Blind and Deaf Chihuahua in Need [Archive]

tessa_s212

04-01-2007, 10:34 PM

So far this dog has no name. It came in as a "lost dog". So far zero signs of owners coming to reclaim the poor old man.

He is very old. Both blind and deaf, but he can still see very very faint shadows. Any dog that is both blind and deaf has more of a chance to become fearful and bite, but I saw absolutely zero signs in aggression. I could pick him up, touch his feet, head, ears, legs, tail. He is skinny and weak teeth. He cannot eat dry food.

This old man would make a good companion for an older couple or single man or woman that has plenty of time to give special care and attention to him.

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b1/tessa_s212/Humane%20Society/Dogs/blinddeafchi240107.jpg

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b1/tessa_s212/Humane%20Society/Dogs/blinddeafchi40107036.jpg

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b1/tessa_s212/Humane%20Society/Dogs/blinddeafchi340107.jpg

bubbatd

04-01-2007, 10:52 PM

Are you fostering him ??? Poor baby looks so young !

tessa_s212

04-01-2007, 11:16 PM

Are you fostering him ??? Poor baby looks so young !

No. He is at the local Humane Society, stuck in a kennel. He's got a big, plushy bed with blankets. He curls up in a ball and doesn't move the entire time except if someone comes into his kennel. He will climb into your lap if you sit next to him.

The flash hides it, but the old man's face is as white as can be. I'm guessing by his teeth and difficulty eating he is well over 9 years old. Chis are such a small breed and I believe to live so much longer, so he could be much older.

I know how unlikely it is to find dogs like him a home.. but my heart aches for this one. He's so sweet. Not an aggressive bone in his body. I sat there almost in tears trying to feed the poor guy. Whoever had been feeding the dogs at the HS was just placing the dish in the front of the kennel. Who knows how many days he's been without food because no one thought to hand feed him and show him his bowl.

I'm desperate to find this guy a home and get him out of this kennel he lives in. :(

dr2little

04-01-2007, 11:21 PM

Would they ship out of the country if he was healthy enough to travel and it was paid for?
Do you know about how much he'd weigh and if he's OK with other dogs?

tessa_s212

04-01-2007, 11:33 PM

Uhm, I have not weighed him. They do not have a scale. My best guess is anywhere from 5-10 lbs. Definitely not more than 12 is my guess. But,he's still kind of skinny.

I'm not so sure they'd ship him, but once given to a new home, they are not going to limit where someone woudl take him.

If there is any way you could take him I'd GLADLY get him out of there so that we could arrange to get him to you. I remember shipping Marq, and all I had to do was transfer the money to the breeders to pay for the plane, and he got here nice and safely.

From my knowledge, other than blind and deaf, no other health problems. I have not seen him with other dogs. I cannot be there until this weekend again unless I make a special visit, which I could do if you are seriously wanting him. And if I did, I could always bring my own dog to temperament test. I can also test for cats as well, as we have two catsat the shelter that are GREAT with dogs.

because he is a lost dog, he is not available for two or three more days though. There's still hope an owner might come.. but I"m very doubtful. IL mean.. a blind and deaf dog.. good riddance? :(

~Jessie~

04-01-2007, 11:36 PM

Awww, that is really sad :( Dr2little, I hope you can take him.

dr2little

04-01-2007, 11:41 PM

I was thinking if push came to shove, maybe I could do something.
With his age and being blind and deaf, he wouldn't be too stressful for Tia to have around. Rosie was blind and deaf and I'm training 2 deaf dogs right now so I'm really comfortable with the whole idea. Tia's sight and hearing is starting to go as well now.:(
I'd just hate to see that dear old guy loose a chance at a good last few years simply because people can't see past his age and minor limitations.
Could you keep me up to date Tessa, and let me know if he has a time limit?

It's never ideal to ship an older dog anywhere. It's stressful and many have problems with their ears during the flight, but if it were shipping or euthanasia...:(

tessa_s212

04-01-2007, 11:50 PM

I will certainly keep you up to date. Our HS isn't too full, and normally the aggressive dogs or ones that have been there the longest go first. But who knows with this guy's condition. I will certainly call and place a note with someone to call me if he's set to be euthanized. And if it came down to euthanasia, I'd do everything in my power to help get him to you.

