Historic preservation!

Sanctuary conserves loving bond of senior dog & his 91 year old owner

It is not always obvious that animal sanctuaries can help people as often as the animals we care for and shelter. As a care for life sanctuary, our animals are home for life, and this consistency and stability also provides peace of mind and reassurance to former owners who know where their beloved family members are. Many times, these individuals have been forced by circumstance to surrender their dogs and cats- situations like money issues, failing health, death of a spouse, a move to a safer setting where the pet may not be able to join them- all are circumstances that may result in a pet owner having to surrender a beloved pet. In such situations, sanctuaries can play a unique and vital role in helping to preserve the animal-human bond, even when a dog or cat can no longer stay in their home.
Since 1997, when Home for Life was founded, we have cared for retired police K9s, retired seeing eye dogs, and the much loved pets of people struggling with serious health challenges, or compelled moves to assisted living facilities or nursing homes. In all these situations, Home for Life has been able to provide the bridge, an ongoing link that has preserved the connection and relationship between these beloved working animals and pets and their guardians who have the opportunity to visit regularly and therefore preserve this precious bond. Care for life sanctuaries are in a unique position- like none other in animal welfare- to maintain the bonds between animals and their owners. Sanctuary saves lives, not only of the animals we help, but also for the people who love them, #sanctuarysaveslives.
Read the story below of Tupper, a 13 year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who found a new home at our sanctuary, allowing him to maintain his treasured relationship with his longtime owner, Rich, age 91. Also featured is the story of Cedric, a smooth coat Collie, who came to Home for Life after his owner was diagnosed with cancer. Not only were his owners able to visit Cedric at Home for Life but they had much joy in Cedric's renaissance as a therapy dog visiting children struggling with serious and chronic illnesses and receiving treatment at Masonic Children's Hospital, at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
There's a new face at Home for Life, and what a face!
Tupper is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who came to Home For Life at 12 years of age. He joined our sanctuary community last July, when his 91 year old owner, Rich, had to enter assisted living. The separation was tough for both Rich and Tupper. Tupper had been a beloved companion to both Rich and his wife from early puppyhood, and he had become Rich's best friend—The two guys kept each other company during the difficult time after Rich’s wife passed away; they took comfort in the daily routine of walks, meals, and quiet hours together, reading and watching TV. Tupper was very attached to Rich. As aa shy dog, unaccustomed to meeting new people at his home, much less going to new places, he would run and hide whenever Rich's adult children came to visit their dad. He had lived a somewhat isolated canine life, first as an only dog, with Rich and his wife, then as a sole companion to Rich. Over the years, Tupper developed into an eccentric, but endearing curmudgeon, set in his familiar ways.
Life shifts for Rich.... and Tupper.
When Rich reached 90 years of age, his family made the difficult decision to move him to assisted living where he could have steady care and attention. Though necessary, the transition was painful and difficult for Rich. All the more so because of the uncertainty about Tupper’s future. Rich's family tried their best, but they were unable to find a place for Rich that would accept dogs-. They were forced to separate Rich from his dog, but they hoped at least they could save Tupper's life. Again, despite every effort, Rich's family struck out—no shelter or foster organizations were willing to take Tupper. The reason? At age 12, his prospects for ever finding a new home were slim. The many shelters and rescues Rich’s family contacted said they didn’t think they could find anyone interested in adopting Tupper. The sad reality was that Tupper was not very desirable, and these organizations were hesitant to open their doors to him..
Our society views companion animals almost like standard consumer goods. Different styles of dogs go in and out of fashion, and the market responds. Shelters and rescues were created to find new homes for animals, and they are unavoidably pressed into market considerations when they screen an animal. It’s no surprise that they are more willing to make room for an animal they can quickly re-home than for one who might be trickier to adopt. But where does that leave dogs and cats like Tupper, who may be old, shy, and set in their ways? If the prospects are dim for adopting them out, then rescues and shelters will never be a lifesaving option for them.
After 12 years as the beloved pet of a single owner, Tupper was facing a cold world, with nowhere to turn.....
Rich was facing the heartbreak of leaving house, and also losing the one constant link he had left to that home.
Everything Old is New Again.....

