The St. Louis Senior Dog Project

No more chains for Mooter, Abby & Sara

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.  And keep voting to help us win a grant.  Here's the link:

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/shelterchallenge.faces;jsessionid=93558EB82DDF5AC8B1EEFCB103C7F885.ctgProd04?siteId=3

Volunteer Joan and I drove to Louisville, Kentucky,  a couple days ago to meet three dogs we'd only read about in emails.  We'd also seen their sad pictures and had decided to take them into the St. Louis Senior Dog Project. That's Joan, above, giving Mooter a hello kiss.

Mooter, Abby and Sarah are senior dogs who've lived most of their lives at the end of chains in a rural county in North Carolina.  For shelter, Mooter and Abby crawled into nearby barrels.  Sara could squeeze through a gap into a doorless, windowless shed where she slept behind a pile of firewood. The picture below is what Mooter looked like on his chain.

As we peeked into the back of the van that had brought them from North Carolina, we saw Mooter first.  I swear he was smiling.  Then we met Abby and Sara.  If we were expecting timid and unsocialized, we met instead friendly and happy -- dogs that seemed to know better times were ahead.

Oridinarily we don't take dogs from this far away.  We find plenty close to home who need our help.

But then Julie Nowicki of the Grey Muzzle Organization told us about 100 plus dogs that had been living on one small rural property in Polk County, North Carolina.  A local group, the Community Partnership for Pets, Inc., of Flat Rock, North Carolina, had been working for 2 1/2 years to help these dogs.  They'd placed all but about 20 in new homes.  They'd pretty much tapped out all the local help available and were now calling out to rescue organization and individuals in other states.

And the old ones are always hardest to place, so they really needed help with the senior dogs.

Well, those pictures tugged at our hearts, and we said yes to three senior dogs.  Mary Cervino, head of  Community Partnership for Pets, got all three in for grooming and all their shots before bringing them to meet us in Kentucky.  All three will be available for adoption soon to people who can provide references from saints -- at the very least.  We want only the softest beds, the best food, snacks and toys, and the very finest world- class loving and spoiling for these three.  Nothing less. The picture below shows Mooter in what was probably the first bath he'd had in many years.

Foster momTracey picked up Mooter yesterday and emailed back with the heading "I'm In Love!"  So she must really like him, huh?

Sara is at my house.  For a grey-faced lady she's pretty nimble.  She had no trouble climbing up on my dining room table.  Volunteer Linda opined that Sara was jumping for joy and just happened to land on the table.  Sara's been calmer today. No more table-top dances.

Abby is with Joan. You'll see pictures of Sara and Abby soon, along with updates on all three.

And we'll be taking applications.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

Looking for a laid-back dog?

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.

Keep voting to help us win a grant.  We're about to overtake the Number 1 shelter in Missouri, and from there we'll be climbing upward nationally.  Sure would be great to reach to top 10.  Here's the link:

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/shelterchallenge.faces;jsessionid=93558EB82DDF5AC8B1EEFCB103C7F885.ctgProd04?siteId=3

Some people don't want high energy dogs.  Some people don't want dogs that need to run five miles every day.

And for those people, we have Jester and several others who also enjoy taking it easy.  Jester's foster mom, Tracey, took these pictures on different days showing one of Jester's favorite activities.  Oh he also enjoys eating, clowning around and walking around the block (or maybe just to the corner) with a human companion.

But he really enjoys his naps.  Well, who doesn't after a certain age?

So for those looking for a laid back dog, try Jester or one of our other sleepy seniors.

Ellen Elick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

What 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.

What a day.  Saturday night was our first ever Trivia Night to benefit St. Louis Senior Dog Project.

We made some money; we had lots of fund; we saw a lot of people who'd adopted dogs from us.  In fact, a show of hands revealed that most of the people in the crowd would be returning home to at least one dog that had been adopted from us or another shelter or rescue.  So naturally, I said it was a very good crowd.

What I forgot to point out is the number I'd looked up before leaving for Trivia Night -- the number of dogs (and a few cats) we'd rescued and placed since our founding Le in 2002: 2,783.  That's pretty good, I think.

Since we deal with so many senior dogs, we frequently hear of adopted dogs that have passed on.  And sometimes we help those owners find a new one.

Saturday we also held a short adoption event, and one of the people who came was Carolyn, who'd adopted a little black dog named Leroy from us several years past.  Leroy was featured in one of our calendars.  A few months back Leroy died.  Carolyn called recently to say she was now ready to adopt again.

