Maine (WABI) – Mention the word “puppies” and there’s a good chance we have your attention.
They’re typically the first ones to be adopted at shelters and rescue operations.
But a nonprofit with roots in Maine is hoping you’ll take a look at another population of pups.
Joy Hollowell joins us now with a special report on Old Dogs, New Digs.
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”Our tag line is- love never grows old,” says volunteer Sam Malsch. Old Dogs New Digs is an all volunteer run group that focuses on finding homes for senior animals.
“We network with shelters and rescues and actually owners who are looking for an alternate option,” explains Malsch.
Old Dogs New Digs takes care of home visits and reference checks, health care screenings and transport.
“So we do everything but actually own them and sign the adoption contract, she adds, chuckling.”
“A lot of our animals are actually brought in because somebody passed away, went into a nursing home,” says Somerset Humane Society Administrative Cooredinator Louise Goeman. “Old Dogs New Digs actually prevents a lot of older animals from coming.”
Since 1016, the Somerset Humane Society Animal Shelter has been working with Old Dogs New Digs to keep geriatric pups out of their shelter.
“To be honest with you, this is not the best environment for older dogs to be in,” says Executive Director Bonnie Brooks. “Because the stress takes a toll on them. It tanks their immune system being here on the concrete floors every day and in a kennel rather than being on somebody’s couch.”
“One of our older dogs, we put down a year ago. So we were looking to adopt a second dog.”
Lee and Wick adopted Norman last fall. The Gouldsboro area couple was specifically looking for an older dog.
“It’s nice to adopt a younger dog, but they require a lot of exercise and training,” says Lee. “An older dog, I think attaches to the new owner more easily. I mean generally they just seem calmer. Which is good for us old people,” she says laughing.
About a year after filling out an application, the couple got a call from a vet in New Hampshire.
“Norman’s owner couldn’t take care of him anymore. And brought him in and wanted to put him down,” explains Lee. “And the vet intervened because Norman was actually quite healthy,”
Lee and Wick first agreed to foster Norman.
A few months later, they noticed something about the approximately 13-year old dog was off.
“His behavior actually got worse,” says Lee. “In that he got confused and started barking and whining mostly around sunset.”
A local vet told them it’s likely sundowning- which happens to those with dementia.
“I just thought his dementia was going to get worse and worse,” says Lee. “And I was the one like- I don’t know if I can handle this. But Wick was the one that did advocate for Norman and said- just give it time.”
They did.
And as the weather improved, so did Norman’s behavior. Along with the help of medication.
“When you take him for a walk, he surprises you when all of a sudden he puts himself into 4th gear and flies ahead of everybody,” says Wick.
Both Lee and Wick know, the clock is ticking on their time left with Norman.
“I personally don’t think ahead from the standpoint of what it is going to be like when Norman is not here,” says Wick. “I just think ahead to what tomorrow is going to be like.Every good day for Norman is a good day as far as I am concerned.”
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If you are interested in fostering or adopting an older animal, you can here to check out the Old Dogs New Digs Pet Finder page.
That website also provides re-homing resources for those no longer able to care for their animals, no matter what the age.
Coming up in Part Two, we’ll hear how Old Dogs New Digs also provides hospice care for senior animals about to cross over the rainbow bride.
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