Suzy

Suzy‘s story is one we unfortunately hear every day, on repeat. We call dogs like Suzy “the left behinds”. This pretty girl’s owner is in hospice, and while family has taken her in, she is unhappy with their schedule. Suzy was a treasured companion to a senior woman who was home more often than not. Words used to describe Suzy are “very sweet, easy-going, enjoys affection, quiet, and shy at first”.

Suzy is about 11 years old. She weighs 20 pounds and is a mixed breed. Suzy lost one eye before she was adopted 3 years ago. This was reportedly due to glaucoma, which tells us the remaining eye should be monitored by a vet.

At this time, Suzy is taking medication for anxiety when she has been left alone for long hours. It is healthy for a dog to be OK with being left alone. A senior dog, however, should not be left for long hours. We never recommend that someone take a dog with them everywhere, never leaving them alone, as that can lead to a dog developing separation anxiety. Thankfully, Suzy will settle down and nap when she is left. It would be great if Suzy could eventually not need her anxiety medication at all. With time and patience in her new home, that could happen.

No one knows if Suzy has ever lived with another dog. She does not react to dogs that bark at her on her walks. Suzy ignores other dogs. This leads us to believe that Suzy could join a home where there is another mellow dog who won’t expect friendship. Maybe a friendship could develop? But if not, some dogs can take comfort in having another dog around when the humans leave. It would be great if that could help Suzy adapt. Suzy has been indifferent to cats in her home. Another plus! Suzy has only lived with older teens, and her caregivers believe it would be best to keep it that way.

At night, Suzy sleeps in the bed with her humans. During the day she hangs out on her blanket inside the house, needing a potty break about every 5 hours. Suzy is not a barky dog. Her temperament is described as “chill” when she knows people are home. She can manage stairs at this time in her life, and she is a very good girl for her 2 short walks a day. Suzy sounds like a dream to walk as she is good on leash and doesn’t react to other dogs she sees. Her adopter should plan on continuing her daily walks.

Do you work from home? Maybe you are a young retiree? Suzy could be a great fit for you!

We appreciate that extended family has taken her in, sparing her a confusing and scary shelter intake. The hope is to find Suzy a home she will be happiest in and one she will be able to remain forever.

Suzy is located in Indianola, WA. For contact information please email: referrals@olddoghaven.org

This is not an Old Dog Haven dog. Old Dog Haven has not assessed this dog for medical issues and will not be responsible for medical care after adoption. We urge prospective adopters to do their own evaluation. 

Adoption Info