Recruitment: A Foster Needed For Our Little Elmo, The Special Needs Dog

Elmo underwent a Hematoma surgery on the 4th of April. The surgery involved putting Elmo under light sedation, accompanied by making an incision to drain out the blood that accumulated in that area. A temporary drain tube was then inserted and left to heal and daily cleaning of the ear was required.

The infected ear had left Elmo feeling very miserable and poor Elmo was suffering. Hence, this little dog displayed frustration and snapped at the foster during wound cleaning. We had no choice and in order to speed up Elmo's healing progress, we decided to send Elmo back to the vet clinic for medical boarding, for Elmo's sake.

Elmo was cooped up at the vet for 10 days. We arranged for volunteers to visit him daily, cooking and bringing his favourite meals. We even brought ice cubes from home to feed him with (Elmo doesn't really like drinking water, hence the ice cubes to keep him hydrated) and to walk him so he doesn’t feel so upset and frustrated.

Elmo at the Vet

When it was time for discharge, Elmo had nowhere to go, thus we had to send him to a commercial boarding facility. Elmo was in a foster home for 2 years. Will he have the good fate of finding another foster to care for him and attend to his needs? The vet advised that Elmo's ear needs to be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent reoccurrence of Elmo's hematoma. Keeping his ear clean will minimize itch and irritation in his ear canal as excessive and violent shaking from his head will cause more blood vessels to burst.

In terms of Elmo's physical appearance, Elmo may pale in comparison with the good looking dogs. However, this little dog has the most admirable fighting spirit and a “never say die” attitude. He never demands and he takes each day as it comes. Elmo simply doesn't ask for more, perhaps only his favourite, ice cubes?

If you have what it takes to be Elmo's foster with the following qualities, Elmo and HOPE would be eternally grateful to you. The foster we are looking for:

1. Have some time during the day to spend with Elmo, to talk to him, give him a few minutes of massage, play with him his favorite toys to stimulate his sensory and motor skills
2. Have a love for dogs with special needs, taking the time and effort to nurture and bring out the best in them
3. Not afraid when Elmo snaps at you but know that with time, love and patience and treating him very gently, Elmo will get the message, learn to trust you and understand your good intentions

Elmo is a local street dog, rescued from the industrial park. We suspect he grew up in the forest and survived on leaves. The vet says he may be intellectually disabled. Elmo also suffers from very poor vision and has partial hearing. He is estimated to be almost 3 years old and is healthy.

Read his rescue story here.

Tired out at our recent adoption drive

Come meet little Elmo. He will be at our adoption drive this Saturday at The Cornerstone Cafe (Bishan Park) from 11.30am to 4.00pm. 


Please email hopedogrescue@singnet.com.sg if you would like to contribute to Elmo's vet bills, foster or adopt him.