With the date fast approaching when Rich would move to assisted living, his family learned about Home for Life. Rich’s daughter contacted us in the Spring of 2015. At first, we referred her back to rescue and shelters, assuming that, as a purebred Cavalier, Tupper might be adoptable. But the family had struck already been turned away by these and other organizations. Rich and Tupper had nowhere else to turn.
Tupper's story illustrates that saving the lives of millions of homeless animals requires a multi-faceted approach. Long term strategies such as spaying and neutering will reduce the numbers of animals needing homes. Aggressive adoption efforts showcasing and publicizing pets (even ones that in the past might have been challenging to place) will find homes for those animals who can adjust to a new home.
Despite these strategies, there will always be animals- like Tupper- whose age and temperament make them poor candidates for adoption. There will be dogs and cats whose spirits have been broken after several adoptions and rejections…until they are unable to bond with a new human family. How can those of us working to improve animal welfare ever hope to end the horrors and waste of euthanasia without a safe landing place for dogs and cats like Tupper? Market forces measure an animal’s value for the sake of adoption, but we must measure the value of the animal’s life for its own sake.
Home for Life was created to serve as a permanent home to animals like Tupper. Most organizations work with animals who can succeed in the homes of people adopting them. Adopters decide whether those relationships are successful or not. Home For Life operates outside the adoption market. We provide another chance—the "door number three"—for animals who are passed by for adoption but who can still live a quality life. Our only measure of success is the animal’s health and happiness.
This "Third Door®" long-term animal sanctuary is an innovative and compassionate option where animals benefit from the company of a canine or feline family, and of our devoted full time staff. They enjoy fresh air, exercise, group play time, and regular grooming. They receive first rate medical attention in a stable, loving, and safe environment.
Tupper's family wanted to have him come to Home for Life is so Rich would be able to visit him once he has settled into the assisted living facility. His children pledged to bring him out for frequent visits to spend time with his beloved dog which would ease the transition and lift everyone's spirits. Both Tupper and Rich could look to the future with hope and confidence because their bond would be honored and protected by Rich's family and by Home for Life.
Home is Where the Heart Is
In the early summer of 2015, Rich moved into his new home at the assisted living facility in Andover, MN a suburb of Minneapolis, and Tupper came to Home For Life. Since coming to the sanctuary, Tupper has been diagnosed with the beginning stages of Cushings Disease and dry eye but otherwise is doing great for a dog of nearly 13 years! Although it was a very sad parting for the two friends, everyone was cheered by the fact that Rich and Tupper can still visit one another, and that Rich and his family know where Tupper is and can to follow his transition and progress in his new home at the sanctuary.

It has turned out to be easier on everyone for Tupper to visit Rich at his new place at the assisted living facility, saving his kids and him such a long trek to Star Prairie WI, where Home For Life Animal Sanctuary is located. Thanks to HFL volunteer Cheryl, we have managed to get Tupper over to visit Rich about every 3-4 weeks. The connection that Rich and Tupper share has maintained. It was that bond that represented home for Rich, and it has meant all the difference that Tupper is still a part of his life. Tupper will always be a part of his life and his heart.
Aged to perfection
Having Rich, his best friend and longtime owner still a part of his life, has given Tupper the stability and confidence to embrace the transition to Home for Life.
Home for Life has given Tupper a new home with new experiences: for the first time in his life he has dog friends, and even some friends who are cats! Tupper previously lived alone as an only dog, and although he loved Rich, Tupper was often lonely. His new friends keep him young and active, and keep his mind stimulated. At our 2015 Fall Gala, Tupper took part in Home Life's annual dog parade…with Rich! Car rides and grooming sessions are also part of his regular routine, as well as going outside for walks—Tupper loves to play outside in all seasons.
Tupper's story illustrates that sanctuaries have an important role to play in preserving the human-animal bond, even when difficult circumstances make it impossible for a pet to stay in their adoptive home. Tupper's regular visits with Rich have helped them both transition to a new phase of their lives with honor and grace.
The heartwarming story of Tupper and Rich epitomizes the power of animal sanctuaries and what they can do to help people and pets!
P.S. Watch this short video about another senior Home for Life dog whose move to our sanctuary helped him preserve his relationship with his family. Cedric, a Smooth Coat Collie, lost his home after his owner developed cancer and had to move. Luckily, his move to Home For Life meant that he would not lose contact with his family. They visit him regularly, and are happy to see the direction Cedric’s life has taken. The good-natured collie took on a new role at Home For Life as a therapy dog, visiting hospitalized kids at Masonic Children's Hospital: 

