Grey Paws and All

To me, there is no greater joy than giving a senior dog a home. It's unthinkable the number of old dogs dumped in shelters, spending their last weeks, months even years on a cold shelter floor, unless they're killed first. Harsh, but true.  Rescuing an old dog brings joy to my soul, and I hope more people see how much purpose and meaning they can bring to their lives. This is Red, my heart dog. She was dumped at animal control, obese and suffering the pain of glaucoma. Thankfully they regularly called the shelter I volunteered at to help with old dogs. She brought so much joy to my life for the 9 years we shared, I can't imagine such a beautiful soul being euthanised and denied the life she and all dogs deserve.   From doing your best and giving them undivided attention, to regular vet visits and a high quality diet, these are some of the things you can promise to do for your old dog. Here's how to make sure every dog you share your heart and home with is happy, healthy...

As dogs age, some develop health issues that make it more difficult to stay as active as they used to be. Some, like my 11 year old foster Roxy, can walk for hours every day. Swimming, gentle stretching and puzzle toys are a few ways to ensure your dog still stays active and enjoying life. Whether your dog has slowed down or is as active as ever, these 5 activities are fun for everyone!! Swimming Swimming is low-impact, easy on the joints and a great way to keep your senior dog active while being gentle on their aging body.  Whether it’s at the beach, in a lake, a backyard pool or indoors in the colder weather, it can be a year round activity. Puzzle Toys I’m a fan of puzzle toys as a way to engage your senior dog's mind. They challenge them to problem-solve and stay mentally sharp. There are so many to choose from, you just have to try and see which ones your dog likes. One toy we have is by Nina Ottosson Outward Hound and it’s the Dog Tornado. I use it with treats or feed my dog ...

Before we welcome a senior dog into our life, we’re confident we have the necessary funds to provide him or her with the best care we can...at least we should be! Circumstances change, unexpected health issues arise, injuries happen and we find ourselves worrying about how we’re going to pay for much needed treatment. Below you will find a comprehensive list of companies that may help with your vet bills.   Companies That Offer Financial Assistance With the number of people looking for help, don’t expect full coverage of all your bills, or funding of ongoing treatment. There are criteria you have to meet, and it will differ from place to place.  I recommend making contact in advance, so you have all your paperwork in order should you need help in the future. Bills you’ve already incurred may not be covered. If you haven’t already tried, the easiest thing to do is negotiate with your vet for a payment plan. I divided this list by country, and everything is in alphabetical ...

Taking care of animals is expensive, taking care of a senior dog with health issues can be extremely expensive. From making your own dog toys and pet proofing your home, to feeding a balanced diet and exercising your dog, these are just a few ways to keep down the cost of caring for your senior pup. 1) Groom Your Dog at Home This first recommendation is definitely not for everyone! I had a deaf and blind dog that was terrified of being groomed so we bought a shaver and did it ourselves. We managed to do it by feeding her tons of treats, and although I was only able to do her body, it made a difference and we only needed a groomer for her face. That was a special circumstance, but I wouldn't be interested in doing that again!  If you do want to give it a try, I suggest watching some Youtube videos or ask your current groomer to give you pointers. It’s not an “all or nothing” situation. Maybe you’re comfortable giving your dog a bath, but prefer a professional to do the rest. You may...

The loss of a pet is an incredibly emotional and personal experience. Our pets are family, and their absence can leave a deep hole in our hearts. After such a loss, many people begin to wonder whether it’s the right time to adopt another pet. While the idea of bringing a new animal into your life might bring comfort, it’s important to take time to reflect on what’s best for both you and your future pet. Here are some things to consider when deciding if adopting another pet is the right choice for you. Are You Ready to Love Again? When we lose a pet, it’s normal to feel like no other animal could ever replace them. The bond you shared is irreplaceable, and no new pet will ever fill that same space in your heart. However, the love you gave and received from your companion is a beautiful gift, and the capacity to love another animal is still there. Before adopting a new pet, ask yourself if you're emotionally ready to open your heart again. It’s okay to feel hesitant — healing takes t...

As far as I’m concerned, you only need one reason to adopt an old dog – there’s no greater feeling in the world than rescuing a senior who ends up in a shelter later on in life.  If you need more, keep reading.   It is difficult to find the words to adequately convey how I feel when I bring a senior dog into my home, and into my heart. I’m proud of being a compassionate person, someone who knows their main purpose in life is to care for homeless and abandoned animals. The fact that my soul is nourished by being the guardian of dogs in their golden years, makes me proud. Alright enough about me. Let’s talk a bit about why animals of any age end up in shelters. It’s Not Because They Have a Problem or Are a Problem Humans surrender (sometimes dump) animals for a variety of reasons, some valid, most not but all heart breaking. Any behavior issues are a direct result of no/inadequate training, socialisation or enrichment on the part of the owner. Excuses (sorry, reasons) Why Animal...

As I write this story, tears are streaming down my face and my heart is broken. Saffy died yesterday afternoon. In spite of this, her story must be heard. Saffy (or Saffron Cleopatra - the formal name my husband gave her), was rescued from a puppy mill, also known as dog hell. For those of you who don't know what that is, I urge you to look it up right now. It's too important not to. We rescued her 9 months ago (January 2013) from a shelter where I volunteer.  She had been there since the previous April (2012) when she was rescued, having spent 7 years in a chicken coop, breeding for pet shops and online sellers.  The head vet tech told us, she was the worst case they had ever come across. We had rescued many senior and special needs dogs from that shelter, but their problems were always physical. This is the first time we encountered one with emotional damage.  With no guidance or advice, we were totally unprepared for this challenge.  Surprisingly I couldn't find m...