HSS Special Needs and Long-Term Foster Care Senior Dogs 

"We all just need a place to lay our heads."

Like most breed rescue programs, we are committed to seniors (over age 9); thus we usually have many seniors in our program.  With only a few exceptions, they are healthy and adoptable, but older than many adoptive homes wish, and they often remain in our program.  We are also committed to our special needs Shelties whose illnesses are serious enough that they are not adoptable and will remain in our program. Since we want to be able to afford both our seniors and our special needs dogs that kind of safety and care, but not strain the resources of our normal foster network for the new dogs coming in every week, we have set up a Special Needs and Senior Foster Care program to take care of these beauties who just need a place to lay their heads and gentle arms to comfort them.  We need families willing to take in these terrific dogs (no adoption fee) and provide them with safety, comfort, good nutrition, exercise, and lots of love.  In return, HSS will cover all vet bills for annual work-ups, vaccinations, heartworm medication, and any illnesses that may develop---though foster homes would need to clear those trips to clinics with us first.  In essence, our dog would remain with you while the program takes care of his or her medical needs, and you enjoy the special blessings of your precious special needs or senior dog, but remain responsible to the program in regularly letting us know how the dog is doing.  If you live in the Greater Houston/Central Texas area and would like to help us with this mission, becoming a valued member of our rescue program and family (including our picnics of course!), please complete the foster care application and send to us. 

HSS Coordinators

Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc.
PO Box 840235
Houston, TX 77284-0235
 FAX: (281) 497-6895 or (281) 859-0146
SHELTIE LINE: (281)-859-0146
E-Mail: Connie / Linda / Joan

     

Darcy

This precious 12+yo, 15", 19# Tri girl was found on a busy Houston area street by a local rescuer who took her in and called us.  She had several medical problems, caused by neglect, which have been addressed.  Her teeth are her major sign of aging.  She had a dental and will need another in 6 months.  Though Darcy has obviously experienced neglect in her life, she is a wonderfully sweet girl who struck out to find help and got it with our program. The pictures reveal how happy she is to be off the streets, comfy and cared for at last.



Chance 2
Adopted!

Image courtesy of Unique Images Photography, www.uniqueimages.com, 281-812-3456

Chance was an OTI to area shelter; he is about 13+ yo, 16", 23#. From former owners' description, he is very friendly; gets along w/ other dogs and all people. He tested HW-, but had a tumor on his right front paw (which has been removed and was benign).  He has scars on his neck probably from a too-small collar and his teeth needed cleaning. His rescuer reports that Chance is a very sweet older boy, a bit shy, but warmly wags his tail when you speak to him. A few months later, Chance is now house-trained and loves to go for a stroll in the evening. Overall, he's such a sweet boy and a love sponge who just wants to be with his people. He's thrilled when his family comes home from work so he can snuggle up to them on the couch for a popcorn snack and a TV program or two.  Chance is an active and truly special man.

Wendy2

Wendy was found as a stray in east Houston.  She is 11+ years old, 15 inches, 25 pounds, spayed, HW+ and must go through the treatment.  Wendy is a very quiet, low key Sheltie.  She's very sweet!  Wendy's foster Mom has been brushing her daily and spending 30 minutes hugging Wendy each day to let her know just how much her humans can love her!  Her foster mom is also keeping a detailed daily diary of everything Wendy does; her likes and dislikes.  Let's just say that Wendy is finally getting the attention she deserves! 
 
Update:  In January 2008 Wendy was diagnosed with an inoperable tumor in her head (near her left ear).  So far, she is alert and still enjoying her food.  One of Wendy's favorite activities continues to be her daily walks. When her foster Mom gets out the leash, Wendy grins and happily pulls Mom out the door.   

 

Reed

 

Reed was found darting traffic on a cold rainy morning in central Houston. He is ~ 6-7 years old, 13 inches, 22 pounds, not neutered, fecal negative, and came to us heavily heartworm positive.  He is a very happy, loving boy who sits for treats. His personality fairly shouts, "Oooh, pick me, pick me!" as he bounces in happiness when you glance his way. He sorely wants to play, but his activity is restricted during treatment. Nonetheless, any attention is greeted by a quick flip for a tummy rub, because he loves, loves, loves to share his life with his human.

Reed, sadly, will not be able to recover fully from the horrible infestation of heartworms  The damage done to this poor boy's lungs will not improve.  The good news is that his heart is not impacted, but the best we can offer him is symptomatic relief via medication. We don't know what his path will be, how much time we will buy him, but as with our other babies on this page, we will keep Reed with us in our Program and care for him as long as we can.

 

Lady

 

This lovely senior gal, Lady, is one a group of dogs who came to us due to her owner's death.  Lady is 12+ years old, 14" and 19#, has severe dental disease, including several abscessed teeth, and is heartworm positive.  She also has a mammary tumor.  Because of the severity of her dental condition and her mammary tumor, we will address these issues first, and then treat her heartworms. Lady will remain in our program sue to her frail health and will be cared for as long as possible by one of HSS's long time volunteers.