jefferson County Animal Control today....a nice dog about 7 to 9 yrs old.  Unfortunately, she's heartworm positive, but we can take care of that.  She's going home with Erin, her foster mom.

We have two dogs in the hospital with parvo -- Scooter the Pomeranian and Ivy the bassett/dachshund mix.  Both seem to be better and Ivy will probably be back home tomorrow.

Buddy the Sheltie will go see a skin specialist tomorrow.  We're hoping to find the solution to his itching and his bald spots

Blue the beagle is now in congestive heart failure.  We have some meds for her but don't think she's adoptable anymore.  We'll keep her as a hospice dog for as long as she's comfortable.

BooBoo the Schnauzer is back with us.  He's got some problems with diarrhea, and I think I can solve them.  (Believe me, I know a lot about dog poo.)  BooBoo's problems were too much for his former owners to handle.  I'm hoping we can find the right dog for their home. 

One thing I know for sure is that a dog that doesn't work out in one home can be the perfect dog somewhere else.

And so much for today.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

EllenE9466@aol.com

More doggy adoptions

See our adoptable dogs at www.olderbetter.petfinder.org.  The St. Louis Senior Dog Project is a not-for-profit dog rescue organization specializing in older dogs but taking in dogs of all ages and finding them new homes.

Ellen's Notes:

This weekend's adoption cover the range of reasons dogs become homeless and the variety of places we find them.

Penny (Perfect Penny) was in the Franklin County Humane Society after her owner went into a nursing home.  We don't know why it took so longer to find her a home because this little 7 plus year old girl really is perfect.  Congratulations Penny and Congratulations to Penny's new human. That's her in the picture.

Fritz came to us after his owner died.  Family friends contacted us about him.  His foster began calling him Fritz the Wonder Dog.  His new people thinks he's the greatest.

Sophie Trophy was a stray in the St. Louis City Animal Regulation Center.  I'd seen her and her picture for sevral weeks before I could find room for her at my place.  She survived six weeks in the Pound before getting out.  She's in a home now with another dog adopted from us last year.  Ranger was in need of an active playmate.

Lily the little Sheltie had an owner who didn't take good care of her and turned her over to a friend.  Our friend Laura in southeast Missouri brought her to our attention and helped get her to us. Lily is now in a home with two other Shelties. 

Frankie was a puppymill dog although this eight-month-old red miniature pinsher is only a little bit shy.  Fun-loving and playful describe him best.  He's free of the mill life now and will spend his life as a pet with a lady who adopted another dog from us earlier.  We love adopting second and third dogs to people we know.

ChiChiWaWee was a part of a Humane Society of Missouri rescue from a substandard puppymill. The HS called us about her because she needed some extra  tlc before she'd be ready for a home. We think she's in the right home and will thrive in her new life.

Now on to next week.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

EllenE9466@aol.com

Such a day

The St. Louis Senior Dog Project is a not-for-profit dog rescue organization specializing in older dogs but taking in and finding homes for dogs of all ages and even a few cats.  See our adoptable pets at www.olderbetter.petfinder.org.

Ellen's Notes:

Another rollercoaster day.

My morning was peaceful.  I took my own dogs on a romp through a lavender- and- honey- colored field just down the road from my home. I would travel quite a distance for such a sight, for such an experience.

Lily the little sheltie (picture) bounced back from her surgery and found both appetite and energy.  She'll go to her new home Sunday. Then in a few weeks we'll treat her heartworm disease.  She'll be fine. 

Sophie Trophie will go to her new home Sunday too.  She visited her future home today to see if she and the current dog would accept each other.  They did.  Sophie was wise enough to crawl into her new "mom's" lap and give her a kiss.

So we already have a good start on our adoption weekend. Fritz and Penny are two others who will make their adoptions official.

And I've received calls from people about some of the dogs who will be at tomorrow's adoption event.

All that is good.

And I received some good emails too.  Jaynee sent this picture of Penny (now Maggie Mae), who was adopted three years ago.  Note the manicured nails.

I also learned that Pedro the shih tzu and Joey the toy fox terrier are doing well in their new homes.

But then tonight I learned that one of our puppymill rescues has parvo, and we must worry about several other dogs in the same foster home.  We're treating the sick dog and hoping this disease won't infect any others. The week ahead could be rough.

Puppies are fun, but they're fragile.

Why can't they just be fun?

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog

EllenE9466@aolcom

Meet Armani

The St. Louis Senior Dog Project is a not-for-profit dog rescue organization specializing in older dogs but taking in and finding homs for dogs of all ages and even a few cats.  See our adoptable pets at www.olderbetter.petinder.org.

