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Have you ever gone shopping for something specific, then seen something that was completely opposite and realized that is what you really wanted? That is what will happen when you meet Ralphie! I know, I know, you think you want a puppy. Nope, you want Ralphie. But he is a senior dog, you say. Yup, and that is why you want him. He is wonderful. He is loving. He is playful. And he isn't going to chew your furniture, destroy your yard, or poop in your house (I foster puppies all the time. I know from whence I speak). And he qualifies for our Seniors for Seniors program ~ if adopted by a senior citizen, his adoption fee is only $50.
Ralphie was left chained to a fence in an empty field, no water, no food, covered in ants and fleas. Someone reported him to animal control who came and got him. They realized that there was no way anyone was going to adopt him ~ he was old, emaciated, almost bald in some spots. But then, just before he was euthanized, he was rescued! Take two minutes out of your life and read his story to the end:

"When I first met Ralphie he was a mess. He had severe hair loss on half his body and sores covering his tail. If you can imagine a dog that was skin and bones, had what looked like pig hair on his back, and the tail of an opossum, you can imagine what I saw. He was pretty rough looking. Not to mention that he is missing almost all of his front teeth and his two lower canine teeth have been ground down to stubs. Combine these issues with an estimated age of 12 and he had almost no shot of being adopted at animal control and was just a few days away from being euthanized.
The minute you meet Ralphie his sweet, yet goofy disposition win you over immediately. He is an eternal puppy, always ready to learn something new and looking for adventure. When I first brought him home, after he thoroughly checked the house out he spent the next ½ hour rolling on the carpet and literally moaning with pleasure. It was as if he had never felt anything as soft as carpet. He didn’t know what to think of the dog beds but has quickly learned to enjoy them. Ralphie is now improving by leaps and bounds. He was only 38 pounds when he arrived at animal control and is now 60 pounds and looking much better. His hair is growing back and his sores have healed. He is quite a handsome boy. Despite his estimated age he has a ton of energy and several years of life left in him. He can run and play for hours at the dog park, barely taking an occasional break for water. If a couple of dogs start wrestling too rough he thinks he is the designated referee and stands over them barking until they break up, then entices them to run around the park. He does chase cats, but he just wants to play with them, he just needs to learn boundaries with them. He loves all children but does better with children over 5 since he likes to run and play a lot. Ralphie is completely house trained and learning basic obedience skills. He is a quick learner, has plenty of energy and makes us laugh every day. Although he is a senior he needs a home that will provide plenty of activity for him, daily walks and weekly trips to the dog park."

Although I was told that Ralphie is an Irish Wolfhound mix, I'm thinking not ~ they have a life expectancy of 6-8 years and weigh 90-150 pounds. I'm thinking that this precious angel is more likely a cross between Bearded Collie and a Briard. But really, who cares? One of the most wonderful things about senior dogs is that you aren't in for any suprises. Their bodies and their temperments are fully developed. What you see is what you get, and in Ralphie's case, you get something pretty darn wonderful!!! Now, one last thing before I get to the breed description. I'm inserting her a video testimony that was put together about Suzie, a 12 year old greyhound that was fostered and eventually adopted by Hugh. No one ever thought Suzie would find a home but she did. And Hugh has no regrets. I share it with you so that perhaps you will understand the special joy a senior pet can bring in

Good with Dogs, Good with Cats