Update 4/08/2010 – we are sorry to announce that Billy collapsed. The vet diagnosed a brain tumour, and he was allowed to slip away gently. All thanks to his foster carers for giving him the best of care at the end of his life.
Go on, give me another stroke!
Billy has been in Oldies Club care for over 6 months and we sadly haven’t managed to find him a new home. He’s recently moved to a new foster home and so we thought we would take the opportunity to give Billy a fresh write-up and add the lovely new photos of him you see here.
Billy had some disruption to his former family life before coming into our care and this seems to have left him feeling insecure, but when treated thoughtfully and given time to settle, he is a lovely dog with very simple needs.
Billy’s foster carer takes over his story:
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Billy is a smallish, 13 year old, crossbreed (possibly Whippet/Terrier mix), with a glossy red/sandy, short-haired coat. As befitting an older gent, he is a quiet dog with few needs and so would make a super companion in a quiet home with no pets or children.
I’m too tired to fetch the ball again …
At home: Billy settled in quickly, but it took him a few days to feel secure and trusting. He sleeps in his bed or on the sofa most of the time and is fine to be left for several hours. He’s a quiet dog and rarely barks, even at strangers. He looks forward to his meal times, but is very gentle in taking any treats or titbits, and eats anything you put in front of him. He also does not beg at the table and waits in his bed until the meal is finished before coming to look for his. He’s perfectly quiet through the night and sleeps downstairs in his bed in the kitchen. Also, Billy’s clean in the house. Quite Mr. Perfect!
This is me, full frontal and irresistible!
Out and about: Billy is obedient and walks really well on the lead, never pulling, but he needs only short walks as his joints are a bit stiff. He is more than happy simply to potter round the garden and chase off any birds, cats or squirrels. He will also play ball for a short while and then plops on the grass for a rest and just another little snooze. Billy is terrific in the car and sleeps right through any journey without a sound.
Dogs & cats: Billy was living with 2 dogs for several months before having problems with one of the resident dogs in his previous foster home. However, he seems to get on with most dogs out and about and generally ignores them, but he does attempt to chase cats (though not very successfully!).
Here’s the ball … what are you waiting for?
Billy’s perfect home: Certainly, Billy would be happiest in a quiet, pet-free home with no children, especially as he seems to thrive in peaceful surroundings and having his own space. He is such a quiet, undemanding dog and would make a perfect companion in a relaxed home. He’s just happy to snooze most of the time and snuggle up for some fuss and attention in between.
Health Notes: Billy is neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and has been flea and worm treated. He has good eyesight and hearing. Apart from some slight stiffness in his joints, for which he is taking mild pain relief, he’s in good health.
I think it’s time for another 40 winks … can’t keep my eyes open …
Foster family summary: Billy is a sweet, loving dog who does have his insecurities. If he feels threatened or uneasy, he will snap, and does need time to trust people. When he does, he loves to be stroked and groomed and will happily snuggle up all day if he could. As soon as he sees the brush, his eyes light up, and he will gently pat you if you forget to keep on stroking and brushing! He needs little walking, perhaps a gentle 10 minute stroll, but is happy pottering in the garden or snoozing the day away in a comfy spot – either his bed or the sofa. He’s such an easy dog to care for with very few needs, other than lots of love, and would therefore make the perfect companion for an older or retired person with a quiet, peaceful home.
If you are dog-experienced (preferably terrier-experienced), currently without a pet, and would be able to offer an understanding home for Billy, we’d love to hear from you. If you are interested in Billy but would find it difficult to meet the cost of his pain-relief medication, please still get in touch as we will consider a long-term foster arrangement for him. We just want to see Billy happy in a permanent home.
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If you’d like to enquire about Billy, please refer to our Adoption Procedures for information about the adoption process. You can then contact an Oldies Club rehoming co-ordinator as follows:
Email: rehome@oldies.org.uk
Telephone: 0844 586 8656
Billy can be rehomed anywhere in the UK, subject to a satisfactory home visit, but note that you will be required to travel to the foster home to meet him.
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If you would love to offer a home to an oldie but your circumstances aren’t suitable, perhaps you would be kind enough to sponsor one of the special oldies we are caring for that, due to health problems, are unlikely to be offered a permanent home.
This entry replaces Billy’s original dated 22/11/09.