Rudy, who was a poster dog for how to live a fine old life, died this week at age 18.

The funny and gutsy little dachshund had been featured in a Gazette story in November on how to best take care of senior dogs. More and more animals are living longer, presenting owners with similar challenges

His owners, Sue and Terry Darby, with their veterinarians at Cheyenne Mountain Animal Hospital and Veterinary Specialty Center, had lovingly and realistically worked to give him a comfortable life as he battled kidney problems, diminished eyesight and other geriatric problems. In people years, they estimated he was about 88.

Rudy had three back surgeries in earlier years - costs the Darbys did not shrink from. They explained it this way when people gasped at the cost: "Did you ever buy a hot tub, a big-screen TV, Lasik surgery?" To them, the expenditure was just part of the bargain of bringing a dog into the house, and they saw it as essential to helping a longtime member of the family.

"They love us every day and that is the least we can do for them," Sue said.

They didn't keep Rudy alive at any cost.

"We promised that when the quality of his life was no longer good that we would let him go. And so we have. His heart was still strong, but his little body had deteriorated so much that with the loss of the use of one of his back legs, he just didn't have a lot of fight left in him. Our hearts are broken now, but we know that soon we will enjoy memories of what a wonderful life he had and how much joy he brought to us."

Those memories include Rudy's favorite outing - to Sonic for french fries, which he enjoyed on his recent 18th birthday. And which, the Darbys know, he will be enjoying at Rainbow Bridge, what they and some other pet owners call animal heaven.

Pass the cigars

Dreampower Animal Rescue is sending out this baby announcement: Calliope, one of their recently rescued horses, is now the proud momma of a healthy foal.

She's been named Charlene.

The foal was born May 12 to the brown Arabian. Calliope and other neglected and malnourished horses had been rescued earlier this year from a ranch in eastern Colorado.

Several of the horses are still available for adoption for $200 each. Mom and daughter are going for $500. For more information call Dreampower at 390-7838.

Scratching the itch

Here's a nifty product that can help your pet scratch that itch.

Scratch n All is a system of 5-by-6-inch interlocking blocks with tiny teeth that will massage and even help the shedding process. The blocks can be placed in any configuration on walls and floors or attached to stalls, window sills, railings - anywhere the animal hangs out.

It was first designed for horses and donkeys, but it's also a treat for dogs, cats, goats, alpacas, sheep, pigs and dairy cows. It comes in several colors. Each block is $10.99. Get a 10 percent discount if you buy 12 or more. To order go to scratchnall.com.
Pet door with a key

There's a dog door out there that I thought would be perfect for the cat. The Plexidor Electronic Pet Door opens only to animals wearing a collar key - a sort of garage door opener.

We keep our cat inside so he won't be eaten by foxes and coyotes. Since the cat likes the dog door, this had led to locking the cat away when the dogs are spending the day going in and out the door.

The door ranges from $55 to $800 depending on the electronics and size of dog. But hey, the cat is worth it. For information go to dogdoors.com and click on electronic doors.

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For more pet news, see Pet Pourri online: gazettepetpourri.blogspot.com  

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CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0371 or carol.mcgraw@gazette.com