No matter what, I think you are an AMAZING person to jump up and even consider this. Thankyou SO MUCH for even thinking about giving this guy a chance. God knows I would if I could.. These old guys.. they pull at my heart like crazy. I just get so worked up to think they might just die cold, lonely, and old in a shelter and not in a warm comfy house with a loving owner.

dr2little

04-01-2007, 11:51 PM

This rescue person should be contacted too, they'll usually do everything possible to take a dog in from an all breed rescue and find a foster and a good home.

Chihuahua Rescue of Ohio
Peggy Lundin
(615)423-0047
peglundin@earthlink.net

dr2little

04-01-2007, 11:53 PM

I will certainly keep you up to date. And if it came down to euthanasia, I'd do everything in my power to help get him to you.

No matter what, I think you are an AMAZING person to jump up and even consider this. Thankyou SO MUCH for even thinking about giving this guy a chance. God knows I would if I could.. These old guys.. they pull at my heart like crazy. I just get so worked up to think they might just die cold, lonely, and old in a shelter and not in a warm comfy house with a loving owner.

I'm with you about the old ones Tessa. They're irresistable and really deserve to have happiness for however long the have left. I just don't understand how they ever end up alone like that.:(

blue

04-01-2007, 11:53 PM

I just get so worked up to think they might just die cold, lonely, and old in a shelter and not in a warm comfy house with a loving owner.

I cant take him in, I wouldnt want to put him through the stress of shipping anyway, but if there is a way I can help let me know.

tessa_s212

04-01-2007, 11:53 PM

Sure will do! I couldn't find a Chi rescue in Ohio.. stupid me. It was right under my eyes.

dr2little

04-01-2007, 11:57 PM

Sure will do! I couldn't find a Chi rescue in Ohio.. stupid me. It was right under my eyes.

Will you keep me up to date and let me know what they say? Good Luck and I'm here if that doesn't pan out.

tessa_s212

04-02-2007, 12:04 AM

The email you gave didn't seem to work. I've found another. I'm looking still.

I've emailed these people too: http://www.chihuahua-rescue.com/newvol.htm

dr2little

04-02-2007, 01:26 PM

I can't get that little guy out of my mind - here are a few more things to try.

If you like, I can make some calls too. I'd just need to know exactly where he is now.:(
Ohio
Littlest Angels Pet Sanctuary (LAPS)
Contact: Sherry Sberna
6690 County Road 219 Bellevue, OH
Email: sherryschis@yahoo.com
Phone: (419) 483-5489

Adopt-Aluv Small Breed Rescue
Contact: Audrey Atherton
9545 Johnnycake Ridge Road
Mentor, OH - 44060-7117
Email: Audrianne@Voyager.net
Phone: 440-255-2200 -- noon to 6 pm only please
Web site: www.adopt-aluv-rescue.petfinder.org

WolfSpirit's Toy Breed Rescue - Canton, OH
Email: milldogrescue@yahoo.com
Phone: (330) 453-2746
Web site: www.WolfSpiritsRescue.com

Chihuahua Rescue, USA - Ohio
Chandlersville, OH 43727
irish80100@yahoo.com
http://www.chihuahuarescueusa.org

tessa_s212

04-02-2007, 04:02 PM

Momof2Pups

04-02-2007, 07:54 PM

Oh, what a sweetheart. :( I'd take him in if I could. . .I really hope he finds a wonderful home.
Now he's going to be on my mind. . .

tessa_s212

04-02-2007, 08:52 PM

I've been emailing everyone you've been giving me. So far I've gotten a few back, all with the same answer: they can't take him.

One did relay me to another rescue here: http://www.stfrancisanimalsanctuary.org/

Says they normally will take less adoptable dogs. *fingers crossed*

He's being held till Wednesday for sure. I'm calling right after school on Wednesday to ask if he's still there, and if he hasn't yet been adopted, and telling them that *I* be contacted if someone decides they are going to put him down. I will NOT let him die alone without a comfy bed and a loving owner.

Trying to find homes for some of these guys sure is a full time job. I just wish others would see the things in them that I see that makes these dogs the most amazing creatures, even if they are blind and deaf, even if they are hyper, even if they bark,.. I wish people weren't quitters. :( I'm not a quitter. Never have been. I don't give up on people, and I don't give up on dogs.

