Sponsor a Dog: Stella

"Stella, Stella, Stella!" We love you! Stella joined the League's Sponsor Program in 2004. Stella is a mini-Pinscher mix who came to the League through our invaluable out-of-state rescue program. Initial examinations confirmed that Stella has severe developmental and orthopedic problems with her rear legs. Although she does not appear to be experiencing pain at this time, this deformity in her gait will most likely damage her joints in the future and the League is committed to monitoring her progress and performing life-saving surgery if required.

Regardless of Stella's limitations, her life is just as important to the League as any normal dog. With the help of generous Sponsors like you, Stella will always be able to receive the care she needs to keep her as comfortable and pain-free as possible.

Stella's Updates

3rd Quarter 2009
Our little Stella has been doing well in her loving foster home. However, her foster mom has noticed that from time to time one of her legs has been getting stiff. She usually takes Stella's little paw and massages it lightly until her leg relaxes. This little setback hasn't affected Stella's daily walks in the yard or playtime at all. But Stella will be coming in for a general check-up this month to make sure there aren't any serious problems and of course to visit some of the medical staff members that love her so much!

2nd Quarter 2009
Stella has been up to some new tricks according to her foster mom. While Stella is always a loveable and friendly pup who is pretty well-mannered, she has been digging into the laundry recently. Stella's foster mom found her grabbing socks from the laundry basket and tossing them around for some good old fashioned playtime. While her foster mom wasn't exactly pleased with chasing Stella around and folding up the laundry again, she can't seem to reprimand Stella who always has such a warm and endearing expression on her face; even when she's being mischievous! She's just happy that despite having a physical setback, Stella enjoys a great quality of life.

1st Quarter 2009
This past month Stella has not been getting along with one of the foster pets in her home. To ensure the safety of Stella, and all of the foster pets in her home, one of her foster siblings that has shown aggression towards her has returned to the Animal League. The Animal League will work hard to find her foster sibling a new home and Stella can now feel as safe as possible with her foster family. Stella recently came to the Animal League for a check-up and we are happy to report that she is doing great. She stayed for a few days after her check-up at the Animal League's medical center and the staff was happy to have her around; making sure to give her plenty of attention. Stella was a great visitor and gave out plenty of licks of appreciation!

4th Quarter 2008
Our little Stella has been a spitfire as usual. Her foster mom says that she is always happy and brightens her days with her energy and antics. To make Stella happy her foster mom caters to her in every way. She even pretends to be a waitress at a diner as she asks Stella what she wants to eat for her meal and then prepares Stella's "special order". Watching her foster mom walk around the kitchen as if she's carrying around a serving tray gets Stella excited. She runs over to her very own Barbie couch where she jumps up and wriggles around in anticipation. Stella's foster mom gets a little nervous when Stella gets so excited and jumps around due to her orthopedic problems, but Stella doesn't seem to have any discomfort.

3rd Quarter 2008
Stella continues to be a chirpy little girl. She sounds the alarm – her barking – sometimes as early as 4 am to wake up her foster mother. Stella simply loves to watch her feed the birds in the yard and the second her foster mom opens to screen door to go into the yard to do so, Stella makes a run for it. She gallops around in the grass for quite some time while the birds fill up on seed before she's ready to retreat back inside. Then she usually cuddles up next to her best friend Sasha for some extra zzz's.

2nd Quarter 2008
Stella's health has been maintained just splendidly and we are happy to report that Stella has been in good spirits. That's because another little lady has been introduced into her home and Stella now has a new friend to spend her days with. Sasha, another sponsor pet with special-needs, joined Stella's family this past month and they are like two peas in a pod.

1st Quarter 2008
Stella continues to be her playful self, dragging her favorite blanket around the house. We are happy to report that her health has been showing slight improvement. She eats plenty, loves to play with her foster brother Benji and enjoys her naps, especially when wearing her own nightgown that her foster mom gave to her to keep her warm in the winter months. With so many siblings running around - 12 in total – you'd think Nina might get lost. But this little lady makes sure to get her treat before bed, despite the hungry crowd around her.

