In a previous article, I referred to rescue as a team sport. Nothing illustrates this point more than Woody’s story. Luckily for him, dog rescuers of all stripes came together to ensure that wherever he ended up, his journey would be smooth and he would land softly.
A senior bloodhound comes to Rescue Ranch Sanctuary
Woody was already 10 years old when a loving older couple adopted him in 2022. They spared no expense treating the various ailments he had developed as a result of his previous life and he recovered. They gave the laid back, soft-mouthed bloodhound a warm, happy home where he lived in well-deserved comfort. Unfortunately, it was short-lived. Unexpected health issues soon forced Woody’s beloved adopters into assisted living. A caring family member made sure the old hound found his way to Rescue Ranch in December 2023.
He was a favorite at the Sanctuary, but staff, and other interested dogs rescuers, felt he needed a foster. Puppies, seniors, and other special needs cases do better in foster care. Although he was generally healthy and low maintenance, age and past hardships put Woody in the special needs category. The thick black callouses on his elbows spoke to a life spent on hard surfaces, and his joints were achy. His eyes were sensitive to the ash-laden dust outside, and his skin would also do better in a home environment.
The foster & the R&B hound
Local businesswoman Michele Cloutier-Valdez, of Mount Shasta’s Fun Factory Rentals and Tours, is a dog lover who helps place and rescue hounds in need. She was utterly smitten with Woody but already had three hounds at home. Luckily, her neighbor and friend, writer Colette Winlock, was a perfect fit. Colette had already committed to another dog a few weeks hence, but, for now, Woody had a home. Meanwhile, Michele made it her mission to find an adopter or more permanent placement for him.
When I visited, Michele (left) and Colette (right) posed with Woody who was in no mood to stand still. It seems that the glucosamine/chondroitin supplements were working, because the old 110-pound dog was surpsingly spry for his size and age. He followed me up the stairs with alacrity and later moved easily on leash. I noted that Woody’s eyes were much less inflammed and the irritated skin on his chest was on the mend.
Excited by all the attention, he shared the love with everyone in the room, including Michele’s good friend Heidi Ward of SW Maintainance Corp, who is also involved in rescue transport. A dog lover herself, she didn’t shy away from Woody’s wet, ropey kisses. “He’s an amazing dog, as long as you don’t have opposition to a drooly dog,” said Michele. Colette, who always has a towel at the ready, explained, “You just have to be preemptive.” Leading with her chin, she tilted her head back,”He’ll even look at you like this: ‘Okay go ahead an do it!'” They both agreed that Woody had great teeth and good breath, unusual in a dog his age.
I sensed a strong connection between Colette and Woody who followed her from room to room. “He’s very human-centric: where the human goes, he wants to go.” She added that he was somewhat anxious when he first arrived, but, 15 days in, he was completely at home. Woody certainly knew about the goodies his temp mom kept in the cupboard above the kitchen counter. He waited eagerly for her to dispense the yummy treats. According to Colette, Woody isn’t a big chewer and doesn’t play much, but he enjoys pushing his treat dispensing toy around. And he likes to bay at the deer who visit his front yard.
Colette added that her stately canine gentleman is a devoted melophile: he loves music–especially R & B. She had once found him reclining on the couch, his elbow propped up on the armrest: “He was just chillin’ and listenin’ to music,” she said. That’s what I call a culture hound!
We rounded off the visit with a short walk down the street. Woody moved well. Excited to be out with the gang, he tugged gently on his leash, but Colette handled him easily. When I ran ahead to get a front shot, he accelerated his lumbering gait and barreled toward the camera, intrigued by the new game.
As I drove off, I hoped he would find an adopter soon.
More dog rescuers step up to give Woody a chance
The time came for Woody to leave Colette’s care earlier this month. He didn’t have an adopter yet, but Lily’s Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary had stepped up for Woody and given him a spot. The facility specializes in large breed senior dogs. If he couldn’t be in a home, it was his best alternative.
Still committed to Woody’s welfare, Michele drove him to Petaluma, where she spent several days with him. As she tells it, it was a bittersweet parting but Lily’s facility was excellent. The residents all have ample indoor and out space, therapeutic beds, raised bowls, and lots of daily quality time with dedicated volunteers.
Michele continues to track Woody closely. hoping he will soon find someone to love and care for him as they would any cherished family member.
Woody may not have found a new adoptive family yet, but he has stolen many hearts on his journey. So many people have come to his aid since he was first saved from a terrible situation. Rescues do what they can but their work is even more effective when individuals get involved by adopting, fostering, transporting, and networking. For example, Woody is proof that even short term fosters make a huge difference in a dog’s life. If you can’t adopt, please consider fostering a puppy, a senior, or another special needs dog.
