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 12+ years old, Ernie is deaf and arthritic and has some weakness in his hind legs. He is still mobile, however, and can even manage short flights of stairs.

Ernie still needs to be neutered, has a couple of sebaceous cysts, and has also been diagnosed with an infected tooth and heartworm disease. If we can, we hope to postpone any dental, or surgical procedures until after Ernie has finished his heartworm treatment.

At 55 pounds, Ernie is thin. He has gained two pounds since June and we hope to help him gain a few more, but 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. Treatment of his various ailments will likely help him gain some weight and strength. He has a good appetite.

Ernie is a lovely old fellow who has lived his whole life with his previous owner and several of his doggie kin. Change is hard for us old folks, but, he is doing his best to cope with this "major reorganization" in his life. 

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! Right now, he wants a person's company all the time and is quite able to express that desire, day or night!

With regard to house training, Ernie is pretty good. He seems to know to do his business outdoors, and will bark, or howl to be let outside. However, his control isn't the best anymore, and he often needs to go out for a late night/early morning potty trip. 

Ernie gets along well with his new doggie foster siblings, but still misses his old companions. He is more attached to his foster mom and dad than he is to the dogs in his foster home.  He seems to ignore cats. 

Even though Ernie is sweet and gentle, he would probably not be a good choice for very young children. He is tolerant to touch, but he doesn't hear well and he sometimes snatches at treats in the hand. He would be best with adults, or a family with older children.

Ernie may be available for adoption in a few months, after his heartworm treatment is complete and if we can help him with his anxiety and get him consistently to sleep through the night.

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