The St. Louis Senior Dog Project

Beautiful Clara

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 here.  And come meet them in person Saturday at either the Kirkwood Petco, I-44 and Lindbergh, or the Bridgeton Petsmart.

We're climbing higher.  Keep voting! We're still No 1 in Missouri and now 51 in the nation in The Animal Rescue Site/Petfinder.com challenge.  Our goal this week is to make it into the top 50. (Easy!) Keep voting daily until August 22.  We could receive a grant as high as $10,000 if we make it all the way to the top. State winners all receive $1,000.  Here's the link: Vote

Clara is an example of a "perfect" dog. That's what her main human Jaime says.

We found Clara at a puppymill auction and saved her from spending her life as a breeder.  Clara is a Clumber Spaniel, a rare breed and one I never expected to see at an auction.  She was four months old and softer to the touch than any pup I'd ever met.

Clara quickly found a home.  Jaime adopted her in December.  Last week she sent me pictures and the latest news.

''Clara is now almost ten months old, and absolutely perfect. I know everyone says that, but she is just a true blessing to me, my family, and of course (very important) my cocker spaniel Taylor. Clara's past may be unknown but her future is bright. She is a joy for everyone who encounters her, from the vet, to the park, to her very first obedience trial (this past weekend! She would have qualified on Saturday had the judge's glasses not made her nervous!) and she integrated instantly into our lives, just seamlessly. She is Taylor's best buddy, and looks to him for all of 'life's lessons' and adventures. He wouldn't admit it, but he loves her too. (Picture below of Clara grooming Taylor)


"Clara is now learning some agility skills on the 'baby' A-Frame and teeter totter in our backyard in order to build confidence. We look to someday be sending you win photos as her training progresses. She is an exciting, special girl who has already brought us so many gifts, in such a short time. Each day we're laughing and smiling even more than before, because of Clara!"

What a beauty and what a  happy story. Thanks, Jaime.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected] 

It isn't always easy

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 here.  And come meet them in person Saturday at either the Kirkwood Petco, I-44 and Lindbergh, or the Bridgeton Petco.

Keep it up! We're still No 1 in Missouri and 53 in the nation in The Animal Rescue Site/Petfinder.com challenge.  Our goal this week is to make it into the top 50.  Keep voting daily until August 22.  We could receive a grant as high as $10,000 if we make it all the way to the top. State winners all receive $1,000.  Here's the link: Vote

Sometimes people describe their newly adopted dog as 'perfect -- the best dog ever.'

But not always.  Some of our dogs are far from perfect-- damaged by life in puppymills or by other pasts of neglect and abuse.  They need homes of love and patience.

One such dog is a little blackBrussells Griffon we knew as Charlotte.  Her name now is Sadie Mae. She is very much loved...and still very imperfect. 

I recently received this update from Tiffany about this little puppymill rescue. 

"She has good days and bad ones.  She is on anxiety medication and I cannot tell whether it is the medication or her gradual acceptance of her new routine that is improving her personality.   She is still very afraid of strangers, particularly children.  We have taken her to a dog behaviorist who tells us it is not the worst case of separation anxiety he has ever seen but is severe.  As long as we are home with her, she is an angel.  She curls up next to me and my husband and snuggles like a dream.  She sleeps every night on my pillow & buries her head in my neck.  When we leave, however, she cannot control her bladder & bowel.  She cannot be crated, and we are glad that it is now warm enough for her to spend most of the day on our back deck ( a lot easier to clean than our carpet.) 

 "We love her dearly and have prepared ourselves for the long road ahead.  She has so many wonderful qualities and you can see the surprise in her eyes when you show her affection.  She loves it and is not always sure how to ask for it.  One kind word and she rolls over, belly exposed, for a good rub.  We oblige every time.  She gets along splendidly with our other Brussels, and they play non-stop most days.    She now loves her daily walks around the neighborhood and no longer flinches when I try to put her harness on her.  She still cowers if she hears a loud voice or you come near her too quickly, but she is getting better. 

 "I would say our biggest obstacle is the house-training.  She will be perfect w/ no accidents for 2 or 3 days & then the next day, several accidents in the house.  It's frustrating, I must admit, but we tredge on (the carpet cleaners are coming Monday !)'"

