Milagro Seniors.

The seniors at Milagro typically are in poor physical condition when they come to us.  Some have even been at death's door.  The damage has been done and cannot be entirely or easily repaired, but rather only treated to help give them some comfort.  Still, we do all we can to offset their past misfortunes.  Our focus is to gently restore them to as best health as they can achieve, given their age and what they've already suffered.  Under the neglect, the injuries, the matted fur and open sores, the blindness, the organ failure, all of it, we find precious life that hopes for love and some kindness, and the ability to still love in spite of all they've suffered.  This is what compels us.  Our seniors don't seem to mind that their little bodies aren't perfect anymore ~ they've found happiness and peace here at Milagro ~ a safe haven full of love and kindness and acceptance.

God bless these lives that you trust to our care; and God, please be especially loving to those little souls who never do find help in this life ...

	GENESIS    ( April 2007)   15yr old Genesis was Milagro's very first rescue dog.  She was picked up in the desert near Cottonwood, Arizona as a stray. Life in the desert gave Genesis tick fever and hepatitis, which permanently damaged her liver.  She was also diagnosed last year with vestibular disease (similar to Parkinson's in people) and was on medication to treat those symptoms. She had to learn to walk again with physical therapy.  And as a result of the vestibular disease, Genesis has lost her hearing.  But even tho her body isn't perfect anymore, Genesis is still the perfect dog and we love her more than ever.  Please consider making a donation to ensure Genesis continues to get the follow-up care she needs.
	CHLOE   (02.05.09)   This little darling joins Milagro today at the tender age of 14.  Her loving owner fell on hard times and had to make some tough choices ~ giving up Chloe was probably the toughest for her.  She called Milagro and we welcomed Chloe into the Milagro family where she'll be safe and sound.  Chloe is in very good health because she's been so well cared for.  And she's very friendly and sociable.  Most kitties hide under the bed at first and take a day or two to start fitting in.  But after barely a half hour, Chloe was already exploring the house and introducing herself to the other Milagro seniors, dogs and cats both.  Chloe's one of the sweetest little kitties we've ever met, and we look forward to enjoying her company here for a long time to come.
	OTIS   (07.26.08)   Otis is an 86lb purebred American Bulldog - a gentle old giant that came from a domestic abuse home.  He is safe and sound here at Milagro now and looking forward to some peaceful years in a loving and serene home environment.  Even as age begins to show on his body, Otis is still a magnificent creature - inside and out.  He's as sweet and lovable a dog as can be found.
	ZENA   (09.11.08)   Milagro is happy to welcome the lovely Zena to our family.  She found herself sitting in a kennel at the Arizona Humane Society after being dumped by her owners.  But looking at her battle scars, we're pretty sure she wasn't very well cared for, so maybe being abandoned was a blessing in disguise in her case.  But Zena's luck has just improved.  She is already enjoying the comforts of a loving home and the assurance that she'll never be discarded again.  She's a Milagro family member now.  Zena has a heart murmur and pretty significant dental disease, and we're already working to restore her health.  If you feel led to help us meet the cost of her veterinary care, please go to our donations page, and know that we appreciate your gift tremendously.
	JOEY    Adorable little Joey was found as a stray. He is an 11yr old dollbaby, blind in his right eye, an apparent old injury from earlier in his life. Joey suffers bronchial asthma, struggles with his breathing, and his little heart is apparently enlarged. An ultrasound revealed a lesion inside Joey's little heart.  UPDATE 07.11.06:  Valley fever test results are negative.  Joey will be on antibiotics for 6 weeks to resolve the lesion inside his heart, and will undergo another ultrasound to see if his condition has improved.  UPDATE 09.02.06:  A second ultrasound showed Joey's heart has greatly improved, and the doctor believes Joey's breathing struggles are primarily due to bronchial asthma.  Joey is now on daily treatment for the asthma, and is responding magnificently well!  Please consider donating toward little Joey's extensive medical bills.