Ellen's Notes:

Armani is an elegant Italian Greyhound.  He's a youngster who doesn't know how lucky he is to have escaped the puppymill life.

He's still afraid.  He hides in the corner and runs away if I approach him.  After a few minutes, however, he will hunker down and let me pick him up.  I can hold him awhile, but I can tell he's not comfortable with me yet.

So far he hasn't gone to any adoption events, but I'm thinking about taking him Saturday.  I know he'll be scared but maybe just maybe he'll meet someone special, someone who will win his heart and help him become a regular dog.

It happens all the time.  We see it happen.  We hear from people who tell us how it happened with their dog, how their terrified puppymill rescue gradually describe the way their former scardy dog now  greets them happily at the door.

Armani isn't there yet.  But give him time.  He can do it.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

EllenE9466@aol.com

Picking a lucky dog

St. Louis Senior Dog Project is a not-for-profit dog rescue organiation specializing in older dogs but taking in dogs of all ages and a few cats and finding them new homes. See our adoptable pets at www.olderbetter.petfinder.org.

Ellen's Notes:

Erin needs a new foster dog now that Penny has found a home.  So Erin's been checking out female dogs at several shelters and thinks she's spotted one or two that might work for her.  So it looks like I'll be visiting Jefferson  County Animal Control tomorrow.

This is when it's fun.  Someone is ready for a new foster dog, and all we have to do is pick the lucky dog.

It's not always fun, though.  I've heard from several dog owners wanting me to take their dogs from them. One is just tired of his 13-year-old dog.  Another is going into a nursing home.  Still another says she is losing her home and needs to do something about her two dogs.

I receive emails from all over the sate -- even sometimes across the country. Sometimes it makes me crazy -- or some would say crazier.

But at least one dog will get lucky soon.  More than one because I'll also be taking that 10 year old dog abandoned at the boarding facility.

And I had other calls today from people looking for dogs. Who knows where all that will lead.

Ellen Ellidk

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

EllenE9466@aol.com

Getting Ready

The St. Louis Senior Dog Project is a dog rescue organization specializing in older dogs but taking in dogs and a few cats of all ages and finding them new homes.  See our adoptable dogs at www.olderbetter.petfinder.org.

Ellen's Notes:

We're always getting ready for something.

Every week we're getting ready for another adoption event.

Our artists and crafters are getting ready for the 9 to 5 Spring Arts and Crafts Show at the South County YMCA April 4 and 4.  This is one of several fundraisers we have scheduled for this year.  The picture (not a dog for a change) is of some purses that will be for sale.

I'm getting ready for a new dog that will probably arrive next week -- the border collie mix I showed you yesterday.  Yes, I couldn't resist.

We got the two 7-year-old yorkies out of St. Louis County.  Last I heard, they'd both settled onto laps in one of our foster homes.  They'll be going into the vets for spay surgery and to have their teeth cleaned and some of them pulled.  Once they've had their exams and received their shots, they'll be ready for adoption.

Lily the Sheltie will be ready for adoption after her spay tomorrow.  So will an adorable schnoodle (schnauzer/poodle), a wild and crazy red miniature pinscher and a few others. 

Our new puppymill dogs are all getting ready for new homes, too.  They include a chihuahua, maltese, cocker spaniel and shiba inu. Their foster parents are getting them to appointments and helping them get used to new people.

I'm getting ready to take Sophie Trophy later this week to meet a possible new family.

Right now Sam is on his back next to me on the sofa.  Benny is at the other end of the sofa.  Bubba is at my feet.  Muttley appears to be watching television.  Charlie the Beagle is asleep on a dog bed.  Sophie Trophie is asleep on the new floor.  Smokey is probably on my bed, which is where I want to be soon.

I guess I'll get ready for bed now.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

EllenE9466@aol.com

Where do we get our dogs?

The St Louis Senior Dog Project is a not for profit dog rescue organization specializing in older dogs but taking in dogs or all ages and even a few cats.  See our adoptable pets at www.olderbetter.petfinder.org.

Ellen's Notes:

Today I was trying not to notice dogs needing rescue.  No room.  I visited no shelters and looked at no shelter websites.

But they find me anyway.

St. Louis County Animal Control called about a pair of 7-year-old yorkies that had just been turned in by owners who said they couldn't take care of them anymore. They'd lost their good jobs and were now working two and three lower paying jobs to make ends meet.

While I was at one of our vets, I met a 6-month-old basset mix that a client had found.  They were taking care of it at the clinic.  Could we take her?

Then I received an email about a 10-year-old red and white border collie mix that had been abandoned at a boarding facility. This is the picture I received.  Pretty hard to resist.

I've also received an email about an Australian Shepherd now homeless because of the death of its owner.

And I'd like to take all of them if I can find a way.

