The St. Louis Senior Dog Project

Freedom and the Scruffies

 
Freedom has something to celebrate.

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.  See our adoptable dogs Here. We will have dogs at the Kirkwood Petco near I-44 and Lindbergh 11 to 3 Saturday/Sunday, July 2 and 3rd.

That's Freedom up there, and he does have reason to celebrate.  He's a 7-year-old lab mix who made it out of the local animal shelter alive and is now groomed and ready for a new home.  He's been to the vet, had his teeth cleaned,shots given and been praised as a wonderful, healthy boy.

We have Freedom today because of adoptions from last weekend.  Because Curtis had adopted out one of his foster dogs, Roscoe, he now had room for another and selected from dogs at risk.  We also took out another dog, Kiwi, from the same shelter because Tracy said she had room.

And we're looking at a long list of other requests and at a number of shelter dogs.  I'll be bringing home one or two more in the next week -- maybe more if all goes well.

Meanwhile I look around my place and I see "scruffy."  Everywhere I look I see a boy dog that should be named Scruffy.  One of them's even my own dog Benny (aka Benny my Love).  But I also have Frankie here for the week, plus Scrappy and Tigger.  Pictures follow in order of mention, and I might say that scruffy is not a bad look.  I try for it myself sometimes.  It doesn't require must effort.

 
 
 
 
For the record, Benny and Tigger are Affenpinschers.  Frankie and Scrappy are probably Cairn Terriers or mixes.  And if those aren't scruffy enough for you, here's the other scruffy dog in our group (and fortunately in a nother foster home).  This is Tubbs.

 
And I don't really know what he is other than scruffy and probably trouble too.  But these five scruffy boys together and you'll be laughing and crying both.  You can see trouble in their eyes.  And love too.

Except for Benny, all are available for adoption.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

Tears and Cheers

 

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.  See our adoptable dogs Here. We will have dogs at the Kirkwood Petco near I-44 and Lindbergh 11 to 3 Saturday/Sunday, July 2 and 3rd. 

I definitely saw some tears along with the cheers this past weekend.

We had a good weekend, and some of the dogs who found homes had been with us awhile.  For example, Temperance and Camille, the bonded pair shown above.  We'd almost given up hope finding them a home together, but it finally happened.  Foster mom Kathy had a little trouble hiding her emotions.

Temperance and Camille had come to us from a rural shelter where they'd ended up after their former owner died.  When we took them in they were both heartworm positive and not all that young ( 5 and 9).  Treatment is always a little tricky with the older dogs.  But they survived and were doing well.

Congratulations to both of them.  They are a lot of fun, and I'm sure their new owners will enjoy then.

Pam also looked a little teary eyed and red nosed as she said goodby to Bandit, who had taken his time about finding a home.  This little chihuahua mix needed time learning to trust humans. Finally, it all came together and he found a good home.

And then there was Kiki, a balck shepherd mix who came to us as an abuse case.  She'd been waiting awhile too, so Kati was both delighted and emotional about the adoption. Here's Kiki.

 
I was a little sad to say goodby to Lena the black lab.  She was my foster and was one of those I thought of as a "keeper," one I might have wanted to keep.  Be good, Lena. I'll miss my swimming companion. Here she is out of the water.  Lena was a rescue from Jefferson County Animal Control.

 
Others finding homes were Komodo, the senior Japanese Chin, Shag the beagle, Roscoe the chihahua/terrier mix, Lucy the schnauzer (also a few tears from Patty who was "getting used to her,"she said), Uno the chihuahua,and  Fred the poodle mix puppy.  Here's Uno, who was returned from a previous adoption only to quickly find his "second chance."  Way to go, Uno.

 

So it was a good weekend, and I was able to visit a shelter to pick out a few new dogs for our groups.

And the tears were happy one.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

Lena Swims too

 
Lena's having fun.

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.  See our adoptable dogs Here. We will have dogs at the Kirkwood Petco near I-44 and Lindbergh 11 to 3 Saturday/Sunday, June 25 and 26.  

