The St. Louis Senior Dog Project

Today's Adoptions

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 even a few cats.  See our adoptable pets at www.olderbetter.petfinder.org.

Ellen's Notes:

Guess who got adopted!

Okay, I'll tell.  Well for one, Margie the black lab/chesapeake bay retriever mix I wrote about yesterday found her new home.  She's a gorgeous girl for sure, but I still think we set some kind of record for placing a big black dog....and to a great home too.

And Monte found a good home.  He's the big brown dog I wrote about earlier in the week.

Anytime we find homes for a big black dog and a big brown dog on the same day, we're happy right there.

But it gets better.

  Zsa Zsa and Eva (the picture is Eva) found their new home.  What was special about their adoption is that these two little poodles found a home together.  Foster mom Kim was hoping this would be possible; turns out it was.

And I placed my favorite senior girl Missy,...but not without incident.  Missy is the 9-year-old sheltie mix rescued not too long ago from the Jefferson County shelter.  i wrote about her a couple weeks ago.  Her owner had died and she'd ended up alone and afraid.  When police broke down the door to her home, she rushed out in a panic.  Eventually neighbors recovered her and turned her in to the shelter, where we found her.  Missy had just arrived at her new home today when something scared her and she bolted out of the car and then hid under it until I arrived on the scene to help.  She was soon out and getting acquainted with the other dog, the back yard, her new house and her new humans.  Her fears set aside, she soon seemed happy.

Barkley and Crackers are two mature yorkies who found their new homes today. Another senior dog, Willow, was also adopted. She's a shih tzu/ schnauzer mix and as cute as a puppy.

And speaking of puppies.  We easily found a home for the cute little ball of fluff Nula, a shih tzu/poodle  mix.

Skippy also found his home.  Skippy is a black and white pup about five months old.  If there was ever a pup who had "find me some children" written all over him, it's Skippy.  And guess what, he's now got three of them, and their parents too.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

Margie's not an old boy

See our adoptable pets 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 and finding homes for dogs or all ages and a a few cats.

Ellen's Notes:

Margie's not an old boy.  I'm sure about that.

But when I was asked to take this dog, I was told it was a male, sad and senior.  Well, the dog did look sad in the picture, and there was a tiny bit of grey about its black  muzzle.  And I had someone in a condominium who really wanted to foster an old dog.

Trouble is.  Margie's not an old boy.  When it came to springing this dog from the shelter, it was immediately obvious that she wasn't a boy and soon after as obvious that she wasn't old either.

She is , in fact, a spayed female about three years old.  She has the build of a labrador retriever and the thick, wavy coat of a Chesapeake Bay Retriever. She loves playing with other dogs, even Brutus, the Jack Russell Terrier.  She's resting quietly at my feet now, but I think she needs a yard and not a condo, so I'm looking for other arrangements.

Margie's picture doesn't do her justice.  Maybe she just doesn't photograph well ; that's always been my excuse.

And then there's Buddy, the Shetland Sheepdog.  He's a handsome fellow I was told was about four years old.  As someone who knows her old dogs, I'd say he's more than twice that age.  Now he might fit nicely into a condo.

Those are today's new dogs.

Today's featured email is from the lady who adopted Carman, the black pomeranian, "We love her so much," says Kimberley, who reports that Carman gets along well with the cats.  Kimberly says she may soon send us a picture of Carman (be warned, probably in cute clothes).

Today's bad puppy is Rose, who chewed on the power source for my laptop and put me out of business for awhile.  A hundred plus dollars later and I'm back.  Good thing you're cute, Rose.

Today's cute puppy (probably also bad but I haven't caught him at anything yet) is Skippy, who looks like a dog who should be called Skippy. He's little, cute, a black and white smooth terrier of some sort.

Today's most improved dog is Missy, who's feeling much better now a few weeks after heartworm treatment. 

Wonder which of the above will get adoped tomorrow (11 to 3 Saturday, Kirkwood Petco).

Today's shy dog is Armana, the Italian Greyhound rescued from a puppymill auction.  We're going to leave him home tomorrow.  He's still too scared for the spotlight.

Big day tomorrow. Big adoption day.

