February 2006 

Senior Pets for Senior Homes www.7bellssanctuary.petfinder.com

We begin with sympathy to Nancy on the loss of Boomer. He made many a visit to the Good Samaritan Care Center in Cole Camp as well as surrounding towns.

Our adoptions for the month were Tippy & Rose. Tippy waited patiently for about 4 months until a family with children came along. First time dog owners, we were thrilled. She is so perfect for them. We took in yet immediately transferred to another rescue 6 young dogs. It is too challenging to mix the youngsters with older dogs.

We have had way too many medical challenges within our foster families and volunteers this past month. Becky & Jim announced the arrival of Johnathan Earl Thomas Wagner born 01-01-06 at 2:50AM, 2 lbs., 3 oz, 14" long. As we write this, their baby is still in the hospital. We removed Misty from their foster home so they could concentrate on caring for their premature baby. Johanna's mom is not doing well due to a stroke & coma, thus Johanna is staying by her side almost 24/7. Trina's father was hospitalized for a heart problem & Trina went to be with him. Tami has been out of touch as her husband needed hospitalization. We ask that you pray for all of these families.

Visits to the Good Samaritan Care Center were made by Lil Hans wearing his beautiful flannel jacket. He is always such a popular visitor. Peaches put on a one dog fashion show with some of the sweaters donated by wonderful people that knew of our need. One of the residents held Peaches, combing her hair between sweater changes. They all agreed that the blue & white sweater was the softest yet the red & white looked best on her. She also modeled the green & pink sweaters. She would make a sweater change, then the residents would take turns touching her and some even held her. She tolerated it all very well. She has really been making progress in her social skills. Chip (Happy Tails) surprised us with a return visit, bringing along his Mom Nancy & Dad Ron & new sister, Duchess. We referred them to another rescue as Sir Gus would not work in their home. They adopted Duchess from that rescue, then spent the night at our sanctuary. We were so honored. After breakfast at our local Classic Steakburger Restaurant, then Lil Hans & Marti took them to the care center. Wow, were the residents and staff overwhelmed that folks with their pets would visit from Arkansas. Tippy also made a visit as she is such a friendly little girl. She spent some one-on-one time with a beagle loving resident who took her outside and for walks down the hallway.

Fosters for the month include Sir Alex still 18 wheeling with Buck promoting rescue & shelter adoptions. Bijou is with Margie & Jim, Charlie Brown is with Mindi & Steve (loving the sweaters especially made for him by Kate), Charo is with Gerry & Art, Blue is with Heidi, Miranda & Payton, Winston is with Marti, Frost & Ice are with Velma & Bud, & Sir Gus is spending a few days with Mary & Tipi Girl (Happy Tails).

We took a shopping trip with Mary (who submitted the story about Tipi Girl's adoption to Petfinder & won the Purina September contest) & Marti to Petco in Jefferson City. We quickly realized that instead of "stuff" we would much rather put the prize toward maintenance medicines on the old dogs & taking in more old dogs. Mary & Marti agreed as they know how special the seniors and Hospice dogs are.

Our volunteers are doing more of the computer work, telephone work, helping with maintenance meds, trips to the vet and groomer. We are so grateful for their help.

As the first month of this new year ends, we again count our blessings. These old ones are so content to lie upon a pillow in hopes a fur-ever home comes along. Without Petfinder and the many of you that help that are reading this, we would not be able to do the volume we are doing. Seniors are the greatest!