Thanks, Tiffany, for being Charlotte/Sadie Mae's special human.  If I were in charge of the university, you'd receive a free pass to heaven.

And yes, we had some adoptions yesterday. Marty the border collie mx found his home.  He came to us as a stray from Jefferson County Animal Control.  Others beginnning lives in new homes are ZhuZhu the shih tzu/yorkie, Cosmo the maltese, Sabrina the shih tzu, and Ally the schnauzer. A few other possible adoptions are pending.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

Way to Go, Porkchop

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 here.  And come meet them in person Saturday at either the Kirkwood Petco, I-44 and Lindbergh, or the Kennelwood in Ronnie's Plaza (off Lindberg south of Gravois.

We're climbing! We're still No 1 in Missouri and up to 52 in the nation in The Animal Rescue Site/Petfinder.com challenge.  Keep voting daily until August 22.  We could receive a grant as high as $10,000 if we make it all the way to the top. State winners all receive $1,000.  Here's the link: Vote

The St. Louis Louis Senior Dog Project has plenty of heartwarming stories to share. It's hard to pick just one.  We've saved dogs that spent their entire lives at the end of chains and then found themselves living the goodlife in wonderful adoptive homes.  We've taken in a dog that was tossed out of a car in the middle of a bridge spanning the Missouri River.

 
But if I had to pick just one heartwarming story today, it would be Pork Chops's.  Last week I received an email from Rachel,  Pork Chop's new guardian, and my mind went back to the day I spread the word that Pork Chop could walk.

Pork Chop was a very obese dachshund in the St. Louis City Pound when we first learned of him.  Presumably, he was a stray, but he could barely walk.  Sometimes he scooted on his stomach using his front legs as if he were swimming.  But eventually, he couldn’t even do that.  We had to carry him outside and hold him up as he relieved himself.

We soon learned that losing weight alone wouldn’t be enough to bring Pork Chop to his feet.  He had some mysterious joint infection and needed to see a specialist.  We raised money for that visit and for a biopsy.  The first diagnosis was that Pork Chop had a fungal infection.  Unfortunately, the medication for that ailment didn’t help and Pork Chop still couldn’t walk.  He lounged on a dog bed all day, wagging his tail and wiggling from side to side to show off his good nature.

The specialist said we had only two options left -- giving up or treating him with prednisone for a a possible immune system disorder.  He wasn't optimistic.  We weren't ready to give up, so we voted for option number two. But we also knew we were looking at a long shot.

But a week later Pork Chop was standing upright.  A few days after that, he took his first steps.

I spread the word.  Pork Chop can walk!

Not too long after that, Rachel contacted me about Pork Chop.  She was a dachshund lover, and she wanted to give a home to a special needs dog for Christmas.  Rachel and Pork Chop met, and that was that.

In her email, Rachel said Pork Chop was doing great.  He’d lost a little more weight and was now even playing with his doggy companions.  He loves visiting Rachel’s parents’ farm “where he explores and talks to the animals.  He’s a member of the family now.”

Rachel emaied a picture of Pork Chop with his companions  Pork Chop is second from the left.

Isn't he handsome? He's our long shot winner.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

Ivan's Happy Now

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 here.  And come meet them in person Saturday at either the Kirkwood Petco, I-44 and Lindbergh, or the Kennelwood in Ronnie's Plaza (off Lindberg south of Gravois.

Keep it up!  We're No 1 in Missouri and 54 in the nation in The Animal Rescue Site/Petfinder.com challenge.  Keep voting daily until August 22.  We could receive a grant as high as $10,000 if we make it all the way to the top. State winners all receive $1,000.  Here's the link: Vote

Yesterday I wrote about Ivan the Poodle.  He was adopted Sunday.

Already I've received a note about Ivan in his new home.  Jeannette, whose parents adopted Ivan, emailed pictures and enthusiasm.  She'd just come back from visiting her parents and Ivan.

