Trixie Sweetheart

Trixie patiently waited her turn to be rescued. For a year, she continued to live in the abandoned factory as we rescued other dogs that were in more dire conditions than she was. She may not have been a house pet but for most of her life, she had humans who cared for her, and a canine pack to belong to. When the factory moved, and many of her friends rescued, she must have felt confused and abandoned. We had thought that the tide had turned when we managed to re-home one of our other dogs and free up a foster space for her. With our hearts full of optimism, we picked Trixie off the streets to begin a new life full of love and happiness. 

Alas, Trixie's trials were not yet ended. Just a few months after she was rescued, we noticed a bloody discharge from her nipples. Unfortunately, our worst fears were confirmed when a biopsy proved that Trixie has breast cancer. And like a bad case of déjà vu, Trixie found herself rejected again as her potential foster family changed their minds about fostering her once they learnt about her condition. Trixie was left to stay with a volunteer.

Shortly after, our hopes were once again raised when someone stepped forward to foster Trixie, even after knowing about her cancer. Yet again, this was short-lived as a few hours before we were to send Trixie over, the potential fosterer backed out. She justified her reasons on Facebook, claiming that we were stopping all treatments for Trixie and were foisting Trixie on her and leaving her in the lurch. That is not true. Rather than subjecting Trixie to a whole host of tests simply to find out how little time she had left, we simply wanted to spend time with Trixie without a ticking clock over our heads. Unlike what the potential fosterer alleged, we continue to consult with the vet on the best foods and supplements to give her and will still take her in to see the vet if required. For now, Trixie is happy and content, going on short, slow walks with the volunteers, and taking long naps whenever she pleases.

Despite the setbacks, we are still holding out hope that Trixie will find her forever family soon, who can love and care for her in what may be her final few months. Trixie is a sweet, older dog who is very affectionate and gentle, and gets along well with dogs and humans of all ages. If you have space in your home and heart to spare an older, dying dog, email hopedogrescue@singnet.com.sg.

Written by: Sam

Adopt A Senior Dog

In Singapore, you are not considered a senior citizen until you are 60. Dogs are considered senior dogs at the tender age of 7, though this is a broad classification as small dogs mature slower. Even so, many dog owners will tell you that dogs remain puppies at heart a long time after they earn their senior citizenship. Yet, these "senior" dogs tend to get overlooked by potential adopters for the cute puppies.

Trixie, estimated to be about 10 years old was recently diagnosed with mammary gland cancer and is in need of a foster home

Senior dogs need homes too. Just because they have survived longer on the streets or in the shelters does not mean that they are "used to it" and can hold out longer for a forever home. In fact, they do not have the luxury of time on their side. While the image of a senior dog is one that is generally ailing, senior dogs can be as healthy and active as a younger dog with proper care. However, shelters, with their kennels full, are hardly the place to provide such care and by the time some lucky senior dogs are adopted, they come with senior ailments which may make adopting them more expensive if you consider the medications and treatments they require. That is why it is crucial to adopt out senior dogs while they are still in their prime.  

Brandy, female local crossbreed, estimated to be about 7 years old. Sweet, calm and well-behaved.

Matthieu, our favourite old man, a local crossbreed, estimated to be about 14 + years old. Other than his weak hind legs, he is in perfect health.

Many people are drawn to the boundless energy and carefree attitude of puppies. What they don't realise is that this energy can quickly turn destructive if time and effort are not invested into puppy training. On the contrary, senior dogs tend to be mellower and more calm so they need less effort to train up. This does not mean that a senior dog is less fun, because dogs do not lose their love for play and fun (unlike some humans) no matter their age! Also, the old adage about not being able to teach an old dog new tricks is not true. You can teach an old dog new tricks. In fact, they may be easier to train than puppies as they have longer attention spans and are less easily distracted.

Charlie, male Golden Retriever, estimated to be about 12+ years old. 

Trixie  and Brandy, chilling together.  

Some people feel that they can only bond with a dog whom they have raised from puppyhood. Those who have adopted a senior dog, and many of us at HOPE, can tell you just how wrong that perception is. Here at HOPE, we have rescued many senior dogs. It did not take long for the caretakers of these dogs to fall in love with them, nor for the dogs to reciprocate this love. Trixie and Brandy are but 2 of HOPE's senior citizens. Calm and collected, yet still knowing how to enjoy the simple things in life like home-cooked food and snuggling with their humans on the couch, they are the role models for all seniors, humans and dogs alike!

If you are looking for a companion who will calmly listen to your workday woes and not run you ragged after a long day at work or school, why not consider a senior dog? 

To find out more about Trixie, Brandy or our other senior citizens, email hopedogrescue@singnet.com.sg. 

Written by: Sam