Snickers

Snickers – the perfect name for a little bit sweet and a whole lotta nutty ODH senior. Her 13-or-so history is as fuzzy as her soft muzzle. Those historical snippets include a previous owner surrendering her to the shelter, and the shelter relinquishing her back to that owner. She was found abandoned in a car and had lived at some point with a big dog who bullied her.

A year earlier my rescued puggles crossed the Rainbow Bridge, and I was ready to have another senior join the household which includes a snobby, tuxedo tomcat named Pepe. I did not know what to expect when I went to the shelter to pick up Snickers. I knew only that she liked to walk, loved her ball and was polite on a leash. She appeared shy and submissive in the shelter hallway but bounded to the car when outside and immediately laid claim to the driver’s seat!

When we arrived home, it didn’t take long for her curiosity to win over her hesitancy. She began exploring the yard and rolling in the grass. Meeting Pepe the cat was next on the agenda. Snickers had no aggressive intentions, but Pepe was quick to set boundaries. The human’s bed is cat territory; Snickers learned that with just one swift swipe. She now sleeps comfortably on the side of the bed. They share the living space amiably, although Pepe expresses great disdain for the dog’s energy and lack of regal demeanor.

Snickers is a fairly healthy 13-year-old! Her initial vet visit revealed the need for a dental and a mammary mass removed. Just this last week she had her dental and they removed seven rotten and abscessed teeth. She LOVES playing fetch! She sleeps with her ball, walks with her ball, and has the ball next to her food dish.

We walk a couple of miles each day and she takes immense joy in watching squirrels and ducks! Oh, how she would love to chase the ducks!  She creeps low to the ground, nose pointed, paws planted oh so quietly. Often one paw hovers in a hunting dog pose. Because her fur is not thick, we’ve been walking in a coat or raincoat. She knows she’s safe and has decided to be patient with this old lady and her funny ideas of fashion.

No matter the time she has left, I’m grateful she is at home here – even trekking in mud and nudging me (frequently) with a ball in her mouth. (Aren’t humans supposed to get up and walk around every 30 minutes?!)  But this sweet and nutty bundle is a delight, and I’m honored to be trusted with her care.

Snickers is sponsored by: