It is with a profound sadness that the NYC Shiba Rescue, Inc. (NYCSR) has to announce the passing of one of our beloved foster dogs, the sweetest Shiba senior girl Blossom.  Blossom passed away very peacefully Saturday June 26th in the arms of people who loved her deeply.
 
Blossom came into the NYCSR foster program almost one year ago when her former owner fell on difficult times.  An aloof and somewhat reserved girl, yet still very loving, Blossom opened up quickly once she adjusted to her new foster family homes. 
 
During her time in foster care Blossom was able to put on a few pounds to help her reach a healthier weight and began displaying much more energy and excitement on a daily basis.  She even took to following her fosters around the house during the days just to make sure she knew what everyone was doing.
 
Unfortunately over the last few weeks Blossom began displaying some very distressing behaviors that made her fosters nervous for her well-being and comfort.  Blossom was having difficulty with walking and coordination as well as being unable to eat on her own.  She was eventually diagnosed with kidney failure and symptoms and tests showed that the condition was deteriorating very quickly.  Saddest of all, Blossom also lost all interest in her walks and playtime in the park which she had very much grown to love over the course of her foster period.
 
The toughest decision that all dog and pet owners are forced to face does not become any easier because a dog is ‘just a foster dog.’  Blossom’s foster families, temporary fosters and all NYCSR volunteers are heartbroken at the loss, however we are all blessed to have known her and happy that over the last year of her life she was able to give and receive so much love. 
 
Blossom will be deeply missed by all who have had the fortune of meeting her.  NYCSR would also like to express our heartfelt thanks and sympathy to Blossom’s two foster families for their willingness to help care for such a lovely girl.

Blossom went to the vet recently for a checkup and to get her heartworm pills and vaccines. The vet noticed that Blossom displayed some anxiousness and a few other behaviors that could be signs of old age. She is a senior and does nap a lot and sometimes seem unsure of what is going on, but her foster family said that Blossom is still great on walks and loves to go out at least 3 times a day and perks right up when out and about.

Blossom lets her fosters know she wants to go out by following them around the house very closely and looking at them with an eager expression. On her walks she will sometimes trot and run and then comes home and naps. When she gets a treat she still snaps like an alligator and they have been working with her on this so she doesn’t snap at their fingers accidentally. She still aloof at times and will walk away in the middle of being pet. She also still has some hesitation about being pet while she’s standing up but does like it and will stand there or sit and then after a few minutes, move away.

Blossom continues to be curious and likes to check on her fosters while we are cooking. She’s pretty good at being able to smell when somethings cooking in the kitchen. She also will come to see what’s going on if there’s a conversation going on in the living room and has been better about meeting strangers as long as they don’t move too fast or make her feel overwhelmed.

We are glad that Blossom continues to come of her shell and has made so much progress with her foster family.

Blossom’s foster family gave us an update recently as to how she’s doing and the news is great! She’s more active on her daily walks and seems to be more energetic overall. She has a routine of walk, then meal, so she’s excited to eat after a nice stroll and then nap later in the day.

Blossom still has a few accidents here and there but her foster mom, Denise, said that it’s not as common as it once was and she leaves a few wee wee pads down just in case for Blossom to use. She’s been good mostly and is starting to learn to go on the pads but still has the occasional accident.

Her foster mom told us:

Blossom is quite the sweetheart lately. We think she is much more comfortable now that she is the only dog in the house. She still doesn’t like being pet while she is standing, but if she’s lying in her bed she enjoys being petted and massaged.

When Denise is doing chores around the house, Blossom likes to watch and follow her from room to room. She’s curious and likes to see what the buzz is all about.Blossom will sometimes snap at hands if she thinks there’s a treat – like an alligator. She also sometimes will snap if she’s startled. Her foster mom told us there might be two reasons for this:

1. her eye sight is poor and she is startled when a hand appears too quickly.
2. she could have had some bad experiences with “surprise” grabs and tugs by people in the past.

In any case, if Blossom sees you and sees your intentions with a leash, harness, or whatever you may need to do her, she’s ok with it all. We’re very happy to know one of our senior dogs has adjusted so well and is opening up to show her true wonderful self!

Blossom is staying with a temporary foster this week, while her regular foster mom is out of town. Temp foster Lily loves to make videos so we have video of Blossom now!

Adopting a senior dog is truly rewarding and very different from adding a younger dog to your family. This article about adopting an older Shiba is informative.

Like many older dogs, Blossom feels unsettled when moved around and faced with new situations. She needs a forever home where she can live out her life with a regular routine and someone to depend on.

Are you the special home we are seeking for Blossom? If you are interested in meeting her, please complete an adoption application so we can get to know you!

Blossom has gained a little bit of weight. She’s a picky eater and grazes her food so it’s a slow process of getting her to a healthy weight. She seems to like Natural Balance and Wellness and will listen and learn for treats as her reward. Blossom is also getting better about walking down the stairs. She was hesitant before and has been overcoming it. She’s also become calmer and has adjusted very well to having a set routine.

Blossom had an ultrasound recently and it seems to be that the “gunk” that was seen in her gall bladder can be remedied as long as she gains some more weight and has good exercise and nutrition. We’re happy to hear that.

Personality wise, Blossom has opened up some more and when she’s very excited she will walk very very close to her foster mom, almost get underfoot, and practically weave like a cat. She also gives kisses and has been showing a more affectionate side. Blossom is still somewhat aloof but now and then she is curious and interested in something or someone and will explore.

Since it seems Blossom may have some hearing loss, Denise has been using signals that also “vibrate” such as knocking on the floor in the house to get Blossom to “come.” We’re hoping her forever home will understand Blossom needs some extra TLC and maybe even try to teach her a few hand signals.

We’re very happy to know that Blossom is doing well and loves her foster home.

Denise, Blossom’s foster, told us that Blossom sometimes has a hard time getting up after she’s been napping for a little bit and is not a fan of going down the stairs. It may be because of the added shock and weight that is placed on her front legs and fear of falling.

Blossom is 13 yrs old and came to us because her owner was unable to care for her. She’s very good with people and is a very sweet and gentle dog. She’s older but in good health. Her foster has been taking great care of her and making sure she’s eating a well-balanced meal of proteins, fats, and has a good appetite.

Denise told us that Blossom is curious about her new home and walks from room to room checking out everything and inspecting every corner. She loves to go for walks and trots when she’s excited and sometimes talks. When Blossom is comfortable with the person she’s hanging out with, she gives kisses.

Blossom is well behaved and is good with meeting dogs on the street, friendly with people, and doesn’t seem to care if she meets another dog or not. At the dog run she keeps to herself but loves attention from people. She acts aloof but does like to be pet and given affection.

Blossom is a sweetheart and we hope to find her a forever home soon!