Electra

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Update 07/22/2024: “A chest x-ray indicated that nothing had metastasized into her lungs, so that is good news for Ellie.”

Ellie continues to love cuddles and sleeping…who doesn’t!  

Our senior beauty can go for about four hours, sometimes less, without needing a potty break or she will squat inside.

Ellie recently visited the vet. She has two small tumors that still need to be removed. A chest x-ray indicated that nothing had metastasized into her lungs, so that is good news for Ellie.

Continue to watch for more news as MAESSR and her foster family get Ellie the excellent health care she so deserves.

A word from MAESSR’s CEO Debbie Lipcsey—

“In April of 2020, as COVID lockdowns were beginning, the Warwick Valley Humane Society contacted MAESSR regarding 11 dogs that they had seized from an irresponsible breeding situation in Orange County, New York.  The shelter was trying to limit the number of dogs in its care due to the pandemic, and they asked if MAESSR would be able to find foster homes for these dogs until the case went to trial.  Of course, MAESSR said yes, and the trek began to get those dogs out of the shelter in New York and into foster homes all up and down the east coast.  Because MAESSR volunteers are amazing at what they do, this was a seamless process, and the dogs were quickly settled.

“Because of the pandemic, the courts were very backed up, and the trial did not begin until January 2022.  There were hearings and appeals, and more appeals, and after what seemed like forever, on April 22, 2023, Lauretta and Daniel Duthie of Laurdan Kennels were convicted of overdriving, torturing, and injuring animals, and failure to provide proper sustenance in violation of the State Agriculture and Markets law.  They were fined $1,000 and were required to register on the Orange County Animal Abuse Registry (https://www.orangecountygov.com/934/Animal-Abuser-Registry), prohibiting them from owning animals for the next 15 years.  It wasn’t until March 8, 2024, that they registered, and the dogs were turned over to MAESSR at that time.

“Due to years of neglectful veterinary care and poor breeding practices, virtually all the dogs needed treatment for medical conditions, including dental disease, mammary tumors, deafness, blindness, untreated ear infections and allergies, among other things.  Each dog needed grooming, vaccinations, and most of all the love and attention they desperately wanted.  Where indicated, surgeries were performed for the tumor removals, dental cleaning and extractions. The total cost to provide needed veterinarian care for the 11 dogs exceeded $100,000, which MAESSR shouldered and to date has not been reimbursed by the owners, as was intended during their prosecution.

“Of the 11 dogs that were seized in 2020, these seven, Tara, Eliza, Bennett, Gracie, Nelson, Electra, and Harrison remain in MAESSR care thriving in their foster homes and preparing to be adopted now that the case is closed.  Star, Cameron, Hunter, and Winston crossed the bridge, but spent their last days knowing love and compassion from their foster families.  

“We cannot change the world for all the dogs, but we can change the world for the dogs that come into MAESSR’s care.  We are honored to have been called upon to help and fortunate to have the means to provide what these babies needed.”

From Electra’s foster mom—

Electra, fondly nicknamed “Ellie”, came to her MAESSR foster home in April 2020.  This beautiful, sweet and loving girl had never been a house pet and knew nothing about life inside.  She knew nothing about steps, drinking from a water bowl, furniture, toys, and all other things that a house dog takes for granted. 

Everything was new to her, but she was a quick study.  Ellie learned that beds and chairs are her favorite places to be, especially if someone is petting her.  She will happily cuddle with anyone who wants to give her attention.  She absolutely loves it! 

Ellie also loves the smell of all food and counter-surfs with no remorse.  She will sing a “Woo, woo, woo” for her dinner every night while her foster mom is filling the bowls.  After four years she still eats and drinks as if she may never get to do so again.  A slow feeder was introduced right away and she immediately stopped choking on her food. 

Stairs are no problem for her now.  She trots in and out of the house now with ease.  She prefers having her foster mom open the porch door rather than using the doggy door, though.  Even food treats could not entice her to ever try that thing!

Ellie can be very stubborn.  She hates her eye drops and will squeeze her eyes closed tight if she needs drops applied.  She hates pills too, but they can be hidden in a bit of yogurt in her food and all is consumed.  Ellie has selective hearing.  She rarely looks at her foster mom or comes when called, but when the lid comes off the glass treat jar, she hears it!  The first summer that her foster family had her, Ellie would perk her head up in bed when she heard the hermit crab crawling on its screen in the next room!  In all seriousness, her hearing is not as good as it was four years ago, as she has had repeated ear infections.  

Elie will pick a crate to nap in, but she hates to have the door closed and will destroy the bed if the crate is shut.  She really doesn’t need to be crated as she sleeps most of the day away.  She loves a good sniff out in the yard and resting on her side in the sun.  She follows her foster mom all over the yard and keeps plopping down at her feet while she throws the ball for the other dogs. Ellie will sometimes chew on a bone and she loves to take all the stuffing out of stuffed animals.

Ellie cannot make it more than a few hours without needing to go out to potty.  She will not tell her foster mom, either!  As soon as she gets up and starts moving around, foster mom has to coax her outside.  If mom is otherwise occupied or do not notice, she will squat and go anywhere, carpet or hard floors.  Sometimes she will use the pee pad but not always.  Ellie does drink a lot of water, but no medical reason has been found.

Ellie did not like the car at first.  However, she soon fell in love with car rides and wants to go all the time, even when it’s not the time for her to go.  She is so good at the vet’s office and for the groomer.  She has been a trooper through her spay surgery and large mammary tumor removal.  She has had to wear a cone and now a much more comfortable donut around her neck for a month now and has handled it well.  

Ellie is most happy just being with people and other calm dogs.  When her mom fostered puppies for a short time, Ellie did not handle the situation very well and was quite aggressive towards them.  Ellie would be most content in a home with people who were around a lot to let her out.  The commotion of people (visitors, family gatherings, running, and loud teens) does not bother her at all.  It’s just more opportunities for attention!  Consider bringing this princess into your family!  She is such a sweet, sweet soul that deserves the best home possible.  There’s nothing like a senior!