It is with almost unbearable sadness that I must share with you that we lost our beautiful soul Dumpling today. She took a bad turn the past few days which turned out to be the result of a large mass in her abdomen. At age 17+ we simply could not put her through any more testing and surgery.
When my wife first saw her picture on the Best Friends website, she fell in love immediately. It was our hope that we could give a 10-year-old dog that was missing most of her teeth, had eye problems and was going through a second heart worm regimen, a couple of years enjoying the life every dog deserves. It is our dream that she thrived for more than seven years because she was so happy here.
We know that the heartache will subside and are comforted in the knowledge that the joy and love she gave us will live with us forever. So please give all those close to you an extra hug today, be they human, canine, feline or all manner of G-d’s creations. Do it for you, do it for them, and today do it for Dumpling.
Kathleen thank you for always keeping her in your thoughts. Give Izzy a hug from us.
Stuart
In May 2012 during my first working visit to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah, I fell in love with Dumpling, a dog that had her fair share of health problems and hard times. Because I lived in New Zealand, I was unable to adopt her. I knew from the adoption website that Dumpling had been adopted and when I returned to the sanctuary the following year, I asked if the adoption staff would pass on my details to her new family so I could find out about her.
Thankfully, Stuart was happy to write to me with Dumpling updates; typically I would have an annual update each Christmas with a photo. The family vet estimated her to be 10 when adopted. During the course of her life with Stuart, she had to have an eye removed from a recurring infection but still loved to go for walks and take long naps during the day.
Yesterday, I got the email I knew was likely to come – Dumpling has passed. But she proved something that is very important – rescue dogs are not their history – they are what they become in a loving home. Dumpling recovered from heartworm and became a member of the family. She was no longer the down-and-out dog found in a Texas landfill next to the bodies of her dead puppies.
I am very grateful that Stuart and his family were able to give her a long and happy life post-adoption and for their kindness in keeping me updated about her.
Kathleen Crisley, Fear-Free certified professional and specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand
DoggyMom.com 
Due to a change in circumstances, we took in a senior dog. Itai was eight when he came to live with us. He is now 12 and he is a joy to have. We love him to pieces. No health issues. I saw once of a blog that each day you have with an older dog is a “day of grace”. I would certainly take in another older dog in the future.
So sorry for your loss!
It’s so lovely to know that even though Dumpling was already a senior dog when she was adopted she had seven blessed years in the most loving home. That’s a wonderful gift and we know from experience how rewarding it is to adopt an older dog and can highly recommend it 💜