Thursday, August 25, 2011

On the Value of Elderbulls & 'It Takes a Village'

It's usually having a younger foster dog that makes us realize our own dogs are aging.
And while it used to make us a bit sad, we have noticed lately a type of nobility in becoming an Elderbull. Maybe the fur on Mr B's elbows is becoming worn, his ears are a bit tattered and frayed, and the fur on his nose has rubbed away from being petted so much. But we think that just makes him the Velveteen Pitbull
And just like the Skin Horse so wisely explains in the book: this is what happens when you are loved for a long, long time...
And lately we have been noticing so many stories of these well-loved dogs.From everyone's hero Sarge the Elderbull to our friend Chilly who waited and waited for his forever home and now actively enjoys swimming and hiking, to the inspirational stories of Elderbulls using their sweet demeanor to do therapy work , and all the incredible features during Stubbydog's Eldberbull month. Suddenly 14 is the new 7!
It was during all this positivity that a few weeks ago Aleksandra from Love and a Leash sent us this photo.She had met this gal, Lady Zamora, at her local shelter, and she was hoping to help spread the word to see if anyone wanted to adopt their own "Mrs. B":
The same age as our own Mr. B, at 8 years old we both knew this sweet girl didn't stand a chance in the shelter system. I posted to our Facebook page, right before I went to class and I kept taking little peeks to see if by some miracle someone had come forward to rescue her.
But I couldn't stop thinking about her. She was the same age as Mr. B who still enjoys skateboarding, going out on the town, and going for long walks.
What would it take for someone to look beyond her age and give her a chance?
After a flurry of emails, we thought of an idea: what if we created a type of "trust fund"? The balance would go to her adopter's vet as a credit against future routine medical care?
And wouldn't this also be a powerful way to show how amazing Elderbulls's are?
So now we are looking for donations for Lady Zabora's 'trust fund' to cover her spay, vetting, and a little extra to get her pulled from the shelter and hopefully into the arms of a rescue group. Check Aleksandra's blog for more information about Lady Z, and how to help.

16 comments:

Unknown said...

I love this idea and am in love with Lady Z! She's such a pretty girl!

Mia said...

What a wonderful idea! Hopefully that's just what Miss Z needs to get her into the arms of her forever family!!!

Anonymous said...

Elderbull is totally the new black! I'm so psyched to help spread the word about this! Who wouldn't want their own Ms. B??? :) By the way, your "velveteen pit bull" comment brought a tear to my eye...

Anonymous said...

This is a wonderful idea! I adopted Emma as an Elderbull and she's been everything I ever hoped for and still enjoys going for hikes and carting the kitty around town! I hope you guys find her an awesome home soon!

Kristine said...

Thank you so much for writing about this and for working so hard to help this beautiful girl. Those eyes of hers are impossible to resist. I know that if enough people get a look at her, she is sure to receive the help she needs and find the perfect new home.

Antoinette Errante said...

Count me in. Lady Z is giving me a glimpse into what my Lola will look like in 6 years. She's beautiful and the trust fund is a great idea.

Patty said...

You and Aleksandra are wonderful! Hope Lady Zabora finds her forever home soon!

Kitty+Coco said...

Awesome idea! For our part, we love elderbulls and elderpups of various sorts. Kitty has become so much more loving in her oder age. If we adopt another, we will specifically ask for an older pup.
Miss Z really does resemble Mr. B! Neat.

Tucker The Crestie said...

This is a wonderful idea!

Kari in Alaska said...

my next pup is going to be an older one

Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com

Unknown said...

This is fantastic! Lady Z will stand a much better shot at a loving, furever home with a little bank account to cushion future vet bills. I can't wait ot see how her story unfolds, we will be chipping in as best as we can!

houndstooth said...

I love senior dogs in general! We thought Lilac was a senior when adopted her eight years ago. The joke is on us! She'll be sixteen in less than a month. I've learned so much patience and humility from living with her. We're all going to be old someday, and the best we can hope for is someone to hold our hand and tell us that things will be alright when we get confused. It's given me a new appreciation for seniors, be they animals or humans. I hope that Lady Z finds a new home soon!

Two French Bulldogs said...

Cool idea kids
Benny & Lily

Kolchak Puggle said...

What an awesome & amazing plan!We chipped in to Lady Z's trust fund. Beautiful post. I loved the velveteen pit bull part. Awesome imagery.

Two Grad Students and a Pittie said...

I think the Velveteen Pitbull is the best post youve ever done!

A Wonderful Dogs Life said...

Lady Z who could resist that sweet and gentle face. From the pictures she appears to be a petite girl. She's also looking a bit like Mr. B

We hope she finds a loving forever home.

Emma

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