"He is a sweetheart to be sure.  He barked when I got to the door, gave me kissies when I came in, and ran to get a toy to welcome me in.  He is doing fine with my parents, and I can tell my parents are so very happy.  My mom introduced me as his fairy godmother but I think we know in reality that title belongs to your rescue group. (Jeannette was the one who first contacted me about a dog for her parents.  Ivan was one of my suggestions.)

 

"My parents have taken him for a walk and were pleased with how he behaved on leash and especially when he sniffed noses with a friendly cat.  Louie, their last poodle, would have nothing to do with the cat. 

 

"He's such a nice, well-behaved dog.  He keeps an eye on my parents and sits next to them in the chair or on the sofa but is confident enough to excuse himself (to the couch) when they are sitting in the kitchen.  He went to the toybox several times while I was there & had a pile of toys on the sofa next to me.

 

"When I left yesterday, my father picked him up & carried him to the porch to "say goodbye" as I drove off.  I knew then he has won over both their hearts."

 

Told you he was a good dog.  I can't imagine what he must  have gone through before he ended up in the St. Louis City Pound.

 

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Free to Good 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 here.  And come meet them in person Saturday at either the Kirkwood Petco, I-44 and Lindbergh, or the Kennelwood in Ronnie's Plaza (off Lindberg south of Gravois.

Way to go!  We're No 1 in Missouri and 53 in the nation in The Animal Rescue Site/Petfinder.com challenge.  Keep voting daily until August 22.  We could receive a grant as high as $10,000 if we make it all the way to the top. State winners all receive $1,000.  Here's the link: Vote.

This past week we found new homes for two dogs that were both victims of Free To Good Home ads.

Free they may have been. The Good Home part was the problem.  Maybe you should always be suspicious of anyone looking for a free dog.

Ivan the black poodle went to his new home Sunday.  He's with a retired couple who promise to take care of him forever.  Ivan's first owners didn't do that.  When Ivan was picked up as a stray, he was matted and emaciated.  He was microchipped, so staff were hoping for a reunion.  Turned out, though, that the original owners had given him away...and those people had given him away...and so on.  No one had bothered to change the microchip information.  Just as well.  Now he's in a good home at last.

Recently we also placed Jax, the border collie.  The people who brought Jax to our attention told us their neighbor had got him from a "Free to Good Home" ad on Craig's List.  Then this neighbor had kept Jax tied up on a chain day and night.  When Jax started escaping, the neighbor just stopped taking care of his free dog   Neighbors began feeding him because the owner didn't want him anymore. Finally somone called us.

And Jax is a great dog.  So is Ivan.  Some of you may just be thinking that these were problem dogs.  Not really.  They're doing fine.

Our contract contains a clause that says those who adopt from us must bring the dog back to us if they can no longer keep it.  That way our dogs will never be Free to Good Home.  Or we hope they won't.  We've had cases where people forgot that promise, sometimes with sad results.  We're not unreasonable  If your mother loves your dog and wants to take it, we'll approve that.  We just need to know.

I hear a lot of phony excuses from people who say they need to get rid of their dogs.  But there must be some cases where people feel they have no other option. I can only imagine how that would feel.

If all else fails, and someone does choose the Free to Good Home route, I hope they will visit the new home and try to stay in touch.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

  

Lifejackets for Dogs

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 here.  We'll have dogs 11 to 3 next Saturday at the Kirkwood Petco and also at the Kennelwood in South County's Ronnies Plaze. 

And keep on voting every day to help us win a grant.  We bounced up to No 1 in Missouri Saturday but are now back to #2.  We're within striking distance of the really good grants if you'll all keep voting until the contest ends August 22. Go here to VOTE.  Click on the shelter challenge button, write in St. Louis Senior Dog Project and the state MO.  Leave city blank. Click on search.  Then the vote button.  You'll be asked to identify an animal before your vote is official.  It's easy.  Honest. 

Lifejackets are a good metaphor for what we do.  We can't guarantee a perfect future for all of the dogs we rescue, but we can help protect them from the worst that can happen and often already has.

So I was amused this week when I received several pictures of dogs in lifejackets.

This is Toby, a dachshund adopted from us 2 1/2 years ago  Shelly tells us that because of Toby, her family has added two more dachshunds for a total of three dachshunds.  All three now have life jackets and are ready for enjoying the family's new boat.