So Coal (now spelled Cole) found his new home with Carolyn.  We are pleased.  Cole is a shy black cockapoo who was adopted out a couple years ago to a woman who died recently.  So he came back to us and we worried about finding another home for him with someone. Cole would bond tightly with one person but was fearful of others.  He needed the right human and the right home.  He found it.

We also placed Kevin, the wire-haired terrier mix.  I wrote about him recently as one of those dogs I couldn't believe we still had.  He was just too cute to be overlooked.

So add two more to the number above.

And I have a couple prospects for Tober, the yellow lab.  I'll also be showing Candy, a black and white beagle mix, to someone today.  Candy is the little dog who had all her teeth pulled due to a painful juvenile dental disease.  Candy has a recheck appointment Monday with the vet who did her surgery.  If all looks good, she'll be ready for a new home.

And so we continue.

And here's the link to The Animal Rescue Site where you can vote daily to help us win a grant.

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/shelterchallenge.faces;jsessionid=93558EB82DDF5AC8B1EEFCB103C7F885.ctgProd04?siteId=3

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

Where did we get this dog?

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

Sometimes people ask where we find the dogs they see on our website.  Sometimes our own volunteers look at the website and ask the same question when they see pictures of new dogs.

This week I added picture of Golden Boy and Spotty Boy (the two above). Where did they come from?  We have them because volunteer Kati attended a weekend retreat of spinners, weavers, knitters and others who work with fibers of all types.  While there she met two dogs that had been dumped in the rural area where the retreat took place.

You guessed it.  She brought them home.  But it was her husband who came home with Hollie (above)after he learned from a co-worker that Hollie's owners had decided to get rid of her and shop for a cocker spaniel instead.

And then there's Soclo, who looks like an Aussie/Cattle Dog mix.  Becky agreed to hold Soclo for a few days before he could hop a transport that would take him to a Chicago rescue group.  Trouble is, Becky decided she really liked this amazing dog and asked me if she could foster him for St. Louis Senior Dog Project. I said "yes" and Soclo is now a part of our group.  Becky named him Soclo, by the way, because he was so close to being euthanized at the shelter where he'd been brought in as a stray.

And then there's Flower the beagle.  An animal control officer at one of our local shelters called me about Flower, who was in the  shelter because her elderly owner could no longer care for her.  Flower was unlikely to find an adoptive home because she had a condition known as "Cherry Eye" which would require surgery.  Would I please please take this very nice dog?  OK.  Flower had her surgery last week and is looking prettier every day.

These are all lucky lucy dogs.  As I've said before, I say "no" more than I say "yes" because our group only has so much space. 

Next week we'll be taking in three dogs whose story will tug at your hearts as much as it did ours.  And you'll be hearing much more about them soon.

This week I also learned of the death of Arkie, a feisty Pug mix adopted several years back.  Arkie was featured in our first calendar.  Nine months ago Arkie was diagnosed with bladder cancer.  She lived longer than was expected and was well enough for a daily walk almost to the end.  We originally took Arkie from a shelter in Illinois and found her a new owner who now misses her very much.  Rest in peace, Arkie.

We also learned of the death of Layla, a maltese who was a puppymill rescue.  Her owner, Elaine, told us this little dog had really opened up and become happy and secure during the past two years.  She even earned the nickname Ms Sassy "because she would talk to me all the time and paw the ground when she wanted a treat."  Elaine had renamed this girl Angel and thanked us for "bringing this sweet girl into our lives." We want to thank Elaine and all the others who adopt dogs who need special homes.

I don't want to give the impression that all our adoptions have happy endings.  We have our sad stories too.  Today I agreed with a decision to put down a dog adopted a couple years ago.  The dog, always a difficult pet, had started exhibiting some new and more serious behaviors. After consulation with the family vet and multiple efforts to find a solution, all finally agreed that euthanasia was the only option left for this poor dog. 

Meanwhile, please continue to vote for us at this link:

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/shelterchallenge.faces;jsessionid=93558EB82DDF5AC8B1EEFCB103C7F885.ctgProd04?siteId=3

And it's not too late to sign up for Saturday's Trivia Night.  I think we could squeeze in a few more tables.  See below.

