Forever Care
Seniors and Special Needs Dogs Retired Into The Forever Care Program
Meet our SSR Forever Care dogs.
All the Forever dogs have special needs. We've summarised the basics of their conditions here for you to illustrate the dedication of their Forever Carers.
All are technically 'unadoptable'. Not unwanted. All of them have a name and a story and a rescue team who loves them.
So they stay in care in their Forever homes under SSR. Their Forever Carers give the gift of love and attention in their own homes just like all animals deserve.
Our Forever Care Program has limited spaces and resources. Within this program our Forever Care dogs' health, wellbeing and veterinary needs are paramount. All Forever Dogs are treated with the utmost respect and in keeping with our Code of Conduct relating to quality of life, a stress free environment, stability, enrichment, premium dietary needs and the best veterinary care available.
As far as this little family of dogs are concerned, they have found their forever homes with SSR and permanently under our wing.
All the Forever dogs have special needs. We've summarised the basics of their conditions here for you to illustrate the dedication of their Forever Carers.
All are technically 'unadoptable'. Not unwanted. All of them have a name and a story and a rescue team who loves them.
So they stay in care in their Forever homes under SSR. Their Forever Carers give the gift of love and attention in their own homes just like all animals deserve.
Our Forever Care Program has limited spaces and resources. Within this program our Forever Care dogs' health, wellbeing and veterinary needs are paramount. All Forever Dogs are treated with the utmost respect and in keeping with our Code of Conduct relating to quality of life, a stress free environment, stability, enrichment, premium dietary needs and the best veterinary care available.
As far as this little family of dogs are concerned, they have found their forever homes with SSR and permanently under our wing.
Our Forever Care program relies on donations to continue giving safety to dogs that have found themselves needing to be surrendered into our care or left in pounds unclaimed. Through no fault of their own they are unable to be rehomed due to medical complications, palliative care, or behaviourally compromised. Rather than euthanasia we give them safety so they can live out their days having their needs met. It can be costly and we are limited in dogs we can assist and rely on donations from kind people such as yourself to continue the Forever Care program.
If you would like to donate to or sponsor one of our Forever Care dogs please click the link below or email us at admin@seniorsandsilkies.org.au
If you would like to donate to or sponsor one of our Forever Care dogs please click the link below or email us at admin@seniorsandsilkies.org.au
Donate via Paypal
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Pudding
Pudding is sponsored by Jennifer
Pudding was available for adoption for quite some time. He never did find his home and became so settled that at his age (now 16), it was deemed better to retire him. As an ex breeding dog timid and not used to being a companion animal he deserved a home of his own and it's very sad that nobody took him in. He's now a loved and permanent member of the Forever Care doggies.
He has 'microphthalmia' aka 'small eye'. Which you can see by the photos
In July 2021 Pudding was diagnosed with stage 2 kidney failure. Our delicate boy is on a special diet and no matter how much time he has left, we will make sure it is quality time.
He has 'microphthalmia' aka 'small eye'. Which you can see by the photos
In July 2021 Pudding was diagnosed with stage 2 kidney failure. Our delicate boy is on a special diet and no matter how much time he has left, we will make sure it is quality time.
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Max
Max is sponsored by Charlie and his hooman John.
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Poor Max, so loved by his former owners but with Max's behaviour issues they were at risk of being evicted despite moving once already.
Max was taken back and forth to the vet, being trialled on medications to ease his anxiety. Absolutely nothing worked. And he remained a highly strung, literally constantly yapping dog. Sadly he then had to be surrendered to our Maltese rescue carer. She also set about trying to help him. We have finally found a drug (gabapentin) to ease his anxiety. In a higher dose it's a nerve pain drug but has proven useful in dogs like Max and appears to have made a considerable difference. to his quality of life. Added on top of that, Max has IBD. Something that has to be carefully managed to avoid excruciating gut pain and passing blood in his stool requiring overnight stays at the vet hospital for rehydration and IV antibiotics. He's a challenge but with a devoted carer and awesome vet care, he's stable. At 15 he's a delicate old chap. |
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Bea-Bea
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After a long conversation with her vet about her test results and the fact that she will always have to be on medication we've been expertly advised she is not a candidate for adoption. Her lung shows areas of fibrous changes, and she must stay on a diuretic. She is now on the predicted bronchodilator after a scheduled xray to keep an eye on things.