	MARY GRACE  (11.01.08)   Meet Mary Grace, the sweetest little girl you'll ever lay eyes on.  Mary Grace joined Milagro today after being picked up by the Arizona Humane Society as a stray.  Who could ever have put this poor soul out on the streets?!  We're tickled to have her safe with us.  Our initial assessment tells us Mary Grace is a bit delicate and may even have been mistreated.  But she's responding quickly to a caring home and loving interaction.  04.04.09: We're thrilled to report that Mary Grace happily joined her very own Milagro guardian family today, who promise to protect, love, and care for her for the remainder of her precious life.  And how exciting - her new home also comes with a new playmate - Mary Margaret - a sweet little while Poodle just like Mary Grace!  They're already fast friends.  Thank God for happy endings.   :)
	MONA LISA   (09.11.08)   Meet the lovely Mona Lisa.  This very sweet 15yr old beauty comes to Milagro by way of the Arizona Humane Society.  She was rescued from her home after her owner died.  Mona Lisa is full of sweetness and embraces life with joy.  She blended in with her new Milagro home mates from the moment she arrived, and they all accepted her immediately.  Mona Lisa very graciously took little Chelsea under her wing and helped raise Chelsea into the beautiful young lady she is today (Chelsea was found wandering alone in a city park at the age of 4 weeks).  Mona Lisa is a very sociable, confident, loving little kitty, in very good health for her age, and we hope she enjoys many happy years with us.
	MUFASA   Mufasa is a sweet butterball of a boy rescued by the Sheriff's Department from a breeder/hoarder. Mufasa's respiratory structure was severely compromised, likely due to inbreeding, so nasal re-section surgery was performed to open his breathing airway.  He now enjoys breathing freely without struggling, and his energy level and capacity for play is substantially increased.  Please consider making a donation to offset the cost of Mufasa's surgery (approx.$900).  Mufasa is the perfect name for this gentle giant of a kittie.  What a treasure!
	FRANKIE   (07.28.08)   This handsome and debonair little man is Frankie, a 10yr old Boston Terrier whose family left him behind when they moved.  Frankie has suffered greatly with some serious health issues, but isn't phased by them.  His corneas ruptured simultaneously, and both eyes had to be surgically removed.  A large growth on his right shoulder was discovered to be cancerous, but was successfully removed and he is now cancer-free.  All this and Frankie is oblivious - he's still playful and happy and confident.  He still uses the dog door, knows his way around the house and yard, and he's a FOOL for his blue raquetball ~ even without eyes, he can still find it anywhere in the house.    UPDATE June 6, 2009:  Frankie's been placed!  Valerie and Guy and their little Boston Terriers Pooh and Capone joined the Milagro family and welcomed Frankie into their home today with open arms, and he's totally digging his new digs!  Proof that there's a place for everyone.
	CHIFFON  This beautiful lovebug was retired from breeding because her hip structure was too shallow to deliver kittens, and she has a defective knee that slips out of socket, hindering normal movement and causing her pain.  The hip likely will require surgery in the future to prevent degeneration.  To top it all off, poor little Chiffon also has a small hole in her heart.  Her veterinarian refers to Chiffon as a "genetic disaster."  Poor little sweetheart.  But beautiful Chiffon is welcome with us at Milagro, and she's a perfect match with all the other beloved misfits here.  Please remember sweet Chiffon when you make a donation to Milagro.
	NEMO  (07.10.08)   This little shining star is Nemo, a very entertaining Chihuahua/Beagle mix weighing only 6.5lbs.  Nemo has the formidable personality of his Chihuahua heritage, and the melodic howl of the Beagle breed.  He comes to Milagro by way of the Humane Society after being picked up as a stray.  Other than some fleas and ticks and being blind in his right eye, Nemo got a clean bill of health for a little old fellow his age, and he's now enjoying the good life with his new Milagro guardian and her resident Border Collie Dylan.  We welcome you with open arms, little dude.
	MAX  (11.22.07)  Max joined Milagro on Thanksgiving Eve 2007.  He came to us by way of the Arizona Humane Society, who contacted Milagro when Max was dropped off by his owner.   Because of his senior age and his physical condition, Max was deemed not adoptable and would have been euthanized.  But his Milagro foster is diligently bringing him back to good health and joyful living.  Max is 12yrs old and thrilled with his new life.  He had a nasty ear infection that's responding well to treatment, he loves his baths, and he double-loves his daily walks.  We're truly happy to be giving this great little boy a new chance at a good life.  We hope you'll remember Max and all the Milagro seniors in your prayers and with your donations.   Many Thanks.
	GHIRARDELLI  (09.30.06)   What a gorgeous girl is Ghirardelli!  And her sweetness outshines even her beauty.  Ghirardelli is a 10yr old purebred breeder kitty that was retired for health and age issues.  And now she is totally loving the easy life here at Milagro.  Ghirardelli's airway is deformed and prevents her being able to breathe in air normally.  She struggles to take each breath and, as she continues aging, it's getting even worse.  Our vet has recommended surgery to open the airway and give her relief.  Please donate to help us afford that surgery so Ghirardelli can feel strong and active again?  She's such a deserving little girl.  Visit our "Donate" page for donating options.  Thank You!
