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The Old Dog House

02-06-2012

The Old Dog House

The Old Dog House was started by a little dog named Benj. In 2002 we went to the Co. Springs (kill) shelter for some forgotten reason. (At the time we were the typical 4 dog, 2 cat family.) While there I looked over and my eyes were met by an old dog who raised his head and stared solemnly at me. He was horribly matted, extremely dirty and took over my heart instantly. He was on a stray hold and I immediately spoke up for him when he would become available. When I returned a couple of days later I was told that his 'family' had come by, identified him and said they didn't want him anymore. He was just a nuisance. He was 16 years old at the time. He came home with us that day.

Benj had a lopsided gait because one leg was shorter than the others; he eventually became deaf, then blind. We were blessed with his company for two more years. This incredible being had a smile on his face every moment of the day. He never complained about any of his difficulties. He exuded acceptance and joy! He was a constant source of inspiration and amazement to us. I believe Benj came to us with the message that old dogs needed our help and love.

So, it was in March 2004 we took in our first old dog rescue, Katie, a 12 yr. old Pointer from Texas who was full of buckshot and had a severe case of heart worm. She responded well to treatment and we had her almost 3 more years. P9230406 Since then we have rescued and cared for about 140 dogs-- every size, breed, and personality imaginable. Most of them stay with us for life- we do not make a great effort to adopt them out - they have already been rejected at least once--and old, disabled dogs are not high on most people's wish list! (We average about four adoptions per year). A few have been given homes by trusted friends, such as Claire, a 12 yr., old hound recently adopted by our friends Janet and Jerry who fell in love with her on visits to our home. And Kathy gladly gives a home to any elderly Golden Retriever we come across...

We have taken in a few younger dogs, always due to extreme conditions. Quite a few of them have gotten great adoptive homes. Whether dealing with the younger or the elderly dogs, our sole focus is on the well-being of the dog. It's quite simple. Plenty of good, nutritious, food, soft beds, medical treatment when needed (often), and unending love and attention. Our only regret is that we cannot take more of these beautiful, deserving beings. Because of their special needs they cannot be kept in pens as happens in many rescues. These guys live for the most part in our (small!) house. And they have the opportunity to run freely through the forest around our cabin. They are very happy and feel that they are our personal pets. Which actually they are. It is a unique situation!!

MISSION STATEMENT

It is our mission to provide a loving, secure, comfortable home to elderly dogs (mainly over 8 years for large breeds and 10 years for smaller breeds); dogs who have been discarded for whatever reason, and who are usually deemed unadoptable by the average pet seeking household. These beautiful beings, rejected for no fault of their own, often after many years of devotion to an owner, will live out their lives in a peaceful home, dedicated to meeting their needs, and where they will be appreciated for the sweet souls that they are.

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Bella,Tillie Sindy Pam