by Lee Juslin
Muffie’s road to rescue was a familiar one. Owned by an older lady with no children, Muffie was left alone when her owner died. What family there was, didn’t want Muffie, so she was turned into Scottie Rescue.
She was in Ohio where there is not strong coverage for Scottie rescue, so Erica Cerny of the Scottish Terrier Club of Greater New York Rescue arranged for a good hearted couple who had adopted several rescue Scotties of their own to transport the little dog down to New Jersey.
Muffie
Like many dogs coming into rescue, Muffie showed signs of neglect with a matted coat and teeth in bad shape. She also showed signs of epilepsy, having had at least one seizure, was suffering with an ear infection and had several growths that needed to be removed and biopsied. In short, with all her problems, she looked like a little old lady.
The New York/New Jersey rescue group had Muffie vetted. She was put on seizure meds, her ear infection was cleared up and her growths were removed. Fortunately, all were benign. In addition, she was bathed and groomed and, after her makeover, she looked younger than the eleven years the group had been told and she was certainly much happier.
Muffie resting as she rides to her new home.
Muffie is a quiet girl with not a lot of personality but very sweet in her own way. Erica re-listed her on Petfinder hoping for another adoption but knowing it was a long shot. Then, just before Christmas, an older couple applied to adopt Muffie. The husband was retired and the wife worked mostly from home. They already had two older rescue dogs, a pug and an Irish Wolfhound, but both were quiet, undemanding dogs. In addition, this couple made a point of only adopting older dogs. Erica was hopeful for Muffie but was careful to make a full disclosure about her background and health issues. Still, the couple wanted to meet her. Amazingly, it was love at first sight and very quickly Muffie was on her way to a new home and Scottie rescue had a very generous donation.
Working with their vet, the couple is slowly weaning Muffie off the seizure meds and, as they do, she is developing a delightful personality. Muffie’s new mom is thrilled with her little Scottie and told Erica, “I had a Scottie as a young girl and I’ve always wanted another. Muffie is my treasure.” Erica was so pleased that against strong odds she was able to place this little Scottie and to do so in such a wonderful home. “This is the kind of rags to riches rescue that keeps me going.”
Note: Muffie’s story is all too familiar and could have had a much sadder ending. It should be yet another reminder to all of us who love our pets that we need to provide for them in our wills and other official documents so that they are taken care of when we are no longer able to do so.
If you would like to learn more about Scott Rescue, volunteer, apply to adopt a dog, or make a donation, you can visit their Facebook page or their website.
You can find more animal rescue, therapy animal, and other pet related articles in our pet section.
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I’ve fostered a couple of older dogs who were turned into the shelter when their owners died. It’s so rewarding when dogs like this get a second chance at a forever home.
I wish more people would recognize the benefits of taking an older dog; too many to mention! Again Ms. J has found another wonderful happy ending to an all too frequent event. None of us want to outlive our pets – but do your family and your pets a favor — make plans — yes – it’s hard to talk about – and adult children seldom want to tell ‘you’ that they don’t want/like/need your dog/horse/cat/bird/fish – don’t leave them with that kind of decision when they will be otherwise involved with things that have to be addressed. Talk to your attorney and your children/caregiver/friend/spouse/significant other today.
I live with two rescued Boxers, and they are now older….I am too. I can attest to the fact that dogs who are rescued are good at any age. I believe they give so much more than anyone can imagine.
What a wonderful story. Lucky little Muffie. Rescue people like Erica Cerny do so much for these little dogs. It was a win-win for everyone. Thanks Lee for another great story.