	BAILEY  (12.28.07)   This tiny beauty is Bailey, and she's 15 years old.  Bailey was turned in to the Arizona Humane Society by her owners in horrible condition - her entire body was matted down to the skin, causing her lots of pain.  We shaved her completely and bathed her so she can feel fresh and beautiful again.  Once all the matted fur was removed, we saw that little Bailey was very dehydrated, so we've been giving her sub-q fluids to make her comfortable.  We're using all our best tricks to encourage her to eat, and she's coming back slowly.  Because of Bailey's advanced age and the severe dehydration, we're watching her closely for kidney issues.  Bailey's veterinary costs will be significant as we try to get her stabilized, so please think of this little one when you donate to Milagro.  She's had a hard life, it seems, and we're doing our best to make what little she has left comfortable and happy.  UPDATE Jan.18th:  Bailey is already exploring the house and eating like a little horse.  And she purrs . . . a lot.  Yay!
	ROCKY   (04.25.08)   This itsy bitsy dollbaby is Rocky, a 13yr old Yorkie Poo that recently found himself sitting in a cell at the Humane Society.  The good folks there called Milagro, and we went and picked him up.  Rocky is now living blissfully with Milagro guardians Chris and Jeff and their furry brood.  Welcome to Milagro, Rocky, we wish you all the best!
	DORY  (05.28.08)  Precious Dory came to Milagro the same way many of our seniors do - by way of the Arizona Humane Society.  Dory was abandoned by her owners and rescued by the neighbors, who brought her to the AHS, and AHS called Milagro.  Dory is now enjoying her new life with the other seniors, and is happy as a clam.  We named her after Dory in the movie "Nemo" because she has that same quirky personality - always happy and oblivious to the ills of the world.  Dory is a little overweight, and she has a minor neurologic deficit that affects her motor skills.  She walks a little bit clumsily, and her little head bobbles about.  All of this is part of her sweet charm.  In spite of her minor physical challenges, Dory is full of joy and a sweet, sweet soul.  We just love her to pieces and then some!  Dory has been matched with Cindy and Craig, who are showering her with all the care and love and attention she ever could dream of.  And, as a result, Dory has morphed into a princess.   :)
	ALBERT   (07.04.08)    Meet Albert, a spunky little 10yr old Pomeranian who joined Milagro today.  How fitting that his new life begins on Independence Day.  Little Albert has some typical senior issues - bad teeth, heart murmur, hair loss.  He also has some fear issues that tell us he may have been mistreated somewhere in his past.  But he's safe and sound here at Milagro, and we'll make sure he enjoys a peaceful happy life with the other seniors.  UPDATE (07.20.08):  Albert is blossoming!   His guardian says he twirls and dances and sings and has cast away all memory of the past!  You go, little guy!
	SUGAR   (08.11.08)   Welcome Sweet Sugar!  Darling little Sugar joined Milagro today after we rescued her from certain death.  She was picked up by the Humane Society as a stray, and being a senior, she wasn't considered adoptable.  Of course, here we are, waiting in the wings for just such a sweetheart.  Sugar has ear infections and eye infections, and is pretty much an overall mess.  But she's in the best of hands with her new Milagro guardian, and already knows what a lucky little girl she is to have this new chance for a happy healthy life.  Please donate to help offset Sugar's veterinary costs and help us ensure this little soul gets everything she needs and deserves.
	SABRE   (08.29.08)   Milagro is happy to welcome beautiful Sabre to our family.  Sabre is a gorgeous domestic Bengal who, as so many unfortunate senior pets, found himself discarded at the Humane Society.  He was dreadfully thin and needed some serious TLC, which his temporary guardian happily gave him.  Sabre is a loving old fellow who enjoys people food and lap time.  03.28.08: We are happy to report that Sabre has just found his own new Milagro guardian ~ Joe.  Joe is showering Sabre with all the love and attention our Milagro seniors deserve, and we couldn't be happier for him.  Welcome home, Sabre.
	ANGEL   (10.21.08)   What a gorgeous little lady!  Angel joined Milagro after a short visit at the Arizona Humane Society.  Her owners left her there when they moved.  Angel is a classic Lab ~ happy, loving, and bubbly ~ and she loves water.  Her guardian finds her occasionally lounging on the top step of their swimming pool, submerged up to her chin.  She spent most of her life up till now sitting in a back yard by herself; so needless to say, she's thrilled in her new digs as a beloved indoor family pet.  Angel was underweight, but is quickly filling out now that she's on a healthy diet.  Her ears were both nastily infected, but we're treating them and she'll be just like new real soon.  Angel is the ultimate sweetheart and a treasured companion to her very lucky Milagro guardian.
