Old dogs like old shoes, are comfortable! They might be a bit out of shape and a little worn around the edges, but they fit well. Bonnie Wilcox.
Tilly: A Senior’s Tale
When FOND was asked to find a home for an eight year old Dobe called Tilly who was covered in fatty lumps, somewhat out of condition and with deteriorating eyesight we were looking for a miracle, especially when Tilly turned out to be in the latter part of her twelfth year!
Tilly went on the website with not the most flattering of photographs and FOND received a call from Jill who must have the biggest heart in Yorkshire and despite being devasted at the lost of their beloved Lily Louise a Dobie bitch who had recently died after losing her battle with cancer, here was a lady and her husband who really understand the meaning of rescue and rehoming. At the end of the day it is all about the dog in need at that time and not our own feelings, although our hearts may be breaking at the loss of a great companion and soul mate there is an endless stream of ‘Senior’ Dobes needing to be cared for and loved. Even if we have them for a week or few months if those last days are caring, pain and fear free you know you have done something really worthwhile. Some dogs need their final home because their owners have suddenly passed away and others because owners abandon them when they cannot cope with the veterinary fees or are not inclined to give that special care and dedication an oldie needs. We all get old – and it’s not always a happy event, bringing its aches and pains, lack of mobility and sometimes a cruel end. Our dogs give us unquestioning devotion and are forgiving of our short-comings, seeing that their last days are comfortable and warm is a small ask. Tilly has found that special home after her owner died whilst on his holidays and she was in kennels. Fortunately her late owner had a caring family who wanted the best for Tilly and contacted FOND to see if we could help. The power of the internet produced the Woodward family highly recommended by Jay Horgan and the wheels where in motion for Tilly’s adoption within hours of these calls. Tilly’s full story and the joy that her new family, human and animal alike have from her adoption lifts the spirits and restores ones faith in mankind. To find out more about Tilly and other oldies look out for our December Newsletter which is available to FOND members.
What’s Wrong With An Older Dog?
The Answer Is …Nothing …And You May Be Missing Out …
Many dogs in welfare are there because their owners have died or have debilitating or terminal illnesses, and as a consequence they can no longer look after their beloved pet.
Well adjusted dobies usually settle quickly into their new home.
Rewarding Rehoming
If you take on an older dog in these circumstances, you have the reward of having given stability to a Dobie and you gain an instant companion without too many rehabilitation issues.
We cannot all offer a home to the young and energetic because like the senior dogs needing homes some of us are slowing down ourselves. The writer has been fortunate enough to have many dogs over a 40 year period live to a good age. Owning them since pups to the end of their days it cannot be stressed enough the delightful bond that you enjoy with a golden oldie. No hard and fast rules here some Dobes slow down earlier than others, arthritic conditions can have a lot to do with their conformation, genetics, feeding in formative years and life style . Some Dobes like Kaya, now in his 11th year, are still full speed ahead and when his new owners went for a senior dobe believed they had taken on a boy who would grow old gracefully with them. Not a bit of it, he is the most energetic dog they have ever owned! Part of the pleasure of your older companion is their distinguished grey muzzle, the knowing eyes and the patient sighs indulging you when taking longer preparing for an outing, whether looking for an item of clothing, a pair of glasses or the car keys!
Alas many people don’t want an older dog, perhaps understandably from their point of view having recently lost a dog they cannot bear the thought of going through such heartache again in what might be a relatively short time. Rehoming rescue dogs or those in need is not really about ‘us’ though, it is about taking a dog out of a desperate situation which is causing it untold stress and misery, the incomprehensible loss of both owner and home. It is about giving comfort, care and warmth for the rest of the dog’s days and taking away the one thing no living creature should have to endure which is fear. Doing this for a dog is our reward. Another factor when considering an older dog is any concerns about likely veterinary fees, this is something FOND is prepared to help with when a senior dog is adopted with a known medical condition and is uninsured.
If you are interested in a senior dog aged 9 and over, which is in our care and featured on our website please do not hesitate to contact us if you think you could foster or adopt this Dobe.
Some of the consequences of old age are highlighted on the following website …Dog Health… something to be considered when deciding whether you can make this commitment. Generally this site is informative about all sorts of dog related issues and worth a trawl through when considering a dog whether young or old.
Some oldies come directly from their former homes when you can hopefully have a familiar toy or the dog’s bedding to take away helping the dog to feel at home more quickly. A dobermann rehomed directly from its previous owner should come with an accurate history regarding health and temperament. If the dog is in good condition you will be able to continue with its current diet – giving further continuity and making its rehoming easier. Alas, today it would seem more and more older dogs are ending up in a rescue centre. Please help one if you can.