Open Your Heart To A Muttville Senior Dog

Axl

Coco

Bumper

Mintey
Annie

Blackie

If you're like me, you are searching the sweet, soulful faces shown above and wondering about the many stories they suggest. Homeless senior dogs have often been through so much - rejection in favor of a younger pet or new baby, abandonment due to medical reasons, displacement because of an owner's disability or death - and yet they ask for so little.

When we adopted three-legged Dewey in 2008, he was thought to be at least ten years old. The only background information we had about him was that he had been picked up as a stray in Spokane, Washington. It was a mystery how he had come to have an amputated hind leg, and we knew nothing about the first decade of his life. None of this stopped Dewey from settling right into our family as if he had always belonged.

In my experience, senior shelter dogs just want want a peaceful "retirement" in a loving home where they can relax and be adored.These six old souls, Axl, Coco, Bumper, Mintey, Annie, and Blackie, are patiently waiting for families who will give them a second chance. They are available for adoption through Muttville Senior dog Rescue, based in San Francisco: www.muttville.org

Old Souls In Need Of Forever Families

Fluffy

Cider

Precious

Meika

Casper

Between the tough economy and the pet overpopulation crisis, animal shelters across the country are overflowing with dogs, cats, and critters of all shapes and sizes. While all homeless animals are worthy of adoption, senior pets are often the ones at greatest risk in shelters. November is Adopt-A-Senior-Pet Month, and I wanted to share some compelling reasons to open your heart and home to an old soul. The five dogs shown here - Fluffy, Cider, Precious, Meika, and Casper - are all available for adoption through Muttville Senior Dog Rescue. If their portraits aren't quite enough to convince you that you could benefit from having a senior canine in your life, here is OldDog Haven's list of ten reasons why adopting a mature pooch is a great idea:

Older dogs, especially those that come to us, settle in easily and are more than ready and willing to bond with you and your family.

What you see is what you get with older dogs. They’ve already grown into themselves in all ways.

An older dog probably won’t need a great deal of exercise, and will really appreciate quality time with you and a good nap. And of course, your socks and underwear will remain intact.

Older dogs generally like to watch the same programs on TV that you do, so you won’t have to learn to enjoy cartoons.

Many older dogs have already experienced rides in the car and walking on leash, so they’re instant companions and ready to continue those activities with you.

Older dogs have figured out what humans are all about and are willing and eager to add new information to their knowledge of human behavior. Old dogs can absolutely learn new tricks!

Older dogs are very grateful for the second chance they’ve been given and are very good at giving and receiving love.

There’s absolutely nothing like the smile you get from older dogs—especially dogs that haven’t felt like smiling in awhile, but now have reasons to smile because you love them.

Older dogs are looking for human companions who will value their wisdom and their slow pace. They have their very own special appeal.

When you adopt older dogs, you can erase any unpleasant past experiences that they’ve had by loving them and caring for them. It doesn’t get any better than that!

The Hounds Of Easter Revisted

Although these Easter portraits of three-legged Dewey and our late, beloved Greta date back to 2009, I think they are cute enough to warrant a reprisal. Happy spring one and all!

Spring Photos

Thank you so very much, everyone, for the heartfelt condolences about Greta. Your kind words mean more than I can say, and Michael and I are very touched by the messages of support and sympathy. We are holding up okay, but of course we miss our girl terribly and the loss is still very fresh for us. Although Greta is irreplaceable in our home and hearts, having Franny and Dewey to keep us company is definitely comforting. Here are some recent pictures of Miss Francine and her three-legged brother...

Welcome Franny!

Miss Francine is our newest Rebound Hound. She is a 17 year old sweetheart with limited vision and very little hearing. She joined the fold last weekend and she definitely fits right in with Miss Greta, our blind and paralyzed Dachshund, and Dewey, our little tripod of uncertain pedigree.

Until last week, Franny didn't have a name. She was surrendered to our city shelter by a concerned neighbor of her former owner. Apparently, the woman was about about to be evicted and was not taking care of her dog.

We don't know much about her past, but judging by the pitiful condition we found her in, it seems pretty doubtful that Franny has ever been treated well. She was emaciated and filthy. For the first few days, she would flinch each time we went to pet her. She still seems unused to sleeping on soft beds and getting regular meals. All the evidence would suggest that this small Chihuahua has had a harsh, largely loveless life.

It's a heartbreaking story, one that I've seen over and over again at the animal shelters I've been involved with. When a dog becomes old and feeble, they become disposable.

I know I can't save every senior dog that needs saving, just as I know that the overnight anonymous "drop boxes" will be filled with more unwanted animals at our city shelter each morning, but I am so grateful that at least we can give Franny some time in a safe, loving home. She has a delightful spirit and we are enjoying each new day as we get to know her.