I better get some rest.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

Good news and doggy emails

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

Ellen's Notes:

My adult daughter shakes her head when I tell her I get emails from dogs.  "See," she says, a one-word warning that maybe all this dog business is leading me down a slightly tangled path. 

"But their emails are so cute," I say, knowing very well that this isn't the sort of thing I should talk about too loudly in public.  At least I don't pretend I'm a dog when I write my daughter, something for which I"m sure she's very grateful.  

One of my emails came from Bernie the shih tzu who was 13 years old when  he came into the program with his sibling Bessie (who has since passed on.)  Bernie is now 15 and going strong. Here's a little of what he says.

"Even though I'm 15 now (and deaf), I'm spunky as ever...Dad is retired and my primary caregiver.  He puts the leash on me every time he takes me out.  This is fine with me because I only go outside for "business" reasons.  Of course if it's cool enough, I take Dad on a 15 to 45-minute walk.  He needs the exercise at his age.  During the school year, we occasionally meet the kids waiting for the bus.  They line up to pet me.  Dad says everybody in the subdividion knows Bernie, but not him."

Tater Tot (formerly Mildred) is a regular pen pal.  And she sure takes cute pictures. Now that she's approaching the second anniversary of her adoption, she remembers her first anniversary party.

"I got presents, sweaters and shirts, perfume and a purse to ride in.  I just wanted to check in and let every one know I am doing well."  Tater Tot goes on to mention that sometimes she rides in her purse to her mom's favorite sushi restaurant, sits on the chair next to her and watches people. 

 

Good news today: Kanga, who got away from her foster home a couple weeks ago, has been found.  She was caught in a cat trap and turned in to the local animal control.  Thanks to her microchip, she's home safe.

 

We're also receiving help raising money for Wendell's cancer treatment from the Magic Bullet Fund.  See their website at www.themagicbulletfund.org.  They match some of the donations that come in for Wendel.

 

I've talked to someone who might be interested in adopting Monte whom I wrote about a few blogs back. I hear we also may have people interested in Rose the minpin mix and Crackers the yorkie mix,,and a few of the puppies.

 

And here's great news. I have a couple new people wanting to foster dogs...and both of them want big black dogs.  On the day I heard from one of them, I also received a call from the St. Louis City Pound about a large black female dog (Irish Wolfhound mix) who was gentle, already spayed and easy to walk.  Coincidence indeed.  Another black lab/shepherd mix at Jefferson County Animal Control looks like she also might get lucky.

 

I wonder if any of these dogs will email me someday.

 

Shhh.  You didn't hear that.

 

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

Dixie's Ready for a Home

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

Ellen's Notes:

Dixie is ready for a home, or so Terry her foster mom tells me.

Dixie is really one of the most pathetic dogs we've ever rescued.  A German Shepherd Pointer, she was half-starved when we took her in. Her skin barely covered her rips.  Vet checks showed she had almost every intestinal worm and parasite known to dog.  She also had several large knobs on her ankles that turned out to be the result of septic arthritis. She'd been a stray for a long time.

It's taken awhile to bring her around.  She needed good food and plenty of love.  She needed tratment for the septic arthritis.  She also needed medication for incontinence and a special diet. She's an old dog.  No doubt about that. She sleeps a lot.  She's sometimes confused.  She's probably deaf or nearly so.

But she is so sweet, and she's come this far.  She needs a retirement home where she'll get gentle care and love for the rest of her days.

Dixie is good with other dogs, cats and children.  She's a very loving lady.

Earlier this week she had her teeth cleaned, so she's now officially good to go.

Dxie will be at the Kirkwood Petco this Saturday 11 to 3.

Go Dixie.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

Tired and Weary

The St. Louis Senior Dog Project is a dog rescue organization specializing in older dogs but taking in dogs of all ages and even a few cats.  We conduct weekly adoption events at the Kirkwood, MO, Petco Store every Saturday 11 to 3.  Come on by and meet your new best friend.  Check out our adoptable pets at www.olderbetter.petfinder.org.

Ellen's Notes:

I'm weary.  I use that word because it's one of those words that sounds exactly like its meaning.

