We see this all too often. Senior pets are surrendered to animal shelters or simply abandoned when their health needs become too complicated or expensive. It is heartbreaking. At Berkeley Humane we know that senior dogs and cats make wonderful pets, and we make it a priority to transport them to our shelter to ensure they get the medical care they need.

That’s why when we met Ariel in a public shelter, we knew we could work to address her medical needs and ensure that, however many years she had left, they would be her best.

Ariel, a ten-year-old spaniel mix, was infested with fleas, had matted overgrown hair, ear infections, a cataract in one eye, dental issues, multiple mammary tumors, and had never been spayed. Despite the neglect, she had the sweetest disposition and seemed to understand that all the exams and tests were designed to help her. She took it all in stride and could not have been a more cooperative patient.

Ariel underwent surgeries to be spayed as well as to remove the mammary tumors that formed, most likely because of not being spayed in her youth. She also had an extensive dental examination. We found several teeth were rotting and needed to be extracted. Once she underwent these surgeries and had time to recover, the most amazing thing happened. Arial transformed from a frail and lethargic elderly lady to a pup with a pep in her step! Her energy levels returned, and she began acting like a much younger dog.

Ariel was adopted by a family who has experience taking care of senior dogs and who understand that she may need ongoing care for some of her medical conditions. She has a new lease on life thanks to the care your support made possible!