June 2014 ~ We are very sorry to have to update this page with the news that little Shola has very sadly passed away. Sleep tight little girl. Our thoughts are with Shola’s foster Mum.
Shola is an adorable little Yorkie aged 14, who came into Oldies care after her owners could no longer care for her.
She has an amazing zest for life considering her age and all the upheavals she’s been through.
Due to several ongoing health problems, it has been decided that Shola would be best in Oldies Club care where she can be looked after and cared for in her twilight years.
Shola suffers from constant itchiness and soreness, especially on and inside her paws, legs, face, neck, lower back and genital area, where she nips and bites at herself to try and soothe the itch for many hours every day. She also has related hair loss on her back area. She has had long term treatment with steroids as well as antibiotics but her condition persists and she is now on a special diet to see if there is an allergy problem. The vet has recommended a special medical pet shirt for when she is really biting herself, to be used in conjunction with a gentle collar, both of which will give Shola’s skin a chance to heal. As you can imagine the poor little lady finds it uncomfortable to be handled in certain places, but she loves human company and if she wants to be stroked she will let you know by gently nudging your hand, putting a paw on your arm or leg or coming right up to you and lying on her back for a gentle tummy stroke. In spite of her discomfort she still enjoys life, loving her walks and sometimes pulling at her harness with the enthusiasm of a puppy!
Shola had a number of other health problems when she arrived in Oldies care. She had lots of lumps here and there, the worst of which were infected ones inside both ears, the size of small tomatoes. After lots of love, care and treatment the lumps have eventually disappeared. Unfortunately this has left Shola almost completely deaf, but she remains resourceful and clever and doesn’t let her lack of hearing spoil her communication with humans! She also has an age related eye deterioration as well as two hernias on her tummy.
This gentle little dog has a lot to contend with and while she remains an independent little character she loves company, never straying far from her foster carers side. It is vital that she is made to feel as comfortable as possible in her retirement years so please, if you would love to offer a home to an oldie but your circumstances aren’t suitable, perhaps you would be kind enough to sponsor Shola or one of the other special oldies we are caring for in our sponsor dog scheme.