In herself, she is happy. And has no idea of her health issues and is getting used to taking her daily meds. UPDATE Another xray follow-up for our little lady. This time we have decided to add a bronchodilator. Her spleen and heart are showing enlargement. Not enough to send her to the ultrasound specialists yet but enough to keep a close eye on. |
UPDATE Bea Bea has been to her vet again and it was decided that she needed to begin Cardisure for her heart. She developed slight age related incontinence and adding Stilbestroel has worked beautifully.
She is beginning a course of Cartrophen for stiffness in her hind legs.
UPDATE Bea Bea has been prescribed Gabapentin for her hind legs and and Flixotide puffer for her airways.
She is beginning a course of Cartrophen for stiffness in her hind legs.
UPDATE Bea Bea has been prescribed Gabapentin for her hind legs and and Flixotide puffer for her airways.
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Ladybird
*** Ladybird is being sponsored by Donut and his hooman.
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Something was 'not quite right' about Ladybird. So she went back for more testing. Despite good results at the start, Ladybird's bloods have changed. She's been diagnosed by ultrasound specialists (VSOS) as having a cluster of growths in her liver. Aspiration of one of the masses revealed it to be non cancerous but her vets feel they will spread and/or grow. We don't know if they are fast or slow growing. But can track her liver function through testing. More detail later but under vet advice she is being retired into Forever Care. To say we are devastated for her is an understatement....
UPDATE MARCH 2021 Doing well :) Eating well, has her routine and her very own human carer to boss around. |
Stanley
Stan is being sponsored by Adele 💕
Stan's Journey is documented below.....
ARRIVAL Stanley is an unwell, emaciated little dog. He'll be in rehab a while. He's already had his dental and very very concerning blood panel results which will be re-run in 4 weeks looking for improvement. UPDATE 1 - Going back in for a weigh and more blood testing. We're hoping for an improvement, even just a little bit would be great. UPDATE 2 - Great blood results. But it could be another 6 months before his body gets over his starvation. UPDATE 3 - Little Stanley's cognition is improving as he slowly puts on a tiny bit of weight UPDATE 5 - His weight gain has plateaued at a body-score we aren't happy with and further testing is being done. :( Stan is having further specialised blood and fecal testing which can be used to diagnose malabsorption and EPI. Retesting his thyroid function tests. There's also a condition known as 'silent Addison's' that doesn't exhibit textbook symptoms. UPDATE 6 -No EPI or malabsorption showed up in the pathology. No Addison's either. We're discussing with our vet as to the next move. UPDATE 7 - Stan's vet has prescribed a long course of anaerobic bacteria specific antibiotics. UPDATE 8 - Stan is booked in for an ultrasound of his stomach and digestive tract with a brilliant veterinary sonographer. We're praying he finds a reason for Stan's condition as to date, absolutely nothing has given us an answer. UPDATE 9 - Absolutely perfect results with no abnormalities found!
Obviously we've thoroughly quizzed our vets on quality of life and the answer is yes, despite his challenges he is a perfectly happy, somewhat wonky, little dog. But he is being retired into Forever Care, we cannot rehome him.
ARRIVAL Stanley is an unwell, emaciated little dog. He'll be in rehab a while. He's already had his dental and very very concerning blood panel results which will be re-run in 4 weeks looking for improvement. UPDATE 1 - Going back in for a weigh and more blood testing. We're hoping for an improvement, even just a little bit would be great. UPDATE 2 - Great blood results. But it could be another 6 months before his body gets over his starvation. UPDATE 3 - Little Stanley's cognition is improving as he slowly puts on a tiny bit of weight UPDATE 5 - His weight gain has plateaued at a body-score we aren't happy with and further testing is being done. :( Stan is having further specialised blood and fecal testing which can be used to diagnose malabsorption and EPI. Retesting his thyroid function tests. There's also a condition known as 'silent Addison's' that doesn't exhibit textbook symptoms. UPDATE 6 -No EPI or malabsorption showed up in the pathology. No Addison's either. We're discussing with our vet as to the next move. UPDATE 7 - Stan's vet has prescribed a long course of anaerobic bacteria specific antibiotics. UPDATE 8 - Stan is booked in for an ultrasound of his stomach and digestive tract with a brilliant veterinary sonographer. We're praying he finds a reason for Stan's condition as to date, absolutely nothing has given us an answer. UPDATE 9 - Absolutely perfect results with no abnormalities found!
Obviously we've thoroughly quizzed our vets on quality of life and the answer is yes, despite his challenges he is a perfectly happy, somewhat wonky, little dog. But he is being retired into Forever Care, we cannot rehome him.
