A senior dog described as the "sweetest soul" has finally found a forever home.
"Baby Girl was rescued by our Animal Law Enforcement Team, and had been waiting for a home for about one month before she was adopted," Kim Cary from Main Line Animal Rescue (MLAR) told Newsweek. "Sadly, we see all too often that senior dogs are frequently overlooked by potential adopters in favor of puppies and younger dogs."
But Baby Girl's luck turned when the 16-year-old dog's story caught the attention of the right person. "Baby Girl's new mom saw her picture, read her story, and knew right away she had to come rescue her," Cary said. "She had just lost her own senior dog, and felt like this was a sign to save another deserving animal in need. It was so heartwarming to see the two of them together—it was love at first sight."
Each year, 6.3 million pets enter U.S. shelters, which is an average of 17,260 a day, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The number of dogs and cats taken in by pet shelters hit 46,807 during January 2023, an increase of 1,744 compared with January 2022, the 24Pet "Shelter Watch Report" found.
Around 920,000 surrendered animals are euthanized every year. Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation.
Baby Girl's story is just one of many as the shelter continues to find homes for senior pets longing for a real home.
"So many of the senior dogs that come to us were previously cherished pets who find themselves in our care through no fault of their own," Cary said. Advocating for the adoption of senior pets, she highlighted their immense capacity for love and companionship despite their age.
"By adopting a senior pet, you're not just giving them a second chance at happiness, but you're gaining the most loyal and devoted companion," Cary urged. "We hope people consider opening their heart to a senior pet in need, for they have so much love left to give."
The shelter shared the good news about Baby Girl on their Facebook page where people were delighted to hear she had found the perfect home.
"Such great news!" said one commenter.
Another said: "I'm absolutely overjoyed!!!"
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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Alice Gibbs is a Newsweek Senior Internet Trends & Culture Reporter based in the U.K. For the last two years ... Read more