Sign up for a Trivia Night to benefit St. Louis Senior Dog Project this Saturday, October 24, at American Legion Post #162, 8305 South Broadway. Doors open at 6 p.m.; questions begin at 7 p.m. Whether you're lousy at trivia or championship material, come and enjoy the night.  We'll have plenty of raffle baskets, 50/50 drawings and fun prizes.  Cost is $20 a person for up to eight players per table  For more info or to make a reservation, contact Arlene at 314-623-0412 or at [email protected].

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

Two of the new kids

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.

Keep voting for St. Louis Senior Dog Project.  It doesn't cost you anything, and it could mean a grant for us. Here's the link.

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/shelterchallenge.faces;jsessionid=93558EB82DDF5AC8B1EEFCB103C7F885.ctgProd04?siteId=3

I'm really enjoying my newest foster dogs -- Tux and Tober.

I first noticed Tux, a skinny border collie mix,  on the day he was brought into Jefferson County Animal Control. He came forward in his cage to greet me, and I knew immediately that I would take him.  I'd find the room.  I had to wait until he'd been there for a week, the wait time required by law.  No one claimed him, so I took him home with me. 

Tux (short for Tuxedo) was living in an outdoor pen when I picked him up at the shelter.  Last night he was sleeping on my bed with his head on the pillow.  I didn't know this until I woke up and found myself staring at a very long nose.

Tux is now ready for adoption.  He's receiving extra feedings here and showing off with graceful romps around the yard. I think he'd make a great agility dog.  He's a dog I could imagine keeping.

So is Tober.  I wasn't planning to take home a dog when I brought volunteer Nicole down to the St. Louis City Animal Control to pick up a new foster dog.  She selected Rory, a leggy chocolate lab mix.  And I found myself face to face with a yellow lab who was honking like a seal, a very ill dog that staff and volunteers at the shelter loved and hoped I would rescue.

So I did.  I knew a dog this sick needed to be on some strong medicine and in a home.  He's still coughing, but he's feeling much better.  And he is one very nice dog.  I'm glad I just happened to be thre when he needed someone.

Tober is a well-behaved, gentle dog.  I really like him. I can't imagine that anyone wouldn't see just how great he is.  Both Tux and Tober are young dogs...about one to two years.  Both seem to be housebroken and good with other pets.

Nobody called me about either of these dogs.  Nobody sent me their pictures. It's was just by chance that I ran into them and was able to help.

A lot of dogs aren't that lucky.  But these two were.  And they'll live to make wonderful pets.

And finally, it's not too late to sign up for Saturday's Trivia Night to benefit the St. Louis Senior Dog Project. Here's the scoop.

It's time to round up some friends and family and sign them and yourself up for a Trivia Night to benefit St. Louis Senior Dog Project Saturday, October 24, at American Legion Post #162, 8305 South Broadway. Doors open at 6 p.m.; questions begin at 7 p.m. Whether you're lousy at trivia or championship material, come and enjoy the night.  We'll have plenty of raffle baskets, 50/50 drawings and fun prizes.  Cost is $20 a person for up to eight players per table  For more info or to make a reservation, contact Arlene at 314-623-0412 or at [email protected].

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

Who found a home?

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.

Keep voting for St. Louis Sennior Dog Project to help us win a grant.  Vote daily.  Here's the link.

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/shelterchallenge.faces;jsessionid=93558EB82DDF5AC8B1EEFCB103C7F885.ctgProd04?siteId=3

Cindy Lou the English Springer Spaniel found her new home Saturday.  My best memory of her adoption was seeing mom, dad and two children sitting on the floor in a circle around Cindy Lou as she passed out a few tentative kisses.

I expected to say goodby to Cindy Lou.  She was one of the dogs I wrote about a few days ago that fell under the category of "Dogs I Could Keep."

I also expected Stewie the Westie would find a home since I received several applications for him during the week.  Stuie met his new owner and his new dog pal (a female Westie), and soon all decided it was a match.  I could have placed six Westies Saturday. Stuie was very popular.

Quincy the Pomeranian also found his new home.  He'd come back to us only a week ago because he didn't get along with his owner's fiance.  Better luck this time, Quincy.

And as expected, Bridget the Boster Terrier mix, was adopted by her foster mom, Erin.

Today I learned that Emily (above), a beagle, had been adopted.  In addition, a very senior beagle we'd taken in last week and named Charlie went back to her former owner, who finally noticed a "found" sign about their dog.  Turns out this beagle was 18 years old!  Now that's senior.  I'm happy she will spend the time she has left with the family she has always known.

But we still have Luna, Kevin, Jester and Cody -- the four dogs I couldn't believe hadn't been adopted yet.  Maybe next time.

