Ellie joined the League’s Sponsor Program in 2003. Ellie came into the League’s care as a puppy suffering from a devastating neurological disease. When Ellie walks she often stumbles and loses her footing. Her poor petite body shakes with uncontrollable tremors. It was a sight that motivated the League’s staff to work patiently with Ellie and provide the intensive care that she requires. North Shore Animal League America remains committed to working with Ellie to improve her quality of life. Won’t you become a Sponsor today and see how your monthly donations can make a difference in the life of a worthy and innocent darling like Ellie?

Ellie's Updates

1st Quarter 2008
Ellie recently came to the League for a check-up and had her brain tumor reevaluated. League doctors provided the great news that the tumor has not progressed. Ellie continues to be a delightful companion and doesn’t let her medical conditions affect her playful side. Her new toys from the holiday season have been keeping her busy, and she just loves to pull them apart to get the squeakers out! Even without her toys, Ellie has a great time trotting along with her best friend Peanut, a Jack Russell terrier-mix adopted from the League. The double leash used for the two is just adorable and keeps them right at each other’s side while they tour the town on their daily walks.

4th Quarter 2007
Ellie loves to dig and dig. Her foster mom enjoys watching her excitement when she finds bugs and other things to play with. Ellie also loves to go for walks. When she sees the leash, she gets so excited that she starts to run all over the place. She keeps a very fast pace on her walks – much faster than her canine foster brother can handle. When she gets too far ahead, she looks back to her foster brother, comes running back, gives him a few kisses – and then she’s off again!

3rd Quarter 2007
If you ask Ellie, there is nothing better than hot days in the sun and cool nights in the air conditioning. She recently had a minor allergy attack. A shot of Benadryl and some medicine took care of it — but not before it gave us a scare!

2nd Quarter 2007
It looks like the Easter Bunny hopped on over to Ellie’s house this year. Ellie celebrated Easter with plenty of toys and treats. Her aunt was in town and Ellie always makes a big fuss for her. Ellie’s new Dachshund step-brother, Schroeder, was in for a few days for the holiday too, and Ellie still isn’t too keen on him. Even though Schroeder shares his toys, he steals up too much of Ellie’s attention!

1st Quarter 2007
Ellie is eagerly awaiting the snow. She loves to run and jump and push it around with her snout. She's surprisingly athletic for such a fragile little girl, and it's so adorable to see how she can get lost in a deep snowfall. Burrowing herself a path, she looks just like a little fox. It gives us so much pleasure to see special needs animals like Ellie enjoy life. Thank you for your continuous sponsorship of Ellie. Because of your generous heart, she’s able to be happy. Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

4th Quarter 2006
Ellie and her partner in crime, "Peanut" plow through toys like crazy. Her foster Mom has yet to find a toy that will last for more than an hour. Ellie and Peanut are inseparable. They sleep together on the same pillow and go on walks together with a double leash. And Ellie will roll over on her back for a belly rub from anyone she meets! At night, Ellie is very affectionate and gives her foster Mom periodic kisses until morning! She is absolutely adored! Thank you for giving Ellie a second chance!

3rd Quarter 2006
Ellie has been doing very well and we are so glad for that. She spent her summer romping and playing in her backyard with the other dogs that live in her house. When Ellie would stop to take a breather, she would jump up on the lounge chair and bask in the sun! Ellie's foster mom recently had company in from California, so to keep all the dogs busy during this time-they all got new toys! Ellie is particularly fond of raw hides and likes to work on ones that are even bigger than she is! The company just loved Ellie and she loved all the extra special attention. We are so glad Ellie is feeling so well and it is because of your generosity that she is able to have a nice healthy normal life.

2nd Quarter 2006
Terriers have a bit of a reputation of being destructive at times, and our dear little Ellie is no different. She and her partner in crime - another dog in the house - just love to destroy any kind of dog bed their mom puts down for them. Ellie also likes to work on the pillows in the house too, but her foster care mom puts a stop to that before things get out of control. Dog toys aren't safe around these dogs either. It's only a matter of a short time before they are ripped to shreds and Ellie's mom has to take them away.  Ellie's problems haven't been slowing her down, as she loves to run around her back yard. And going for walks is a really special treat. We've learned from Ellie's foster care mom though that she's a disaster on a leash; she pulls and zigzags when she walks! We know Ellie must be feeling great if she's got all this strength!

1st Quarter 2006
Ellie had a great time this holiday season and was lucky enough to be given a bunch of new toys! It didn’t take her long to rip into all of her new goodies. She spent the day romping and playing with her canine sibling and other family members outside no doubt with one of her fancy sweaters on! When it’s time for bed though she snuggles up with her foster care mom under the covers and when it’s time for a daytime doggy nap she’s in her own comfy bed with the other dog in the family. Ellie’s got the life! We are so happy that Ellie has been given this second chance at a happy normal life.

