The Senior Dogs Project "Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog."
..........."Looking Out for Older Dogs" ...........
- Sydney Jeanne Seward
| News.... April/May 2002 |
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Issues & Announcements |
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| Hearts United for Animals has been arranging long distance adoptions for almost eight years. Headquarters are in the rural Midwest, but adoptive homes are often very far from there. They have flown dogs to new homes without incident, always being very careful in selecting flights and making arrangements. If you are flying into or out of Omaha, Kansas City, or Philadelphia and might be able to take a dog with you, please get in touch. Also, frequent flyer miles that you can donate would be greatly appreciated. Visit the website at: http://www.hua.org | |
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Petco Violates Its Own Stated Policy of Not Selling Pets.... Petition in Circulation |
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| According to the Humane Society of the United States, nine million pets are expected to be euthanized in the U.S. this year. That is up from 7 million just 3 years, ago. In a recent press release, PETCO admits that pet overpopulation is a significant and growing problem. Why, then, is PETCO actively contributing to the problem? PETCO's Companion Animal Reference Manual, P & P #I-18-04, November 1994, Revision O, page 1 of 3, Item II-B states: PETCO does not sell dogs, cats, or rabbits because of the serious overpopulation of these animals. In a letter to a concerned individual dated May 31, 1994, from PETCO Corporate Headquarters, PETCO gives their word, "No more rabbits for sale at PETCO."
PETCO has broken their promise and the trust of their customers. Rabbits are being stocked in PETCO stores across the country. If we cannot stop the sale of rabbits in PETCO stores now, PETCO will be selling dogs and cats in the future. You may wish to sign the Petition against PETCO's policy violation at: http://www.petitionpetition.com/cgi/petition.cgi?id=2882 |
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| To streamline our free advertising service and to give "equal time" to the many agencies requesting ads on the srdogs site, we will be initiating a new advertising format beginning June 1, 2002. To make the transition, we will suspend the acceptance and posting of new ads on April 15. In the new format, each group requesting one will have a "permanent" ad on the appropriate geographical page of the srdogs site. Each month, there will be a "feature" listing for rescue groups in six different states, and, if needed, an "urgent" listing or two. We'll contact each group to let them know when it's their turn so that they can E-mail any listing they wish to have as their updated "feature." Complete details will be posted on the ad instructions page. | |
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Choosing Hospice Care for a Terminally Ill Pet |
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Although many people consider it a blessing to have the choice of euthanasia for a pet who is terminally ill, not everyone considers it appropriate. To help those who wish to provide hospice care instead of euthanasia, the Nikki Hospice Foundation publishes the following mission statement on their website: "The Nikki Hospice Foundation for Pets, the first official, non-profit organization of its kind in the nation, has been founded in response to a need which is becoming ever more prominent in our society. Its express purpose is to encourage the provision of hospice care for dying pets, so that pet owners who do not wish to choose euthanasia when their animals are about to depart this life, or who wish to postpone it, can care for them in the home environment--under veterinary supervision and with adequate pain management and/or symptom control. Ultimately, for those who see a natural death as the best and most acceptable end for their pets, and who wish to strengthen the human-companion animal bond in their pets' hour of greatest need, hospice care is the answer." |
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Senior Dog Health |
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EtoGesic Related to Compromised Liver Function
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Like Rimadyl, EtoGesic is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug designed to ease the pain and discomfort of arthritis. Also like Rimadyl, there is a potential for negative side effects on the liver. We've just received the following E-mail concerning a dog who took EtoGesic: "I wanted to add to your list of growing concerns using Etogesic to treat arthritis. Our 7-year-old Chocolate Lab starting taking EtoGesic in April 2001. Everything seemed great. She was running again and very playful. Then in November of the same year, she started losing weight -- which is normally a good thing for Labs! Unfortunately, she lost 13 lbs. in just under three months. We took her to the specialist (who had originally prescribed the EtoGesic). Blood work showed Hershey's liver enzymes were three times higher than normal and the ultrasound revealed a corrugated liver. The doctor was adamant that Etogesic could not cause structural damage to the liver. So we went for the liver biopsy and the test results came back with no signs of cancer, infection, or any other signs of chronic liver disease. The pathologist attributes the liver change to EtoGesic. Hershey has been medicine free for two weeks. Her weight is stable and she is sleeping better. If you choose to give your dog EtoGesic, PLEASE get blood work done at least every two months so that, if something is wrong, you'll be alerted to it quickly. We are very thankful that it appears we caught this in time! I could not deal with losing our sweet dog at such a young age." debra.woodruff@attws.com |
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Hydrotherapy Available in Midlothian, TX |
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Benefits of hydrotherapy are:
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| According to the Siloh Road Rehabilitation Center: "Hydrotherapy or Swim Therapy is a type of rehabilitation performed in a heated swimming pool, kept at a constant 94 degree Fahrenheit. This temperature allows the muscles to relax, assisting in pain reduction. Water provides a weightless environment that supports your canine while allowing him to tone and build muscle mass without stressing the joints, enabling your dog to begin the rehabilitation process sooner, thus fostering faster healing." Hydrotherapy also can be used in a mobility maintenance program for senior dogs. Shiloh Road Kennels Canine Hydrotherapy Rehabilitation Center, 3880 Shiloh Road Midlothian, TX 76065. (972) 723-3880. | |
