Elara

Elara, a very tiny Pomeranian, was surrendered to a shelter by the family of a person who had died, an all-too common reason for a dog to end up in a shelter. All of a sudden, through no fault of her own, this five-pound dog found herself in a cage surrounded by barking dogs and strange noises instead of on the lap of her person. She was clearly terrified, so the shelter asked Old Dog Haven to find her a home quickly.

When she first arrived in her ODH Final Refuge home, Elara was still frightened and refused to be picked up. As time passed, Elara started to feel safe and she became increasingly curious and interested in her surroundings. Finally, she allowed one of her ODH moms to pick her up and she discovered that she liked being held by her. It eventually became much easier to pick her up and hold her after practicing such feats of levitation, and now Elara has become closely bonded with her. She’s most often found in her mom’s arms or sleeping in her bed next to mom’s desk. This little one has also learned how to walk on a leash and now trots along very nicely when out for walks.

When she arrived at the shelter Elara’s fur was so badly matted the staff had to shave her and that hair probably won’t grow back so she now wears a sweater most of the time. Elara’s teeth, what few she had left, were badly neglected so she’s scheduled for a dental soon.

Elara connected immediately with the other dogs in her forever family and enjoys hanging out with them–which is good because they’ve helped her feel safe and they’ve told her it’s okay to trust the people in the house.

It’s been fun to watch this little dynamo come out of her shell and learn how to be a well-loved dog. We’re very happy she’s a part of our family.

Update:

After almost three happy years with her family, Elara’s physical and mental issues impacted her quality of life, and she moved on to her next expression of spirit.

Elara–aka The Warrior Princess—became the best version of herself as she settled in as The Resident Queen. She never did care much for dog food and preferred a Starbuck’s treat, cheese, pasta, boiled chicken, and almost anything except food for dogs. Her favorite things: Treats, joining the other dogs in a cacophony of barking at squirrels, deer, and birds, walking in the woods when she was able to manage a short jaunt, being fussed over by anyone who met her, and most of all…being held by her mom. Walking around when you could be carried by someone who adored you wasn’t of too much interest to this little diva.

Elara never allowed her limitations to define who she was as a dog. She lived each moment in the best way she knew how. She was five pounds of mighty spirit—always determined to make her presence known.

Always in our hearts, she is loved and remembered with smiles.