Ivy finds the good life

Ivy claims the bed -- and looks like she plans to keep it.

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...even puppies. Meet and adopt your new best friend 11 to 3 Saturday/Sunday, May 26/27 in the Kirkwood Petco near I-44 and Lindbergh  To see which dogs will be  there  as well as other adoptable dogs, go Here. We still have some money in This Dixie Fund to cover all but $50 of the fee for Red Ribbon dogs, generally those that are 8 years and older or have special needs that make them hard to place.

 We weren't too sure Ivy's adoption would stick.  Her foster mom, Millie, said Ivy was one of her most difficult foster dogs -- a puppymill survivor who was hard to housebreak, fearful, sometimes even impossible to catch.  Millie expected a call saying Ivy wasn't working out.

So imagine our surprise and delight when we heard Ivy was fitting in and doing well in her new home.

Ivy's new "mom," Connie, emailed to say, "Little Ivy is doing just great.   She has literally took control over my bed and claimed it as her own, but of course I don't mind because it makes her feel safe and secure.  She has totally stole my heart.  There is nothing I would not give to our little sweetie."

Ivy?  Really?   And there was more good news:  "She is doing awesome outside, too.  No accidents in the house.  She will go outside, but she will not come back in without being carried.  And of course I don't mind doing that.  It gives me an excuse to cuddle with her some more."

Ivy?  Really?  We still decided to wait awhile before we celebrated. 

A few days ago Connie emailed again.  "She is starting to wag her little tail when she sees me!!  She is adorable.  She's starting to run and play a little too when I take her outside.  She is a dear and I really believe this was meant to be."

Now I guess it's ok to celebrate.  Congratulations to Ivy.

We love the success stories and the cute pictures we receive. Here's one of Axel the Affenpinsher with his new family.  They love him and say Axel follows "mom" around all the time.

I also had a phone call from the people who adopted Dolly, one of our senior "Red Ribbon" dogs.  The message was that Dolly was the best dog they'd ever owned and that they hoped other people would give senior dogs a chance.

We've had some adoptions, including Hazel Stone, the yellow lab; Blossom, Tad, and Peony (all Havanese) and Maggie Mae McMuffin, a tiny yorkie retired from a breeding facility.

We've taken in some new dogs too.  I have Gabrielle, a beautiful Australian Shepherd; Sparkle, a black schnauzer lady (both from an auction), and GoodGirl, a recent rescue from the old St. Louis City shelter on Gasconade.  And quite a few others, most of which will be at one of our adoption events this weekend at the Kirkwood Petco.

GoodGirl was originally a 35 lb stray living in a burned out building.  After animal control officers captured her, they watched her blossom into a friendly dog with "goodgirl" written all over her.  Here she is.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St.  Louis Senior Dog Project

EllenE9466@aol.com

 

Comments

[Lisa Hahl]

Hooray for all! I have to say Ivy had a great head start having had Millie as a foster mom. I have one of Millie's "kids", and she is wonderful. All the great foster parents deserve recognition for the work they do to give these precious dogs a new life. Bless you all!

[Mary]

Wonderful news - wonderful dogs - and wonderful people. Everyone sure looks happy.