	MINNIE TWO   (11.12.08)   Meet Minnie Two, a beautiful Dalmation girl who came to us from the Arizona Humane Society after her owners left her there.  Minnie is an active senior, in good overall health for her age, and still very much in love with life ~ she's playful and jumps into the pool every chance she gets.  What a great companion dog, and we're happy to have Minnie here enjoying life again.  Minnie Two is happily spending her twilight years with Ann.  As she ages, Minnie Two is developing some personality quirks, but God Bless Ann for standing by her side.  Milagro is blessed with the greatest volunteers ever!   :)
	MISS DAISY  (01.21.09)   This sweet, sweet little old lady is Daisy, a 10yr old Lab/Shepherd mix who was found wandering the streets with a severe bite wound from being attacked by another animal.  Poor soul doesn't look strong enough to have even protected herself.  But after being treated at the Arizona Humane Society and finally getting back to better health, Daisy joins the Milagro program where she'll be safe and sound for the rest of her life.  She joins Sugar and Rocky in their happy little Milagro family and has already begun wagging her tail again.  Welcome home, Daisy.
	MANASSEH   (05.20.09)   This giant gentleman is Manasseh, a gorgeous 15yr old Maine Coon who found himself sitting on Apache Junction Animal Shelter's death row after his owner died.  Apache Junction is a high-kill shelter, so it's a miracle this boy got out alive.  Rene, a very caring soul who works there, was paying attention and made sure Manasseh made it to safety.  Manasseh is the ultimate lovebug.  He can't get enough of you.  He's easygoing, relaxed, confident ~ this is not a kitty who hides under the bed.  What a great new addition to the Milagro family!  Manasseh is now spending his retirement with Valerie and Hayden and being spoiled rotten like the royalty he is and deserves.
	RUFUS  (02.03.11)  Congratulations to Rufus!  He has found his perfect guardian home!  Sam and Dave claimed Rufus for their own just over a week ago, and we're thrilled for him.  It's a perfect and happy fit!   (07.10.09)    Milagro got a call from the Prescott Shelter a couple of weeks ago about a 10-year-old Chow mix that had been left there.  We're happy to report that Simba is now safe and sound and enjoying his new Milagro family.  He's in overall good health for his age, except for minor signs of arthritis.  He gets up slowly and it takes a minute or two to shake off the aches and pains, but Simba doesn't complain.  He's such a sweet sweet boy, and fits right in.  We think the other part of his DNA must be Lab because he's so easygoing and stable.  He may look like a Chow, but he's a classic Lab through and through.  We're so tickled that his new guardian stepped forward to help us get this sweet soul off the euthanasia list.  Another precious life saved!
	TINKER  (07.xx.09)   What a beautiful addition to the Milagro family.  Welcome little Tinker, who joins us after her elderly owner went into assisted living.  Tinker now shares a home with three little senior Chihuahuas, and they're a happy clan.  She's learning her way around the home and enjoying her explorations.
	MINNIE MOUSE   (12.05.09)   This darling little girl recently joined Milagro and is spending her leisurely days with Guardians Moses and Irene, and senior kitty Tinker, in happy senior bliss.  Minnie Mouse was a nervous little one at first, but is quickly warming up and blossoming.  She's exploring her new world with the lively energy of a puppy, as if seeing everything for the very first time.  And she's discovered how glorious belly rubs can be!  Yes, belly rubs are her new favorite thing.  Milagro welcomes Minnie Mouse with much love, and we wish her many happy years with us.
	RUBY ROSE and ABIGAIL   (12.24.09)   Well, don't these two little faces just say it all ~ what dollbabies!  Abigail and Ruby Rose come to Milagro via the Prescott Humane Society where they were taken when their loving owner recently died.  The girls are 11 years old and have ever known only one home and one family, so all these sudden big changes have been pretty frightening for them, but they're facing them triumphantly and happily.  We're delighted to welcome the girls into the Milagro family where they'll enjoy a loving, caring home together with Milagro Guardians Debbie and Bob for the remainder of their years.  You are invited to make a donation to their future veterinary costs ~ visit our donations page.  Thanks very much for caring for these little sweethearts.
