Rest in Peace, Soldier

Just wanted to let you know that Soldier passed onto doggie heaven this morning/overnight. When we woke up he had passed on in his sleep. I must say I was rather relieved because we have been discussing euthanizia due to his difficulty in even getting up and walking lately and I was having a very hard time knowing when to make that decision. We gave him a proper burial this morning in our pet cemetary and there were many tears present. He was special and will be missed greatly. One of our personal dogs had really connected with Soldier and used to sleep him, and he seemed very sad this morning.

Thank you for all of your support, it means so much to us and to Soldier. I know he is up in doggy heaven smiling down on us and I am sure he is glad to longer be in pain.

Thanks again for everything.

Amanda Johnson
Rural Iowa Animal Rescue

Soldier struggles

Just wanted to give you an update on Soldier. We have had a few tough decisions to make over the past couple weeks, and have decided to not allow Soldier to be adopted out. He will live the rest of his life with us.

His hip displaysia has gotten worse and the vet felt that at his age he would not make it through the surgery, so he is on a pain killer for that. We ordered some tests for him to see what was making him so sluggish and he has liver disease. He is on cortecosteroids (sorry if the spelling is incorrect) and an antibiotic to help fight the liver disease. I should have seen the signs of liver disease in him earlier, but he did not get real sluggish until the last couple of weeks.

He continues to live in the house and we have set up an area that he now uses to go potty if he has to. It has a plastic sheeting underneath it and he seems to understand to go potty there when needed. We have started giving him some gatorade and pedialyte daily to help keep him hydrated.

He is a sweet boy and we did not want him to have the stress of moving homes throughout this so we decided to just keep him with us for the rest of his life. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers as he fights this disease.

Thank you so much for your support!

Amanda Johnson
Rural Iowa Animal Rescue
Rowley, Iowa 52329

Keeping Soldier Warm!

NOTE FROM SOLDIER'S FOSTER MOM:
A big thank you to everyone who made it possible for Soldier to get his coats! He stays so much warmer on them! I attached a couple pictures of him in his outside coat! The velcro wouldn't stick when it was below zero temperatures so we were safety pinning it, but now that the temperatures have warmed up it works great! He continues to show signs of hip displaysia despite being in the warmth of the house, so we will be making a vet trip tomorrow to see if there is something else I can do to help him out with this. He is a sweet dog and deserves so much better than what he had before coming to the rescue. Thanks again everyone for your help! It is GREATLY appreciated!

Update on Soldier

Hello again!

I have some not so good news for dear Soldier. He was groomed today and checked over again by the vet and he is not gaining weight. The vet shaved him because his hair was so matted and there are lumps all over his body. At this point it is unknown if they are cancerous or not. We were also recommended a different brand of senior dog food that would encourage him to eat more, so we are going to try that and see how it goes.

The poor thing must have been a beautiful dog in his day. I will send some pictures in a few days of him now that he is shaved. That way he doesn't have the freshly shaven look to him. hehe.

Thank you so much for your sponsorship! It has allowed Soldier to live the rest of his life in peace and comfort.

Thank you again for everything!

Amanda Johnson
Rural Iowa Animal Rescue

Old Soldier

When I saw this sweet old dog with the sad eyes today on Petfinder, I just knew we had to help him. I called to get more information and we are sending a donation to sponsor him for his ongoing care. I hope to have updated photos soon. Thanks to this small organization for caring about an old dog that was definitely down on his luck.

Soldier
English Setter
Size: Medium
Age: Senior
Sex: Male
ID: 1001

Notes:
Soldier lived outside with a man that could not keep him. The Rural Iowa Animal Rescue took Soldier in and he is now living in a volunteer home. Soldier has always been an outside dog and is currently living outside in a heated barn. He is a 15 year old English Setter that could use a haircut! Soldier only has a few teeth left and is mostly deaf. He was used for breeding, and due to his age it is not safe to neuter him now. Soldier is very sweet and does excellent with other cats, dogs, and kids.

Soldier will need a home that can keep him in a heated shed or barn and will be able to provide him the proper care for a dog his age. Soldier is in need of sponsers to help pay for his grooming bill as well as for his special senior dog food. He is also on joint supplements. Soldier's adoption fee is $55. Please email for more information or an application!
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This pet is up to date with routine shots.
Rural Iowa Animal Rescue
Rowley, IA
319-961-4465
ruraliowaanimalrescue@gmail.com