Cris' Animal Friends Critter of the Week for February 17th:

Charlene

10 Years Old

Charlene was adopted from Animal Friends many years ago as a healthy young dog. She developed insulin dependent diabetes earlier this year. Her adopter was caring for her until recently, when events in his own life caused him to no longer be able to care for his beloved companion, and she was returned to us. We have been caring for Char here in the shelter and she has been an excellent resident and patient. She is ready to find her forever home with someone who understands her special needs.

Char is ten, but she has aged so well. She has matured into a lovely dog who still has plenty of energy for walks and play time, yet is happy to relax and lounge around with you in your down time. Char did not live with other animals in her previous home, but she has done well when meeting other dogs here in the shelter. We do not know how she is with cats. If you have a kitty companion, please ask to have Char "cat tested."

Char's condition does require that she eat a special food, and take injections daily. The medical staff at Animal Friends would be happy to provide training on how to give insulin if you'd be willing to learn. Insulin is one of the few medications where timing matters, so Char's forever home would need to be able to ensure that someone would be available for her every 12 hours. As with any animal with special medical needs, vet visits happen more often and Char's new family should be willing to take on this added responsibility. Char needs to go to a low stress home because, much like humans with diabetes, her immune system is not as strong, potentially making her more prone to infections. As wonderful as Animal Friends is, we all know that the shelter life isn't as easy as a home life.

Char is sure to win you over with her soft brown fur and affectionate, loving personality. Once you've fallen in love with her (and we're sure you will!), it's easy to set up a meeting with a member of the Animal Friends medical team to go over the details of her care. If you have the type of home that would work for Char, please stop in to meet her!