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Poison Control Center |
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| If you suspect your dog may have ingested a poisonous substance, you can get immediate assistance by calling the ASPCA Poison Control Center. The toll-free number is: 1.888.426.4435. The Center is staffed 24 hours a day by veterinary toxicology experts committed to saving animals' lives. | |
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Veterinarians Who Do House Calls |
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| As they age, some dogs become less tolerant of visits to the vet's office. For others, it may be difficult to arrange transportation. The American Association of Housecall Veterinarians is trying to help by maintain a website and directory of vets who make house calls. Many mobile vets are equipped to perform procedures that include dentistry and surgery. | |
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First Aid for Animals |
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| Your local shelter or American Red Cross may offer a class in first aid for animals. This can lend confidence and security and a sense of well being, especially for guardians of older pets. For an overview and information on the locations of classes offered by the Red Cross, see their website. Topics presented in depth on the site are: CPR and Rescue Breathing, Choking, and Fractures. | |
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Pet Education Website |
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| Drs. Foster and Smith have posted more than 1500 articles written by veterinarians about various conditions common to companion animals. It is a well-organized and easy-to-navigate website. | |
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A Review of the Signs of Aging |
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| Semi-annual visits to the vet are advised when a dog becomes "senior," which, in general means at about the age of 7. You can help your vet to diagnose an age-related illness, if you stay alert to symptoms. Therapies are available for many of the following conditions: | |
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Symptoms
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| Arthritis | limping, difficulty getting up, difficulty climbing stairs, stiffness, yelping or crying when a sore joint is touched |
| Teeth and mouth problems | bad breath, red gums, broken teeth |
| Diabetes | increased urination, weight loss despite good appetite |
| Cognitive Dysfunction | staring, sleep distrubance, forgetfulness |
| Vision Loss | running into things, inability to fetch |
| In addition to the brief review above, you may want to learn more by reading the "Care" segment on the srdogs site. And keep in mind that, among the best therapies for keeping your older dog healthy and happy, is providing quality attention and affection and including your dog in as many fun family activities as possible. | |
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Dog Play Home Page |
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| Is your older dog bored? Have you run out of ideas for fun things to do with her? Boredom is NOT good for health! Try the Dog Play Home Page, where you'll learn about the many activities that folks have devised to keep their dogs (and themselves) entertained and amused. | |
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Rescue and Adoption News |
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Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue Plans a "Seniors for Seniors" Adoption Program Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue in Elverta, CA, (near Sacramento) takes in senior Goldens all the time and offers sanctuary to many of them. Also in development is a "Golden Oldies" program, under which a senior citizen can adopt a senior Golden and HBGRR will maintain financial responsibility for the dog. See the Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary website. There are additional listings of "Seniors for Seniors" programs on the srdogs site's Agencies Pages. |
 ZEKE, a 14-year-old healthy male currently at HBGRR. Zeke is a big boy and knows basic commands. He is very playful, good with kids and likes to wrestle. Zeke should not be placed with cats. |
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Sissy -- One Man's Trash, Another's Treasure |
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| One of the most recent contributions to the "Senior Dogs in Real Life" page on the srdogs site:
"This is my precious baby, Sissy, taking a walk in the snow, February 2002. Sissy is a Dachshund mix. Some horrible people dumped her on the side of the road in 1986. I was sitting on my porch and watched as the car stopped, the door opened, the dog got dumped out, and then the folks sped off. There was Sissy, all confused, wondering why she'd been left. I went flying up the road with a few choice words to the people in the car and then got her. She was covered with fleas, dirty, and in full heat, but absolutely the sweetest dog I have ever known. I bathed her to clean her up and kill all the fleas. That night, she got into bed with my husband and me; she has slept by my side ever since. |
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| I took her to be spayed, but the vet said she was pregnant. Oh, my! Very appropriately, on Labor Day in 1986, she went into labor. She had three puppies (which we kept, of course, until their deaths at ages 10 and 12 and 13). She was the best mom ever. She stayed with her babies during the first week. In the following weeks, she would come get into bed with me, but would get up every couple of hours to go check on the pups -- feed them and clean them. She was an amazing mom and, at 16, has now out-lived all her pups. She is in really good health for a 16 year old. She's deaf, and we discovered a couple months ago that she has Cushing's Disease. But I've read that dogs can live up to two years with Cushing's Disease. Since she doesn't have any debilitating symptoms of Cushing's at this point, we've chosen, with our vet's guidance, not to put her on any medication. I would rather she live out her life happy and feeling good than to have her take medications that can have serious side effects. I want to thank the people who dumped Sissy. They've made me the happiest 'mom' ever! One man's trash is another man's treasure, for sure!" Contributed by Kim Bridges, Shelby, NC. April 2002. | |