	HONEY (01.02.10)  Sweet little Honey is an interesting mix of what we're guessing is most likely American Eskimo and German Spitz.  We have our work cut out for us with this poor little girl.  She spent the last couple of months at the county pound and is not in very good condition, physically and emotionally.  We hope to change that quickly.  She's already getting lots of gentle assurance and love to help her learn to trust, plus a glorious day at the spa to make her start feeling all shiny and new again.  Our initial guess is Honey's about 8-10 years old.  This little darling deserves all we can give her, and we hope you'll support our efforts to restore joy to her life.  She has been placed with Dava and Ken, and they are lovingly and patiently helping her to blossom again.  Please go to our "Donations" page to give a gift in Honey's name.  Thanks very much.
	PUFF   (01.19.10)   This poor little soul found his way to Milagro tonight during a horrible Arizona monsoon storm.  He was left outside in the violent storms with two unfriendly pitbulls and no shelter whatsoever.  Unbelievable!  The pitbulls had bitten his ears.  He was so matted all over that his skin was tearing, and his toenails were so long and curled around that he couldn't stand or walk normally.  The hair on his back was totally gone because of a chronic skin fungus.  He had no vision and limited hearing, and was so frightened not knowing what was happening to him that he was biting at everyone who came near him.  It's one of the worst cases of neglect we've ever seen ~ many tears were shed tonight for this little boy.  Thankfully, after two weeks at Milagro, Puff is feeling much better and realizing that he's safe now.  The vet did a beautiful job getting Puff all cleaned up and fixed up and back on the road to good health.  Puff is joyful again and happily exploring his new digs here and getting to know his fellow Milagro seniors.  Please donate to help us continue providing the rehabilitative care Puff needs.  Thank You.
	JOHNNY   (01.19.10)  Johnny is a most handsome 12 year old Lavender Point Himalayan who came to us after his owner died suddenly of a heart attack.  Johnny is a big furry fellow who loves to sit on our lap and meows for such attention. Initially, he was quite shy and hid for the first 9 days in places we didn't even know existed.  We turned the house upside down looking, fearing that he had escaped. What a scare!  Sweet Johnny is now settling in and enjoying a happy new life in a loving home with his fellow Milagro seniors Minnie Mouse and Tinkerbelle and his awesome guardians Moses and Irene, along with two younger Chihuahuas.  Welcome, Johnny!
	KOKI   (04.09.10)  This handsome fellow is Koki. Koki is a 12yr old Samoyed—hard to believe he's a senior when you look at his photo isn’t it. Koki does have a couple of age-related health issues--diabetes and a thyroid condition. He is given 3 insulin shots a day to control his diabetes and medication to control his thyroid. He developed cataracts in both eyes because of the diabetes, but was given a second chance at sight after undergoing cataract surgery. Unfortunately, age is slowly stealing his vision again, so he walks a little slower and more cautiously these days . He takes his insulin, thyroid and eye drop medication as part of his daily routine without a single complaint. What a trooper!  Even tho he has a few old-age problems, Koki still has that classic sweet Samoyed “Christmas in his face” expression, and the heart to go with it. Koki and his guardians, Mary Ann and Tom, happily shared their home with our beloved little Bon Jovi for awhile last year. Koki was ever so gentle with Bon Jovi—a very gracious host he is. We're so happy you're a part of Milagro, and we just love you inside out, Koki!
	STEVIE   (07.02.11)   Stevie is another poor senior that was found wandering the desert in 110+ degree Arizona heat.  God bless him.  He sat alone at the shelter waiting and hoping for his owners to come for him, but they never did.  So the shelter contacted Milagro, and Stevie found his way here.  We welcome him with open arms.  Our initial evaluation tells us Stevie is as sweet and demure a little dog as you'll ever find.  He hasn't barked yet, not even a whisper - he just quietly observes all that goes on.  His toenails were dreadfully long and sharp, and he appears to have never been leash trained.  He also wasn't neutered.  Our best guess is that Stevie might have lived his life in a wire crate and been used for breeding, then discarded once he got too old to be of service any longer.  Little Stevie has a joyful heart and is very puppy-like -- he flattens his ears and wiggles and wiggles when you talk to him and snuggles up under your chin when you hold him.  Sadly, he is struggling with a neurologic deficit secondary, the veterinarian thinks, to likely having had distemper when he was a puppy.  We're told it's not curable, but can be managed with meds to help keep him comfortable in his twilight years.  If you can find it in your heart to donate to Stevie's ongoing medical care, we'll be ever so grateful.  Use the safe and easy PayPal feature on this website, or mail checks to Milagro at P.O. Box 44165, Phoenix Arizona 85064.  Thank You for caring and offering your support!

 "Duty makes us do things well, but love makes us do them beautifully."

~ Phillips Brooks

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