Old Animals find their Senior Years are Golden at Home for Life Sanctuary

One group of animals Home for Life often helps is old animals, defined as those cats or dog over age 8. We have many older animals at Home for Life, and they hold a special place in our hearts. Like people, nature designed cats and dogs to do most of their living after they have reached maturity, at about age 1 year. And like people, adult animals continue to learn and develop through their entire lives, which can last more than 20 years for cats and 15 or 16 for dogs

If you have cared for a cat or dog through its entire life, you will know how your pet worked to tailor itself to your personality and habits. Like a perfect spouse or long time friend, your pet learned to read the subtlest cues from you and adjusted accordingly. If you think about it, you will realize what a huge investment your pet has put into its relationship with you. You will also understand what a profound loss it is for an older animal to lose its home.

Age 8 is really middle age for an animal, who will still have half their life or more to live after that benchmark. But many shelters and rescues won’t accept a surrendered animal over age 8 or even age 6;they know that animal will be perceived as “old” by the prospective pet owner looking to adopt and will be difficult if not impossible to place in a new home. For an animal who is older and now surrendered to a rescue or shelter, there is the compounded trauma of losing their home and then realizing they are unwanted and likely not to get a second chance.

Just like human beings, animals are designed to do most of their living as adults, which for a dog or cat is over age 1. But just like elderly people, mature animals, those middle aged or over, are overlooked in our youth obsessed culture. We love the young and beautiful,and this prejudice extends to animals: most individuals who want to adopt an animal will gravitate to a kitten or puppy. Moreover, prospective pet owners will get what they want, and what they want is for their new dog or cat to be theirs: the assumption is that they can mold and imprint a young animal more easily, and not have to deal with “issues”created by a prior owner. Be they predilections of behavior or medical problems and associated expense, older animals are never going to be the blank slate like a puppy or kitten. What’s more, those individuals contemplating pet ownership don’t want to take on an animal who might have a shortened lifespan –they project the expense, the loss and heartbreak that will occur if an older animal gets sick and dies, and perhaps they want to put off the inevitable as long as possible. Why sign on for this reminder of mortality any sooner than necessary? When a puppy or kitten is so young and full of life it's easy to forget that they don’t live forever and that we won’t either.

The supply of older animals seems always to exceed the demand of prospective pet owners, no matter how the senior dogs and cats may be showcased and marketed by rescues.[1] There are several adoption groups that focus on the senior animal, but as Home for Life responds to the many emails and calls for help each day on behalf of old cats and dogs , it’s clear to us that there will always be more older animals than welcoming homes or even rescues for them, and that animal welfare cannot adopt their way out of the problem of the middle aged and senior animals who are unwanted . Restricting the numbers of puppies and kittens available though spaying and neutering so that the only choice is an older animal for the person who wants a pet and visits a shelter or rescue won’t work as long as animal welfare models themselves on the retail, consumer economy. If people cannot find the pet they want at a shelter or rescue they just go look somewhere else- a pet store, on line, a neighbor, Craig’s List or the want ads These prospective pet owners will not be looking for a senior animal.

Demonizing prospective pet owners who want what they want or shaming them into adopting an animal they don’t really want will not solve the problem of the many middle aged and older animals who have lost their homes.

One idea Home for Life has is to reframe the problem. As the New York Times columnist David Brooks once wrote(in a column completely unrelated to animals or rescue), “description is prescription: if you can get people to see the world as you do, you have unwittingly framed every subsequent choice”. Home for Life uses media like our newsletters and website featuring the beautiful photos taken by volunteer professional photographers to encourage people to see animals typically overlooked or dismissed as instead, amazing individual spirits with attributes that are different but just as appealing as those of a young animal. We have used this strategy to transform the way people regard leukemia positive and FIV+ cats. So, rather than allowing people to view an older animal as pathetic, used up,problem-laden and pitiful, we challenge the commonly accepted view of the senior animal, not in a didactic or confrontational way but by encouraging people to come to their own conclusion that old animals are still worthy of life and have much to offer.

With the help of the artistry of our volunteer photographers who take the photos we feature in our newsletters and on our website, we encourage people to see the animals of HFL including our old animals, with new eyes: after viewing just some of the photos of our animals on our website or in our newsletters, try these adjectives on for size for a new perspective about old animals : noble, spirited, wise, kind, resilient, survivors.

