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Jackson's Forum
Letter from
a Senior Dog
Senior Tales
Finlay's story
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Joy, Read her story
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Welcome to Quad City Lab and Senior Dog Rescue. We are based primarily around the
Quad City area on the IL/IA border, but operate across a wider geographical area.
We have a soft spot in our hearts for those graying muzzles and as such, Special
emphasis is given to helping senior labs in need, as resources and space allow younger
labs or senior dogs of other breed types may also be accepted into our program from
time to time.
In a Country where millions of companion animals are killed every year because of
the lack of enough good, caring homes, Labs, pit bulls, and their mixes are arguably
the most euthanized breed types in shelters, and senior dogs are in the highest
risk category. We believe that age should not be a factor in deciding whether
a dog is adoptable or not, and senior dogs are in fact a superior choice for many
families looking to bring a K9 companion into their lives.
Unfortunately, we all need money, and here at QC Lab and senior dog rescue we are
no different, we receive no government funding and rely solely on donations.. At
any time we have approximately 15 dogs under our direct care. When a dog enters
into our program, he/she initially goes to our Vet for health examination and medical
care, this includes, but is not limited to: Spay/Neuter, Rabies and Parvo/distemper
shots, bordatella, microchip, Heartworm test, dental, worming, - any other health
issues that are identified will be addressed i.e. Heartworm positive dogs receive
treatment, tumours are removed and biopsied. For the duration of their stay with
us whilst waiting for their forever home, dogs are kept current on HW preventative,
receive medication as needed, are fed on premium food, get any supplements relevant
to their particular needs i.e. for arthritis, and enjoy healthy treats.
As you can imagine, monthly food bills for that many hungry labs can run into $100’s
and the average cost of vet care per individual dog to get him/her up to what we
consider ‘adoptable health’ is around $500, - in reality, some cost much, much more.
Taking in a senior – or any age dog for that matter - from a shelter without knowing
its medical history can be a risk, sometimes when we bring in an apparently healthy
dog, our vet, upon examination will identify a potentially serious or chronic problem
which will require extensive – and expensive – ongoing medical treatment. Sometimes
this may render the dog ‘unadoptable’ or ‘very hard to place’ - we do not consider
this a reason to euthanize a dog if we can provide him/her with a good quality of
life, and those dogs will stay under our permanent care – we as a rescue believe
in full commitment for life and effectively become their Forever family. Donations
towards these dogs on-going care are especially appreciated. Our Dream is to help
many more seniors than we are able to at present, we can only achieve this with
help from you, we know we can’t do it all on our own – no-one can, but if we all
do a little something to help then surely the dogs will be the winners, homeless
pets are a community problem and it is up to the community to help make a difference,
so don’t be shy, if the thought of too many good dogs dying in shelters everyday
makes you sad, mad or feeling bad, then maybe you can help in someway, the obvious
ways are adopting, fostering or donating money or needed items, - not able to do
any of those? Don’t despair , there are many other ways to help homeless dogs –
to know you have enriched the life of an otherwise desperate dog in someway, however
small, is immensely satisfying – but be warned - some people would say it can be
addictive.!!
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