The St. Louis Senior Dog Project

Good news for Gus and others

Gus...ready for eye surgery

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, January 6, in the Kirkwood Petco. We can also arrange meetings at other times. To see our available dogs, go  Here.  

 

UPDATE: Gus has had his surgery and is recovering at his foster home. 

This was quite a week for Gus, a 4 year old mixed breed who had lost his vision due to congenital cataracts.  He found out a lot of people loved him enough to donate funds to cover the cost of his cataract surgery.

Losing his vision had left Gus confused and frightened around new situations, people, and other pets.  It took time for him to make friends.  He'd also lost his original home when his former owners moved and couldn't find a place where they could take him along.

So Gus came to us, and we decided to try to raise the funds.  Thanks to many wonder friends and animal lovers, we did it!  We've scheduled his surgery for January 2 and will update you later about his journey to a world of vision.

Gus may  not know what's ahead for him, but he is growing comfortable in his new foster home.  We were thrilled to find a quiet home where he's the only dog and can relax without worrying about who he's going to bump into next.  His new foster parents are in love with him.  It's easy to see why.

I'd also like to share a another picture that should make you smile.  Fawn and Samuel are a pair of 10 year old chihuahuas who came to us after their owner died.   A lady with two other Chihuahuas adopted them recently and sent us this picture of the foursome with Santa Claus.  Fawn and Samuel and the ones in the middle.

Finally, there's Papa Bear, a 14-year-old yorkie mix.  We took him from a local animal control facility where he'd been brought in as a stray.  He had one of the worst haircuts imaginable and wasn't anybody's idea of a highly adoptable dog.  But he did find a home!  His new people describe him as "goofy, curious, and big-hearted." They find him entertaining and loving and feel privileged to have him in their home.  Way to go Papa Bear.

 

 

 

A few lucky dogs

Shadow

 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,October 28, in the Kirkwood Petco. We can also arrange meetings at other times. To see our available dogs, go  Here.  

 

    We adopted out more than 30 dogs in just the past month.  All have a story.  Here are just three.

    Shadow, above, is a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was picked up running loose.  We took him from a county shelter, cleaned him up, and readied him for adoption.  He found a home with a couple who had adopted Australian Shepherds inn the past.  They've been taking him on walks, loving him up, and  learning about some of the tricks he already knew.  Everyone, especially  Shadow, seems pleased.

    Another recent adoption was Archimedes, now renamed Bailey.  He was left behind when his former owner moved.  Now he is living in a downtown loft, making friends with the neighbors, and enjoying several walks a day. This picture is of him after his recent grooming.

Another recent winner is Gus, who has a new young friend.  The pictures say it all.

We'll be looking for new homes and new pictures this weekend at our  next adoption event.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

Protecting Your Pets From Unusual Poisons and Toxins

 

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,October 13, in the Kirkwood Petco. We can also arrange meetings at other times. To see our available dogs, go  Here.  

Today we have a guest writer, Amber Kingsley, writing about the importance of protecting your pets from unusual poisons and toxins.

   

 By Amber Kingsley

    When you love your pets, it’s important to keep them safe at all times. Chances are that you’re a lot more informed about the world and its various dangers than your animal companions though, so how can you keep them from accidentally hurting themselves? It’s a question that causes a certain degree of anxiety for almost every pet owner in the world, but there are plenty of things you can do to make the world a safer place for the animals in your life. One of the most important areas to pay attention to is what your pets eat.

 

     A lot of animals will eat pretty much anything that you put in front of them. While this can certainly be convenient during weeks when you accidentally purchase the wrong brand of pet food, there are other times when it poses a serious health risk to the animals you love. Those of you with pets who frequently roam around the house or neighborhood unsupervised should be especially wary, since there’s always a chance your pet can consume something that doesn’t agree with their system. It’s far better to keep your pet satisfied with high quality food and reliable dietary supplements so that they don’t go off on their own to scavenge, and potentially swallow something that could be harmful to them.