I am *determined* to get this dog into a forever home.

misticaleclipse

04-02-2007, 09:02 PM

He is adorable, I cross posted him on petfinder. Hope he finds a good home.

dr2little

04-02-2007, 09:05 PM

You're doing such a great job Tessa. If any of them don't email you back and are long distance for you just tell me and I make the calls.
Thanks for keeping us up to date. *FINGERS CROSSED*

~Jessie~

04-02-2007, 09:10 PM

I really hope that he finds a home. I wish that I were closer... I'd at least foster him until I could find him a forver home :(

SeniorPetLover

04-03-2007, 11:49 AM

If you can help me figure out how to get him to me, I will take him...I specialize in senior and/or special needs chi's.

Aussie Red

04-03-2007, 11:51 AM

Once again my family of Chazzers are there when needed. I can not help by taking him but you can call on me to help $$ to get him to a home.

dr2little

04-03-2007, 11:59 AM

Gosh, I would love to see him with you SeniorPetLover. I would help with $$ to get him to you too.
How far are you from the location that Tessa gave? I so suck at geography.....but it's closer than sending him here.

SeniorPetLover

04-03-2007, 01:49 PM

SeniorPetLover

04-03-2007, 02:00 PM

I know how unlikely it is to find dogs like him a home.. but my heart aches for this one. :(
These are the dogs that touch my heart...they have dedicated the better part of their life being a loving and faithful companion and they wind up in this situation during their golden years when they should be treated like the royalty that they are...this is what inspired me to work with seniors...they make the greatest pets...it doesn't matter if they have 2 days, 2 weeks, 2 months, 2 years, or many years left, they should be the best years of their lives and that is what I strive to do...none of the dogs that cross my threshhold leave me without knowing how truly special and loved that they were...if someone can get this dog to Joliet IL by friday, we can have him picked up and brought to me...one of the shelters that I work with has a transport trip returning...

squirtsmom

04-03-2007, 02:11 PM

Can't som eone just drive up and get him?
Looks like a good dog to me. I would take him to.

tessa_s212

04-03-2007, 03:42 PM

According to MapQuest...the little guy is approx. 8 hours from me...I'm in Chester IL, which is in Southern IL...Bryan is near the OH/IN border north of Fort Wayne...does the shelter do any transport work or have any transport contacts? If we can get him into the Chicago area, I have contacts that can bring him South.

To my knowledge, they don't do a lot of work with rescues. But I would like to try and change that.

I am calling tomorrow. He is on hold until tomorrow to see if his owner would claim him. If he hasn't been claimed, I'm telling them to call ME if they decide to euthanize him, and I will get him out until someone can come get him.

I'd love to help transport him.. but so far my mom is being incredibly difficult and is not helping. She doesn't care if he is put to sleep.

SeniorPetLover

04-04-2007, 12:02 PM

Aussie Red

04-04-2007, 12:10 PM

Oh I hope you can get him out to the tollway Tessa. Senior pet lover thank you so much for doing this. You are wonderful. My heart is breaking for this little guy. To think he was all that when he was young and now he is just cast off like yesterdays trash. Grr the way people treat animals makes my blood boil !!

dr2little

04-04-2007, 12:11 PM

I have transportation lined up so long as someone could pick him up from the shelter and meet my contact out along the tollway late tomorrow afternoon (thursday)...I will need to confirm this as soon as possible as it is taking a concerted effort. As far as the shelter working with other rescues, it is a wonderful way to find homes for animals that you are having trouble placing in your geographical area...there is a transport that comes through your area from Toledo, so it is very do-able. Please let me know as soon as possible or give me the number for the shelter and I can call them. All I need is someone to get him out to the tollway to catch his ride...

You're my new hero:hail: :hail: Along with Tessa and Joyce of course:)

I'm praying that this all works out. It would be so nice to know that he's in experienced, loving arms.
How many dogs live with you now?

Tessa - Did any of the local rescue groups reply to you? I posted several, surely someone wanted to help...:(

Aussie Red

04-04-2007, 02:44 PM

You're my new hero:hail: :hail: Along with Tessa and Joyce of course:)

I'm praying that this all works out. It would be so nice to know that he's in experienced, loving arms.
How many dogs live with you now?

Tessa - Did any of the local rescue groups reply to you? I posted several, surely someone wanted to help...:(

Blushing now. Yea just call me a sap. I am all in there for second chances, third and so on. My love for animals sure out weighs my love for humans.
Seniorpet I too have a new hero and Tessa you too. You guys rock.