And this is Meecho, now Gracie, and her "sister" Wrigley.  Susan tells us Meecho/Gracie "is very happy and loves her new house and her "sister." These two are also ready for life at the lake.

I've received more emails and pictures this week than I can use in one blog, so you'll need to check back later for more.

I heard from Keith about Mya, who was adopted last month.  He says Mya is "the best dog we could have hoped for.  Everyday we say we sure lucked out.  We got the best.  She's super sweet and like to be petted and carried around.  We have daughters and she typically sleeps with one of them every night."  And here's Mya and her best friends.

Sunday we found a home for Ivan, a black poodle we rescued from the St. Louis City Pound.  He'll now be living with a senior citizen couple.  More on Ivan later.

And maybe I'll even receive more pictures of dogs in lifejackets.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

Bouncing Back!

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 and come and meet us at the Kirkwood Petco 11 to 3  Sunday ( today). 

Talk about a bounce!  After I began promoting the latest Animal Rescue Site/Petfinder.com contest, St. Louis Senior Dog Project bounced to the top of the Missouri contest and from number 160 to 60 nationwide.  We're aiming for the top!

All it takes is people like you voting for us at the Animal Rescue Site every day until the end of August.  Here's the link.  Just enter St. Louis Senior Dog Project and MO for the state.  Leave city blank. And spread the word!

 VOTE

We're also bouncing back after a few slow adoption weekends.  And we're only half through the weekend.

Among the adoptions was Sean (above), a rat terrier mix I picked up in Kirksvile, MO when I was really there picking up a different dog.  Sean is going into a very good home.  He'll be spoiled.  Long trip from a pen in a rural shelter to a life of love and luxury.

Little Didi found a home too. She's a shih tzu/yorkie mix from a puppymill auction. Kretzky (above), a brindle Aussie mix, went to his new home.  Kretzky was originally from Jefferson County Animal Control. From there he went to the Jefferson College Vet Tech program where he helped educate future veterinary technicians.  We took him from the college, and now he's on to a real home.

Other Saturday adoptions were Daisy Mae the bichon, Jodi the poodle and Ming Lee the shih tzu.

Ally the schnauzer is out meeting the other dogs in her potential new home.  I know the home, so I'm confident in sayng she's adopted too.  And today Beaumont the hound will leave for a new home.

By the way, if you didn't receive an email from me last week, it's only because I don't have your email.  I spent most of one day cleaning up my list of no-longer-functioning emails.  Send me and email if you'd like to be on my list.

About time for me to get ready for another adoption day.

 

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

Tyson needs you

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 and come and meet and adopt next weekend. We'll be at the Kirkwood Petco 11 to 3 both Saturday and Sunday.  We'll also have dogs Saturday (same time) at the Lucky Dog Boutique in Webster Groves.

It's TIME TO VOTE for ST. LOUIS SENIOR DOG PROJECT in the latest Animal Rescue Site/Petfinder.com contest running through August 31.  We're going all out and need your help.  Here's the link.  Vote every day and pass the word to other dog lovers.  VOTE

Or you could just paypal us a donation. Thanks!

 

A couple blogs ago I wrote about a yellow lab who spent part of a day with me before his original family decided they'd made a mistake and came back for him.

 

Now Tyson is back with me.  After he returned home, one of the children came down with her fourth case of strep throad in a year.  The pediatrician blamed Tyson, thinking the child might be allergic to the dog.

So this perfect lab is now looking for a new home.  He's five years old, good with other dogs, cats, children (even babies).  He's housebroken and well-behaved.  Anyone would love him. 

Yesterday I took one of our new dogs (a Cavalier King Charles) to a specialist.  She has a grade 4 heart murmur (out of six).  The specialist says she should have about four symptom-free years and maybe then another year or two with medication.  For a Cavalier, that's not bad.  Cavaliers, adorable and sweet-tempered, and known for their susceptibility to heart problems.  Sassy is a darling.  Picture coming soon. She has the go-ahead for spay surgery and a dental to remove infected teeth. After that, she'll be available for adoption.