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Frank
Frank is sponsored by Robyn B
Frank arrived into care in April 2019 as a 7yr old, emaciated, matted, neglected boy. If he had ever seen a vet it was a long time before and had no vet work done at all. Not even a microchip.
Frank had lived outside his whole life and knew nothing of kindness or how good life could be.
When his carer laid eyes on Frank for the first time she noticed a distinct shake he had, his wobbly walk and involuntary movements as he stood still.
We took Frank on not knowing what was causing this wobble or how Frank would adjust to life.
Frank's carer spent 6hrs clipping his matted coat from his body.
Frank had a vet visit to assess his overall health and start the diagnostic testing for this 'wobble'.
Thankfully our vets believed Frank had a good quality of life and his emaciation was through neglect, not through an underlying medical condition.
Frank went through testing for white wobblers syndrome. He did not respond to medication, this ruled WWS out. It was time to take Frank to see a neurologist and get to the bottom of things.
Frank made the track to Sydney and underwent blood tests and an MRI. Results came back with mixed news, Frank had no obvious reason for his wobble, his cerebellum was the right size, no tumour, no blunt force trauma all good news. The only downfall was the neurologist could only suggest it was a fault in his cerebellum from birth. There was no way to predict if his condition would worsen, or stay the same.
We then decided Frank needed to stay in care to have all his needs met with his condition and unknown future.
Frank has blossomed in care, his blood liver enzymes returned to normal (they were 5 times the 'normal' range when he came into care. Frank adjusted to life living indoors and stopped his aggression around food when he realised food was a regular occurrence.
Frank lost his eyesight to cataracts, unfortunately he is not a match for the surgical correction and the post operative recovery requirements. Frank has adjusted well to losing his sight. He knows his way around his home confidentially. He loves meeting new people and throws himself at them and charms his way into everyone's heart that he meets.
in July 2021 Frank was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the anal gland, a fairly rare and aggressive form of cancer. Frank is currently undergoing diagnostic testing and we will know more soon.
December 2021 - Despite a massive amount of diagnostic testing and two other vet opinion's and examinations, at this stage the original diagnosis of cancer was incorrect, currently no cancer cells can be detected!!!! We are at a loss of how or why and to say we are shocked at what occurred is an understatement, going forward we can only be pleased for Frank and his new vet is aware of Frank's original diagnosis and he wants to have twice a year check ups just to make sure nothing is growing.
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Scooby
Scooby is sponsored by Leanne and her cuties
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Scooby is a lovely gentle chap. Quiet and peaceful, he makes himself comfy on the lounge or in his bed. Sleeping with his little tongue sticking out.
Mr Cuteness is so kind and gentle. A perfect senior doggy. His coat is so soft and wavy, he gets the frizzies during the rain! He's completely deaf but has learned hand signals. So clever! And such a peaceful presence around the house. You never have to worry that he'll get cranky with even the most exuberant dog. He takes everything in his stride. His sponsorship goes towards his care and medical needs such as Cardisure and Frusomide for his bad heart. So far, no extra meds need to be added. Fingers crossed it stays that way for quite a while. Right now he's responding beautifully and we're keeping the fluid off his lungs. Scooby enjoys his premium diet but right now he's really in to lamb steaks! YUM. 14/3/22 Scooby had the tiniest seizure. He was not distressed before or after. So advice is to diarise any episodes. It may or may not happen again. It was a very mild seizure. No odd behaviour like pacing or ataxia. |
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Beetle Bug my beautiful boy now at the rainbow bridge ~ eternally loved
My Beetle Bug left this world on Tuesday 18th January 2022
It happened swiftly and only hours before he was eating being his normal self. The day before we enjoyed car rides and lots of cuddles and kisses.
His beautiful face stepped into my life on the 24th Jan 2016. The time seems to have gone so fast.
Beetle was tiny but mighty. After being dumped in Blacktown pound in a mess he also had severe behavioural issues. So much so the rescue who had him for his impound time couldn't get near him. So I was called.
I adored his little face from the moment I saw his pound photo. He arrived at my house terrified and would bite without hesitation.
I remember the first few weeks like they were yesterday.
We forged a bond and found trust in each other. He didn't need to be perfect, all that I asked was that he tried and he did.
He got better and being handled and the fear became less. His bites became fewer and far between.
Beetle growled so many different growls, he talked by growling and I could tell the difference between his grumbles compared to a warning that he was not coping.
