By Brian Kling | Q215 YGRR report
On a percentage basis, the number of dogs in our C.A.R.E. program, that you are supporting, has continued to increase. Our overall “dog count” at Riverview is down compared to past years, but the percentage of dogs classified as senior or special needs continues to rise.
These dogs continue to have longer stays with us and, while we love having them around, our desire is to find them their forever home as quickly as possible. Luckily for them, we have a long list of approved adoptive families signed up and waiting.
Each dog that comes into our program receives a full Veterinary check up, after which they come to Riverview to settle in. This way we can get to know them better. When a dog arrives at rescue, or a shelter, their true personality probably will not come out for a while. This is especially true for an older dog or one that may be hurting. These Goldens need to be given time to heal and relax so we can see what their real personality is like. While they are with us, they may require medical attention, but all receive appropriate amounts of interaction with our other residents.
All of this takes time, and requires money, which you have so generously helped with. Merlin is one such dog that has benefitted from your generosity:
Merlin was 8 when his family could no longer keep him. Merlin had been with them since he was a puppy and was a true member of his family. Sadly, two family members suffered from severe allergies. After ignoring their doctor’s advice in an effort to keep Merlin, they finally had no choice but to find him a new home. After much discussion, they decided that YGRR would be able to find Merlin the type of home they wanted for him.
Merlin went directly to one of our vet hospitals and was given a complete checkup. He had one eye that was cloudy, which his family was monitoring. We brought him to a veterinary ophthalmologist to make sure we had the most complete information before he was adopted. The ophthalmologist diagnosed him with a hereditary condition called pigmentary uveitis. Merlin no longer had vision in the affected eye, and since this condition can become painful over time, we decided to remove the eye. Since he had no vision on that side anyway, he had no trouble adjusting after the operation. He was also prescribed medication to help him keep his vision for as long as possible in his other eye.
Merlin was a fun, affectionate, and obedient boy. He would lean against you like a cat, and he loved to play ball outside in the snow. He quickly became a favorite, and we knew he needed a very special home. Luckily, we knew just the family to meet him!
Merlin now loves his new life and new family. He gets all the attention a Golden could ever want. He enjoys playing ball in his fenced yard, and his new neighbors even bring him toys! Merlin’s new family reports that he listens well and is eager to please. They have continued to shower Merlin with the affection he is used to, and they have tried to incorporate his favorite things into their life with him. Merlin loves peanut butter, frozen bananas, and he also got very excited when they made popcorn for the first time! He also gets to watch Animal Planet. Outside, he loved playing ball in the snow and having paths around the yard shoveled for him. Unlike most humans, Merlin is going to miss running through the snow, grabbing mouthfuls of it as he goes. However, with the melting snow Merlin is finding new things to explore, and he has substituted snowballs for sticks.
By Brian Kling | Director of Development
By Brian Kling | Director of Development
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