Molly, who came to Home for Life this spring, was described as a bichon frise but looks to likely be a toy poodle mix. Her family adopted her at age 8 weeks and surrendered her to Home for Life when she was age 11.The parents had divorced, and the mother with her children had to move to an apartment where Molly could not join them. They had no additional money to secure a rental that would accept pets or to pay the pet damage deposit. They were heartbroken to give up their beloved dog after 11 years. They wanted a no kill shelter for Molly but no shelter or rescue would accept her because of her age and because Molly was a diabetic and nearly blind. The family had only a $100 donation to give at the time Molly was surrendered to Home for Life. It turned out to be a fortunate turn of events that she came to HFL as the family enjoys being able to keep in touch with Molly through emails and photos even if they cannot keep her in their home.

Sometimes and especially in this economy, animals lose their home through no fault of the prior owner. There are bankruptcies, foreclosures, job losses and catastrophic injuries or illnesses, and though the loving owner may wish they could keep their pet, they just cannot. If a friend or relative can’t take the pet, and the pet cannot be adopted out to rescue, then what? In these situations, it is a comfort for that owner to know the animal (maybe a senior or with special needs) is at Home for Life. They know where their beloved dog or cat is, and they can visit the animal at the sanctuary and also keep in touch via email and even receive photos. As you might suspect, many of these individuals cannot afford to sponsor their former pet, but one thing Home for Life can do for them is give them peace of mind about their pet by keeping in touch with photos and emails, and welcoming them for visits. It's for the dogs and cats like Molly, and for their families that we work so hard at fundraising with our newsletters, mailers and events.
Although Molly was always an only dog she has enjoyed becoming friends with the other Home for Life senior small dogs like Marco and Hawk. They have accepted her into their pack. Her life at the sanctuary is nothing like the years she had with her family as an only pet but just as fulfilling as she enjoys new found canine companionship, the freedom to go outside when she wants, a luxury she did not have in her old home, plenty of daily activity and superior food, vet care and grooming. The stimulation of the daily activity, exercise, and companionship from humans, dogs and cat friends(she resides in our feline leukemia cattery!) and many new experiences have kept Molly young at heart. Her life is much different than when with her prior family but the essential qualities that create a quality home for any animal are present at the sanctuary: loving care, a place to belong, companionship, safety and security.

Dorabella was named for one of the sisters in the Mozart opera “Cosi Fan Tutti” which was playing at the Minnesota Opera at the time she was abandoned at Minneapolis Animal Control. She is in her in teens and was the beloved pet of an elderly woman who passed away. No one in the woman’s family wanted the cat, and a relative brought her to Animal Control. If they knew her name they did not disclose it to the animal control officer on the paperwork or at the time of the cat's surrender. Maybe in the chaos after the death they just could not handle one more thing (the cat) or maybe they didn’t want a reminder of their departed mother, grandma, sister, aunt, so gave up the cat and didn’t look back. If it had been I, I would have treasured the opportunity to care for this last living link to my relative, her cherished pet.

Several rescues help the animals at Minneapolis Animal Control and use foster homes to try to save as many unwanted cats as possible , with the goal of adopting them out. The rescue who contacted Home for Life about Dora –who had at that point had no name- reported that she had been passed over by the rescues who knew they would not be able to adopt her out due to her age. She would tie up a place in their foster network which they needed to turn over via adoption to make room for the next rescue. Still the rescue representative felt sorry for the old cat left alone in a cage to be euthanized after the required holding period of just a few days, and she sent an email to HFL asking for help on behalf of Dora . Thinking of her owner, imagining the heartbreak if she knew her cat was left to face her lonely fate, we just couldn’t let Dora spend her last days in a cage, alone, waiting to be killed.

The cat, a spayed female was frail physically but exhibited a radiant spirit from day one. Her strong personality called for a spectacular new name which would do justice to her flashy good looks and will to live despite what must have been a terrible loss for her and then the close call at Animal Control. Dorabella is a hearty eater for a little old lady, and is also very affectionate. She is not shy about asking for extra food despite having constant access to dry food and canned food meals twice a day. She is struggling a bit with early stage kidney failure and mild anemia, conditions which are not uncommon in older cats. She doesn’t have many teeth, suggesting her owner had a vet do a dental at some point in her life. She takes vitamin/ mineral supplements to boost her red blood cell count, and regular fluid therapy helps her maintain hydration so that she can thrive despite the kidney issues.