Saturday we also said hello to several previously adopted dogs who came by with their owners.  I almost didn't recognize Petey Catahoula, who'd been a skinny pup when he was adopted and was now a solid, healthy weight and quite the handsome boy.

We also saw the new and improved Superman, so named because his foster mom, Joan, thought the name might help this frightened poodle find some courage. The name and a great new home seemed to be all that he needed. These before and after pictures say it all.

Coming up next Saturday is our Trivia Night.  You can still register.  Here's the info:

It's time to round up some friends and family and sign them and yourself up for a Trivia Night to benefit St. Louis Senior Dog Project Saturday, October 24, at American Legion Post #162, 8305 South Broadway. Doors open at 6 p.m.; questions begin at 7 p.m. Whether you're lousy at trivia or championship material, come and enjoy the night.  We'll have plenty of raffle baskets, 50/50 drawings and fun prizes.  Cost is $20 a person for up to eight players per table  For more info or to make a reservation, contact Arlene at 314-623-0412 or at [email protected].

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

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

Thanks to all who are voting daily to help us win a grant from The Animal Rescue Site and Petfinder.com.  Here's that link again.

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/shelterchallenge.faces;jsessionid=93558EB82DDF5AC8B1EEFCB103C7F885.ctgProd04?siteId=3

And we are all busy getting ready for the October 24 Trivia Night.  Read on  We'd love to see you there.

It's time to round up some friends and family and sign them and yourself up for a Trivia Night to benefit St. Louis Senior Dog Project Saturday, October 24, at American Legion Post #162, 8305 South Broadway. Doors open at 6 p.m.; questions begin at 7 p.m. Whether you're lousy at trivia or championship material, come and enjoy the night.  We'll have plenty of raffle baskets, 50/50 drawings and fun prizes.  Cost is $20 a person for up to eight players per table  For more info or to make a reservation, contact Arlene at 314-623-0412 or at [email protected].

I'm hoping for a good weekend of adoptions.  I know Stewie the Westie will go to a new home.  I also expect to see Cindy Lou the Spring Spaniel go to a new home.  I understand people are coming to see Indie the Pekingese, Emily the Beagle and several others.  Even the Affenpinsher I call Benny My Love may meet a potential new family.

And speaking of Benny, I couldn't resist this picture of two of my funny-faced dogs.  Thats Benny on the left mugging with Rocky the Brussels Griffon.

Faces only their mothers could love?  Hey, maybe faces no one could help loving.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

Why do we still have this dog?

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.

Please vote daily to help us win another grant from The Animal Rescue Site and Petfinder.com. Here's the link.

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/shelterchallenge.faces;jsessionid=93558EB82DDF5AC8B1EEFCB103C7F885.ctgProd04?siteId=3

Sometimes we shake our heads and ask each other, "Why do we still have this dog?"

We're  usually talking about a dog that should have been an easy adoption.  People should have been competing to adopt such a great dog.

We always have some dogs that we know will be hard to place, either because of their age or because of their special needs. But those are not the dogs I'm writing about here. 

I'm thinking about dogs like Luna, a young Akita.  Lindsey, foster mom, said, "She is such a good girl.  I just cant believe I still have her."  Lindsey points out that Luna is completely housebroken and crate trained.  She enjoys walks and she loves everyone she meets.  "She's a real people dog."

In case you're looking for a great dog and would like to meet Luna, she'll be at the Kirkwood Petco, I-44 and Lindbergh, 11 to 3 Saturday.

And why do we still have Kevin?

Kevin is cute; he's low shedding and totally housebroken.  He's small and he's young. He's playful and affectionate. He's a great family dog.  I figured he'd be snapped up at his first adoption event.  What's happening?  Don't people know perfect when they see it?  Kevin will be at the Kirkwood Petco 11 to 3 Saturday too.

And then I think of Cody and Jester, two senior boys who come with a special bonus.  They are both eligible for free vet care at selected St. Louis veterinary clinics.

Cody is a beagle/Australian shepherd mix....a wonderful dog by anybody's standards.  So is Jester, a beagle mix who fits his name with his clownish ears and behavior.  Both of these dogs would fit with most anyone but would be especially good with human senior citizens.

So why do we still have Cody and Jester?  Beats me.  People should be breaking down doors to meet these two. Both will be at the Arnold Petsmart on Jeffco Blvd. 11 to 3 Saturday.

And finally, it's not too late to sign up for our Trivia Night.  Here's the plug:

It's time to round up some friends and family and sign them and yourself up for a Trivia Night to benefit St. Louis Senior Dog Project Saturday, October 24, at American Legion Post #162, 8305 South Broadway. Doors open at 6 p.m.; questions begin at 7 p.m. Whether you're lousy at trivia or championship material, come and enjoy the night.  We'll have plenty of raffle baskets, 50/50 drawings and fun prizes.  Cost is $20 a person for up to eight players per table  For more info or to make a reservation, contact Arlene at 314-623-0412 or at [email protected].

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

I could keep this dog

The St. Louis Senior Dog Project is a not-for-proit 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.

Keep voting to help us win a grant from The Animal Rescue Site and Petfinder.com.  Here's the link.  Vote every day.

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/shelterchallenge.faces;jsessionid=93558EB82DDF5AC8B1EEFCB103C7F885.ctgProd04?siteId=3

Most of us who foster dogs have days when we look at one of those fosters and think, "I could keep this dog."

The dog just fits in so well. And it's such a good dog.  And so special.  Will I ever find another one like this one?  Those are the thoughts that go through our minds.

Actually, I've got several dogs at my house now that I could keep....if I didn't already have all the personal dogs I want or need. Since I'm not a collector and only a little bit crazy, I put such thoughts out of my mind. Or I try to.

Never mind that Oliver (above), a little rat terrier/chihuahua mix. is so cuddly and so well-behaved. And never mind that he burrows under the covers and helps keep me warm at night.

Never mind that Cindy Lou (above) gives me hugs, and that she's quiet and gentle and oh so sweet.

And never mind that Rocky makes me laugh with his funny Ewok face or that Stewie (above) is such a handsome, good-tempered Westie.  I could go on.  I seem to have a lot of dogs right now that I could imagine keeping.

But I won't.  What I will do is make sure people know how much I think of these great dogs and also make sure that the people who adopt them deserve them.

We have a phrase for foster parents who decide to adopt their foster dogs.  We call them "failed fosters" because usually we lose them as foster parents after they decide to keep the dog.

Today I learned that Erin and Colin want to keep Bridget (above), their foster dog.  Bridget has waited a long time for her forever home.  And there it was all the time.  Of course, Erin and Colin will foster no more...but they will help out in other ways, they say.

Lucky lucky Bridget. But now I need to recruit more fosters. 

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

Adoptions and Returns

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.

Yes, we had some adoption this week.

They included Sherman the miniature schnauzer, recently rescued from Jefferson County Animal Control.  He went home with a couple who needed a new schnauzer in their home to replace one that had died recently.
Shzoozoo the shih tzu  also found a home.  Although Shzoozoo loves to play like a crazy dog, he also enjoys quiet lap sitting.  He was out of time at the humane society before we took him in.  He was one of those dogs that doesn't do well sitting day after day in a cage.  The last time I saw him he was snuggled quietly on the lap of his new human. The picture is Shzoozoo.

Others who went to new homes were Steven the silky terrier mix, Kitty the little yorkie mix, Zuma the deaf English Springer Spaniell, and Dolly the senior shih tzu/maltese.

Unfortunately, we also took some dogs back this week. We hate to see any of our dogs lose their homes, but we're here to take over if the adoptors can't keep them.

Those now back are Quincy, a pomeranian; Shelly, a schnauzer mix, and Burt, a chihuahua.  Quincy is back because he couldn't accept his owner's fiance.  Jealous, I guess.  Shelly's former owner is terminally ill, and Burt is back because his owner decided she couldn't handle two dogs due to ill health and a shoulder injury.  The picture is Quincy.

We'll find them all new homes.

We also received some sad news about the death of Honey the dachshund.  This old girl was a favorite of ours; we thought she might be one of those to live on much longer.  Rest in peace little Honey.

And another reminder about our upcoming Trivia Night:

It's time to round up some friends and family and sign them and yourself up for a Trivia Night to benefit St. Louis Senior Dog Project Saturday, October 24, at American Legion Post #162, 8305 South Broadway. Doors open at 6 p.m.; questions begin at 7 p.m. Whether you're lousy at trivia or championship material, come and enjoy the night.  We'll have plenty of raffle baskets, 50/50 drawings and fun prizes.  Cost is $20 a person for up to eight players per table  For more info or to make a reservation, contact Arlene at 314-623-0412 or at [email protected].

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]