Against All Odds

Malcolm was the first surrendered dog case that I helped as a volunteer. 

Malcolm, on the day his family gave up on him

The first thing that struck me about him (a senior 10-year-old poodle), was that he seemed to be very easily following me and letting the vet handled him with no signs of distress, despite his very sad physical condition (overgrown nails, bald patches of hair, and crusty bumps all over his skin, which had turned black at some parts), and the fact that his family had just left him with complete strangers. I soon realized that Malcolm's quiet nature and lack of response was really him being completely disconnected with his surroundings, a result likely of absolutely no interaction and complete neglect from his former family. To the extent that at first we even thought he was deaf (in addition having very limited sight due to permanent cornea scarring, which could be prevented with care).

It was only when his foster (Grace) continued to talk to him and engage with him (despite us telling her that he is deaf– she never gave up!), that he started to react slowly, and we found out he could actually hear. With all the love, care, and devotion from his foster, his hair slowly started growing back (showing us that his real coat was red!), and he even learnt to follow some vocal commands.

Malcolm's journey was not a smooth one, as from the very first days at his foster's house, he began to show signs of extreme separation anxiety (understandable as he had been suddenly given up by his family at the age of 10, which also resulted in him being separated from another dog that he grew up with). His anxiety showed up from him howling all night, to following humans around all over the house and being unable to settle down when left alone and peeing anywhere whenever he was excited or nervous. Despite these challenges, his foster continued to guide and he slowly became more and more himself.  So much so that a few months later, when I took him to meet a potential adopter, he gave me a few affectionate kisses (licks) on my hand and cheek.  I almost teared up as I realized the quiet silent sad lost-in-his-own-world dog had now blossomed into a confident dog who was now interacting with his surroundings, being himself and showing his love.

Malcolm & volunteer, Sukriti 

While a number of people approached us, it took us a while to find him a suitable home, given his number of issues. Not everyone can afford the commitment, and Malcom has anxiety issues that require medical intervention. One day, destiny smiled on Malcolm, and while on a serendipitous evening walk with him, his foster walked into an almost identical looking red poodle (Momo) and his owner Margaret, and they got talking. Soon after, she wrote to us expressing interest in adopting Malcolm. It turned out Margaret and her husband (along with their dog Momo) were the perfect family Malcolm had been waiting for. We are so grateful for them to have opened their home to Malcolm, and so very delighted that he has found his forever home. Despite being given up, suffering from high separation anxiety and being almost blind, he fought the odds and has finally found his family to enjoy his senior years. A big thanks also to his foster, who showered him with so much love and the HDR volunteers that supported along the way.

Love,

Sukriti

Volunteer

Malcolm's backstory: 

http://hopedogrescue.blogspot.com/2022/08/malcolm-poodle-owner-surrender.html

Syncope

Syncope is the medical term for fainting due to a lack of oxygen and nutrients to the brain. Fainting spells in dogs, as in humans, can be scary to witness. Signs of syncope are sudden collapse and unresponsiveness. Some dogs may cough or vomit before fainting and may even urinate or defecate. 

Fainting can happen for a number of reasons. Some breeds of dogs are more prone to fainting due to physical exertion, such as the flat-faced dogs like pugs and bulldogs, because the breeds have a short nose and airways which can restrict the amount of oxygen they breathe in. The good news is that many fainting episodes are not linked to any serious underlying diseases. Fainting episodes are not painful or distressing to the dogs and they tend to recover quickly after. However, any dog that experiences a fainting episode should be taken to the vet to rule out any serious underlying causes. Some of the more concerning health conditions that may cause fainting are heart disease, bleeding, and other respiratory conditions to name a few, which may have a worse prognosis and may require long-term treatment.

Dogs may also collapse for other reasons besides syncope or may be suffering a seizure which can be confused with a syncopal episode so it is imperative that you take your dog to the vet after any collapse so that they can be properly diagnosed and treated.

https://youtu.be/yNpApDRceYA

    Had the volunteer not picked River up in time, she would have fainted and hit herself on the ground. 

Senior Dogs Deserve Second Chances Too

Barely two months into the year, we have had two surrendered cases, both of whom are senior dogs (read about Alex and Caleb). The sad reality is that senior and/or sick dogs are often the ones abandoned and surrendered to welfare groups. While there are many reasons why a pet is being surrendered, we are still baffled by how some people have the heart to abandon their once beloved pet at a time when it needs them most. 

Caleb

Alex

We know it all too well that taking care of senior dogs is no easy feat. Just like human beings, it is inevitable for dogs, too, to start having age-related health issues like failing eyesight and hearing, arthritis; or more serious issues like chronic kidney disease and dementia. Having said that, of course not all senior dogs are sickly and frail. Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle and going for regular checkups go a long way as well. 

The adoption rate for senior dogs tends to be lower than the younger ones—people often go for the latter because they are “cuter”, “easier” to train and they have more years to bond together. But hey, adopting a senior dog has its perks too! Senior dogs are literally what you see is what you get. They are generally calmer (i.e., lower energy level), trained most of the time and they make great companionship! Compared to adopting a puppy, we just need that extra bit of time, patience, experience and yes, money (for potential medical expenses). Family support is important too because it is after all a huge decision to welcome a pet into the family.

I have had the privilege to adopt a senior dog when he was 8 years old. We spent five precious years together and while I hoped we could have more time together, it’s something I will never exchange anything for. Looking back, I am glad he was with us during his twilight years instead of roaming the streets alone. I was often told how my family made a difference to his life but truth be told, he made just as much a difference to our lives too, showing us what unconditional love is.

Here at HOPE, it's no secret that we have a soft spot for senior dogs. Our current rescues and surrendered cases are minimally 8 years old. Do you remember their stories?

                  Adora                        

                   

Zeus

Chloe

Holly

Banjo

Olive

We encourage you to keep an open mind if you are thinking of adopting a dog. It is truly rewarding to know that these little things can change the life of a senior dog waiting for its second chance; waiting to be loved again. Feel free to drop us an email at hopedogrescue@singnet.com.sg if you would like to find out more about our senior dogs who are looking for a home. 

Remember, giving a senior dog love and a home will make him the happiest dog on his final journey. ♡