Adopting a dog has become more important than ever during this strange year with many rescue shelters struggling for funds along with the need to look out for an increasing number of animals who require help. We have several blogs about rescue dogs and how they have been helped by integrated veterinary care. There is a lot to think about when considering adopting a dog, or any animal. We have covered a lot of this in our blog about Tycho the Romanian rescue dog and in our Newsletters.

Oldies

Adopting an older dog and providing them with a loving home for the rest of their life is a particularly lovely thing to do. In honour of National Dog Adoption Day and as part of our focus on elderly animals, we asked CAM4animals supporter Lynne Fourrel de Frettes to tell us about Spotty who came into her life in his twilight years.

Spotty

I’ve always adored terriers, especially Jack Russells. Three years ago I lost my beloved Pip to bladder cancer. I didn’t think I could love another dog but then I saw a Facebook post for a beautiful terrier in a rescue centre, the National Animal Welfare Trust. He was nearly 16 and his Mum had passed away. He had been with her from a puppy. 

I knew that I had to try and adopt him and I would have brought him home on my first visit but – understandably – rescue protocols entailed three visits, although they let me take him after two and a thorough home check! 

To try and make him feel at home, I scattered various beds around the house and brought home his toys that he had been given by his Mum. During the first night he came to my bed and slept there every night until the end. 

Adopting an oldie was not something I had previously thought about, but my two years with Spotty were simply amazing. He loved everyone and everything, he was funny and cheeky. He loved outings and adored going to the vet! 

With his huge up pointed ears and little Queen Anne legs, he was adored by everyone that met him. 

I know that some dogs might struggle losing their owner, especially at such an age, but we were lucky with Spotty. Adopting him in his mid-teens was incredibly easy. He had a heart murmur which was kept under control but generally his health was great and he came out with me in all weathers. Mucking out the ponies with me was his favourite thing to do not to mention trying to bite the hosepipe and eat horse poo! 

I had no idea how long we would have with him. Spotty taught me a lot, especially patience and I found I didn’t rush about all the time like before. We both took our time to enjoy life in the moment.

Raring to go!

Spotty passed at almost 18 after suffering a huge seizure. My husband and I held him at home with my lovely vet. 
It was very peaceful and we spoke to him about the adventures we had during his time with us and of course how much we loved him. 

I can only hope that we gave him some comfort and stability after losing his Mum. He was simply the most wonderful friend and I miss him every day. 

Adopting Spotty was one of the best days of my life. 


Adopting or fostering an older dog

Lynne adopted Spotty from the National Animal Welfare Trust. Other places will have elderly residents needing a home too. One way of finding out about fostering or adopting an older dog is to check out the Oldies Club which works with animal rescues to publicise the plight of their older residents. Visit their website for lists of oldies from hundreds of rescues around the UK. They rescue and rehome Oldies Club dogs via their own network of foster homes.


Useful links


Lynne Fourrel de Frettes

Lynne is a retired former show jumper who competed at Nations Cup level and treated her horses with homeopathy throughout. She had a brilliant vet who travelled from Belgium and always told her that he would never give anything to her horses that he wouldn’t eat himself! Lynne always had very fit healthy horses.

Lynne used electromagnetic therapy and produced her own range of rugs for the horses. She now has a small fox sanctuary and rescue as part of the Fox Angels Foundation and uses homeopathic remedies as a first line of treatment wherever possible.


Disclaimer – Where blogs have been created by a guest author, CAM4Animals has reproduced this in good faith but cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies of information in it or any use you make of this information

The veterinary Surgeon’s Act 1966 restricts the treatment of animals (usually other than your own*) by anyone other than a qualified vet. Always consult a veterinary surgeon if you are concerned about your animal’s health. *For full details visit the RCVS website