Senior Pet Adoption Stories Part 3: Brownie

Here is the third installment in a series of senior pet adoption stories we are sharing in honor of Adopt-A-Senior-Pet month:

In 2006, Brownie was an 8 year old German short hair pointer and she was in trouble. She was sold right before her 8 th birthday,through a newspaper ad by her original owner. The woman who bought her thought she was a sweet dog, but dropped her off at a local kill shelter after 2 weeks because
Brownie was too nervous around her young kids.

Scared and alone, Brownie quickly lost weight, contracted kennel cough and was put on a TBE list (To Be Euthanized). After all she was 8, sick and virtually unadoptable to a family. Something about this quiet shy girl caught the shelter manager's attention and he moved Brownie to his office. She had peace and quiet for a few weeks, got her medication and he found her foster care. Brownie thrived outside of the shelter: she lived with a nice couple, their dogs and cats. Her foster parents had her for 3 weeks and were about to adopt her when Brownie won a spot on the CanINE Express, a monthly transport from Indiana to New England, giving animals from high kill areas a second chance at life.

Brownie made her way to the NHSPCA, in Stratham NH in August of 2006. Yet again in a shelter environment, Brownie was anxious, very whiny and pacing. Along with her card explaining that she could not live with young kids, she paced and cried, being overlooked by visitors.

My husband and I had been looking that summer for a dog. We researched, knew we wanted to rescue and came across the NHSPCA after going to 8 other shelters and spending numerous hours online. After 2 visits, both times seeing Brownie, we fell IN LOVE.

It has been 4 years of BLISS, and Brownie is happy, healthy and can be around small children. We supervise her and it turns out she just needs a quiet introduction and a bit more time to check out new situations. She has changed our lives So much, it is almost indescribable. I get choked up just thinking how wonderful this dog is. She touches everyone who meets her, as she is so gentle and kind and gives these super soft kisses that melts even the hardest of hearts. She will be our inspiration, even when she crosses over the Rainbow Bridge, to rescue more seniors in the future.

Senior Pet Adoption Stories Part 2: Granny Annie The Tripod

In the second installment of our series of senior pet adoption stories, we present May Lattanzio's touching account of rescuing a three-legged Boston Terrier mix she christened Granny Annie:

Off and on throughout my life, I have worked as a volunteer wildlife rehabilitator and placement volunteer for the local humane society.

I saw the nameless Boston with three legs who was supposedly five years old (approximately) online. Her owner was incarcerated, and she was given to someone else who neglected or mistreated her so much, she was confiscated.

And there she was. Much older than five. Maybe 500. She was scarred on her flanks. Her forehead looks like it was cleaved at one time. She trailed a long cyst sack that swung when she walked. It was heavy. She is missing a front leg. She hobbles; has lumps, bumps and warts all over. She is gray-faced.

Maybe someone would want a special needs dog. I took her home to foster. Granny Annie is no beauty. All dogs are beautiful physically, but poor Annie isn't. But inside that scarred interior lives a shining, golden heart and endless sweetness of character. I was planning to foster her so that she would not be euthanized. Who would want her?

It turned out that I did. To a house full of dogs and cats, she fit right in. If your heart is set on a dog, please adopt one, and don't forget the older ones who aren't pretty anymore; or the black ones who are seldom adopted because of their color. If they have special needs, they have lessons to teach you; like courage, inner strength, patience, gratitude and above all, love.

The Story Of Blind Fred In Honor Of Adopt-A-Senior-Pet Month

Since November is Adopt-A-Senior-Pet Month, we will be sharing a series of inspiring stories about people who opened their hearts and homes to extra special "mature" pooches of all shapes and sizes! Here's the heartwarming story of Fred, a blind and deaf Chinese Crested mix who was rescued not just once, but twice:

Eight years ago, a man rescued a tiny dog about six years old who was found wandering the streets of New York City. Most of his hair was gone, his leg had been broken and caused him to limp. He had a terrible scar across his nose. He was going blind and deaf and all of his teeth needed to be removed. This man took him in, named him Fred and nursed him back to health.

Fred was well-loved and cared for. His hair grew back in and I can only imagine he lived a very good life for eight years. Then, just before Thanksgiving 2009, his owner was admitted to hospice care. As a fourteen year old blind, deaf and toothless dog Fred's situation was grim.
Again, he was rescued by someone at a shelter in New York. He was transported to New Jersey by Cares4Pets of Pennsylvania and put in a foster home. His story was posted on www.petfinder.com.

Meanwhile, I was searching petfinder to see if there were still records of my parents' adopted dogs and their happy stories. I accidentally found myself reading about Fred and I started crying. It was just so unfair that he was homeless again after all he'd been through. I was not looking to adopt a dog but I couldn't get Fred out of my mind. A few weeks later, he became my baby.

