Forever Fosters
The dogs in our rescue who have been diagnosed with a terminal condition or have been given a prognosis that requires ongoing monitoring and care are designated Forever Fosters. These special foster parents provide a loving home while we provide the supplies and medical care needed for the dog to be comfortable and enjoy a high quality of life for as long as possible. If you’re interested in being a Forever Foster, apply today. Together we can give a senior dog a peaceful and loving home during the last chapter of their life.
Meet our forevers
Clark
Over the past few weeks, Clark hasn’t quite seemed like himself. At around eleven years old, some slowing down is to be expected, but lately there have been moments when things seem to confuse him or tire him more than usual. At first, it was nothing too concerning, just small shifts here and there, but after a recent episode of disorientation followed by body tremors, we took him to the vet for a full work-up. Clark was alert, though slower than his usual self, and to everyone’s surprise, an uncharacteristically easygoing patient (the vet usually makes him nervous). Physically, he appeared stable. His heart and lungs sounded good, and his reflexes were normal. However, his pupils were wide and remained unresponsive even under direct light during his optical exam. His bloodwork came back unremarkable, which was both a relief and a reminder that sometimes aging brings changes that cannot be neatly explained. Based on his symptoms and diagnostics, some type of neurological change seems the most likely cause. Age-related cognitive decline, a stroke, or a tumor are among the possibilities. If you’ve been following Clark’s journey, you know he’s been part of our pack for more than three years now. He’s an older gentleman with a few quirks that have made finding the right adopter a bit of a challenge, but that hasn’t stopped him from amassing a big family who adores him. A family that loves him so much that he decided to make his home right here with us as a K9 Kismet Forever Foster. Clark’s comfort and happiness are and always will be our top priorities. With the support of our vet, we will continue to watch over him closely and let his needs guide us. He will be surrounded by warmth, love, and the simple joys that make him happiest. Every day with Clark is a good day, and we plan to make the most of every one we get. Please keep Clark in your thoughts. And if you’re part of his extended family and would like to visit him, reach out and we’ll make it happen. Follow him @k9kismet: #K9KismetClark
TAHOE
Meet Tahoe. When we first heard met him in the early Fall of 2021 at the shelter, he was skittish and fearful. After meeting him, we just knew he was meant to join our pack. He would need consistent boundaries, structure, routine, and loads of patience if he was ever going to be okay in a home environment. In order to offer him that, we would need someone who understood that Tahoe’s ability to truly put his guard down might take months if not years. Because a patient person stepped forward, we were able to bring Tahoe into the K9 Kismet pack. When Tahoe was first brought home, he only wanted to hide outside in the dirt, day and night. It was painful to watch and his foster mom had to fight the urge to coddle and overtly love him. She recognized that the best way to express her love to an insecure dog is to give him space and to be steadfast in her patience. On his own timeline, Tahoe ventured inside and onto his dog bed. To this day, he is highly reticent around new people and surroundings, but the bond he and his foster mom have built is strong.
Our senior Tahoe has ongoing medical issues that make him a prime candidate for our forever foster program. One issue he has is chronic ear infections. Because his ears are cauliflowered, there are pockets over the ears that result in bacterial growth that has been resistant to medication. He requires regular ear drops and a strict ear wash regimen. More seriously, Tahoe suffers from bloody stool. Multiple exams and vet visits later, we learned that Tahoe has a mass just inside his rectum. His overall health and age prohibit medical intervention as he would likely never survive the surgery. His prognosis means he won’t be with us for long, but until then, Tahoe will continue to live life with patience and dignity, on his own timeline. As it should be.
Follow him on IG @k9kismet: #K9KismetTahoe