I had several dogs at the vets yesterday for spay/neuter, shots and other care.  One dog has ringworm; another has dry eye and an ear infection. My life.

I had two calls yesterday within an hour about "found" dogs -- dogs with our tag and microchip.  Both are home safe. I also received a half dozen calls from people wanting to give up their dogs.  I don't have room.  I gave them advice about other places to look for help.

We're full.  We have too many dogs and too little money.  Everything's on hold until we adopt out more dogs and bring in more money.  I'm hoping to write a couple grants today or tomorrow.

We do have a Crazy Bowl fundraiser coming up in July. We're looking for teams.

And as mentioned above, we are asking your help with the new Animal Rescue Site/Petfinder.Com contest.  You vote for us and we might win a grant or two.  We can win $1,000 if we receive the most votes in Missouri.  We can also win $1,000 if we receive the most votes in any one week.  Winning nationally is even better.  Here's that link again.  Just vote everyday for St. Louis Senior Dog Project.

 VOTE

We're ready for a big weekend.  We'll have dogs at the Lucky Dog Boutique in Webster Groves 11 to 3 Saturday.  And we'll be at the Kirkwood Petco 11 to 3 both Saturday and Sunday.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

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Vet visits and Victories

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 and come and meet and adopt next weekend. We'll be at the Kirkwood Petco 11 to 3 both Saturday and Sunday.  We'll also have dogs Saturday (same time) at the Lucky Dog Boutique in Webster Groves.

 

I spend so much time at vet clinics I wonder why they don't give me office space.

Today's visit brought some unpleasant news.  One of my new foster dogs has ringworm. I've been petting her and kissing her for the past three days.  I've been washing my hands and face for the past hour.

Tomorrow I'm taking another dog with a heart murmur to see a specialist .

Oh well.

Here's the picture of Ally, a schnauzer rescued from a puppymill auction.  She has an ear infection but is otherwise ok.  I promised a donor I'd save a schnauzer or two from the puppymill life. This is one.  She's very friendly and will make a wonderful pet.

Not everyone thinks we should be buying dogs at puppymill auctions.  We argue the pros and cons with each other and within ourselves.  Are  we helping the breeders?  Or the dogs? Me?   I think we should help a few of these puppymill dogs as long as it doesn't become all that we do and that we don't turn away from the dogs in shelters.  Those dogs we do take go on to become pets, and that's not a bad thing.

And I'm catching up with some of the pictures of adopted dogs.   Thanks to all who send news and pictures of the dogs you adopted. I wish I could publish them all.

This is Jude, who is still turning heads in his neighborhood.  Lara tells us, "Having Jude around makes me smile every day. His bouncy little walk, his chasing squirrels and birds, and his sweet little face really do make my life a little better. And I can't help but laugh at him when he barks at the dogs on TV."

A happy story. A little victory.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

Two Glamorous Seniors

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 and come and meet and adopt next weekend. We'll be at the Kirkwood Petco 11 to 3 both Saturday and Sunday.  We'll also have dogs Saturday (same time) at the Arnold Petsmart and the Lucky Dog Boutique in Webster Groves.

They may be a bit on in years, but Suzie and Tina are still glamorous.  Just check out this recent photo of the two 11-year-old dachshunds who are looking for a home together.

Suzie and Tina lost their first home when they were both seven years old and their owner had financial problems. More recently their second owner, age 81, was unable to continue caring for them.  The daughter-in-law planned to have these ladies put to sleep.  That's when we took them in.  Kim agreed to be their foster mom.

Kim says the two had a rough transition at her house but are now doing fine.  Tina, who was considerably overweight, has lost 6 pounds and is now looking great, as the picture proves.  Tina "now loves rolling around in the grass.  Before (she lost weight) she couldn't do it because she couldn't get up."

Kim say, "Suzie will sit on her haunches and beg for attention and food - it's very cute."  Both dachsies are very affectionate and give kisses constantly."  They are both good with other dogs but not thrilled with cats.  They both like to share a bed with their humans.

"They're great fosters  if it weren't for their grey muzzles, I'd never believe they're 11.   They're quite spunky and sweet.    They LOVE going for walks and rides in the car."

So....anyone out there for these two glamour girls?

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]