Fred, who we believe is a Chinese Crested, has a new wardrobe, complete with winter coat. He loves eating, having his hair brushed, exploring his back yard and taking long naps in his new bed. He sometimes goes on short walks or out shopping. When he does, he wears his harness which has a tiny New York license plate with his name on it. This is all Fred has left from his eight years with his daddy - a man who I will never know but who I am forever grateful to for saving Fred's life.

Celebrating 5 Years With Greta!

Five years ago this week, our beautiful Dachshund Greta joined our family in the fall of 2005. Here are some pictures of her over the past five years, including some from her pre-paralysis days. Even though Greta has lost her sight and mobility since we first adopted her, we will never give up on her. She is a cherished member of our pack and her precious spirit has made an impact that will grace our lives forever. Click here to read Greta's full story!

"Love Is Blind" - A Heartwarming Rescue Story

After working in animal shelters for several years, I often feel like I've seen it all. When my pal Vicki sent me this story, however, I was truly astonished by what I read. First, by the awful cruelty and carelessness that led someone to abandon two helpless blind dogs, but more importantly, by the heartwarming heroism of author Todd Miller for intervening to save the lives of these deserving animals despite the assumption that "no one would want to adopt two old beat up blind dogs."

Marilyn (above left) and Elvis (right) are alive and thriving today because Todd and his wife welcomed them into their home - blindness, advanced age, heart murmurs, and all. Our world needs more people like Todd, people who will take a stand and recognize that disabled animals are still worthy of love, affection, care, and life.

"Love Is Blind" by Todd Miller

Greta's Story

Greta's story has been added to the www.blinddogs.net website! Click here to read more about our special senior girl, and don't forget that you can also submit the story of your own blind dog.

Sunbathers

Greta and Dewey are little sun worshipers and they are loving the increased basking opportunities that come with longer days. They will go to great lengths for a prime sunbathing spot, and we even caught Mister Dewey catching some rays on top of our coffee table the other week!

Our Rolling Dogs

Dogs love to roll when the mood strikes, and Greta and Dewey are no exception. Luckily I had the camera handy when three-legged Dewey decided to get a good back scratch at the park earlier today. Also here is some "vintage" footage of Ms. Greta rolling away at Aunt Megan's house last August. She seemed enthralled by the California sun!

Merry Christmas In Memory Of Granny

I thought this sweet image of Granny would make a fitting Christmas greeting. Granny was one of the many deserving dogs helped by Coast To Coast Dachshund Rescue. Five years ago Granny was found alone in a rural wooded area of Florida. Apparently someone had abandoned her to fend for herself despite the fact that she was at least 13 years old and practically toothless. Miraculously, she was discovered and turned over to animal control where she was christened with the name Granny. After no one came forward to claim this sweet senior pooch, she was transferred to Coast To Coast Dachshund Rescue.

Granny's first veterinary exam revealed some bad news: she was suffering from an advanced heart murmur and her lower jaw was broken and dislodged. Still, this did not deter Granny from sharing love and affection. According to her foster family, "She was a tail wagging, toothless senior who greeted everyone as if they were long lost friends!"

Granny received support through the Coast To Coast Dachshund Rescue Buddy Program before her passing in July. When I approached her former foster guardian about using Granny's picture, she gladly agreed and said, "she'd have loved it to show that other little old ladies who lost their original home have a chance at being loved..."

Scarf Season

By Seattle standards it's pretty chilly, or at least that's the excuse I used in order to justify dressing Greta up in this little scarf! It was actually a gift from the vet staff at work. Apparently they discovered it in the shelter laundry, so it's quite possible that it began life as a blanket that got shrunk in the wash. Either way, I personally think the effect is quite charming...

Why We Heart Senior Dogs

Although puppies are indisputably adorable, I have a very special place in my heart for senior dogs. When it came time to adopt Greta, we were certain we wanted an older doxie for a number of reasons. Here is a great list from the Senior Dogs Project that perfectly summarizes our reasoning:

Top 10 Reasons to Adopt a Senior Dog

1. Older dogs are housetrained.

2. Older dogs are not teething puppies, and won't chew your shoes and furniture while growing up.

3. Older dogs can focus well because they've mellowed. Therefore, they learn quickly.

4. Older dogs have learned what "no" means. If they hadn't learned it, they wouldn't have gotten to be older dogs!

5. Older dogs settle in easily, because they've learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of a pack.

6. Older dogs are good at giving love, once they get into their new, loving home. They are grateful for the second chance they've been given.

7. What you see is what you get: Unlike puppies, older dogs have grown into their shape and personality. Puppies can grow up to be quite different from what they seemed at first.

8. Older dogs are instant companions - ready for hiking, car trips, and other things you like to do.

9. Older dogs leave you time for yourself, because they don't make the kinds of demands on your time and attention that puppies and young dogs do.

10. Older dogs let you get a good night's sleep because they're accustomed to human schedules and don't need nighttime feedings, comforting, or bathroom breaks

-From The Senior Dogs Project: www.srdogs.com

A Few Photos From Our First Months With Greta