Senior Golden Finds a Home

Krogen said:
Kevin, every picture you post of Quinn make me smile. What a wonderful dog! That look you're getting says "Lemme in! It's cold out here!!"

Good dogs make for a good life. :D
Click to expand...

Quinn and Seamus would both stay outside for hours if Herself or I were with them. When I go out to shovel, they both sit and watch.

Tonight I was out filling bird feeders and other little jobs, about an hour. Both dogs on my heels. When I started to pack things away, Quinn runs to the door and "roo roos" to me to get the door.

She adopted us just shy of a year ago and has been a blessing each day.

Kevin
 
I immediately thought of this thread when I read this story

Rescue dog's philosophical musings on farm life spread joy online

Leonard the senior-aged Lab mix 'has the heart we all need,' says owner Maureen Wilson

it-s-me-leonard.jpeg
When Maureen and Dave Wilson filled out an application to adopt a rescue dog, they asked for a large pooch that could help them monitor their rural farm property in Parry Sound, Ont., and protect their chickens from predators....

Leonard, who they adopted in early 2019, checked all those boxes. But it turns out the rescue mutt, who's about 11 years old now, also has the soul of a philosopher.

Over the past couple of years, Leonard's updates have become by far the most popular Facebook posts for Carter's Forever Rescue and Sanctuary in Bracebridge, Ont....

Now fans from as far away as Tennessee, Mexico and even China look forward to the so-called "Leonard Time" updates that the Wilsons write in the voice of their 148-pound philosopher, recounting daily walks around the perimeter of Leonard's rural homestead, chicken-herding trials and tribulations, and his ongoing diet...

Leonard is originally from Tennessee, and was found in a dump by rescuers trying to save dogs and cats abandoned outside in the frigid temperatures of the polar vortex that ripped through the state in January 2019.

The rescuers brought Leonard to a high-kill shelter called Tipton Paws and Claws. Pre-COVID, Carter's would rescue dogs from them regularly, bringing them across the border to be adopted.

"They know I have a soft spot for the old ones," said Brenda, the founder of Carter's....

...because of Leonard's age, size and malnourished state, getting him to safety wasn't an easy process. On his journey from Tennessee to Bracebridge, Leonard was almost euthanized three times, with Brenda having to step in and rally for him every time.

Once Leonard finally arrived at Carter's, though, Brenda could tell immediately that her efforts were worth it.

"He was as good as gold," said Brenda. "He was just a big doofus."

When Leonard came out to meet his new adoptive parents, Maureen was immediately smitten... "He hopped into their truck and never looked back..."​
 
You said that you lost a Corgi mix about 2 months ago. This good boy had severe heartworm disease when he found us 2 years ago. We had him treated then, but it must have weakened his heart too much. He was suffering congestive heart failure last month, and we had to say good bye to him. We aren't ready, yet, for another pup to find us.
 

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Quinn Update!

Today is the anniversary of the day Quinn adopted us and came to our home. She has been with us one year. In many ways, it is hard to remember a time without her.

There have been many milestones that she has experienced but the greatest is the loss of 33 pounds since her arrival! She was greatly overweight when she arrived but has been steadily working on her weight reduction program and the results show! Yes, she has more to go but as a Chef friend of ours once remarked, "who doesn't like a chunky lady?"

Quinn has also taken to enjoy her weekly grooming when her nails are ground, her ears cleaned (not her favorite part), and getting her coat brushed. Getting her coat brushed is a favorite of hers. And getting petted! She loves that. Petting seems to not have been a big part of her previous lives. But they are now. And walks! Loves those daily adventures out to the mailbox or up to my shop. And of course, the playtime in the fenced yard! She does not play often with her male housemates but when she does, it usually involves chasing, rumbling and growling. She is doing quite well for what we assume is a senior *****.

When she came to us, Seamus was already here and they got along well. 6 weeks ago, Teddy came to live with us and she accepted him, with reservations. He is young, 18 months, and clueless. Quinn is educating him.

There have been some unexpected issues too. Like when she went into heat while we were on a business trip. We all had felt what we assumed was a spay scar. Turns out, she had at least one c-section delivery. So, with the risks involved, a spay was performed. A bit later she had to have 8 teeth removed. Neither operations have slowed her down!

Mostly, she just surveys her personal queendom and proclaims all is well. Unless the two boys rumble too close! Then the lips part, the teeth show and the snarling starts! And the boys back off and I mean right now!

It has been a delightful year for us and we hope for several more with her.

Kevin
 
An Update on Quinn

Last week, Deb took Quinn to the Vet for a check up. We believe in yearly exams and others as we see the need. The young vet is very thorough and takes her time to examine, ask questions, listen to the answers and answer our questions. Deb had found a lump on Quinn and we thought nothing of it as one of our previous dogs, Daisy, had quite a few fatty lumps. Deb mentioned it and Sasha (our Vet) asked for the location and examined it. She found a couple more smaller ones. A couple of images later, more are found in Quinn's lungs. A biopsy has been done and they are cancerous.

Quinn, came to us seeking a good home. One in which she could live out her live,peacefully and comfortably. We are struggling with the options as she is an elder dog and has been through a lot. She is not in pain but is slowing down. So are Deb and I. We are asking the Creator for guidance.

She is resting now, in the office with my wife, after a big run with the other two Goldens. She is a doll.

My eyes are wet and I can not blame it on my allergies.

Kevin
 
Kevin, I'm sorry that you, Deb and Quinn have to face this. We will be aching alongside you. You gave Quinn a wonderful home. I went back to post 1. Seeing Quinn's contented face says it all, but at the same time it breaks my heart.
 
I will try to add more information about Quinn. She has been diagnosed with metastatic mammary cancer. Simple terms, breast cancer that went undetected and has spread to other organ(s). It has traveled at least as far as her lungs. My wife and I have both been researching and reading about it, causes, treatments, expectations. Not really as much fun as it sounds. Realistically, we believe Quinn is a senior dog but because she is a rescue, that is merely a very educated guess. We also believe that her obesity has effected her health an even though she has lost 40 pounds (down to 80 as of last week), that will not reverse the problems that have developed because of the over weight issue.

We, my wife and I, have decided that we will not subject Quinn to anything other than normal veterinary care, some tried and true supplements, plenty of food, water and exercise, and all the love we can supply. We have no time frame, hoping for years but…

As I type, Quinn is laying behind me. She had a good supper, a bit of time in the back yard and lots of pets. She seems content.

As we learn more, I will post.

Thank you, all, for your thoughts and good wishes.

Kevin
 
Nothing wrong with that decision, tough as it is.

My folk's golden (my avatar) had cancer surgery last spring. It seemed to solve the problem, he fully recovered and had a happy, active summer. Then in the fall it came back with a vengeance. They put him on a more aggressive chemo, which didn't do much to stop the spread and made him sick. They took him off the chemo and made him as comfortable as they could for as long as they could. It was a very sad day when it was time. I still miss him.
 
Thank you for letting us know, Kevin. As bleak as the situation is, it's an ongoing rescue mission. You swept Quinn up from her earlier hell and made her a family member. Her rescue continues in your tender care while she faces what's ahead. Just know in your heart that you have done, and are doing right by her.
 
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