Lena does everything a young lab should do.  She swims.  she fetches.  She wags.  She loves.

But it wasn't until yesterday that I knew she'd love the pool.  As one of our most recent rescue, she first needed to recover from spay surgery before being ready for a swim. We'd found her at Jefferson County Animal Control where she'd been brought in as a stray. 

I took Ruby the Jack Russell Terrier along to show Lena the fun she could have.  Ruby, an experienced swimmer, leapt into the water.  Lena ran around the pool, barking.  Finally Lena could resist it no more, and in she went.  Soon she was splashing into the water after balls and frisbees and having the time of her life.  Actually, sometimes she took the frisbee into the water with her, saving one step.

 
 

Both Lena and Ruby slept well last night. And both are looking for homes.  Either would fit well with active families (although no cats for Ruby, please). Both will be meeting people Saturday and possibly Sunday 11 to 3 at the Kirkwood Petco near I-44 and Lindbergh.

Another great family dog is the 3-year-old Dutches, a beagle/English Toy Spaniel mix.  But so far she hasn't shown any interest in swimming. She'll be at the Kirkwood Petco store too.

 

Come on by.  We're hoping for a good adoption weekend.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

 

Anot

As cute as it gets

 
A tub of fluff

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.  See our adoptable dogs Here. We will have dogs at the Kirkwood Petco near I-44 and Lindbergh 11 to 3 Saturday/Sunday, June 25 and 26.  

Don't ask me to tell them apart.  They all look alike to me -- snowballs, fluffballs, little white Bichon Frise puppies who are now weaned and will soon be available for adoption.

What are we doing with Bichon Frise puppies?  We took in their mother when we attended the auction that shut down a Missouri puppymill. And mom, who will also soon be available, was pregnant with these puppies, her last litter.

And after complaining so much about our rash of recent returns, I've received some nice emails from people who say their adopted dogs will never be coming back.  One such is the recently adopted Velvet.  Here she is at home with her new ball. Meredith says she the best dog ever! 

 
And here's a picture of Zeke, our big coonhound, who looks quite small, at right,  in this quite small picture where he is shown with hismuch larger new housemate. We have learned Zeke won't be coming back either.

 
And speaking of returns, here's a new picture of Uno the Chihuahua who was returned because his owner was moving.  He's all of 5 pounds and a wonderful, sweet little man.

 
By the way, if you are thinking of moving, Go to www.myapartmentmap.com/pet_friendly to find the place that will take both you and your dog.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

Gigi has a high opinion of herself

 
Gigi with her nose in the air

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.  See our adoptable dogs Here. We will have dogs at the Kirkwood Petco near I-44 and Lindbergh 11 to 3 Saturday/Sunday, June 25 and 26. 

Perhaps we can all learn something from Gigi.  She has a rather too high opinion of herself.  You know the type.  Nose in the air.  Too good for your other friends.

That's our Gigi.  She had a good home but believed that her human companion was associating with persons beneath her station. That's beneath Gigi's station to be clear.  Gigi was deliriously happy as long as it was just her and her human.  But let someone else coming into the house and Gigi was decidedly and demonstratively unhappy.

Gigi's owner knew to keep the disapproving Gigi on a leash whenever company came by.  Friends tolerated Gigi even though the little Pekingese did everything she could to let them know they were of lowly status. 

Then one day one of the neighbors came into Gigi's home without knocking first.  Gigi displayed her disapproval in unacceptable ways that were uncomfortable to the neighbor's left ankle.  Oh dear.

Much to Gigi's initial delight, her owner's friends now refused to come by Gigi's home anymore.  Unfortunately for Gigi, her owner decided she needed her friends more than she needed Gigi.

And that's why Gigi is back with us.  She is trying to learn humility, and we think she will still make someone a wonderful pet.

There's a morality lesson here for all of us -- or maybe more than one.  Be careful what you wish for.  And try not to hold too high an opinion of yourself. 

