My name is Russell!   Unfortunately I didn’t bring a suitcase when I got sprung from the rural Missouri shelter.  I was picked as a stray and landed myself in doggie jail with no identification on me!  I’ve lived a pretty tough life, and have some medical issues to prove it. The vet seems to think I’m between 10-14 years old.  I have the softest, rust colored Retriever coat if I say so myself!  My foster momma can’t keep her hands off me!   Unfortunately, most of my teeth are gone and the ones remaining are ground down to my gums.  That don’t stop me from eating like a growing teenager!   While at the vet, some of my lab work came back not so great.  I tested positive for heartworms.  That is a huge concern, with my age and all.  My foster mom talked about this concern with the vet and some of her friends, they think it’s best for me to go on heartworm prevention and do a slow kill method, something about heartworm treatment could possibly end my life.  I think that was the best decision!   I also have to take a little pill every morning for my hypothyroidism.   I have only been taking it for two weeks and will return to get my levels checked in about two more weeks to ensure I’m on the best dosage for me.  We are hoping that with the correct dosage, the pressure in my right eye will decrease.  It doesn’t really bother me and I can see just fine.  My foster mom hopes it will help with my thirst!  I’m always thirsty!!  I try to tell her, the more you drink the more you have to pee!  She thinks going outside every two hours is a bit much, but when you gotta go, you gotta go!   I’m a pretty calm guy that likes to spend my day laying on the deck enjoying some fresh air!  They say now I deserve to enjoy my golden years!

If you are interested in meeting Russell, complete the Adoption Application on our website at www.NeedyPaws.org and we will contact you. Adopters must live within an hour’s drive of St. Louis, MO.

Russell ’s adoption fee is $125.00, which includes up-to-date vaccinations, heartworm testing and preventative, spay/neuter and microchip.

We are a 100% foster-based rescue and all of our dogs live in approved foster homes. We are dedicated to finding the best Forever Homes, and will perform home visits and conduct veterinarian and reference checks for each potential adopter.