Senior Rescue Pup Becomes Much Loved Therapy Dog
Sparky was 11 years old when his family turned him into rescue. They had to move and could not keep him. Sparky was small and adorable, but he also had health issues that were a deterrent to his adoption. Enter Colleen Colenso who was looking for another small dog and could provide the healthcare he needed. Sparky, now 15, was so friendly that he became a certified therapy dog and brings love and comfort to many, earning him the nickname Super Sparky!
The post from a local animal rescue revealed a small, cute and very fluffy dog – the type that is usually adopted quickly.
But as Colleen Colenso read on, she realized there were several issues that could prevent the little dog from finding a new home.
“He was 11 years old with some serious heart problems – an enlarged heart and collapsing trachea, which had not been addressed by his owners. He also had severe dental problems,” Colenso said.
She contacted Friends of the Animal Community in Sonora, CA, to find out more and see if she could meet Sparky. It was a sad story. His owners were moving to a location where they could not take him. It would be a tough transition for an older dog who had lived with members of the same family since he was a puppy.
“I felt that I could provide for him financially and emotionally. I had just recently lost my older Papillon and was interested in getting another small dog as a companion for my other dog, Breezy,” she said. “I took her with me to see Sparky, and they got along well right away. They make a very cute pair. They are both fluffy, black and white Pomeranian mixes.”
Three years ago, Sparky came home with Colenso and Breezy where he settled quickly into his new life.
“Older dogs generally have a much harder time getting adopted but they deserve to live out their lives in a loving home too,” Colenso said “They often have a lot to offer in terms of training such as being housebroken, knowing basic commands, being crate trained and having experience in various situations. “
Colenso has competed with her dogs for many years in several sports, including obedience, rally and scent work. Her titled dogs include 11-year-old Breezy, who was also a rescue.
“Not much is known about her except that she was obviously abused. People drove into the parking lot of the rescue and tossed her out of the car,” she said. “It took employees over an hour to catch her and get her inside. When I went to see her, she bonded with me immediately but not so with other people. It took over a year and advice from several trainers and behaviorists to make progress toward her trusting other people. She still does not like strangers to reach out or try to pet her. “
Breezy was estimated to be about 2 years old when Colenso adopted her. She started training her in scent work to build confidence. “She could work in a quiet environment and just concentrate on finding her hides. She didn’t have to worry about distractions or anyone touching her. It really helped build her confidence, and she loves it.”
Breezy now has numerous AKC Scent Work titles, plus her confidence has grown so much that she has earned AKC Canine Good Citizen, AKC Trick Dog, AKC Companion Dog (obedience) and AKC Rally Advanced titles.
While Sparky was a rescue, he obviously had been loved in his former home and was very social.
“I knew that his health would not allow for him to participate in anything that was very active. I have friends who are involved with therapy dog programs,” Colenso said. “Sparky seemed perfect for that job. He is friendly and calm. He’s never met a person he didn’t want to be friends with. He is just the right size for sitting in laps or lying beside patients in their hospital beds.”
Debunking the saying that “old dogs can’t learn new tricks,” Sparky became certified with the national organization Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Colenso and he became members of a local therapy dog group: Paws 4 Friends in Manteca, CA. In the past three years, Sparky, now 15 years old, has logged more than 100 visits to hospitals, schools, nursing homes and businesses.
Sparky has spread much cheer to people in need, and Colenso said she hopes he is an ambassador for older dogs and encourages more folks to consider adopting seniors.
“I would tell anyone considering an older dog that they can be real gems. Often these dogs have lived in loving homes, but their owners became unable to care for them due to health issues or have passed away,” she said. “They are heartbroken and confused and need someone to step up and offer them comfort and love. Taking on an older dog can often mean dealing with health problems that occur with older age. So, they need to consider the financial and emotional toll that may take. But look at Sparky. He is loved by many and contributes so much. We call him Super Sparky! “