We will try...Gigi and all the rest of us.  Last week we took in seven dogs-- six returns and one rescue from Jefferson County Animal Control.  We adopted out only one dog.

So I guess we'll just try harder this week.  Please come to Kirkwood Petco Saturday/Sunday to meet some of our adoptable dogs. 

And let us know if you'd like to join our brave band of foster parents.  We could use you (Thanks Tom for leading the pack).

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

 

Will this ever end?

 
Scrappy -- our latest "return"

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.  See our adoptable dogs Here. We will have dogs at the Kirkwood Petco near I-44 and Lindbergh 11 to 3 Saturday/Sunday, June 18 and 19.  We'll also have dogs at the Bridgeton Petsmart, 12046 Paul Mayer Ave, 11 to 3 Saturday, June 18.

At first I was going to write a blog titled "So you're moving and you can't take the dog."  I wanted to warn people that there aren't any shelters or rescues waiting for your dogs.  Your dog is counting on you.

Then I received a call about yet another previously adopted day coming back.  In the past few weeks, we've accepted back so many previously adopted dogs that we've been able to take in only one new dog.  I've said "no" to so many people trying to find a place for their dogs that I've begun ignoring the phone and the emails. (Just answered the phone anyway.  It was from someone wanting me to take his 10-year-old, 95-lb dog that isn't good with children.)

The picture up there is of Scrappy, our latest return.  We adopted him out in 2005.  The owner says he can no longer afford him.  Today I'm going to pick up Gigi, a Pekingese mix adopted out a couple years ago.  And Lucy the schnauzer and Uno the chihuahua are coming back tomorrow. So is Thelma the shih tzu.

Of the seven foster dogs with me, five are "returns," previously adopted dogs. Of all the dogs with us now, more than a third are with us for the second time.

What's happening?  And will this ever end?  I hear from people who are being evicted from their homes or are having other serious financial problems.  We've always had some dogs coming back for a variety of reasons, but we've never experienced anything quite like this.

One of the most painful things about all these returns is that I can't help anyone else.  Yesterday I spoke with some people who were being evicted and needed some place to take their old beagle. The Humane Society wouldn't take their dog because they lived in Jefferson County.  Jefferson County Animal Control wouldn't take their dog because they were no longer accepting owner surrenders. Open Door Animal Sanctuary said they were full, as did other rescues, and as did I.  Last I heard they were still trying to find a place to dump their dog.

Here's the sad thing.  Even if one of these shelters had accepted their senior, unaltered beagle, he would have been deemed unadoptable and put to sleep.  The people told me the place they were moving woldn't take pets.  So why did they pick that place?  I know that you can find places that will accept pets.  You can find them at every price level if you try hard enough.

So if you're moving, plan ahead.  Find a place that will take your dog.  Your dog is counting on you.  And if you really can't find a safe place for your dog, take it to your vet and let him die in your arms rather than alone and frightened elsewhere.

And yes, I could sure use some new foster homes.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

 

And I ask,

Every day is sad, glad, mad

 
Barbie's sad story

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.  See our adoptable dogs Here. We will have dogs at the Kirkwood Petco near I-44 and Lindbergh 11 to 3 Saturday/Sunday, June 18 and 19.  We'll also have dogs at the Bridgeton Petsmart, 12046 Paul Mayer Ave, 11 to 3 Saturday, June 18.

 

I seldom have days that are just one thing... all good or all bad.  Every day is usually a little bit sad, a little happy, a day to celebrate, a day to mourn and a day to scream. 

Today's sad news is about Barbie the poodle, above.  I'm not sure we can help her at all.  We took her in from a St. Charles City shelter thinking she'd be an easy senior dog to place in a new home.  She's a sweet dog, but her health issues are many.  She's currently suffering from an upper respiratory infection. If she recovers from that, she needs some major dental work, spay surgery, and removal of a couple mammary tumors.  And she's diabetic.  The foster mom is hoping an angel might step forward to help her, but we're not even sure she can make it through all her problems to become adoptable.