Weary.

I'm weary because I received a call this morning about a plain, old dog that another group no longer wanted.  He was too old and hard to place.  Maybe I could do it.

Weary.

I'm weary because I received a call from someone telling me that the City Pound had put down 40 dogs the day before and many sick dogs needed out right now or they would be next. I should do something about it.  But I can't.

Weary.

I'm weary because of a dog we'd taking in from a  man who got tired of seeing it running loose.  He brought us the disheaveled dog who looked like she hadn't had a loving home in some time.  Except it turned out that she was microchipped to someone who wanted her back. I did my best.  I tried to coax the owner into turning the dog over to us.  When that didn't work, I talked about what the dog needed and what it would cost.  I also talked about the likelihood that animal control will begin an investigation that could lead to their losing the dog permanently if the dog continues to be found running loose.

Weary.

The dog went home with its owners and seemed happy to see them.  Maybe my advice (lecture) will accomplish something.  Maybe not.  I will followup with them to see if they're keeping the dog at home and giving it the care it needs. But I would not have adopted this dog to them. And that knowledge saddened me.

I wonder if they see the connection between their unaltered, often roaming dog and the 40 dead dogs at the Pound.

Weary.

I received several other calls and emails from people needing new homes for their senior dogs.

Weary.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

Cute pics and messages

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 a few cats.  See our adoptable pets at www.olderbetter.petfinder.org.

Ellen's Notes:

Buffy could well be a Senior Dog Project poster dog.  Check out the glasses and the mature attitude.

Kathleen reminds us that she adopted Buffy about 2 1/2 years ago and that Buffy fits well into Kathleen's relaxed home atmosphere.  And yes, we can use the picture if we wish.

Leslie emailed about Harry Potter, the black terrier mix she adopted in 06. "What a joy he is," she writes.  While we had dogs before when the children and my husband were all at home, this is the first time I have had a dog all for me.  My children tell me I spoil him, and that's true.  But he deservs it.  As one of my daughters told me, if anything happens to me there will be more disagreement over who gets Harry than about any of the stuff in my house -- and there is a lot of stuff."

Kate tells us about about the Japanse Chin puppy (Lotus Blossom) she adopted in August and renamed Ollie.  "It took awhile for her to come out of her shell, but now she's a wonderful companion dog. 

She's energetic, spunky, and keeps our older dog on the go.  We're thrilled to have her as part of our family."

Justine adopted a chihuahua then named Chocolate.  He's now Bosco and is doing just .fine.

"He has a great personality and has been so good for our other dog, Maddie."  And heree's Bosco engaging in one of his favorite activities -- napping

 

Maggie adopted a little yorkie named Mandy back in July.  Mandy is now Trixie.  Trixie adores the 14-year-old daughter and follows her around like a shadow.  Mom is second choice, but Trixie  has almost no interest in the husband and the two teenaged dogs.

 

Good thing they have two other dogs -- almost enough for everyone.

And that's it for today.

Ellen Ellick

President /Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected] 

 

Plays Well With Others

St. Louis Senior Dog Project is a not-for-profit dog rescue organization. See our adoptable dogs at www.olderbetter.petfinder.org

Ellen's Notes:

Plays Well With Others.

If you're as old as I am, you remember when teachers wrote this on your report card.  Or not.  And if they didn't, you were in touble or you just plain were trouble.

Plays well with others.

It's important.  For those of us who walk on two legs and for our four-legged friends too.

Monte plays well with others. 

Monte is a big brown dog who doesn't always attract attention on our website or at adoption events.

But I wouldn't call him a plain dog, and I wouldn't call him ordinary either.

There's something in his face.  Intelligence.  Good humor.

And there's something special in his behavior.  Today Monte visited at my house for awhile.  He romped around the yard with Benny the Affenpinsher, Kevin the terrier mix, Fritz the collie/cattle dog mix...and anyone else of any size or breed who wanted to join in.

Monte is smart.  He knows all kinds of commands.  Monte is gentle.  He's good with humans of all ages and with other dogs.

Monte is well-behaved in the house. 

People should be standing in line for a dog like Monte, who is probably only about 2 or 3 years old.

