Eleanor, Ella for short, is a small fluffy white dog. Her foster thinks that this mystery lady is a Maltese/Yorkie mix She's estimated to be 10-12 years old and is 5.5 pounds and gaining (yay!). She's spayed, heartworm negative, and up to date on vaccines and preventatives.

Ella was transferred to us in January in a terrible state. She was malnourished and weighed just over 4 lbs, given her frame she should be at least 6.5+ lbs. She came in with several medical conditions, most of which have resolved with appropriate nutrition and care. She unfortunately has some permanent renal damage, which is managed with a supplement and prescription diet. We’re not sure what happened in her previous life, while we believe she was bred, it’s clear from her demeanor that she was a cherished pet at some point.

Ella loves to eat and we adore a senior with a good appetite! She does best eating 3-4 small meals daily, which is easier on her renal system. She's tried three prescription renal foods and has decided that the Hill’s K/D is her favorite, especially the soft baked treats! Her appetite is helping her gain weight.

Ella adores walks and we love an active senior! She doesn't walk fast and she has a back end wobble, but she'll go far and then further than you thought possible. Her foster uses a GingerLead, to assist her back legs as needed, and brings a stroller for back up. While Ella benefits from stroller breaks, her breaks aren't long and she firmly informs you when she’s ready to stretch her legs again. When Ella isn't sidewalk strolling, she enjoys wandering the yard, though she’s prone to circling in a fenced area.

Ella was house and potty trained, she prefers to potty outside on walks or in the yard. Due to her renal issue, she uses potty pads as a backup. She does her best to signal you and will hold her potty for as long as possible, she much prefers to do her business outside. Her ideal home is with someone who’s around frequently for meals and potty breaks. Plus sunshine naps, short walks, and snuggles.

Darling Ella is ambivalent to other dogs and animals that she’s come across. Due to cataracts she doesn't see well. She tends to keep her head down while walking, which makes her prone to running into things. She hears well, especially in the higher ranges, but occasionally practices selective hearing.

Ella adores her foster mom but she’s definitely a bit of a daddy’s girl. She likes to be held and cuddled for short amounts of time, she'll snuggle longer if you have a treat for her. She occasionally gives sweet kisses and face sniffs. She especially enjoys lap naps on the porch or in the yard. She'll happily snooze in the sunshine tucked against your chest.

Ella has come a long way and is ready for adoption! Her ideal home has someone who’s around frequently or even most of the day. She’d do best with adopters who want to join her daily walks. She doesn't need a fenced yard, though it makes night time potty breaks easier. She needs an adult only home, though she’s fine with respectful kids visiting. She needs adopters who understand that she must remain on her prescription diet. Renal conditions rarely resolve, with that in mind, we consider Ella “pre-hospice." Due to her meal schedule and bathroom frequency, she's a senior sweetheart with above average needs.