Caring For Senior Dogs at Hope Rescue

Regardless of age, breed or medical condition, Hope Rescue takes in all stray dogs from across six local authorities. We always try to prioritise the dogs with the greatest welfare needs and we care for numerous senior dogs each year. Our seniors are usually assigned to foster homes as a priority, as they can often find kennel life a bit more challenging than our younger dogs. Older dogs may begin to experience some physical changes with their sight, hearing, and perhaps arthritic changes so they especially benefit from the additional TLC and routine that they can get in a foster home. We find that older dogs will often need additional medical treatment, with dental treatment being the most common. We are lucky to have such a dedicated team of foster carers who are able and willing to open their heart and home to a senior dog. Occasionally, we may have a senior dog who has several health problems meaning they may not be adopted but they still have a good quality of life. In these cases, the dog will join our Palliative Paws scheme where we will continue to pay for the dog’s care for the rest of their life, but they live happily in the foster home. Meet Hermione, a 9-month-old Mastiff who came into Hope Rescue as a stray. She is a member of our Palliative Paws scheme as she unfortunately has a host of medical problems, including eye and ear infections and extensive dental needs. Hermione had several lumps, which biopsies showed were an aggressive form of melanoma. Although these were removed, they are very likely to return. Hermione is also receiving medication for arthritic changes in her hind legs and hips, which is funded by the wonderful scheme. Despite her medical issues, the sweet Hermione continues to thrive in life in her foster home. 10-year-old crossbreed, Emily is Hope Rescue’s only permanent resident. After a very difficult start in life, Emily came into our care. Despite efforts from staff and adopters since then, she has never managed to settle in a home and finds ‘normal’ home life very difficult. Emily is happiest when she’s at the centre with the dedicated team of staff and volunteers. This means she lives as a permanent resident and a mascot for Hope Rescue! Other than her osteoarthritis which is managed with medication, Emily is in good health and receives regular health checks at the Rescue. While it may seem like a sad ending to Emily’s story, she’s very content in her life at Hope Rescue and is loved by all staff and volunteers who ensure she gets the best possible care. Special thanks to our Guest Writer, Sara Rosser – Head of Welfare & Adoption at Hope Rescue. If you’d like to find out more about the wonderful Hope Rescue, paw on over to their website: www.hoperescue.org.uk/.