Scarlett 5

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Update 01/26/2019: “Scarlett lived out her life in a very loving home where she felt safe and happy.”

Scarlett’s foster mom was heartbroken to tell us that this sweet girl went to the Bridge without warning. Everything was TOTALLY normal in the morning when she left for work, but she came home to find that Scarlett was gone. She was just a month shy of her 14th birthday.

There was absolutely no clue to what happened as Scarlett’s last vet visit showed everything, including bloodwork, was normal. The development of cataracts was the only change in her health.

Scarlett lived out her life in a very loving home where she felt safe and happy. Keep her foster mom in your thoughts as she processes this sudden loss.

Update: 10/30/2018:  “Miss Scarlett continues to be in pretty good shape for a very senior woman.”

Miss Scarlett continues to be in pretty good shape for a very senior woman.  While medication is controlling her urine leaking, she has started dropping poops now and again—litter box diving?

Medication is also controlling her allergies.  Her appetite is good, and a change to a higher fat content food will hopefully help her coat become softer and smoother.  

Scarlett has seemed a bit crabbier to her foster mom who will be investigating what could be causing this change.

Scarlett lives in the north country where fall is already in full swing with a snow season not far behind.  She would love to be in a forever home of her own before the flakes fly.

Update 08/30/2018: “Scarlett loves lounging outside and has picked the shaded back porch as her special spot.”

Ms. Scarlett has adjusted to “pack life,” although her foster mom is certain that she wishes she were back to being an only dog and the queen of her domain. Scarlett does not like to be crowded and does her best to be out of the way and in her own space. When that space does get invaded, she lets the offender know in no uncertain terms!

Additionally, Scarlett must be used to doing “as she pleases” because when corrected for an offense (litter box, trash diving), rather than seeming guilty she gets quite upset at not being allowed to continue what she was doing. (Well, she is the queen, after all!)

Scarlett loves lounging outside and has picked the shaded back porch as her special spot. She had been shaved down before coming to MAESSR, and her coat is growing in fuzzy and reddish from her time spent lounging on the porch.

The low dose of incontinence meds that Scarlett takes seems to be doing the trick, as her foster mom has not noticed any other “dribbles” from her. Also, the allergy meds have worked wonders for her feet and ears. Scarlett’s feet have not flared up all since being (and staying) on the meds. Her ears need regular cleaning, something she is NOT fond of. A soft muzzle distracts her and allows the job to get done.

This mellow diva wishes for some peace and quiet, the way it used to be… 

Original:  “She’s content to sleep on her “bed,” a large folded blanket that came with her; she will lie on it no matter where it is put.”

Scarlett was relinquished to MAESSR when her North Carolina owners were moving into a continuing care facility and could not take her. Her original owner, their 95 year old uncle, had passed her on to them three years before for the same reason.  MAESSR was asked to find a new home for this lovely senior.

Scarlett is a laid back gal who went from being an only dog to being part of a pack at age 13. Making the transition was fairly easy for her once she let her preferences be known to the others!   Having been an only dog, Scarlett does like her “space,” and she prefers her own water bowl!  Her foster mom has watched her walk up to a “used” bowl, give it a couple sniffs, look at mom, and walk away. As soon as the bowl is refreshed, she’s the first one to drink!  The only time she has been grumpy is when someone is literally in her face…can’t blame her for that!  As for those pesky felines, they are ignored.

Scarlett is somewhat hard of hearing. If her mom claps her hands loudly or waves when she’s looking, she will come. Outside she does like to know where her person is all the time!  On walks she will pull if something catches her attention, but otherwise walks nicely. She is not timid when meeting other dogs…this grande dame holds her ground!

This love is completely housetrained and is allowed loose in the house when foster mom is at work. She did leak some urine while snoozing outside on the deck and has been started on meds for that. She’s content to sleep on her “bed,” a large folded blanket that came with her; she will lie on it no matter where it is put.  Scarlett has not tried to get on any furniture and has shown no interest in toys, but does enjoy the box of bones that’s in her new home.  This observant gal will, however, check out trash cans and litter boxes if the opportunity presents itself.

Scarlett is not much of a barker. When people come up to the fenced yard, children included, she is interested and joins the group, but does not bark. The only time she has barked is when she wants to come in or when she thinks she has been left outside alone.

Scarlett was good at the vet. But her past history indicated a foot sensitivity, and, because her feet looked sore (and her ears had flared up, too), a soft muzzle was used for those parts of the exam. Scarlett did not object, and there wasn’t any growling—what a good girl!  She was put on a round of antibiotics and Apoquel for her feet and ears.  A soft muzzle was also used when foster mom used a Dremmel to trim her long nails. The job was done without too much fuss!

Scarlett has not had the opportunity to interact with any children in her foster home, but she might not tolerate a small child sitting on her or “hanging” on her. She’s not a clingy, in-your-face-for attention, Velcro, kind of dog but likes company and wants to know where her people are; for her, that means being in the same room or just lying within sight outside. She does appreciate pets and loving, but won’t climb into a lap looking for it. 

So far Miss Scarlett has ridden nicely in the car, either crated or on the back seat. She can get in the car herself, but does need a boost to get in the back tailgate.   A trip to the beach and PetSmart shopping are in her future.  Watch for further details on her progress, travels, and tales of her life in a “pack.”