Do you have a soft spot in your heart for senior dogs? So do we!

Ernie is a big tricolor boy! We can imagine what a magnificent specimen he must have been in his younger days. Now, at 13+ years old, Ernie is deaf and arthritic and has some weakness in his shoulder and hind legs. He is still mobile, however, although he moves slowly, and can even manage a short flight of stairs. Usually, he chooses to use a ramp to get on and off the deck in his foster home.

Ernie is not yet neutered, has a couple of sebaceous cysts, or lipomas, and was originally diagnosed with heartworm disease. He has completed his heartworm treatment and is now heartworm free.

At 60 pounds, Ernie is trim. Because of his arthritis and rear end weakness, we think he should be kept trim, so that excess weight doesn't make it harder for him to walk. He has a good appetite and was possibly quite the counter surfer in his younger days. Now that his hind legs are weak, he just stands and barks at the counter, if he knows it contains food, willing the food to come to him.

At his age, Ernie sleeps a lot during the daytime. He is quiet when he is content, but can be very vocal when his expectations are not being met, which is often! He lets you know his demands!

With regard to house training, Ernie's mind is willing, but his body is weak. He knows to do his business outdoors, and will bark to be let outside. However, his control isn't the best anymore, so accidents are frequent. He usually needs to go out for a late night potty trip in order to sleep through the night. Ernie's internal alarm clock seems to be set for 5 am, and it’s surprisingly consistent!

Ernie lived his whole life in a large group of his doggie kin, and he gets along well with his doggie foster siblings. He can often be found sharing a bed with his doggie foster brother. Ernie just crawls right into the other dog's bed, usually uninvited. With human companionship, Ernie would probably be OK as as only dog, but he has shared his space with multiple dogs during his entire lifetime and seems to appreciate their company. He seems to ignore cats, and the cat in his foster home LOVES Ernie!

Even though Ernie is generally sweet and gentle, he would not be a good choice for young children. He is tolerant to touch, but he doesn't hear well and he snatches at treats in the hand. He nips at human feet sometimes, too, when he is excited, or frustrated. Consequently, he is appropriate for an adult home only.

Because of his advanced age, mobility problems and incontinence, this funny and demanding old fellow will likely remain a "forever foster" in his foster home. 

If you would like to help sponsor Ernie's medical care and supplements, just click the box that says "Sponsor this pet."

If you are interested in adopting Ernie and giving this old guy a home for whatever time he has left, feel free to submit an application.