For the LOVE of Senior Pets

Love FOR THE OF SENIOR PETS

Fred Rogers with foster mom Stacey. Photo by Chris Kittredge.

FRED RODGERS

suggested a previous injury. Our team created a plan to Fred Rodgers greets you treat his ears and help him feel more comfortable. with warm brown eyes Over the next couple of weeks, our veterinarians monitored and a grey-muzzled his progress to see how he responded to ear meds, joint smile that reveals teeth supplements and NSAIDs. While out on gentle walks with worn down to nibs. Fred, our staff and volunteers began to notice he seemed When he leans into more comfortable. As we got to know him, he showed us he you for pets, you notice was the type of dog who was just looking for a quiet home the skin on his elbows is where he could be pampered with snuggly naps, easy tough and patchy, and that walks and lots of love. We placed him with Stacey, one of his body bears a constellation our amazing foster volunteers, who has worked very closely Fred Rogers in his sweater. of small scars. He’s wearing a with our shelter medical team to help manage his chronic cable-knit sweater like the most distinguished of grandpas ear infection and keep his arthritis under control. Fred has and taking him for a walk is like walking a small ox — his been happy to soak up all the love Stacey could give until strength supersedes his age-related creakiness! These are we could find him a forever home. As it turns out, Fred has just some of the reasons we love Fred. been home all along. Just as this article was going to print, Like so many of the senior pets we take in, Fred arrived Stacey called to let us know she wanted to adopt him! at the shelter a little worn around the edges, yet with so much love to give. And like many older animals, he has required a little extra TLC as we help get him to the next leg of his journey. During his intake exam, our veterinary team noted that Fred was shaking his head persistently and limped arthritically when he walked. They estimated his age to be about 12 years. His ears were inflamed and quite painful, and there was evidence of old hematomas. Not surprisingly, a cytology test showed he had advanced bacterial infection in both ears. He was sensitive about having his front legs touched and his hind leg muscles seemed atrophied. Radiographs of one of his legs

“Senior pets are special because you can tell they’ve been through a lot . Look into their eyes and know that they may have had multiple homes, or maybe one home that they can no longer be in, and people they will never see again . They have stories they can never tell us . They want and need a stable place to spend their golden years and our donors, fosters and adopters make that possible . ”

—KARRIE STEWART, HSSC HEALDSBURG SHELTER MANAGER

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Older pets often come to us without a lot of historical information, like Fred Rodgers did, from overcrowded shelters that don’t have the resources to address the unique needs of seniors. Others have enjoyed years with families who love them, but come to us when home circumstances change. “We see a higher number of senior pet surrenders than younger pets,” explains HSSC Admissions Program Manager, Anna Harrison. “This is due to the fact that many pets outlive their owners’ ability to care for them. Many come to us after their owner has passed away or has moved into a care facility that isn’t able to accommodate pets.” Still others arrive as strays, like Magneta. (right)

“I think it says a lot about senior cats, that they’re the ones many of our volunteers and staff tend to fall the hardest for . I always have the most conversations with the cat volunteers about our seniors, and they’re always gushing about how wonderful they are . If an older cat can inspire that much love in people who are constantly around kittens and younger cats, it lets you know how special they truly are . ”

—SAFFRON WILLIAMS, HSSC FELINE BEHAVIOR PROGRAM MANAGER

As with every animal in our care, a senior’s journey to adoption starts with a stop in our shelter hospital for a health exam. Dr. Lisa Labrecque, HSSC’s Director of Veterinary Services, explains what she and her team are looking for: “Animals ages eight and up receive a comprehensive senior blood panel including thyroid levels and urinalysis. If we find abnormalities, we’ll pursue additional diagnostics. If a heart murmur is heard, we will take chest x-rays to screen for heart disease.” Seniors are also evaluated for dental disease — the most severe cases require dental procedures prior to adoption. “We might make animals with less severe dental disease available if they’re not in pain and there’s no evidence of infection, Jade and Leenda on their and then have them return for dental work way home with Magneta. later,” says Dr. Labrecque. X-rays are performed to evaluate orthopedic issues, especially when the animal presents with a limp, like Fred. “This helps guide our veterinary team to determine which treatments will be of most benefit.” What sets us apart from other shelters in being able to provide second chances for seniors like Fred and Magneta? In addition to our incredible foster volunteers who help expand our capacity for care, “HSSC is fortunate to have a strong medical department with four veterinarians on staff, each with different areas of expertise,” says Dr. Labrecque. “Whether it’s internal medicine, dermatology, cardiology, orthopedics or dentistry, our DVMs love to put their experience to work helping senior pets.” This is all thanks to YOU! Because of your support we are able to offer a high standard of care for older pets, helping them live their healthiest lives and — best of all — adopting them into homes where their grey muzzles and silver whiskers will be loved and cherished.

Your compassionate contributions to our Angels Fund directly help homeless animals who need medical care on their path home . To make your gift, please visit humanesocietysoco .org/donate and select Angels Fund from the drop-down menu . Thank you for making our lifesaving work possible! Magneta came to us as a stray in rough shape . She was thin, dehydrated and had sunken eyes . She was also wheezing and congested . We scanned her microchip and found out that she was at least 18 years old! Unfortunately, we were not able to find her owners so we moved forward with trying to find her a new home to spend her retirement days . Our shelter medical team administered fluids and antibiotics to help get her on the path to healing . During her medical work up, Magneta was diagnosed with and began treatment for four chronic medical conditions — kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, chronic rhinitis and high blood pressure . By the time of her re-check exam, Magneta was feeling much better — she was bright-eyed, sweet and purring . She even started to show us her playful side! However, her respiratory issues persisted and we discovered that she was something of a social eater . She seemed to have a good appetite when she was being pet! We placed her with one of our catsavvy fosters so she could be doted on until her forever family came along . Enter angel adopters Jade and Leenda . After talking over Magneta’s conditions with our veterinarians, they decided they were the ones to give her a home where her every need could be looked after for the rest of her days . We wish Magneta and her family a wonderful life together!