Lizmo

04-04-2007, 02:52 PM

Oh that would be great if either of you could take this little guy :) I am with you all, I hate too see senior dogs in shelter...it bearks my heart. :(

SeniorPetLover

04-04-2007, 03:06 PM

How many are living with me right now? Let's see...in my bed each night is KoKo the 10 year old chi that has had luxating patella surgery, cataract removal and lens replacment surgery, then there is Bear, the long haired chi who had a terrible aggression issue which is now completely gone, then there is Snaggles, the senior chi who has had all of his teeth removed and has to be on thyroid medication, there is Junior and he is 8 and has a heart condition, there is Cookie & Taco, who were surrendered to a shelter and adopted out individually, but mourned for each other so terribly that they were returned and eventually reunited here, there is Cheech & Pancho who have a similar story...seems very few people want to adopt a PAIR of old dogs...there is Spike the min-pin, who was terriby abused and has overcome his past to be a happy and healthy ball of love, then there is Sparky who was left in an abandoned trailer for 3 weeks, there is Katie who no longer has any teeth either, there is Buster the Yorkie who has Cushings, there is Sammy the Yorkie who had severe problems due to a head injury...good news, he is fine! There is Big Junior the terrier who has a degenerative spinal condition which requires the manual expression of his bladder...he is the happiest dog and doesn't mind his squeezings 5 times a day...there is Tonka who had been kept in a cage his entire life until coming here...there is Sweetie, the former biter and Sissy, the needy little lady...there is Betty, deserted and left for dead, and Punkin, who had broken bones left to heal without treament causing arthritis requiring medication...so many have come and gone and really touched my life...someday I will get my website online and you will be able to see all of the current and former babies...my hands are always full, there is a waiting list of shelters wanting to send me dogs and I can only take them as space and money permits...nearly every dog requires daily medication or medical procedures in addition to the normal flea/heartworm preventative...it's truly a labor of love...

SeniorPetLover

04-04-2007, 03:11 PM

Momof2Pups

04-04-2007, 03:41 PM

Good news!!! I have been approved for his adoption...I am awaiting the paperwork via fax and hopefully someone can get him out to the tollway tomorrow afternoon to catch his ride...cross your paws, it looks like he is coming home!

Oh, that's wonderful! *crosses paws* :D I am so excited for this little guy. . .I *so* hope things work out.
You are absolutely wonderful. I admire you and the work you do for these dogs very very much. :)

adoptashelterpettoday

04-04-2007, 04:11 PM

Wow, what a great lady you are Senior.

I demand pictures :)

tessa_s212

04-04-2007, 04:31 PM

Good news!!! I have been approved for his adoption...I am awaiting the paperwork via fax and hopefully someone can get him out to the tollway tomorrow afternoon to catch his ride...cross your paws, it looks like he is coming home!

I called today afterschool as soon as I could. I asked if he was still there. The woman said, "Oh, well.. are you interested in adopting him? A rescue was going to come and get him." I could have burst out yelling and screaming for joy! If I weren't at school at the time, I probably would have cried. I'd been worrying my butt off, this guy on my mind, email replies and emails still waiting to be replied,.. thankyou so much!

ThankYOU for taking a chance on this guy.

Are you still searching for someone that can get him to the next checkpoint? I'd LOVE to get him there.. but I cannot drive,and my mom will have no part in it.

Where exactly would they be needing to take him to? I can post on petfinder forums. There are alot of Ohio rescue people and someone may be able to get him there.

dr2little

04-04-2007, 04:33 PM

OMG...you just don't know, you really are a rare gem.

If you need any $$ for this wee guy, it sounds like he'll need a dental at the very least, I'm here to help. Gosh I hope that you get him. :)

This is so much better than me trying to ship him anywhere. You're something else!!!:hail:

tessa_s212

04-04-2007, 04:35 PM

Tessa - Did any of the local rescue groups reply to you? I posted several, surely someone wanted to help...:(

A few answered. So far all none could take him, though one gave me more emails of other rescues to try and help this guy.

dr2little

04-04-2007, 04:37 PM

Good job Tessa for trying so hard. This little guy was so lucky to have met you. (((((((hugs))))))):)

tessa_s212

04-04-2007, 05:03 PM

I just got off the phone with Cathy(SeniorPet). My mom and I will be transporting the dog to where it needs to go for the transporter to get him! We just need to get the details all worked out.

