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When 15 Senior And Special Needs Rescue Dogs And Cats Share A Loving Home

Lifestyles of the Furry & Fabulous 5 min read
When 15 Senior And Special Needs Rescue Dogs And Cats Share A Loving Home

Home is where there is a rescue pet. Elizabeth’s home has 15. Every inspiring story of rescuing pets starts with one special fur baby and it wasn’t different with Elizabeth and her 15 seniors and special needs rescue dogs and cats.

It all started with my first dog Ziggy, I say he’s the chi that started it all. He was being given away by his owner at 6 months. I realized he needed a friend and I adopted him from a rescue.
ziggy-dog-elizabeth

Little Ziggy was Elizabeth’s soul dog. They became very close and connected to each other. When Ziggy crossed the rainbow bridge due to complications with his heart, his mom Elizabeth was left alone with an uncomfortable void. She decided to channel her energy towards something bigger. She started to volunteer for a shelter which soon enough turned into fostering dogs and the rest is history.

Often overlooked due to their age and health conditions, senior and special needs pets can wait long times to be adopted… they might not even have a chance to find a loving home. Most of them have not always had a great life so to have a toy, their own bed, and some snuggles make these beautiful animals so grateful. Elizabeth decided to change that. For as many dogs as she could.

life with rescue dogs facebook

She decided to open her loving home and adopt special needs and senior dogs that wouldn’t have another chance in life if it wasn’t for her.

I decided hospice, seniors, and special needs were more of what I was good at. I kept adopting all these little old foster chi’s that came into my home.

How can one not fall in love with these beautiful babies?

elizabeth senior
elizabeth senior dogs

Senior and special needs pets require a special family.

She just kept opening her doors for the ones that needed her the most, one lead to another, and today she takes care of 12 dogs and 3 cats. Senior and special needs pets require a special family. Some need physical care, which includes helping to get them around, post-operation care, administering medications, supplements, and remedies, or even helping them take their pee and poop breaks. They may also need emotional support, as many of these fur kiddos have gone through some trauma. Elizabeth’s made changes in her busy routine to make time for these little babies in need. A lot of food and medicine prep help her keep organized.

It’s a full-time job caring for 15 animals, I do a lot of prep the night before. All meals, supplements, and medications are put together in their own labeled and sealed dishes for the next day. A lot of cleaning and diaper changing (for some 🙂 ). I have a pretty strict routine so everything can run as smoothly as possible! It’s important to have a great relationship with your vet because you tend to be there more often. I try to keep a close eye on them to make sure I notice any small changes and each one gets individual time with me because everyone needs that extra love.
rescue dogs

Administering NHV supplements is also part of Elizabeth’s routine as some of her babies needed cardiovascular support.

A friend saw NHV on a post on Instagram and told me about it. I went on the website and ordered it right away, I have been a faithful customer since and have tried other products (with more to try on my wish list!) and all have helped tremendously. The Hearty Heart has been my favorite. My Penelope (12 1/2-year-old chi with CHF) has been more active, coughing less, and breathing better. I just wish I had found NHV sooner
penelope senior dog
Penelope-Dog-Elizabeth-Chi-Facebook-Takes-Heraty-Heart

As much as it is special to hear their tiny feet pitter-patter around the house and have cute frosted faces with their tongues slipping outlook at you with thankful eyes, it is the bittersweet truth that still haunts you. They are all in their golden years and sad goodbyes often become a part of such a rescuer’s life. Whenever one loses a fur companion, the feeling of ‘never again’ takes over. Even with multiple pets, it is sad each time and equally heartbreaking, if not more…but Elizabeth doesn’t let the ‘never again’ feeling win. She continues to rescue and adopt.

There are sad goodbyes.


And warm hellos.


And life is spent, one happy tail-wagging day at a time in a loving home.

And to top it all up. There are cats too!

cats - 15 rescue dogs

When talking about her dreams, Elizabeth says “My dream is to one day have a “retirement” home for all senior and special needs fur babies.”

Well, it seems like she is already living her dream and we are so happy these beautiful babies have found her! A lot of pet-loving humans have that dream but not many have the courage to pursue it. We are fortunate to be a part of her caring regimens for these lovely souls.

You can meet these lovely dogs (and cats) on Facebook @marcothegrouch

elizabeth senior special needs dogs

What One Can Learn From Elizabeth About Caring For Special Needs And Senior Pets

  • Learn more about their needs – check the dog’s condition, limitations, and maintenance.
  • Schedule regular visits to the doctor –  look for signs and provide preventive care with the help of supplements, it is much cheaper to prevent disease than it is to treat it.
  • Provide a high-quality diet – a well-balanced diet can help support their health. Consider a special home-cooked diet for fur babies with a health condition like heart issues.
  • Watch their weight – overweight pets can develop health issues and it can be tough on their joints too.

What supplements Can Help Senior And Special Needs Pets?

Many small dog breeds are vulnerable to developing a heart condition in their years. Hearty-Heart can help keep a healthy heart function and ease off symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath.

Turmeric is loaded with anti-antioxidant properties, it’s great for their overall health and it can support their heart, joints, eyes and it can also ease off the discomfort.

Yucca supports its digestive system, reduces inflammation and discomfort.

Multi Essentials is loaded with vitamins that can help fill the nutritional void and improve energy levels.

NHV loves to help senior pets in need and we have lots of supplements that can support their various health needs. Please give us a chance to help your rescue pets live comfortably. Have questions? Our NHV Pet Experts can help you navigate the complex world of caring for senior and special needs dogs and cats.

NHV Pet Experts

NHV Pet Experts

We have a dedicated group of pet expert professionals, including veterinarians, vet techs, and other pet professionals to guide you through any questions. We’re committed to your pet’s wellness and can offer additional tips, resources, nutritional advice, and more.

Published: July 12, 2019

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