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Looking at Bibi today, you’d never guess her story begins as a 12 year old, 7 lbs stray fending for herself. When Loving Pet Project NC (LPPNC) plucked her from the streets she had dirty, matted fur, decaying teeth and a large ulcerated mass. A veterinary exam revealed more issues – nearly blind and deaf with chronic kidney disease. These conditions qualified her as a “hospice rescue” meaning she would likely spend the rest of her life in a foster home rather than being offered for adoption.
Vintage Fur felt this resilient little miss deserved a chance for her own family, so we offered a lifelong sponsorship and, in partnership with LPPNC, began searching for her forever home. Within six weeks, Bibi was headed for a new life and complete transformation!
Like all rescue dogs, Bibi needed a few days to decompress and a few weeks to learn the routines of her new home. Initially she kept to herself, only coming out during meals and potty time. She moved timidly around the yard and avoided eye contact, but her new family was patient. “[I was told] that Bibi wasn’t really affectionate,” Bethe, her adoptive mom recounted. “But I figured whether or not that changed I would still give her all the love she deserved.”
The first big shift happened shortly after her first grooming appointment. Her new haircut removed the hair around her eyes which improved her visibility despite her limited sight and Bethe noticed she was holding her gaze. After a couple more weeks, she began accepting head rubs and chin scratches. She started exploring the yard during potty time and even broke into an excited little trot from time to time. Soon she was deliberately seeking out her family members.
Under their care, her health continued to progress. The ulcerated mass was treated and healed. She gained some healthy weight, her dental condition improved, and her kidney disease stabilized. While she will continue to require a prescription kidney diet and monitoring, these costs are offset by Vintage Fur’s commitment.
Through grants and the generosity of individual donors, Bibi’s Vintage Fur sponsorship provides reimbursement of veterinary/health expenses up to $600/year for the rest of her life.
Today she is a confident senior! Every morning, she performs a little happy dance while waiting for her breakfast to the delight of her family. She spends her day following her family members, patrolling the yard, and napping. In the evening, she curls up on the couch and enjoys some TV time before retiring to her bed.
Secure in her home and love, Bibi has transformed into an adorable pampered pooch whose cheerful demeanor belies her hardscrabble beginning.
Penny came to North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue after her previous owner suffered a health crisis. Her outgoing personality made it clear that she came from a loving home and that although she missed her old life, she was ready to find her new family. After a few months without success, she received a lifetime veterinary sponsorship from Vintage Fur Senior Dogs Inc., and she was quickly adopted by Chris and her husband.
“For over three decades, my husband and I have dedicated ourselves to horse rescue, opening our hearts and home to a dozen senior horses no one else wanted, simply because of their age,” Chris recalls. “The same goes for dogs. Penny is our sixth senior dog, and we adore their old grey faces and the wisdom they carry.”
Penny settled into her new family with remarkable ease. She quickly warmed up to her feline siblings, and she became fast friends with her Cookie, her canine sibling. In fact, they were “spooning” on the couch within 24 hours!
Penny spends her time patrolling the farm with Cookie and refueling with trips to Burger King (Cookie orders bunless burgers, but Penny says keep the bun!).
Her family describes her as perky, eager to please, and all around loveable. Reportedly, her bob-tail hasn’t stopped wiggling since she arrived.
Max, a 13-year-old Pug, came to Pug Rescue of North Carolina in bad shape. He was underweight, and his nails and teeth were neglected for some time. This didn't hold him back though. Vintage Fur granted him a life-long veterinary sponsorship and he was adopted just days later! After receiving veterinary care and love from his adoptive mom, Max blossomed. He gained weight, his nails and teeth were trimmed, and his sweet personality began to shine through.
Max’s affectionate personality quickly became apparent. His mom describes him as “a real sweetie pie” who loves to be cuddled and held. He’s begun exploring now that he’s comfortable in his new home, and he spends most of his time cuddled on the couch while his mom works. At night, he sleeps in a king-sized bed with his Mom and his new Pug siblings.
He’s even found a passion for blankets! He enjoys sucking on them to soothe himself to sleep–just like a baby with a pacifier. His mom makes sure to keep extra blankets on hand (while she washes the others) so that he always has one available.
Now that he’s regained his appetite, he’s putting on healthy weight and his energy has increased. His mom is excited by his progress and Max is happy to be part of his new family.
Rip, formerly known as Raj, arrived at the Neshama Animal Rescue as a senior Blood/Coonhound mix. His gentle nature earned him the title "Gentle Giant." At 90 pounds, Rip needed a family with a spacious heart and home.
Thanks to Vintage Fur's lifelong veterinary coverage, Rip found his forever home and began his well-deserved retirement. His new family adoringly reports that he is "loving life" with his fur siblings and content to be a part of their family.
Rip's story is a testament to the transformative power of love and second chances. From a shelter resident to a cherished family member, Rip's journey is a reminder that every animal deserves a loving home and a chance to live a happy life.
Ralphie, formerly known as Gremlin, came to Chihuahua Rescue and Transport as a skinny, elderly dog who required chronic pain management due to spondylosis of the spine. Sadly, his poor condition meant there was little chance of adoption, but our organization was ready to help!
Vintage Fur granted Ralphie a life-long veterinary sponsorship to encourage potential adopters to take a second look. It wasn’t long before someone did!
Brittany was eager to meet Ralphie. She had adopted senior dogs in the past and experienced the transformation that they go through after settling into a forever home. After learning about his sponsorship (and seeing his cute photos!) she knew that Ralphie belonged in her family.
Since his adoption, Ralphie has thrived! He didn’t take long to adjust. According to his family, he quickly claimed a dog bed and laid down as though he had done it all his life. As the days progressed, his family was pleasantly surprised by how well-mannered and easy-going he was in his new environment. He immediately bonded with his new “dad”, Derek, and enjoys following him around the house like a little shadow.
They also discovered that Ralphie has a serious appetite! In fact, breakfast and dinner are his favorite parts of the day–and he runs a strict schedule! He now enjoys spending his time playing with his other canine family members and cuddling on the couch before settling down by the fireplace for a cozy snooze.
A Letter from Brittany:
“I would like to tell those that are hesitant about adopting a senior pet that there is nothing like the sweet soul of an old dog. They still have so much love, devotion, and appreciation to give. They are young at heart and will truly change your outlook on life. I hope that everyone is given the experience of adopting and loving a senior dog. These sweet senior dogs deserve to live out their glory years! I promise you won’t regret it.”