He waited patiently over the years as his "master" passed him by day after day, knowing that eventually  he'd get out of the back yard.  His time to shine was when it was time to hunt; he tracked coyotes, and he did his work happily, tail wagging and eyes searching the face of the man he loved for some sign of approval.  Eight or ten years passed and still he waited, hoping that his owner would give him some kind of affirmation... something, anything!  But it never came.  The dog, in fact, was never even given a name.  Treated like a tool, a piece of equipment, he lived outside, given attention when it was time to serve his purpose, until his bones started to creak and he couldn't move as fast in the field as he used to. His age crept up on him and though he wanted only to make his "family" happy, it seemed he had outlived his usefulness to them. Instead of a warm bed to soothe his old joints and the love that he'd always sought from his family, the dog with no name was taken to an animal control facility where he had little chance of winning over adopters in competition with the younger dogs. Is this how a loyal and devoted partner of a decade should end his life?

We don't think so!

The shelter named the dog Buddy, and we feel this is a great homage to the lifetime dedication he has had to his master.  His gentle nature belies his lifetime of solitude.  Buddy is an amazing dog, so grateful for all the attention he can get.  He accepts nail clipping, brushing, bathing, exams and vet care, and any other kind of handling with the appreciation of a dog who has been seeking human contact and will take whatever he can get.  He has had to learn to play with toys and other dogs, but he's doing really well in that respct.

Buddy doesn't bark, isn't destructive, and doesn't jump on people; has caught on quickly to housebreaking, loves his crate and will go there for naps on his own, walks like a dream on a leash, and enjoys car rides.  Buddy is a very calm and laid back.  He just wants a bed to lay on and loving hands to pet him.  He would be great for people of any age, and does very well with other dogs, young and old, big or small; he is being fostered in a home with dogs from 10 to 100 lbs!

Buddy has been vaccinated, heartworm tested (neg), had a senior blood panel (all looked great!), microchipped, and he has been neutered and had a dental cleaning.  He came to us with ear infections that were treated and have cleared up perfectly.  He does not seem to have arthritis though the vet noted that he has some laxity in one of his hip joints; it is loose and sometimes causes him to have an uneven gait but doesn't cause him pain.  In his foster home he's getting fish oil with vitamin E and glucosamine/chondroitin/MSM supplements just in case; the former is a joint lubricant and natural anti-inflammatory and a great skin & coat supplement, whereas the latter are for joint repair, protection, and lubrication.  At STAR, we put all of our older dogs, large dogs, and any dog with arthritis on these supplements.

Good with Dogs, Good with Kids