December 2005
Ellie is a funny dog—her foster care Mom wants her to be warm and cozy so Ellie has sweaters and coats that she wears when the weather is cold. Much to our surprise she really enjoys it. She knows the routine, the moment the sweaters come out, Ellie will run around a bit and settle right down by the door to her foster care Mom can get her dressed. Then once she’s ready to go outside, it’s a brief race around the house one more time and then it’s out for a walk. Ellie carries herself as a very proud pooch generally, and even more so when she’s sporting some new threads. We can’t thank you enough for your generosity and friendship.

November 2005
Ellie gave her foster care Mom quite a scare recently when she began to walk hunched over and shake uncontrollably. In addition, Ellie couldn’t keep any food down and her temperature shot up. Based on these symptoms, an x-ray was ordered to determine if she ate anything out of the ordinary. When that came back negative, further testing revealed an infection. After spending several days in the Medical Center, Ellie was on the mend and back to her happy go lucky self. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to provide Ellie and the other special needs animals with the love and care they so desperately need. We couldn’t do it without your support.

October 2005
Now that the weather has cooled, Ellie wants to spend lots of time outside. And while she enjoys frolicking in her yard, she really likes going for walks and meeting new people. Ellie has got to be one of the most sociable dogs – she wants to say hello to everyone and eagerly accepts pats and ear scratches from the young and old. She is just the cutest pup! Thank you for giving Ellie and the other special needs animals a second chance. You are truly a hero to them.

September 2005
Ellie’s foster care Mom spoils her rotten – lots of treats, ear scratches, and, best of all, a spot on her bed for Ellie to sleep. She just adores this sweet dog – and Ellie feels the same about her. One look at their relationship, and we know the Sponsor program works. We are so grateful for the sponsor families that open up their hearts and their homes to these less than fortunate animals – allowing our furry friends loving companionship while receiving needed medical care. Your support makes this all possible. We couldn’t do it without you.

August 2005
Ellie doesn’t like the heat and humidity one bit and doesn’t want to spend too much time outside in it. Her foster care Mom understands and takes things very slowly with Ellie during this hot weather – she even brings extra water on their short trips outside. The last thing we would want for Ellie is for her to be overcome with the heat. Because of this, Ellie’s outings will be short or limited to the more comfortable evening hours until it gets a bit cooler. Your generosity means the world to Ellie and the other special needs animals. It is because of you that their days are brighter and happier.

July 2005
Ellie just adores her foster care Mom – and Mom feels the same about Ellie. There are several other dogs in the house, but Ellie knows she’s the favorite. If her foster care Mom is petting or playing with another pup, Ellie will find a way to steal the attention – either by bringing a toy over to play with or just by settling right into her foster care Mom’s lap. No matter what she does, Ellie will always have a place in her Mom’s heart. Thank you so much for giving Ellie and the other special needs animals a second chance at happier lives. Your generous support makes it all possible.

June 2005
Ellie had a great time visiting the Medical Center recently – running from person to person trying to get as many pats and ear rubs as possible. We couldn’t help but join her in her enthusiasm. We know there’s no telling how much time we have left with Ellie, but we’re thankful that she appears stable these days and seems to be enjoying every day given her to its fullest. It is your kindness that allows Ellie and the other special needs animals to live their lives in comfort. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

May 2005
Ellie will visit us again soon - it's purely a social visit, no exam is planned. We're trying to get Ellie used to coming to the Medical Center - she's usually very nervous and scared, which makes examining her difficult. We're hopeful that these friendly visits - complete with lots of pats and ear rubs - will lessen Ellie's fear of being here. So far it seems to be working - she appears more and more relaxed every time we see her. Thank you for opening your heart up to Ellie and the other special needs animals. Your generosity means so much to them.

April 2005
Ellie had a special visit recently from a wonderful young lady who generously donates her allowance to help sponsor Ellie. During a recent school break, the girl and Ellie got to spend some time getting to know each other – and Ellie was able to thank her young benefactor in person. We truly appreciate all our sponsors that care for our pets. But the children who choose to make a difference at such a young age truly warm our hearts and inspire the promise of the future. Thank you for helping Ellie and the other special needs animals. It takes all of our sponsors support and generosity to make the Sponsor program work.

March 2005
Ellie just loves playing in the snow and does not want to go inside. Her foster care Mom has to bribe her with treats to get her to come in from the cold. Hopefully the chilly weather will be over before Ellie gets wise to the whole dog biscuit scheme! After a long day of playing outside though, Ellie is quite content to settle into bed with her foster care Mom – under the covers, of course. We can’t thank you enough for your generosity and kindness. You are truly a lifesaver to Ellie and the other special needs animals.

February 2005
Ellie absolutely adores the snow - she pushes it around with her snout, just like a snowplow. Her foster care Mom likes to bundle Ellie up in a warm coat before venturing out, but Ellie doesn't care whether she wears the coat or not, she just wants to get out and romp and roll in the white stuff. As far as Ellie's concerned, there could never be enough snow - even though her short stature means her belly gets cold pretty quickly. Your steadfast love for Ellie and the other special needs animals means the world to them. It is because of your generosity that they can receive the love and care they deserve.


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