 

    Even so, there may be times when your pets escape your notice and consume unhealthy or unsafe substances (it should be noted here that different animals and different breeds have specific dietary preferences—certain dog breeds are natural ratters and will be more likely to chase after small animals, for example, which isn’t always healthy for either party involved). When the animal you love has eaten something dangerous, what should you do? We’ve got a couple of ideas for you. Take a look:

Make sure you know a reliable vet

    A qualified and trustworthy veterinarian isn’t a luxury—it’s a must for all serious pet owners. Owning a pet without maintaining ties to a good vet is a lot like living in a city where you don’t have a good doctor—it’s irresponsible and dangerous. For that reason, you’ll want to do plenty of research on the best vets in your area, before you even buy a pet. This will ensure that you always have someone to turn to in the event of an emergency.

 Pay Attention to Your Pets

    You can’t control everything your animal does, but you can take away their motivation to engage in risky activities like eating trash by giving them the right food and supplements. Furthermore, having easy access to a quality veterinarian through a pet clinic or other similar facility can provide you with reliable professional help in case of an emergency. In the end, the more attention you pay to your pets and their dietary choices, the more likely they’ll be to avoid unusual poisons and toxins. Keep your furry friends happy, and they’ll stay healthy for you. It’s as simple as that.

 

    Thank you for your attention to this issue. I'd like to emphasize the importance of not feeding your dog people food. Some of the foods we eat and enjoy are toxic to pets.

 

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

 

 

 

 

 

Pinkie invites you to Saturday's Trivia Night

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, September 30, in the Kirkwood Petco. We can also arrange meetings at other times. To see our available dogs, go  Here.   

   

    Pinkie, above, is a 7-year-old Labrador Retriever who wants to invite you to Saturday's (September 23) Trivia Night for St. Louis Senior Dog Project.  This is our annual fundraiser that helps us pay the veterinary, feeding, grooming, and other expenses for our dogs.

    It's not too late to sign up.  You can come alone or with a table of up to 8 persons.  You don't need to be a trivia expert either.  Just come, have fun.

    Here's what you need to know.

    Trivia Night is Saturday, September 23, at Assumption Parish of Mattese, 4709 Mattis Rd.  Doors will open at 6.  Trivia begins at 7.

    Cost is $25 per person or $200 for a table of eight.  You can come as part of a complete table or come alone and join others. We'll find a spot for you.  For more information or to register, contact Arlene at 314-623-0412 or [email protected]

    Admission includes beer and soda.  Bring your own snacks.  No glass containers, please.

    You'll also have the opportunity to win a raffle basket or two or a cash prize.

    See you there.

    Ellen Ellick

    President/Founder

    St. Louis Senior Dog Project

    [email protected]

Old Dogs and Trivia Night

Haddie and Sweet Sarah

 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, September 9, in the Kirkwood Petco. We can also arrange meetings at other times. To see our available dogs, go  Here.   

  

    Haddie and Sweet Sarah, above, are among the dogs who hope you will attend our upcoming Trivia Night, which is our big fundraiser of the season.  These two dogs are 13 years old.  They came to us after their former owner claimed she'd need to shoot them if no one could take them from her.

    They're with us now.  The most senior of our senior dogs often need extra care.  Both of these needed dental care.  Sweet Sarah, who is deaf, lost many teeth.  She's still a favorite and her name suits her.  Haddie is also very spry for her age.  She loves sleeping under the covers. Because of their age, we will probably place them for no fee when the right home comes along.

    That's one of the reasons (actually two) we need to raise money.  Trivia Night will be Saturday, September 23, at Assumption Parish of Mattese, 4709 Mattis Rd.  Doors will open at 6.  Trivia begins at 7.

    Cost is $25 per person or $200 for a table of eight.  You can come as part of a complete table or come alone and join others.  For more information or to register, contact Arlene at 314-623-0412 or [email protected]

    Admission includes beer and soda.  Bring your own snacks.  No glass containers, please.

