Amy Jo
The Gentlest of Little Ladies
Please note: The dogs in ODH's Final Refuge care are not adoptable due to medical reasons and all are in permanent homes. Your sponsorship supports the veterinary expenses for these dogs - and we thank you!
Amy Jo, a sweet little chihuahua mix, was left at a shelter when her long-time owner had to move and could not find housing she could afford that would accept dogs. In addition to her age, 15, Amy Jo had a laundry list of physical issues, including a significant heart murmur, untreated arthritis, mammary masses, dental disease, and severe flea dermatitis. She was also very underweight. The shelter contacted Old Dog Haven. From the foster:
When Amy Jo first arrived here, it was clear she was in agony. If she wasn’t scratching, she was rolling or rubbing her head on the carpet to relieve the constant itching. Her intake exam was scheduled immediately, and she was given both an injection and medication to calm her painful, irritated skin. X-rays showed her heart was enlarged, and she suffered from spondylolysis and arthritis. Amy Jo was immediately started on medication for her heart murmur as well as pain medication for her joint issues. An echocardiogram was scheduled with a cardiology specialist to determine if it was safe for her to undergo surgery.
But that wasn’t the end of little Amy Jo’s problems. Soon, another challenge emerged. Amy Jo would suffer bouts of vomiting followed by periods where she refused to eat. And she remained 2-3 pounds below her ideal weight, which is a big deal for a petite little lady like her. She was sent for an abdominal ultrasound and was soon seen by an internal specialist. Amy Jo was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease and put on medication and a specialized diet.
Through all of this, Amy Jo remains the gentlest of little ladies. Even though her previous owner could not provide her with all she needed, it is clear that she was well-loved and gently handled. Her fondness for people knows no bounds, and she greets friends and strangers alike with an exuberant wagging tail. She kindly forgives her Old Dog Haven brother and sister for their sometimes less-than-welcoming behavior and greets the kitty with loving kisses. And when Amy is picked up, she soon melts against your chest with a long, contented sigh.
I am so glad that Old Dog Haven, and their sponsors, made it possible for this kind little girl live out the rest of her life in comfort. From now on, Amy Jo will spend her days happily engaged in one of her favorite pastimes—burrowing under a big mound of blankets, warm, comfortable, and loved.
Amy Jo is sponsored by:
- Jill Eastes of Bellevue, WA (02/28/2027)
- Jenny Heard of Everett, WA
- Autumn R & Steven F Shew of Snohomish, WA (05/31/2026)
- Marissa J Rapp of Edmonds, WA - in honor of Darian (08/31/2026)
- Melissa Henderson of Lynnwood, WA (06/30/2026)
