Elba *Forever in Foster Care*

Forever in Foster due to Medical ELBA UPDATE - July 2023 We have some news about our dear Elba. After several weeks of physiotherapy we did not see the improvement our vet had hoped. We were referred to an orthopaedic surgeon who recommended that Elba have an MRI. The scan shows that Elba has a tumour growing inside his spinal column. Due to the location it is too dangerous to remove. We are all devastated by this news. Elba will remain under the care of the orthopaedic surgeon and we will be sure he gets all treatment required. His foster mom loves him dearly and has committed to doing all she can to keep him comfortable and happy. We will provide everything she requires to help Elba. ELBA UPDATE - JAN 2023 Elba will be starting physiotherapy sessions in February. We hope to know more once the physiotherapy starts. We will update his bio once we have more info. DECEMBER 19TH, 2022 ELBA IS "ON HOLD" FOR MEDICAL REASONS We have recently noticed that Elba’s back right leg is bothering him. We have had xrays done but unfortunately they did not give us a clear picture of what is wrong. The vet has recommended that Elba take anti inflammatory meds until the end of December and then we will have a recheck. We hope to get a better understanding of the issue at that time. WE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTING ANY APPLICATIONS FOR ELBA UNTIL WE KNOW MORE ABOUT THE ISSUE WITH HIS BACK LEG. Elba would love to be settled into his forever home for the holidays. His foster mom shares the following update - he’s such a wonderful dog! Elba has really settled in to downtown Toronto life. He is such a sweet, calm, good-natured and obedient pup, looking to please. He is completely unfazed by city noises and sites, and loves exploring. He continues to make friends with every human he meets, and it is very difficult for anyone to avoid falling in love with him! After an adjustment period of getting used to all of the dogs on the streets of downtown, Elba has grown to be much more comfortable walking by dogs of all types on the street, and has even made a few more canine friends. Elba continues to behave very well at home, and has a very quiet and calm demeanour, making it a breeze to have him in a condo. In the nearly two months he has stayed with me, I have never heard him bark inside once. He has also adjusted well to a new hybrid work arrangement where he has been left home alone for several hours at a time a couple of days a week. Elba also responds very well to positive feedback and praise. Although he does like certain treats, he is not particularly food motivated. Positive reinforcement works very well with him, and he loves pets, hugs and cuddles at all times. Touch is definitely his love language. Immediately upon meeting you, he will likely nuzzle his head into your legs. He has a lot of love to give. He loves his walks around the city. While he is very excited to get out and about, the treatment for his heart worm can limit the degree to which he can do extensive activity for prolonged periods. Most recently, Elba’s back right leg has been causing him some pain. After a long walk he has a slight limp. We are waiting to hear back from the vet about some recent xrays. He is now taking a daily pain medication while we wait about next steps. However, he loves leisurely strolls and low- to medium-intensity walks. He does have a lot of energy when he goes out initially, and still loves sniffing around, and occasionally trying to chase squirrels. He has learned over time not to pull on his leash, although there is still some room for improvement. Overall, he is a very good boy on walks, and has been learning quickly. Elba will have a follow-up test in March 2023 to confirm he is heart worm negative. ______________ Elba is a dear black lab who is new to our rescue. He came to us from the wonderful rescue group in Manitoba called K9 Advocates (https://www.k9advocatesmanitoba.com). He is now in our care and is making a good transition to his foster home here in Toronto. It has been a big transition for Elba coming from rural Manitoba to the busy, noisy city. Despite the huge change Elba has adjusted well. He is a good natured dog who takes things in stride and is a very fast learner. Elba is 3 years old and weighs about 60 pounds. Elba is very friendly and affectionate with everyone he meets. He often acquires many admirers, as he likes to say hi to anyone who gives him attention. He loves to go for walks and is good on leash. He can be slightly fearful of certain dogs walking by - mainly large male dogs that come at him quickly - but he listens to his foster mom and she is seeing daily gains as he becomes more confident and comfortable. Squirrels are fascinating to him (like with many dogs!) and he will sometimes pull and try and chase after them. He also has a small fear of manhole covers but is learning that they are not a threat. He is the only dog in his foster home but he has met another a couple of other dogs and after a slow and careful introduction they were fast friends and enjoyed a good play session. We feel with proper introductions he would likely be ok with another friendly dog. We do not know about cats. Elba is housetrained and well mannered in the house. He is a quiet and calm dog at home, and is not bothered by newcomers or delivery people. He is a smart dog who responds well to praise, and loves to cuddle. He knows basic commands like sit, lay down, stay and come. He sleeps through the night in his crate. He also does not have separation anxiety, and has done well when left alone for a few hours at a time. His foster mom is currently working from home so he has not been left alone for a full work day. When he was rescued in Manitoba they discovered he was positive for heart worm. He has had his heart worm treatment and is in the recovery stage. We will share more information about next steps with potential adopters. Please see the adoption information and application on our website (www.adoptadogsavealife.com). Our adoption process includes an online application, a telephone interview, a virtual home visit and a meeting with the dog. An adoption fee of $450.00 applies. Elba is in a foster home in Toronto.