Puffy first entered our care in 2015. He was just a tiny squish back then and it didn’t take long for this sweet, teeny boy to get scooped up. He remained with that adopter for the next five years, but overtime, the adopter began noting a wobbly walk and consistent head tilt.
As time went on, he also developed some behaviors that were tough for the family; ultimately, the adopter made the choice to surrender him back into our care.
While we don’t have a confirmed diagnosis, our medical team noted that his presenting quirks - the head tilt, wobbly walk and gradual change of behavior, were likely due to a neurological issue that he’d had since birth.
Our behavior team and placement teams, alongside our medical team worked together to get the right medications, behavioral assessments and routines on board to get this pup placed, whether in an adoptive or foster home.
Over the next few years, he’s had the opportunity to experience a few different adoptive homes, each one not working out for one reason or another. For example, he had trouble navigating apartment stairs with this wobbly walk.
Now, at 10 years old, Puffy and his foster family, with support from our behavior and medical team, have a routine established to help him be his best self.
Puffy’s age, along with noted increased neurological symptoms, tell us that he is likely in his golden era, but is still as joyous and full of life as ever. His foster family and our team want so deeply for this sweet boy to find an adoptive home where he can spend his final days as an official family member.
Seniors like Puffy are supported thanks to our friends at The Grey Muzzle Organization, which provides grants to help senior dogs. These grants ensure aging pups like Puffy get the care they need—including daily medications. (And don’t worry, Puffy’s routine isn’t too tough—he takes his meds like a champ: Clomipramine and Gabapentin in the morning, and another Gabapentin at night!)
We’re thrilled to have been selected as a recipient of The Grey Muzzle Organization grant!
Thank you to The Grey Muzzle Organization for helping us help pets like Puffy!