    You'll also have the opportunity to win a raffle basket or two or a cash prize.

    Join us.  It's fun, and we'll really appreciate your help.  You don't need to be good at Trivia.  And here's another old boy who would like to say hello.  He's Papa Bear.  He's 15 years old and plenty active for his age.  He was actually picked up as a stray. He's shaved down now because he was very matted when he was picked up. 

These little dogs aren't the only seniors in need.  I have my eye on several others in both Jefferson County Animal Control and St. Louis County Animal Control.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

 

Three Lucky Dog Faces

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, July 15, in the Kirkwood Petco. We can also arrange meetings at other times. To see our available dogs, go  Here.   

 

The three dogs pictures above are three very lucky dogs.  All came to us from local animal control shelters.  They were either picked up as strays or surrendered by owners who could no longer keep them.

Now all three are together in one super home.

That's Arnold, the Chocolate Lab on the left.  He was in St. Louis County Animal Control after his owner moved.

In the middle is Lexi, a lab/hound mix who came to us by way of Jefferson College Veterinary Vet Tech program. The college had pulled her from Jefferson County Animal Control to use in their training program.  Next she came to us.  Her first adoption failed, we think, because she was lonely without the company of other dogs.

On the right is Wally, who was a stray in one of the smaller Jefferson County shelters.  He was dropped off at a veterinary clinic for euthanasia.  The vet clinic staff called us about him.  Wally is another one of those dogs who sometimes suffers from separation anxiety.  He's happy now, though, with both human and canine friends.

These three didn't come to their joint home at the same time.  Wally was adopted to this home originally with two other senior dogs, both of whom have since died.  With each loss, the owners sought another rescue dog.

Wally is the oldtimer.  Lexi arrived in this home a few weeks before Arnold. They are a happy bunch, and so are we.

We also received pictures of a couple recent adoptions: Fernando and Lilly.  And here they are.

They are both lucky dogs too.

Ellen Ellick

President

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

 

Annie and Tilley: Almost Perfect

 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, July1, in the Kirkwood Petco. We can also arrange meetings at other times. To see our available dogs, go  Here.   

 

Annie and Tilley are everything a senior dog should be.  Well behaved, housebroken, and easy to live with.  So why are they still with us?  They're almost perfect.

These two look a lot like beagles on steroids.  They're Treeing Walker Coonhounds, but their days of hunting and chasing are long past.  These days they prefer a quieter life. 

A few years ago these two were inmates in one of our local animal control shelters.  They did not come from the same original home, but they ultimately ended up together.  All was well until their owner was diagnosed with cancer. Now they are back in a foster home and eager to find new homes either separately or together.

First let's look at 8 year old Annie. She's sweet, loveable, and still eager to play with people or dogs. She also likes lounging in the yard and going for walks or car rides.  She is good with other dogs and with cats.  She weighs about 50 pounds.  Here she is.

Isn't she pretty?

Now let's look at the leggy Tilley.  She's 10 years old and a tall girl.  We describe her as laid back.  She appreciates a quiet home and hates thunder storms. She friendly and loving.  Want to make her day? He loves walks and playing in the yard.  Tilley is also housebroken and good with o ther dogs and cats. Here she is.

Also very pretty, don't you think?

Both these ladies will be at the Kirkwood Petco 11 to 3 Saturday,  July 1.  Come meet them.  You might just fall in love.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

 

Another Dog Lady Mystery

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, June 24, in the Kirkwood Petco. We can also arrange meetings at other times. To see our available dogs, go  Here.   

 

Forgive me a bit of self promotion.  I've brought out another mystery novel -- the fourth in the Dog Lady Mystery series.  The Redbud Strangler is full of suspense as well as mystery and dogs.  It's now available as an ebook (Kindle) and in paperwork.  You can order either on Amazon.com. Or you can download it directly from your Kindle.