OMGOSH!!!! I'm SO happy this has all begun to work out!!!

EDA: hehe.. I just realized. I have dog traning class tomorrow. Sooo, once we get some other details worked out, will most likely miss my new agility class. But this is WORTH it!!!! :D:D:D

Lizmo

04-04-2007, 05:21 PM

WTG Tessa! :D :D

Momof2Pups

04-04-2007, 05:25 PM

That is so wonderful! I am so happy for this little dog! I hope he gets the home he really deserves as soon as possible. :)

tessa_s212

04-04-2007, 05:33 PM

Good news!!! I have been approved for his adoption...I am awaiting the paperwork via fax and hopefully someone can get him out to the tollway tomorrow afternoon to catch his ride...cross your paws, it looks like he is coming home!

And now, my only question is.. What's his name!!? Last I knew he didn't have a name.. What are you going to name him? :D

~Jessie~

04-04-2007, 05:48 PM

Wow, that is great news! I am so happy he found a place to go :D

dr2little

04-04-2007, 06:02 PM

tessa_s212

04-04-2007, 06:06 PM

:hail: Whoot...Whoot!!! Way to go Tessa and SeniorPet!!!!:hail:

You guys are just so terrific I feel I'm about to bust if I can't hug someone!! I'm over the moon. Thank God for both of you!

We're going to need pictures...lots and lots of pictures!!

Ohhh.. pictures and MORE!!

I plan on having my camera and doing a bit of documenting it!!! This is just ONE of many more to come, and I want this one to be remembered. A special little guy he is, and my first ever experience saving a dog and getting him into a forever home/rescue. :D

I'm charging my digital camera's batteries right now!! :D

Brattina88

04-04-2007, 07:33 PM

:hail: SO glad to hear this! I've been watching this thread closely!! Good job, everyone!! :D

Saje

04-04-2007, 07:35 PM

Oh yay! This is excellent work Tessa. And seniorpet thank you so much! I'm sure tessa will be happy she can get updates. We all will! :)

jess2416

04-04-2007, 07:54 PM

Im so glad :) Tessa and Seniorpet you guys are awesome, as well as the other people that were willing to help :D

Cant wait for pictures

Doberluv

04-04-2007, 09:17 PM

Tessa! You are amazing! You make such a difference in not only this dog's life, but in many. Goes to show...when you set your mind on something, you "get'r done." Well done.

And Seniorpet! This is just awesome! You are such a kind person. This is ONE lucky dog! Can't wait for more updates.

You guys are real heros.

bubbatd

04-04-2007, 10:24 PM

^^^^ agree !!! You go girls !!

uhmanda00

04-04-2007, 10:33 PM

GREAT JOB, both of you! AWESOME!! :) :D

Jessiep

04-04-2007, 11:54 PM

Wow how wonderful! I was going to offer to do some driving if needed =) If there is anywhere I can send a little donation to that will help you out with all of those loves, SeniorPet, please let me know.

smkie

04-05-2007, 02:33 AM

Ahh TEssa your doing a good thing. Poor old man i hope there is some kindness in his future.

Aussie Red

04-05-2007, 02:33 AM

Boy I am so relieved to hear this. I have been so worried If I can help you have but to ask.

Barb04

04-05-2007, 09:26 AM

I just read this thread. How wonderful that this dog is going to have a good home with lots of love to live his life.

SeniorPetLover

04-05-2007, 12:06 PM

The paperwork has been completed and Tessa's Mom is going to pick the little guy up and meet the transport this afternoon. The folks at the shelter have been wonderful to work with. By tomorrow evening, this little man will be home. Thanks to Tessa, this organization now understands that transport can be a viable solution for animals that are not adoptable locally, so hopefully many more lives will be saved. This has been a major effort, not only on my part and Tessa's, but so many people have pitched in to organize the many legs of this transport...these are all people with jobs and lives, who take time out whenever they can to help out and I owe them big time because without thier help, this would never have been possible. I will take many pictures and I vow that this little man will be treated like the royalty that he is and he will never know what it is like to be cold, hungry or unloved again. Tessa-Thank you and thank you to everyone that has offered to help financially-I have not gotten around to setting up a PayPal account to accept donations, but there is always a wish list of things that we need...HeartGuard Plus, Frontline, Poise Pads-Extra & Extra Plus, etc...if you would like to send something like that, pm me and I will send you our address. I am so grateful to be able to help this little one and I feel blessed to have so much support. Thanks guys!

