Success Stories
Success stories for seniors come in a variety of scenarios. The most common success story is to say that a senior dog in a shelter or rescue receives veterinary and/or dental care from Lizzy’s Fund and is placed in a loving forever home. However for many aged canines the road to their forever home is not so quick or easy. There are instances that some older dogs have been neglected, abused, or abandoned and require more extensive and costly care. Lizzy’s Fund is proud to help in these cases to ensure that the best traditional or alternative care is provided to get them on the road to a healthy, happy place and placed with a loving family. The last type of success story is one where a senior needs help to live whatever time they have left in a comfortable environment with a loving support system. What traditionally may be called hospice care, "Lizzy Care" considers this care as a success when an animal is loved, cared for, and its end of life process is accompanied by a loving environment rather than languishing in a shelter.
Mabel
Mabel, aged 12 and a Chihuahua mix, was found abandoned, in poor health, and obviously abused. Barely able to walk very far, she often had to be carried. After being evaluated by a Lizzy Fund veterinarian who ran lab and x-ray tests, a treatment plan was established which included laser and chiropractic care along with some maintenance pain meds. All of this care and treatment was paid for by Lizzy’s Fund as was her adoption fee when her foster family decided to make Mabel a valued, permanent member of their family. We are happy to report that after six months of treatment, Mabel thrived, enjoying doing all the things that average, normal dogs enjoy. Her companionship was treasured by her family. She made a remarkable recovery and even chased rabbits!
Misha
As told by Mary, Misha’s foster Mom
Misha came from a neglect and hoarding situation. She arrived underweight with crusted eyes, ear infections, tumors and skin infections that had robbed her of most of her coat. Only a few tufts of long hair remained to show that Misha had once been a gorgeous, rough-coated Scotch Collie mix. Neglect showed in the 1 ½ inch toenails hampering her ability to walk. Also, it appeared that she had some hearing issues.
So began Misha’s journey.
Her immune system was so compromised that the only thing that could be done was a toenail clipping and a bath. It was off to foster care to gain some strength and learn what a home can be. Lonely and lost, Misha took little comfort in the strangers in her foster home; she howled and searched for her old friends. Then she found a dog bed that was just perfect for her. Her foster pals were willing to cede the bed and Misha found some sheepskin rugs that were so comfortable. And the food! Kibble with broth and meat on top, wow! And it came twice a day, no starving or losing breakfast to another dog. It was not as scary as it was at first. And hey, there was even a bite of bacon after breakfast or a jerky treat.
It took awhile to get used to being petted without flinching. It became normal to awaken to a soft stroke or an ear scratch. The two legs just walk by and pet her for no reason, and guess what, Misha liked to be petted. Slowly, the various courses of medications were completed. The skin infection subsided and the ear infections were gone. Misha had some hearing left so you can get her attention. Her appetite became good and she learned the treat schedule from her foster buddies. She no longer was the careful, internal dog but a quiet, outgoing dog who is glad to see the two legs come home, and lined up with the rest to get a treat.
Chance
Chance was a dog rescued from a hoarding situation. Severely malnourished, he was tied to a doghouse and received no care for his medical needs. Although his future seemed uncertain, it was important for Chance to have a loving, comfortable life for his remaining years. He certainly found that…
Chance's Story as told by his foster mom
After having just lost our oldest furry family member in November, we didn’t initially think we would be up for the challenge of being a permanent foster home for a terminally ill, elderly dog. We had some pretty intense family discussions before we decided to take a chance on “Chance”.
Granted, there have been visits to the vet, and medications, and monitoring Chance’s health but there have also been kisses, and snuggles, and tail wags. Would we do anything different for someone we love? There have been moments of concern and of fear not knowing how much time we may have and what lies ahead but isn’t that true about anyone significant in our lives? From the very first day, Chance has challenged each of us to move out of our circle of grief and to embrace the love and the joy and the sense of purpose and fulfillment we experience caring for a special needs dog. He has taught my kids lessons they will remember for the rest of their lives about the value of life and about stretching and giving of yourself even when it isn’t easy and about loving someone with all your heart even though you know your time with them will be short and their loss with leave a permanent mark on your soul. When Chance leans against my son’s leg for just one more ear scratch, and when he follows my daughter so closely she nearly trips over him, and when he sticks his head in the fridge while I’m trying to prepare dinner and won’t take it out again till he’s thoroughly investigated every smell in there, and for the too many other things to list, I am reminded of how truly lucky WE, Chance’s people family all are that we said “yes”.
Atlas
Redefining Success: The Story of Atlas
“Success” can mean many things. Traditionally, Merriam-Webster defines it as “a favorable or desired outcome,” but in rescue work, success sometimes means simply providing comfort and love in an animal’s final days. One such success story is that of Atlas.
Atlas, a senior poodle mix weighing under five pounds, was surrendered to a Chicago shelter in terrible condition—neglected, severely underweight, and covered in wounds and infection. Our rescue partner took him in without hesitation, and Lizzy’s Fund financially supported him every step of the way.
He was unnamed at intake, but the rescue team chose “Atlas,” meaning “great strength,” which suited his fighting spirit. Despite his pain and frailty, Atlas never gave up. Through vet visits, treatments, high-calorie feedings, and gentle care, he began to improve—standing on his own being able to take some steps and walk to his food bowl.
Though Atlas ultimately passed away, we consider his story a success. In his final weeks, he felt love, safety, and comfort. That’s an outcome of compassion.
Inspired by Atlas, Lizzy Hospice Care was born. Today, our “Humane Heroes” provide permanent foster homes for our hospice seniors, with Lizzy’s Fund covering their lifelong care.