Plays well with others.

Monte.  What a good dog. He'll be at the Kirkwood Petco 11 to 3 next Saturday.  Come and meet him.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

Sad News, Good news

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 even a few cats.  See our adoptable pets at www.olderbetter.petfinder.org.

Ellen's News:

The sad news is that Violet the German Shepherd did not survive her surgery for a bowl obstruction.  Our thoughts and prayers were not enough to save her, and we mourn for her and for the human who lost her too soon.

At times like this it's comforting to look through emails with cheerful news about other dogs we've adopted out.

This picture is of Henrietta.  A couple years back I wrote about three scared schnauzer who'd been rescued from a substandard puppymill.  Henrietta was the bravest of the three and the first to take a chance with humans.  She's now the queen in her home, according to Ann.

Charlie the black lab of a few blogs back is settling in nicely in his new home.  Charlie had been turned into Jefferson County Animal Control after his former owner was evicted. At age 9, he now has a new life.

  Tallulah's new owner emailed to say that when Tallulah was adopted a few weeks ago, she  explored the house, hopped on the couch and announced, "I'm home."  We're told Tallulah fits in and is a bit mischievious. That's her in the picture. She does look a little mischievious.

Two dogs were adopted today -- Valentino the black spaniel mix and Barkley the yorkie.  Tomorrow Anthony the dachshund goes to his new home.

And today Michel and I traveled to a puppymill auction and picked up eight dogs that will soon be pets instead of breeders. They are three chihuahuas, one Italian Greyhound, one dachshund, one pekingese, a shih tzu/poodle mix and a miniature pinsher.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

Pray for Violet

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

Ellen's Notes:

Maybe if we all send good thoughts Violet's way, she might survive. 

I learned today that this recently adopted young German Shepherd had undergone emergency surgery for a bowel obstruction.  During the surgery she aspirated some of her stomach content into her lungs; she now has pneumonia.  If she doesn't improve soon, she may be put to sleep.

I can't think of anything more we can do but just send good thoughts and prayers her way. Violet survived parvo not too long ago.  Maybe she'll pull off another miracle.

Violet's surgery wasn't the only discouraging news today.  I also learned that Sam is coming back for the second time.  You'd have to see what a big cuddly lapdog he can be to understand my frustration with his behavior towards strangers.  He can be so loving towards his own humans, but he wants to lunge and growl at others.  I know he can learn not to do this; I just wish he'd hurry up and learn a little faster.

Maybe the best news of the day was that Wendell's cancer prognosis is looking better for long-term survival.  Now we just need to raise enough money to pay for his treatment.  You can donate and read about him at

http://www.fundable.com/groupactions/groupaction.2009-02-07.4030279447

Tomorrow's another adoption day.  Wonder who will find homes.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

Chasing Lulabelle

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

Ellen's Notes:

I have twigs in  my hair and tears in my sweater.  I wonder what people think when they see me like this.  Are they afraid?

I spent two hours today chasing Lulabelle the Beagle.  She slipped out the gate while I was bringing groceries in from the car.  Then the fun began -- for her.

It was "hoo hoo" over there.  And then "hoo hoo" somewhere else as Lulabelle raced off into the woods remembering her youth and the fun of the chase.

I scrambled after her through thicker and thicker woods.  "Woo Woo," went Lulabell, and I crawled under a barbed-wire fence in pursuit.  I got close on several occasions only to see her take off joyfully in another direction.

I coaxed.  I held out biscuits.  I whistled.  I cooed.  Nothing worked.  I swore.  I protested.  I warned what when happen if I ever caught up with her.

"Woo Woo," Lulabelle continued.  At least I always knew she was still there -- just out of reach and having the time of her life.  This is not a young dog!  She's at least 9.  She naps a lot!  When will she stop!  When will she give up!

"Woo Woo," the cry of the beagle.  After the first hour I spend some of my time pursuing her in my car, following as close to her brays as the roads allow.

Finally, I give up.  I head home, pull into the driveway and see Lulabelle sitting in front of the house, tired at last.

Meekly she follows me inside.

I'm beat.  She's fine.

Ellen Elick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project