Aussie Red

04-05-2007, 12:23 PM

oh this is just so heart warming. Thank you Senior. Tessa a big heart felt thank you too. You are so special. Tessa also pass on a super big hug and thank you to your mother for stepping up to help this sweet little old man. She rocks too!! And a big thank you to all the people doing the transport.

tessa_s212

04-05-2007, 05:28 PM

I'm home now and the little old man is on his way. I got to sit with him on my lap for a pretty good amount of time, and this little old man is a hoot! He's a licker for sure! And he may be old, deaf, and blind, but he's still animated! What a great personality.

SeniorPet, I do not know if you are somehow connected to the man that picked the little guy up from us, but if you are, please extend my apologies. My mom gave wrong directions which made us 30 min late getting to him. Where then when we got there and he was slightly upset for being late, my mom tried to start blaming him. He explained with frustration that he stopped at the place my mom said to and he didn't know what was so hard about that, afterall, WE are the ones that know this area. I then shut my mother up before she could say anymore, apologized and told him he was absolutley correct. I accepted the blame in place of my mom and again apologized. We got the little old man into the crate, and we both went our own ways. He's now headed your way. I just feel horrible and awful about how my mom blamed him.

Sadly, I don't think I'll be letting my mother do any more transports. I'll have to find other ways.

dr2little

04-05-2007, 05:40 PM

Thank you for everything you did Tessa and SeniorPet (check your PM box). I am just elated to know that this dear old guy will be able to live out his days with warmth, good food and the love of a very kind new friend.

I can't wait for pictures!!

Tessa - it's too bad about the mixup and being late but don't let it make you feel bad at all. This is a day to celebrate saving a life...you did such a wonderful thing for this old dog and from what Senior said, many other dogs who will pass through that shelter.:hail: :hail:

tessa_s212

04-05-2007, 05:56 PM

I know this is a day to be happy. And I was soo happy! Still am for the wonderful little old man.. just.. I can't help but to feel awful about not jsut being late.. mistakes happen..but how my mom blamed him. And then she proceeded to call me AND the man names and insults all the way home. Ya.. not a good ride home. Its normal for her to insult me.. but I was NOT going to let her insult that man that was doing such a wonderful thing for all those dogs. :( I could just about cry. I just feel awful about it all.

But I am happy for this little guy. I'm trying to not let it affect me and just move on and learn not to let my mom do these things any more.

BTW, SeniorPet, the shelter seemed to have misplaced his folder. THey'll be faxing the information.

His nickname from me is "little old man" if you hadn't yet noticed. It made me think of "geriatrics", so then I just started calling him "Gerry". He can't hear, but I liked talking to him anyhow. :p

Heaven'sGate

04-05-2007, 07:06 PM

Hi guys..it's me..I'm logged in on my laptop from home and I couldn't remember my password so I created a new account...first of all TESSA-please don't be upset or blame yourself...the main thing is that the little guy got on his way...I don't personally know Don, but I am sure this is not the first time he has encountered a delay running a transport, so he likely has taken it in stride...he must be a very special person for taking time out to make this trip, so I'm sure he is focused on the big picture...I am very grateful to your Mom for making the trip, even though things may not have worked out perfectly...we don't live in a perfect world...if we did, this trip would not even have been necessary...so stop beating yourself up and instead, feel the big hug that I am giving you for making a difference in this little dog's life...Pass that hug along to your Mom, too. I can't thank you both enough for everything that you have done for this little man. I know he is grateful, too or at least he will be when he arrives at home and realizes that he has reached Heaven's Gate. Please tell everyone at the shelter how much I appreciate their assistance and I hope that we can work together in the future to reduce the number of euthansias. Thanks again to everyone...I may never meet all of the people that have helped make this happen, but we are all kindred spirits and I feel a wonderful bond...Smile Tessa...you did a wonderful job! I will keep you well informed with pictures and posts and you are always welcome to visit!

Barb04

04-06-2007, 09:07 AM

I can't wait to hear what happened when you met the new member of your family. I'm so glad to hear he was on his way to you.

bubbatd

04-06-2007, 09:40 AM

I love happy endings !!!!!

tessa_s212

04-06-2007, 09:42 AM

Sorry guys. :( I know I had promised pictures.. but I couldn't find the camera last minute.