4th Quarter 2007
Stella may be a small dog, but she has a big heart. She loves to snuggle and play and give plenty of kisses. Stella's foster mom does plenty of spoiling, but Stella never seems to take anything for granted. She seems grateful and appreciative of all that she has and enjoys life to the fullest. We are so thrilled to be able to give Stella the quality of life she deserves. Thank you for making that possible – and we know Stella thanks you too.

3rd Quarter 2007
Stella continues to live it up. A regular day for her includes sleeping in, romping in the garden, a cool refreshing drink alongside freshly prepared homemade snacks and meals and then tons of love on the couch!

2nd Quarter 2007
Stella loves to run and play and is not going to let her orthopedic problems stop her. She's managed a system where she runs for several feet and then stops for a little break, and then runs again. After a morning of vigorous activity, she likes to turn in for a little nap. The funny thing is that she likes to rest her head on empty boxes, even though her foster mom makes Stella her very own homemade pillows! Stella may need to start thinking out of the box!

1st Quarter 2007
Stella is an adorable little dog with a big sense of humor. Her foster mom tells us that Stella is so funny and seems to enjoy making her laugh. She excitedly jumps around and twirls when she's happy, never ceasing to amaze her foster mom. Even though they have their steady routines, there's always something new with Stella. Her foster mom couldn't love her any more and we couldn't be happier at this loving union. They definitely make a great team.

4th Quarter 2006
Stella recently came to the League's medical center for a routine check up. A mini Pinscher mix, her weight is closely monitored due to her hind leg problems. The heavier she becomes, the more her legs are strained. On a strict diet of dog food only (no "people food" treats!), Stella still has a weight problem … but thank goodness it's now under control. Upon further examination, it was determined that her hind leg issues have not changed since her last visit and that's always good news. She is one happy little dog!

3rd Quarter 2006
Pretty soon it will be Stella's anniversary since she was rescued. That's right, Stella came to us on November 5th, 2003 from our out-of-state rescue program. In these past few years she has had an opportunity to have a healthy, normal life thanks to the Sponsor program and the wonderful support from you. Her loving caregiver told us recently that Stella is doing just fine with her orthopedic problems. She still is a young dog though, and sometimes has to be 'reminded' to take it easy. She just has so much fun with her other canine siblings. Her new favorite treat has been bologna although, Miss Stella does have an ongoing weight problem, so her foster mom monitors how much she gets. Being overweight will make her orthopedic problems worse, and no one wants that. Thank you for your lifesaving funds for Stella and all the animals in the program. We couldn't do it without you.

2nd Quarter 2006
Stella is just the sweetest thing! She and her foster care brother, Benji came to the league recently with their foster care mom to have new pictures taken. Stella was a little bit nervous but really ended up hamming it up for the camera. She's so petite! She really enjoys being held which is nice, and much better for her since her back legs sometimes give her trouble due to her orthopedic problems. Her foster care mom says that Stella and Honey Bun, the three-legged dog in the house, are still the best of friends and love to play together in the yard. Her favorite spot to sleep is still under her comforter. When Stella's foster care mom takes a head count and finds Stella not among the rest, she can usually be found - a lump under the comforter snoozing away. What a life!

1st Quarter 2006
Stella has been doing wonderfully according to her foster care Mom. She's been running around with her ‘brothers' and ‘sisters' in the yard and has been able to keep up. Knowing her orthopedic limitations, her foster care Mom is right there to intervene if Stella's had enough. Her Mom also reported, quite happily I might add, that Stella is eating well and getting along with everyone. This sounds like one content little Mini Pin! For the holidays, Stella received a little doggy ‘hang out' house made out of fabric that she just loves. She brings all of her toys in there and sleeps in there as well!

December 2005
Stella had her foster care mother very concerned recently when she collapsed with no warning! Although she recovered quickly, Stella's foster care mom felt there were some convulsions although Stella never lost consciousness. This whole ordeal happened in an instant and Stella has been fine ever since. She has been being very closely monitored for any additional abnormal behavior. Our doctors assured her that this was probably not a seizure but will be conducting extensive follow up testing. We'll keep you updated on Stella's condition.