If you do choose to read this or any of the earlier books, please followup with a short review.  It's easy.  Find the book's page on Amazon.com. Click away and you'll be able to make a few remarks about the book in question.

You can read The Redbud Strangler as a standalone, but I hope some of you will try all four. The first three are Redbud, The Chihuahua Affair, and The Ghost of Redbud Meadow.

The ebook version of The Ghost of Redbud Meadow will be free from June 12 through June 16.

Thanks for your consideration.

Meanwhile, we've got a lot of dogs seeking new homes.  Check out our website at www.stlsdp.org and come visit our next adoption event.

Ellen Carlsen Elick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

Thanks for your help

Ivan is one of the dogs your donations will help.

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, May 13, in the Kirkwood Petco. We can also arrange meetings before then. To see our available dogs, go  Here.   

 

    Give St. Louis Day is over, and we thank all of you who donated.  We took in $4,880.  One of the dogs who will benefit is Ivan, above, who was just diagnosed with heartworm disease.  He will need an expensive treatment to restore his health.  He's a great old boy -- about 11 years old.  We found him in a local shelter where someone had brought him in as a stray. Oddly, he was recently groomed.  No one came to claim him, so we took him in.  He can be adopted before his treatment, which we, of course, will cover.

Another dog at my place is Odessa.  She also was found in a local shelter.  When we first saw her there, she was nearly hairless over much of her body.  She was also missing half an ear and was so thin that her ribs showed.  She is now at a good weight.  Her hair has grown back.  The missing half ear is still missing. She doesn't need it. Here she is with a favorite ball.

Odessa loves chasing balls and carrying them around in her mouth.  She is housebroken, affectionate, and ok with most dogs as long as they're nice to her.  We're hoping she will find a new home soon.

 

We think she is a mix of pitbull, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and a few other breeds.  She will be at our adoption event 11 to 3 Saturday.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

 

 

Give STL Day is May 11. We need your help.

Malarkey is just one of the more than 4,000 dogs we've rescued since our founding in 2002.

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, May 6, in the Kirkwood Petco. We can also arrange meetings before then. To see our available dogs, go  Here.   

 

 It’s on! Once again, the St. Louis Senior Dog Project is participating in Give STL Day, which will be held on Thursday, May 11.  With your help, this will be our biggest single day of donations this year.

This year, the St. Louis Community Foundation has partnered with a new technology vendor, CiviCore, a developer with more than 15 years of experience managing high-volume giving day events. The fundraising platform contains innovative donor-friendly giving tools and robust backup and contingency systems.

Give STL Day is an online day of giving where nonprofits like ours will be reaching out to supporters like you, to share our mission and raise funds. Give STL Day generated a total of $2.15 million for more than 900 nonprofits in 2016, despite the technological challenges.

This year, with your help we are committed to make Give STL Day even more successful.

Everyone can be a philanthropist. On May 11, we’re asking every person in the St. Louis area to get behind this effort and give. Large and small gifts will combine for big impact— It’s time to think big.  All the funds raised will benefit participating nonprofits right here in our hometown.

Local investment, effective solutions. The St. Louis Community Foundation is spearheading Give STL Day and all funds raised will benefit known and trusted local nonprofits.

 The Give STL Day website will make giving easy, safe and fun. By visiting givestlday.org on May 11, you can designate gifts to the organization(s) of your choice that are doing essential work in our community. At the same time, you can help us earn matching funds and prize dollars.

Visit www.givestlday.org for additional details, and don’t forget to give on May 11!

The St. Louis Senior Dog Project, incorporated in 2002, has rescued and found homes for more than 4,000 dogs.  We're an all-volunteer organization.  All our rescued dogs are in foster homes.  We spay/neuter all of them, microchip and bring them up to date with shots.  We also provide dental care and take care of a variety of wounds and afflictions including heartworm treatment and surgery for broken bones, bladder stones, and more.  Since we take in many elderly dogs, our expenses are always greater than we can take in with adoption fees.

Please help us again this year.

 

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected],

Thank you for your support,