I'm just glad everything turned out well. And Cathy, I would LOVE occasional pictures. :) The little old man was just wonderful and I adored him. I'm so glad he's found a home with you. Thankyou so much!

One success story, many many more hopefully to come. I'm not sure if I'm going to the humane society today.. but I've got a few more dogs I've got to temperament test and contact rescues about. :)

It sure is a full time job.. and I'm not even all that yet involved as I plan and hope to be!.. but I love it.

And on a final note.. I've come across SOO many people that when hearing the little old man's story questioned why I'd even try to save him when there were so many normal, healthy dogs. I understand dogs like the little old man aren't very adoptable, but that doesn't' mean we can't try. That doesn't mean there aren't wonderful people out there willing to take the old guys in. So, one more last THANKYOU to Cathy and EVERYONE else involved to help get this guy to her. I'm so thankful :)

SeniorPetLover

04-06-2007, 10:55 AM

The little guy spent the night in Barrington and is headed my way this morning. I will be picking him up this evening and he has a vet appointment scheduled for next week. Everything is coming together...I am very excited about his arrival...Tessa, I, too am often questioned about why I choose seniors...my answer is that I feel that they deserve to leave this world with love and dignity after being a devoted companion for so many years...every life has value, but I'm drawn to seniors...the younger dogs have opportunities that they just don't have...there are rescues and organizations out there that all have a special niche, and I'm sure that they will help you save many more lives. It will be overwhelming for you at times so I would like to share the starfish story with you:

While walking along a beach one morning after a violent storm, an elderly gentleman saw a figure in the distance leaning down, picking something up and throwing it into the ocean. As he drew closer, he saw that it was a young man, picking up starfish one by one and tossing each one gently back into the water.

The old man came closer and called out, "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?" The youngster paused, looked up, and answered "I’m throwing starfish into the ocean. After last night’s storm, they washed up onto the beach, and if I don't throw them back into the water they will die."

Upon hearing this, the old man responded "But, my dear fellow, don’t you realize that there are thousands of starfish that have been washed up along this beach? You can't possibly make a difference!"

The young man paused for a moment to consider what had been said. Then he bent down to pick up another starfish before throwing it past the breaking waves into the sea. "Well”, he replied, “it made a difference to that one." Paraphrased from "The Star Thrower" by Loren Eiseley, 1907 - 1977

You are making a difference...one life at a time. Thank you so much...and I will be happy to send pictures and updates!

SeniorPetLover

04-06-2007, 04:04 PM

I just heard from one of the transport coordinators...she just got a call from the driver bringing the little guy to southern IL...he is curled up on her daughters lap...I have been warned that he has been very popular with all of the people that have played a part in this and he will likely already be spoiled by the time he gets to me :)...

tessa_s212

04-06-2007, 04:29 PM

While walking along a beach one morning after a violent storm, an elderly gentleman saw a figure in the distance leaning down, picking something up and throwing it into the ocean. As he drew closer, he saw that it was a young man, picking up starfish one by one and tossing each one gently back into the water.

The old man came closer and called out, "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?" The youngster paused, looked up, and answered "I’m throwing starfish into the ocean. After last night’s storm, they washed up onto the beach, and if I don't throw them back into the water they will die."

Upon hearing this, the old man responded "But, my dear fellow, don’t you realize that there are thousands of starfish that have been washed up along this beach? You can't possibly make a difference!"

The young man paused for a moment to consider what had been said. Then he bent down to pick up another starfish before throwing it past the breaking waves into the sea. "Well”, he replied, “it made a difference to that one." Paraphrased from "The Star Thrower" by Loren Eiseley, 1907 - 1977

You are making a difference...one life at a time. Thank you so much...and I will be happy to send pictures and updates!

My English teacher actually just told me about this story a few weeks ago. I like it. Thankyou for telling it to me again. :)

I just heard from one of the transport coordinators...she just got a call from the driver bringing the little guy to southern IL...he is curled up on her daughters lap...I have been warned that he has been very popular with all of the people that have played a part in this and he will likely already be spoiled by the time he gets to me ...

I don't doubt it a bit. This is one special little guy, and who wouldn't be won over with doggy kisses! I'm so glad. :D