I'm feeling good about Lena, the black labrador retirever (or mix) I pulled from Jefferson County Animal Control.  Since Velvet the black lab was adopted Sunday, I figured I could take in another black dogs.  Black dogs, as you know, are often the last to be adopted or rescued.  So far Lena seems like to perfect dog.  And she's beautiful. And very lucky.

 
Another reason for happiness is the picture I received of Honey Ann, a rat terrier rescued from St. Louis County Animal Control.  Tatiana, one of Honey Ann's new humans, sent us this picture of Honey Ann at a recent celebration in Benton Park.

 
 
I'm both mad and glad about Shag, a beagle I now have back with me after his previous owner couldn't keep him from running loose.  I'd had numerous calls in the past from people who found him at various times of night and day.  He is very friendly.  But this last time decided enough was enough. He was running down the middle of a busy street when his latest rescuer caught up with him.   Shag needs a new home.  Know what?  He's just perfect and a delight to have around. He never tries to get out of my house or yard.

 
I'm a little frantic every day trying to find temporary foster homes for foster parents going on vacation and for dogs being returned from earlier adoptions.  And I'm hoping to take a vacation myself someday.  Then there are the phone calls, the emails, the pictures of dogs needing rescue.  It goes on and on. We have sick dogs, misbehaving dogs, misbehaving humans, lost dogs, found dogs and all the other daily realities of rescue life. We need to recruit more foster homes.

But I did forget to mention fun.  Sometimes it's actually a lot of fun. If you doubt that, reread my blog about swimming with Ruby.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

They all have a story

 
Velvet finds 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...even puppies.  See our adoptable dogs Here. We will have dogs at the Kirkwood Petco 11 to 3 Saturday/Sunday, June 18 and 19.  We'll also have dogs at the Bridgeton Petsmart 11 to 3 Saturday, June 18.

We sent five dogs on to their new homes this weekend.  Each of them has a story. Velvet, above, was a stray in Jefferson County Animal Control when I first saw her.  She had a gunshot wound to one thigh but was thumping her tail with great enthusiasm. I could count her ribs. Her spine stood out.

Velvet recovered and put on weight.  This weekend she attended her first adoption event.  A lady who'd already submitted an application and was especially interested in a black lab came to meet Velvet.  It was love at first sight.  Velvet crawled into her lap as Meredith completed the adoption paperwork.  Velvet's future involves enrollment in doggy daycare a couple days a week.  Sounds like a great new life.

Another Jefferson County Animal Control dog finding a new home was Cher the miniature pinsher.  Her new human said he'd been looking everywhere for just the right minpin.  When Bobby met Cher, the search was over. Here's Cher.

 
Puddles was adopted a year ago but came back recently when his owners experienced health and financial problems.  He's now found a second chance at the good life.  Here's his funny shih tzu face.

 
Lucky came to us from a puppymill that was shutting down.  Dinah was another puppymill dog now ready to be a pet.  They both found homes this weekend. Here's Lucky.

 

And here's Dinah. 

 

 
This weekend we also celebrated our first Senior Dogs Rock! plus virtual Tweet Up fundraiser.  Thanks to all who donated in person and online.  The event was a great success.

I'm continuing to receive daily calls from people needing to give up dogs.  It can be distressing.  These calls include some from people who are returning dogs they adopted from us.  The reasons are many, including new baby, moving, conflicts with other dog, lifestyle changes, etc.

Somehow we manage...and celebrate the good stuff.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

Dogs and their People

 
Cuddy the Pom helps with a craft project.

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.  See our adoptable dogs Here. We will have dogs at the Kirkwood Petco 11 to 3 Saturday/Sunday, June 11 and 12. And don't forget our Tweet Up and Senior Dogs Rock!!! fundraiser 11 to 7 Saturday, June 11.  It's live at Noodles and Company, 13307 Manchester Rd. and next door at Treats Unleashed (some dogs will be there)...or virtually for those who'd rather stay at home.   Details at www.seniordogsrock.blogspot.com

Sometimes people send us pictures of the dogs they've adopted from us.  And sometimes they include t hemselves or members of the family as well.  We like seeing our dogs as members of the family.