Everyone that saw his little face fell in love with him. His behaviours were unpredictable at times and he could not cope with people he didn't know. So they loved him from afar.
He learnt to play with my other dogs, at first he would run up to them, grab their tail, scream and run away as if he had been hurt. Slowly my dogs gave him the confidence to rumble and accepted his weird play. They allowed his to be his unique self.
He slept on my bed with my other dogs and became a truly loved and adored member of my household.
Beetle had his fair share of health issues in his young life and had two health episodes that almost claimed his life before cancer.
Then mast cell cancer came along. The first one was removed and he was considered cancer free. But like the cancer is known for, it came back a year later and was metastatic. I knew the cancer would take him. They gave him 6-8weeks to live, he lived for 7 more months and the vets couldn't explain why.
In that 7mths he was more than his diagnosis and prognosis though. He was Beetle Bug. Loving life, taking his medicine like it was nothing. Playing and rumbling. Grumbling and growling in a house that was his surrounded by safety and love, so much love.
On Tuesday he declined fast and he was in pain. We rush him to the vet and having to talk through what was happening. If anyone has had a furry friend with mast cell tumour, you know it is not like any other cancer. It is complex in it's workings and throws out various chemicals throughout the body, especially into the GI tract. It can 'degranulate' and metastasize any where in the body incl into bone marrow.
I refused to let my tiny, fercious, tenacious boy fight a painful battle that had tipped the scales and was going to cause pain and was taking over his little body even further.
I had to stop fighting beside him as I had done through all his health battles and take up the final battle with myself. To let my boy go with the utmost of love and basically crushed my soul in doing so.
I held his face and told him how much I would miss him. How I had loved his little face since the moment I saw him. I thanked him for loving and putting his trust in me and how sorry I was that I couldn't fix him. How I wished I got to have him for so much longer than I did. Then he was gone. He left this world and since then my heart is in tatters. My little warrior boy is gone. My house feels strangely empty. My dogs are abnormally quiet as we all adjust to Beetle being gone.
I don't know how the rest of the world saw him but he was perfect to me, my house and my dogs.
As I have reflected over our time together and how even though six years seems to have gone in the blink of an eye, it didn't, the photo's and the millions of memories I have remind me of that. It is just that my boy did not get to grow old and I did not get to have him forever (forever because no time would never be right for our beautiful beloved dogs to leave us, that I know is the truth).
To my beautiful boy Beetle, you were amazing and strong and taught me so much. You gave me your trust and you stole my heart for 6yrs you were in my life. I am broken beyond words and am having a hard time waking each day to not see you or hear your funny growl. I would never take the pain away though as having you in my life was worth it and I would do it all over again if I could.
Wait for me on the other side and I there I will see you again. Until then I miss you and love you still. Nothing can stop love, not even leaving this world. I will love you forever.
It happened swiftly and only hours before he was eating being his normal self. The day before we enjoyed car rides and lots of cuddles and kisses.
His beautiful face stepped into my life on the 24th Jan 2016. The time seems to have gone so fast.
Beetle was tiny but mighty. After being dumped in Blacktown pound in a mess he also had severe behavioural issues. So much so the rescue who had him for his impound time couldn't get near him. So I was called.
I adored his little face from the moment I saw his pound photo. He arrived at my house terrified and would bite without hesitation.
I remember the first few weeks like they were yesterday.
We forged a bond and found trust in each other. He didn't need to be perfect, all that I asked was that he tried and he did.
He got better and being handled and the fear became less. His bites became fewer and far between.
Beetle growled so many different growls, he talked by growling and I could tell the difference between his grumbles compared to a warning that he was not coping.
Everyone that saw his little face fell in love with him. His behaviours were unpredictable at times and he could not cope with people he didn't know. So they loved him from afar.
He learnt to play with my other dogs, at first he would run up to them, grab their tail, scream and run away as if he had been hurt. Slowly my dogs gave him the confidence to rumble and accepted his weird play. They allowed his to be his unique self.
He slept on my bed with my other dogs and became a truly loved and adored member of my household.
Beetle had his fair share of health issues in his young life and had two health episodes that almost claimed his life before cancer.
Then mast cell cancer came along. The first one was removed and he was considered cancer free. But like the cancer is known for, it came back a year later and was metastatic. I knew the cancer would take him. They gave him 6-8weeks to live, he lived for 7 more months and the vets couldn't explain why.