A common question often asked of Home for Life is whether it's too jarring for an old animal to transition to a sanctuary like Home for Life after they have lived in a home and even as an only pet. Here is what is unsaid in that question: Maybe it is better if they be euthanized rather than have to adjust after years in their former home. Maybe that animal is better off dead. Usually the person offering this opinion is not old themselves. Maybe they would have a different outlook if they were a senior citizen and facing a move from their longtime residence to assisted living. I doubt they would rather die than give life a chance in a new setting. They might feel that they wanted to enjoy every day they could even if they were 75 years old and had only comparatively few years more to live. Animals are not so much different.

Home for Life believes a place can be created for animals that may be overlooked for adoption but who still can live a quality life and that these animals include the senior pet. Assuming these animals not easily adopted would be better off dead just projects our assumptions on them and reflects a reality that there are not many takers in the retail environment of animal welfare for the oldsters. But sometimes people don’t know what they want, and they have to be shown. Home for Life will continue to challenge the assumption that old animals are better off dead because they cannot be adopted. Dora is in her teens and after that many years in a home,she must miss her former owner. But even older animals have the capacity to hope for better days ahead. One inspiring quality exhibited by older animals is their ability to live in the present to make the best of all that is good in their lives. If they can enjoy any aspect of their life, those qualities are what they focus on. Dora’s positive outlook allows her to appreciate the people who made sure she got out of animal control safely and the loving care and attention she receives now at Home for Life. If she may not be a prime candidate for adoption, it doesn’t necessarily follow that she was ready to die. Animal welfare needs to create safe harbors for senior pets which offer quality and loving care for those cats and dogs( and other animals too!) who want to live and can live even if the next phase of their life cannot be in an adoptive home. These older animals can be beacons to us humans who may despair that there is nothing left to live for after youth is gone. Our senior animals know that each phase of life is precious and that a home can be defined in many ways.

Cedric, age 13

Cedric out on a therapy visit at Amplatz Children's Hospital in Minneapolis, MN with HFL vounteer Janet Sontsegaard

Channing is age now 12/1/2 and was surrendered by her second owner who lost her home after her husband died. Channing has sepration anxiety, and her former owner, a HFL supporter, did not want her to land in a shelter or rescue where she might get passed around from home to home

---

[1] Total dog intake at shelters is still right about where it was 10 years ago, total dog killing is only marginally down, adoptions are actually way lower than 10 & 20 years ago, despite all the effort put into rehoming older dogs, & a far higher percentage of dog intake are dogs who flunk behavioral screening. So we have a numbers crunch: four million dogs per year entering shelters, two million finding homes, & two million problem cases. Total kennel space for dogs in all U.S. shelters combined comes to room enough to house about 150,000 dogs on any given day. Shelterless rescues, sanctuaries, & fostering situations house about as many more. Daily shelter intake of dogs, nationwide, is about 5,500 per day, with the live exit rate only half that number. Another way to put that is, if every shelter in the country was empty as of this moment, they'd all be full in two months. Shelterless rescues, sanctuaries,& fostering situations, if all empty, could accommodate the overflow or about two more months. Then we're stuck.

Cut total dog intake in half, & double the dog holding capacity, & we're quite close to no-kill. Until the intake is down by half, though, neither shelters nor sanctuaries nor shelterless rescues nor fostering can absorb the present surplus. Right now the humane community is pretending that we can adopt our way out of the situation, but that approach won't work because even if we double the adoption share of dog acquisition, which is highly unlikely, we're still about 20% short of rehoming every dog. Merritt Clifton, Animal People Magazine ED.NOTE: it can be assumed the situation for elderly cats is even worse

A Tale of Two Cedrics: Namesakes at Home for Life Sanctuary: Part Two

Our Memorial Garden event was last Saturday. It is the annual event where we remember the animals of Home for Life who have passed away the previous year. The daily work to care for our nearly 300 animals is so consuming and requires so much focus and hard work that of sheer necessity it must be “business as usual” despite having a dog or cat pass away. We have to carry on even if the loss of the individual animal affects us deeply. Life does go on but the need to grieve is not diminished. To have a special and sacred time dedicated to remembering and mourning our animals is the reason we created our Memorial Garden event. The event is always held in conjunction with our open house where we welcome the public to visit Home for Life; however the day is really for me and our staff to remember our animals that have died. The rituals and more information about the garden and annual event can be found on our website http://www.homeforlife.org/facility_garden.htm

Throughout the year, we have other ways to remember our animals who have passed away and to keep their memories close to us. One simple thing we do is to pass down the dog’s collars. I have a little hobby of outfitting our dogs in beautiful collars, many of which are donated, adorned with name tags to protect our dogs if they ever become lost. Dogs appreciate and understand the gesture of being recognized and cherished through receiving their very own collar to wear and it becomes something that is uniquely identified with them.

