Irma

Irma, a Big Black Dog, came in stray to a large shelter in fall 2011, aged about 10. A sensitive girl, she became depressed in the shelter environment and a caring volunteer contacted ODH. Irma spent a few days at Home Base where her attempts to play with more geriatric pack members were not met with wild enthusiasm, then moved to a quieter foster home where she quickly bonded with her foster mom’s dog. Irma’s breed mix likely included pitbull – she certainly had the social personality and soft mouth. Irma had spondylosis in her lower back that affected her hind legs, and probably caused her “old lady leaking” that was only partly controlled with medication and made her unadoptable. Despite her weak back legs, Irma was able to reach the kitchen counter for a tempting enough prize, which led to emergency surgery to remove part of an avocado pit (the marble also removed was less of a threat). Irma developed kidney disease, and later was found to have a splenic tumor. Multiple medications kept her comfortable for over a year. Irma’s foster mom is grateful to have enjoyed this sweet girl for four years, and to ODH’s caring donors who made it possible to keep her comfortable. She is greatly missed.

Irma passed away September 30, 2015