Meet Frankie -- one of our super seniors that is 13-15 years in age. Truly we do not know Frankie's age as he found us after being in a shelter. When Frankie first entered our rescue in early 2023, he was emaciated with horrible dental disease and fairly anemic. At that time Frankie's foster momma described him as "Happy Frankie Boy" because he was always wagging his tail. Frankie was soon adopted into a home and recently returned by his adopter when his more senior ways no longer fit her schedule.
Frankie has certainly aged since he was with us but one thing is for sure -- he still loves to be close and will still wag his tail when he is happy! Just like any other senior dog -- Frankie has earned his right to be very decisive about when he wants attention. Frankie is a little wobbly when he walks so we believe he had a previous back injury that either resulted in a surgery or simply resolved leaving him with a signature "swagger"! Because of this injury (or just perhaps because Frankie is very decisive about what he wants), Frankie is not very comfortable being picked up. He prefers to keep his feet on the ground. In the times that his foster momma needs to pick him up, she simply (and calmly) reassures him, gently picks him up on both sides and lifts him to where he needs to get (generally it is up the step in the living room so that he can follow her around). He tolerates that just fine and knows she will be gentle. If she moves too fast, Frankie will snap to remind her he fears it might hurt. Frankie is also very decided about the time in his bed and when he is sleeping -- he does not want to be disturbed and will remind you that he will tell you when he wants your love! All in all, Frankie will definitely lead you to what he wants!
Frankie is SUCH a sweet fellow. He loves to get scratches on his back and head -- and will even give kisses occasionally to tell you he truly appreciates your care. When his foster momma is working on the computer he sits on her feet to remind her that he is near. He loves to poke around in the yard -- being sure to not leave any leaf unturned. For the times when Frankie's foster family has to be away, Frankie isn't the biggest fan but he will settle in his dog bed and snooze the day away until they return. Frankie is not a fan of being busy -- he is long past his days of wanting romps at the dog park or long walks -- he prefers his home and his blanket filled bed (and his foster mom near). At night, Frankie sleeps in his dog bed through the night as long as you give him a night light (Frankie is afraid of the ghosts that dance in the dark apparently -- if you do not leave a light on, he will bark to remind you).
Frankie is in the harder days of senior care -- his potty habits are not the best but belly bands help so much! Pooping isn't always on an outside target -- and he apologizes for that! But he can be kept on a good schedule to make his potty times more reliable so that you can take him out frequently. When Frankie is up and moving around, he will tell you he is ready to go outside by barking in an insistent manner at the door (any door will do)! Amazingly, Frankie is healthy for his age and not currently on any medication. He was put on heart meds when he first came into our rescue but at the time he was very skinny and anemic so it is thought that since he has regained weight and gotten healthy -- a heart murmur can no longer be detected so the heart medication has been stopped. We also do not think Frankie is in any pain, we simply think that he remembers that pain he was in at one time and he anticipates it when you move fast picking him up or bother him when he is sleeping. Frankie is find with other like-minded dogs -- he isn't going to play but he might lay with another senior dog from time to time. He certainly doesn't mind their company but prefers they not get in his face or attempt any shenanigans (Frankie is about old man games...not young kids tom-foolery).
We are sad to have Frankie back but we know an angel out there reading has a special place in their home and heart for this sweet boy! He is a great companion on his terms and he loves to know you are around. Frankie needs:
A quiet home (please no children as he truly has rules about when he wants to be touched and children often do not understand those rules).
A home that is prepared to lift him when needed with the rules his foster mom has established (these are not hard rules to follow).
A home with very few stairs as his wobbly gait has a tough time navigating stairs.
A home prepared to love him until his final day -- even when that means caring for a sweet old man and his senior ways! We always hope that our adopters are prepared for senior days -- but in this case, Frankie always had us as his safety net (as do all of our dogs) when adoptive homes are no longer a fit.
A home that understands you have to move at Frankie's pace, even when that means slowing down and taking time to explain to him that you will be gentle! We get that Frankie is well beyond his cute puppy days -- but he is no less deserving of deep love. His care is harder but far more rewarding when he comes and plops on your foot while you work at the computer to tell you he loves you! Our Frankie boy truly needs the most fabulous forever home! Because of his age and need for a super special home - Frankie's adoption fee has been waived.
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