Cedric, the smooth coat collie pictured here inherited the tartan plaid collar of Home for Life’s late, great Robin, a beautiful tri-colored rough coat collie who died at a young age. Robin had been surrendered to Home for Life by Collie Rescue and had had many auto immune disorders. However, none of his health problems prevented him from completing the Renaissance program and becoming a therapy dog. Robin died when not even five years old. Cedric is age 11, but reminded me of Robin in his noble yet gentle demeanor. As Robin was, Cedric will soon be involved in our Pet Peace Corps programs as a therapy dog working with our volunteer in the Sit*Stay*Heal program with oncology and critical care patients at Fairview University Hospitals in Minneapolis. Cedric came to Home for Life because his owner developed cancer and did not feel he could take care of him anymore. The owner is receiving treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. So, Cedric’s work with oncology patients will have special significance. He just completed all his required testing and supervised visits with the Home for Life volunteer who will be working with him and will be certified as a therapy dog before month’s end. Cedric had always been a well behaved dog in his old home (Home for Life is his third placement) but had no specific training for therapy work before coming to the sanctuary. You really can teach an old dog new tricks! It somehow comforts me to see Cedric with Robin’s collar on, and to know that the special collar I chose for Robin, in perfect condition because Robin always kept himself and his collar absolutely pristine, will now carry on with Cedric and Robin’s spirit will be with him on his visits.

Cedric was named after a beloved cat who lived at Home for Life for many years. Cedric-the-cat was an elderly stray who was found by a kindly farmer and turned in to a the Dunn County humane society in Wisconsin. Someone had thrown acid on him and it burned much of his face,causing painful debilitating wounds. He was in terrible condition when surrendered to the Dunn County shelter, who shortly thereafter gave him to Home for Life so he could get more individualized attention. This photo is of Cedric shortly after he came to Home for Life. Cedric's story and before/after photos can be seen on our website: http://www.homeforlife.org/cat_cedric.htm.

Despite his suffering and hard life, Cedric was a forgiving and loving cat who touched many people. He was accepting of attention from all and despite the cruelty he had sustained, was never afraid of humans and did not shun them. In fact, he was one of the most recognizable and one of the favorite animals representing Home for Life at our annual holiday event at the Mall of America. It was a very difficult, depressing day when we had to let him go due to cancer.

We never name an animal of the same species after another who has passed away. (I am superstitious.) Also, every animal is unique and, out of respect, we want to have each cat or dog have its own identity. So, Robin the collie was named after Robin-the-cat (another special soul), a beautiful brown tabby and white neutered male, who was a paraplegic cat who came to us from New Jersey. He had been shot in the back by some kids wielding BB guns. Still, Robin never lost his joy for life and his loving nature. Over the years, this became a tradition—naming cats after our dogs who have died and dogs after our cats who have passed away. Another example is Bert, our St. Bernard, who was named after Home for Life's beloved brown tabby and white cat, Bert, a diabetic who lived at Home for Life for many years: http://www.homeforlife.org/dogbio_bert.htm.

Cedric our collie was named for Cedric the cat. Cedric the dog's original name was Rocky, which totally did not suit him. Cedric/Rocky belonged to a breeder from the east coast, and I believe as Rocky he was a show dog before being retired and sold to the owners who surrendered him to Home for Life. Rocky/Cedric did not like his name and would not answer to it. Animals especially cats will not respond if they don't like their name or feel humiliated by it but will learn a new name quickly if they like it. Cedric does like his new name and learned to respond to it within a few days of being with us Like him, Cedric the dog is kind,quiet and receptive to people. He has many of Cedric the cat's qualities which made him so endearing: his dignity,self posession and like Cedric the cat he is a senior animal. As a therapy dog, Cedric will have a more active role in reaching out and helping people than Cedric the cat could, who taught empathy and forgiveness more by example. In a special way the spirit of Cedric the cat will live on in our new dog Cedric the collie .