In the picture above, Cuddy is helping Christina with a craft project for her best friend's 21st birthday.  We hear that Cuddy is really happy in his home and enjoys all the comfy beds and toys. We also understand that the family border collie likes Cuddy a licking lot.

And here's Tex (formerly Reno) with one of his family members.

 
Tex (formerly Reno) was only a puppy when Jenny and her family adopted him in March of 2010.  She says He's grown into such a handsome and wonderful dog...although a bit bigger than expected.  We and our vet predicted he'd be 45 to 55 pounds.  He's now 80 pounds and still growing. But since he's "the sweetest, most wonderful bo ever, we don't mind."  Tex has completed puppy training and several levels of obedience, showing the family and the world that he is a smart cookies.  He is also Jenny's running companion and her daugher's best friend (above). Tex loves cuddles, playing fetch, and visiting the dog park.

Sounts like Tex/Reno found his perfect home.

 And Here's Rosie, now Zoe, with one of her family members.

 

Rosie's family says she is "awesome. We love her."  Julie reports that Rosie's first few days in her new home were a little tough, but she has now adapted to her household.  Everyone is amazed at how ell trained she is since she knows how to sit, stay, lay down, roll over, shake paw and sit in front of the door and tap it when she needs to go outside.

And here's little Tank, a Pekingese puppy.

 
Julie says she is grateful for the joy Tank has brought into her life.  Looks happy, doesn't she?

I love these pictures.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]

Ruby's Best Day Ever

 
Ruby the Jack Russell loves the pool.

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.  See our adoptable dogs Here. We will have dogs at the Kirkwood Petco 11 to 3 Saturday/Sunday, June 11 and 12. And don't forget our Tweet Up and Senior Dogs Rock!!! fundraiser 11 to 7 Saturday, June 11.  It's live at Noodles and Company, 13307 Manchester Rd. and next door at Treats Unleashed...or virtually for those who'd rather stay at home.   Details at www.seniordogsrock.blogspot.com

Ruby has had a few bad days in her life, maybe quite a few.  We first heard about her after someone witnessed her being thrown out of a car in St. Charles County.  The witness rescued her from the street and dropped her off at a vet clinic.  Clinic staff called one of our volunteers.  We took her in.

We thought we'd found her a good home, but we were wrong.  A few weeks ago I received a call from St. Louis County saying she'd been picked him as a stray.  The person who'd adopted her didn't pick her up, so we took her back.

Yes, Jack Rusell Terrriers can be challenging.  They seem to live on jet fuel.  They have minds of their own.  Complicating things is that they are so darn adorable that people sometimes forget that Jack Russell's are not just wind-up toys that look good on television.  Not everyone is right for a Jack Russell, but if you are the right type for a Jack Russell, you will forever think of any other breeds as mere dogs.

 
Yesterday Ruby showed me her stuff and her charm.  I was trying to introduce my foster dogs to the recently opened pool.  Velvet the black lab seemed the obvious choice  I coaxed her in.  She climbed quickly out.  Next try, same response.  She wanted nothing to do with the water. Are you sure you're a lab, Velvet?  So I turned to Dutchess the Speagle (beagle/English toy spaniel).  Same reaction.  Same reaction from Cher the Miniature Pinscher.

 
Next was Ruby.  From the first splash, she was in love with water.  Most fascinating for Ruby was the spray she creating by splashing about.  She snapped  at the bubbles as she paddled along.  She climbed out of the pool; she flew back in.  More spashing and snapping at bubbles.  Out again.  Shaking up a big spray.  Leaping back in. Splashing. Snapping.  It was clear to me that Ruby was experiencing the best day of her life.

 
She's a fun little dog...not quite a year old.  She's looking for someone who understands Jack Russells.  A pool would be nice too.

Ellen Ellick

President/Founder

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

[email protected]