Cosmo Fund for Senior Dogs

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2019 saw the establishment of the Cosmo Fund, money sequestered and made available for the care and support of senior collies and their caregivers. This special fund within NorthEast Ohio Collie Rescue is set aside specifically to assist with medical bills and other needs of the seniors who enter rescue with our organization.   During the fund's establishment, several dogs, both in permanent foster care, benefitted from the fund, established through the largesse of Cosmo’s owner, the late Ed Plottke. 2019 ended with a very nice picture of Cosmo (who was, after all, mostly a BORDER collie) in the Collie Club of America Bulletin, in an issue dedicated to veteran dogs..

Bandi, a shepherd-collie mix, came to rescue when she was taken to the Morrow County pound upon the death of her former owner. Shelter personnel quickly determined that, at the age of 16-17, Bandi would not long survive in a shelter environment. What she needed was a loving home where she could live out her time in dignity. Even though this elderly lady was deaf, and increasingly senile, she spent most of 2019 enjoying her dinners (eventually hamburger and green beans), a steady supply of treats, and lots of naps, continuing a graceful decline into the fall. Sadly, this sweet girl finally succumbed to the ravages of old age and, in early November she made her final trip to the vet, no longer mobile, and clearly in discomfort. Her ashes was taken to Sunnybank this summer and, even though she wasn’t a collie, she will join the spirits of that kennel’s great dogs.

Jupiter came back into rescue after having been placed (as Nigel) by NEOCR some years ago. Unfortunate changes in family circumstances meant that Jupiter, who suffers from long-term skin and coat issues, was no longer receiving the love and care he needed and deserved. Under Cosmo Fund auspices, Jupiter was again placed under the care of Dr Alice Jeromin and, with weekly baths and appropriate medication, along with occasional professional grooming, he became much more comfortable, and a bit less ‘fragrant.’In early fall Jupiter, who had some significant dental issues, underwent a full cleaning, accompanied by multiple extractions. Dr Mokos noted infection in his gums where several teeth had been and started him on a course of antibiotics while his gums healed. Jupiter still has some coat and skin problems but now, with the source of continuing infection gone, he is much improved. Still benefitting from regular (but less frequent) baths and periodic grooming, his coat is fuller and more soft, and he’s lost his between-the-bath smell.An older (10-11) gentleman, Jupiter’s no longer as energetic, but he still enjoys shorter walks and the occasional romp in the yard with his younger ‘siblings’. The improvement is his health has also lowered his vet bills dramatically, helping to extend the fund’s ability to help additional dogs in future.

We’re sorry to report that D’Artagnan (a 14-year-old standard poodle/labradoodle mix ) died, peacefully,  in his sleep on Wednesday, 8 September.  D’Artagnan (aka Darla, D-Man, Doodlebug, etc.) came into NorthEast Ohio Collie Rescue with his companion collie, needing significant medical attention.  Both eyes were matted shut due to infection, he had an open sore on one side, and his breath could’ve been labelled a lethal weapon due to infected and rotting teeth.  Dr Hitchcock at Ohio Veterinary Cardiology  was able to diagnose and stabilise his heart condition so that Valley View Animal Hospital in Dover could give him dental care and address the open sore on his side. 

D-Man was a very gentle soul, almost completely blind but with excellent hearing (especially when the word “treat” was mentioned!).  He spent his days sleeping in the family room on a chaise longue that was reserved for his exclusive use, and ambling through our backyard (always taking the shortcut when coming back inside of trampling through the flowers!).  

He had been in failing health for some weeks with a poor appetite so we knew that his time with us was limited.  He relished any attention and in the mornings when I applied warm compresses to his eyes and gave him his eye ointments he almost seemed to purr with pleasure.  I’m sure it must have felt good to him.  Because he came to us at such an advanced age we were not privileged to know the full range of his personality. As with ALL the senior dogs who have spent time with us, we wished we could have seen him as a puppy.  D’Artagnan’s medical care was paid for through the Cosmo Fund for Senior Dogs. Donations (in any amount) can be sent to: NorthEast Ohio Collie Rescue, c/o The Cosmo Fund for Senior Dogs, PO Box 1594, Elyria, OH 44036-1594.  

You also might enjoy browsing the group’s website that includes some lovely “Happy Tails” stories of successful adoptions.  And, if you have the inclination, we are always looking for additional foster homes and volunteers for a variety of tasks.  

NEOCR is a completely volunteer 501c3 organization, expending over 90% of its funds for animal care.  Maybe YOU could be one of those volunteers?

The fund enters 2021 with a healthy bank balance, ready to assist more deserving dogs as we continue to develop and refine this program.