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My basic info
Breed
Pit Bull Terrier
Color
White - with Tan, Yellow or Fawn
Age
Senior
Size
Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg) (when grown)
Weight
–
Sex
Male
Pet ID
–
My details
Shots current
Spayed / Neutered
Housetrained
My story
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Here's what the humans have to say about me:
ABOUT OLD MAN RIVER - HOSPICE
We feel it an honor to care for senior dogs -- to look into wise eyes and be able to give them whatever we are able to make this last chapter of their lives a little easier. We are hoping beyond hope, that within our network of pit bull heroes, we will find someone willing to take in this very special dog, be his person while he is still able to enjoy his life, and then, when it is time, walk with him to leave this world as an owned dog, knowing he is loved and that he matters.
Introducing Old Man River.
The big beautiful boy has surely seen and done some amazing things in his life. He is extremely well socialized, outgoing, affectionate, and although he is a senior, he has more pep in his step than some dogs half his age.
About a year ago, this handsome boy showed up in Kara's neighborhood. A stray, he eagerly made her acquaintance. Kara took him in, gave him a meal, and made the call she knew she had to. The good folks at Providence Animal Control arrived and took the old fellow to their shelter. We later learned that the owner had been located and they came for their dog.
But again this year, Old Man River was walking the streets of Providence. Again he ended up at PAC. This time, no one came.
The volunteers and staff saw to River's immediate needs and after a few weeks River was transferred to Providence Animal Rescue League (PARL), a private shelter with whom we partner.
Now our Trisha runs the volunteer program at PAC, so Old Man River was immediately on her radar, a term we use for dogs who have Trish on their side, fighting for them. So Trish was able to spend time with River at both PAC and now at PARL. We inquired about his medical condition, and last week, were given the news.
Old Man River has a large splenic tumor. It is most likely malignant and has spread to other parts of his body. Due to his age, health and the fact that it would not improve his prognosis, he is not a candidate for surgery. This is awful news for any dog. But for an old, large, cropped eared, pit bull type dog in a shelter, well, this is devastating.
PARL is not giving up on Old Man River. Just the opposite. He has a warm place to live with good food, and time out with staff and volunteers for as long as he needs. (Mama was there today and got choked up when she read the sign on his kennel: Must have lots of thick cozy blankets!) But this is no place for Old Man River. This is not how he is to spend his final time on this earth.
Old Man River can travel. He can be adopted anywhere, but the adopter would need to physically come to PARL to meet him and complete the paperwork and take him home. Old man river does not appear to have a prey drive, Mama walked him by ferrets today and he just looked and kept on walking. We are relatively sure he will be OK with cats, but if the adopter has a cat we would need to more formally cat test him. River could cohabitate with another calm dog. No hyper or bouncy dogs for him. River's adoption fee will be waived by PARL, though the adopter is certainly welcome to make a donation toward the care he was provided during his stay.
If you are interested in Old Man River, you can contact PARL employee Chelsea, she probably knows him best. Cfredrikson@parl.org or 401) 421-1399 extension 208.
MORE ABOUT OLD MAN RIVER - HOSPICE