In that 7mths he was more than his diagnosis and prognosis though. He was Beetle Bug. Loving life, taking his medicine like it was nothing. Playing and rumbling. Grumbling and growling in a house that was his surrounded by safety and love, so much love.
On Tuesday he declined fast and he was in pain. We rush him to the vet and having to talk through what was happening. If anyone has had a furry friend with mast cell tumour, you know it is not like any other cancer. It is complex in it's workings and throws out various chemicals throughout the body, especially into the GI tract. It can 'degranulate' and metastasize any where in the body incl into bone marrow.
I refused to let my tiny, fercious, tenacious boy fight a painful battle that had tipped the scales and was going to cause pain and was taking over his little body even further.
I had to stop fighting beside him as I had done through all his health battles and take up the final battle with myself. To let my boy go with the utmost of love and basically crushed my soul in doing so.
I held his face and told him how much I would miss him. How I had loved his little face since the moment I saw him. I thanked him for loving and putting his trust in me and how sorry I was that I couldn't fix him. How I wished I got to have him for so much longer than I did. Then he was gone. He left this world and since then my heart is in tatters. My little warrior boy is gone. My house feels strangely empty. My dogs are abnormally quiet as we all adjust to Beetle being gone.
I don't know how the rest of the world saw him but he was perfect to me, my house and my dogs.
As I have reflected over our time together and how even though six years seems to have gone in the blink of an eye, it didn't, the photo's and the millions of memories I have remind me of that. It is just that my boy did not get to grow old and I did not get to have him forever (forever because no time would never be right for our beautiful beloved dogs to leave us, that I know is the truth).
To my beautiful boy Beetle, you were amazing and strong and taught me so much. You gave me your trust and you stole my heart for 6yrs you were in my life. I am broken beyond words and am having a hard time waking each day to not see you or hear your funny growl. I would never take the pain away though as having you in my life was worth it and I would do it all over again if I could.
Wait for me on the other side and I there I will see you again. Until then I miss you and love you still. Nothing can stop love, not even leaving this world. I will love you forever.
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Nikki
Nikki is sponsored by Kel and her cuties
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6th May 2022
'Nikki Noodle' is a sweet dog. Unfortunately she had been suffering for a long time from an untreated painful, diseased eye. Possibly treatable over time but she would turn into a Tasmanian Devil and make it a stressful ordeal for everyone just to try to get drops and ointment in twice daily. Finally, we came to the decision that biting and struggling, never getting used to handling of her face meant that for her quality of life, the bad eye needed to come out. The relief was almost instant. And meant no more battles. She became a much happier girl. She now toddles around. Follows her chosen human (definitely not me!) and gets lounge time cuddles each evening. |
I'm allowed to brush the top of her head and scratch her back. But not her chin/chest, and nowhere near her face or feet. Oh well, I'm patient and we'll get there.
Nikki has arthritis treated with Gabapentin, MSM/glucosamine/chondroitin supplement and a top-up of Antinol to cover all bases available. So with unpredictable biting behaviour and bad arthritis and turning 15 this year, Nikki has been retired into care. She really gets along with her buddies too so all in all she's quite pleased to be here. Spoilt rotten.
Nikki has arthritis treated with Gabapentin, MSM/glucosamine/chondroitin supplement and a top-up of Antinol to cover all bases available. So with unpredictable biting behaviour and bad arthritis and turning 15 this year, Nikki has been retired into care. She really gets along with her buddies too so all in all she's quite pleased to be here. Spoilt rotten.
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Puppy Farm Dogs
With special needs, these dogs have been retired into Forever Care with their foster humans. We've successfully rehomed puppy farm dogs, by no means does a messed-up past cement their future. However for these dogs, rehoming is not an option.
Never give up the fight to outlaw puppy farming!
Never give up the fight to outlaw puppy farming!
Pretty Girl
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Pretty was from a backyard operation. Small scale puppy farming in squalid conditions. Like their larger scale counterparts no care is taken for the wellbeing and socialisation of their breeding dogs. Pretty spent 7 years in hell and has the mental scars to show for it.
She thrives in Forever Care, her carer and doggy friends have shown her that life can be serene and that it's ok to trust. Pretty says thank you for my sponsorship Helen :) |
Minx - Rest In Peace
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Our dear old girl's clock ran out and she had to be set free. Her carers were there and many tears were shed.
Farewell Minx, run over the Rainbow Bridge. Minx was generously sponsored by Robyn B |
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Some Forever Care and adopted dogs who have left us.
We've lost some beautiful souls. 💖
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