November 2005
There is nothing Stella would like more this Thanksgiving than her own drumstick. But alas, it will have to remain a dream -- Stella has gained a bit of weight, which is especially troublesome due to her compromised joints, so that means no table scraps for her. Besides, that drumstick would be almost as big as Stella! Of course, we know that won't stop Stella from begging anyway. Thank you for caring so much about Stella and the other special needs animals. Your love and support means that they can live out their days in comfort, safety, and health.

October 2005
Stella's got a good friend in her foster care home and the two of them pal around together nonstop. It seems logical that Stella, who has trouble getting around at times, would hook up with the three-legged dog – they don't have to work too hard to keep up with each other, and they both seem to know when it's time to take a break. They are a perfect match – you should see how cute they are together! Thank you for always being there for Stella and the other special needs animals. Your love and support is truly making a difference in their lives.

September 2005
Stella thinks she is the neighborhood watch dog – she'll bark at anyone or anything that goes by her foster care home. She especially likes howling at dogs that are much larger than she is – to see such a little bit of a thing barking away at a large German Shepherd is really quite humorous! The more Stella yaps, the better she feels – if she's quiet, it means she's feeling stiff that day and can't be bothered with her watchdog duties. Your continued support of the Sponsor program means the world to Stella and the other special needs animals. It is because of your generosity that they are all getting the love and care they deserve.

August 2005
Last we saw Stella, she had gained a few pounds – too much for such a petite dog. And as you may recall, it's also very important that Stella stay nice and trim since excess weight could put added strain on her compromised joints. During a recent visit though, we were delighted to see that Stella had slimmed down significantly. Not only did she look wonderful, but she also had more bounce in her step than before. She's always had a lot of energy – there's no stopping her now! Thank you for caring so much about Stella and the other special needs animals. Your kindness allows them to live their days in comfort.

June 2005
Stella's foster care parents went on a short trip recently, so Stella and the other foster care animals in her home stayed here with us at the Medical Center. We gave them lots of love and attention – so much so you could say that we spoiled them rotten! Stella can be shy around strangers at the Medical Center, but having her housemates nearby certainly seemed to make her feel more comfortable. Stella and the other special needs animals have all come from difficult beginnings. But with your kindness and generosity, they are all getting a second chance at happiness. Thank you so much.

May 2005
Despite Stella's joint difficulties, she's quite the runner. She sprints out her front door and covers the length of her yard in about four steps. It's almost as though she's flying! Stella's foster care Mom gets nervous when she sees Stella cruising at top speed on those spindly little legs, and does her best to settle Stella down. Eventually Stella does slow down, but not before she's done the equivalent of a doggy marathon. Thank you for providing us with the resources necessary to care for Stella and the other special needs animals.

April 2005
Stella's got a new place to call her own –a soft and cushioned cathouse that she fits in perfectly. Stella likes it so much, that she hardly goes anywhere else. When her foster care Mom goes to look for Stella, she goes straight to the cathouse. There she usually finds Stella's dainty little paws – crossed at the ankles – peeking out the front door. What a proper lady! Thank you for caring so much about Stella and the other special needs animals. Your support has given them a new leash on life.

March 2005
Stella's nails grow really fast. Her foster care Mom clips them and just a few weeks later Stella will be clicking them on the floor as she walks. Luckily Stella loves the extra attention she gets during clipping time from her foster care Mom, so she sits very still and is very well behaved. (I think we all know dogs that require two or more people to hold them still to get their nails cut, so Stella's cooperativeness is truly remarkable!) Thank you for opening your heart up to Stella and the other special needs animals. Your kindness means a second chance for them to be happy, healthy, and loved.

February 2005
To see Stella run, you might not guess she has such serious joint problems. But she refuses to let it slow her down and does her best to keep up with her canine housemates as they play outside. Of course, her foster care Mom keeps a close eye on her - she's worried that Stella will trip herself up on those fast legs. Sometimes Mom will try and slow her down, but to no avail. Stella loves speed! Before long though - and before anyone gets hurt - her foster care Mom will herd Stella and the other dogs back inside for a snack and a rest. Thank you so much for always being there for Stella and the other special needs animals. Your support makes a huge difference in the quality of their lives.

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