We do have some dogs finding homes, and that might make room.

Penny -- Perfect Penny -- has finally found a home.  So has Fritz, as in Fritz the Wonder Dog. I'll know for sure in a few days if it's working out.

Then there's Lily, a tiny Shetland Sheepdog who came into our program Saturday and will be adopted within the week.  She has at least three interested parties even before we've put her picture on our website.

And let's not forget that we'll have a booth at the Spring Arts and Crat Show at the South County YMCA April 4 and 5, 9 to 4. Many great items for dogs and dog lovers. Mark your calendar  More reminders to come.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

EllenE9466@aol.com

Wally and others

The St. Louis Senior Dog Project is a not-for-profit dog rescue organization specializing in older dogs but taking in and finding homes for dogs of all ages and even a few cats. See our adoptable pets at www.olderbetter.petfinder.org.

Ellen's Notes:

Heard from Barbara who adopted Wally, that wirehaired dachshund with the old man face on what isn't a very old dog.  That happens with people sometimes too, doesn't it?

Anyway, Barbara says Wally is a great addition to her household of dogs.

"I get a laugh many times a day from the things he does. I think Wally is younger than anyone has estimated since he is doing things my other dogs did when thy were 3 to 4 years of age -- such as taking my shoes and putting them in his new bed, poking his nose into anything on the floor from my gym bag to the bag I carry my schools books in.  

"David and I are so enjoying his naughty little antics, and the other four dogs like him but look at him when he is running around at 11 p.m. as if to say, 'Don't you know it's time to sleep?'"

Wally, formerly known os "Lil Man" came to us from southwest Missouri where he'd been running loose as a stray.  Some dog rescuers there set up a transport to get him to us. (They thought he looked like a senior dog.  Hah!)
 
Also heard today that Stacey the dachshund has found a new home, and Fritz is probably adopted if the other dog in the household gives permission.  Lily, a little sheltie, is turning out to be very popular.  I think we have three interested parties for her already.

I have too many dogs in my house today.  No matter how much anyone says they love dogs, there are limits to what any of us can handle.  I'm hoping to soon get back to a more manageable number. How many?  Besides my own three dogs, I now have Benny, Muttley, Sam, Sophie Trophy and Charlie Beagle. That makes for a mighty crowded bed.  Others may handle this many with ease, but it makes me a little grumpy.

Time for bed.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

EllenE9466@aol.com

Two Peteys, Hondo & Irene

The St. Louis Senior Dog Project is a not-for-profit dog rescue organization specializing in older dogs but taking in and finding homes for dogs of all ages and even a few cats.  See our adoptable pets at www.olderbetter.petfinder.org.

Ellen's Notes:

A few old friends showed up at today's adoption event.  By that I mean dogs that have found their forever homes but still remember those of who took care of them while they were waiting to be adopted.

First I saw  Hondo the red Australian Shepherd who dropped by on his way to the groomers.  Hondo used to be an outdoor dog whose owner turned him into a shelter because he was chasing the horses.  Now Hondo is just plain spoiled....and beautifully groomed. He's an inside dog now who enjoys walks and visits to the park, gets along with the cat, and probably sleeps on someone's bed. No horses to chase  He doesn't miss them.

I also saw Petey Charlie, a miniature pinsher mix, who leaped about happily when he saw me.  It's so nice when they still remember us. Petey Charlie came by with his doggy brother, who looks just like him except for being twice as big. I understand Petey Charlie still sleeps under the covers, just like he did at my place.

Petey Catahoula also dropped by, and was he ever looking good.  Those daily runs with his human must be good for him.  I wrote about this dog in a blog titled "What Kind of Dog is Petey?"  He's maybe a Catahoula mix or a Whippet mix or ???? It took Petey Catahoula a few seconds to recognize me, but then he greeted me with a happy dance.

In all these cases I felt pleased that although they seemed happy to see me, they were also happy to leave with their people. They also all looked better than they did in these old pictures.

Last week I saw Irene the Schnauzer, who was adopted three years ago.  I barely recognized this little beauty being held in her owner's arms.  At the time we rescued her, I wondered if we were doing her any favors.  She was in such terrible shape and so frightened.  She seemed like a dog that had suffered enough. 

But Irene survived and went on the find a home...and a mighty fine home, too.  In the arms of the lady who's cared for her for three years now, Irene seemed quite content.

Other than the visits, it wasn't a particularly busy adoption day.  We found homes for just two dogs --a shih tzu and a chihuahua. Yesterday we placed a yorkie. 

We also took in some dogs today -- a sheltie and a maltese mix from a Cape Girardeau shelter, plus a number of puppymill rescues. But they'll be material for future blogs.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

EllenE9466@aol.com