Newman Nation: Senior Pets United

05/29/2026

Howie was a model patient today for his visit with Dr. Tammy at Animal Hospital of McHenry. We had X-rays done to see why his rear end mobility is so poor (and had our suspicions based on him being 100% p**p incontinent). Howie has bad arthritis in his back right knee and in his lower spine at the base of his tail. X-rays also revealed IVDD (intervertebral disc disease) mid-spine. Unfortunately, this all means Howie’s mobility will likely continue declining with time and our focus is ongoing pain management and support. He still zooms around quicker than most other seniors and you wouldn’t know anything was wrong based on his permanent smile. 💙

05/22/2026

Just 2 old boys who have no idea how to play together 💙

05/15/2026

We love productive vet days and Moses is recovering well after a busy day!

✅ Senior bloodwork (normal)
✅ Neuter
✅ Dental (some rotten teeth now gone)

This little 7lb guy will make a great companion and we hope to have an adoption status soon.

05/06/2026

04/28/2026

🚙Meet Howie - He’s currently riding shotgun on a transport up from Southern Illinois to us! Howie is 12 years old and was left at a shelter when his family moved and didn’t want to take him with. People suck. He’s got some skin and eye issues and will get a full senior workup with us. So glad this boy is about to get the care and love he deserves!

04/25/2026

7 years ago today, a woman stepped outside her front door and threw a plastic dog carrier into the middle of the street with Piglet inside. I never would have imagined I’d be lucky enough to get 7 whole years with my soulmate. I’d estimate she’s between 16-18 years old today and I’m trying to grapple with the fact that it’s her last earthly birthday before we say goodbye within the week. Happy birthday Princess P 👑🎂🩷

04/21/2026

Please welcome our 2 new senior twins, Stella and Moses! No, they aren’t actually twins as they arrived to different shelters at different times and have no relation, but they both made their way to one foster home and the resemblance is uncanny.

🩷Stella is around 12 years old and was seized from a home and taken to a shelter. We aren’t sure of her history but a guess is that her owner passed away and she was then found. She recently had a mammary tumor removed and was spayed and will undergo a much-needed dental surgery with us in the next few weeks.

💙Moses (blue leash) was recently found as a stray and is also estimated to be around 12 years old. He will be getting a full senior workup and neuter with us.

Both Stella and Moses have wonderful, friendly personalities and are coexisting with a variety of other animal friends in their foster home. Once they are fully vetted, we will determine their adoption status so stay tuned!

03/19/2026

Has anyone ever tried an age test for their pet? I decided to get one for Piglet just for fun because her age has always been such an unknown. When we rescued her in 2019, the vet estimated her to be at least 13 years old. But she was also in extremely poor condition from neglect. Almost 7 years later and Piglet is still with me, the light of my life. She had her annual senior wellness exam last month and had 100% perfect bloodwork as always. Unfortunately, she’s developed severe cognitive dysfunction over the last few months and I know it’s her mind that will eventually give out over her body. But I was still intrigued about what age she actually could be. According to Embark Vet (who uses DNA methylation as an epigenetic marker), Piglet will be 16 years old this year! They say the test is 77% accurate within 12 months and 95% accurate within 22 months. Either way, it’s fun to know an estimated age with such an unknown history. 💖

03/09/2026

Falafel is home and resting up after his dental surgery today! We were surprised he only needed 5 teeth removed so he lucked out. Here’s hoping the Tooth Fairy puts a million dollars under his pillow tonight 🦷