From a three-legged Doberman to a visually-impaired pug, Jody Waters always opened her heart and home to the underdog—those who were neglected, abused or simply unwanted. She dreamed of someday buying property and opening a sanctuary for dogs who needed a safe place to call home.

From hurricane survivor to happily ever after! After being found as a 9-year-old stray in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, Chesney was rescued as part of an evacuation transport from Louisiana to Virginia last summer. When he first arrived at Lost Dog...

Found as a stray, Paisley's coat was matted so badly that it pulled on her skin with every step. The crowded local shelter reached out to Young at Heart for help. Upon arrival, Paisley enjoyed a ‘spa day’ thanks to a wonderful groomer who donates her services. With all of that heavy matted fur shaved off, Paisley was immediately a happier dog, running and hopping and showing her spunk!

Head-to-Tail, Snout-to-Tail, Wag-to-Woof, or by any other name, performing an at-home exam of your dog or cat weekly to catch problems early on is a MUST! Our dogs don't always tell us when something is wrong, so detecting a problem at onset and getting medical intervention may ensure your best friend gets to spend more days by your side! Doing home exams also gets your senior pooch comfortable with the human touch, making for a much better patient at the vet and grooming shop when you get him used to being touched all over.

Prince came to Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) from a rural Central Texas shelter back in June 2021. There he had been found as a stray and was constantly overlooked by adopters because of his age and difficulty getting along with other animals. So, the...

Bear Burrito came to Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS) in April of 2021 as part of the Friends of County Animal Shelters transport program. Through this program, RCHS accepts transferred animals from overcrowded shelters where they may not get a second chance. The little chihuahua’s owner had passed away and there was no one to care for him. This was a scary experience for the shy 8-year old. While at RCHS, Bear Burrito would eventually warm up to staff and be friendly and playful.

Perhaps in dog years, this fifteen-year-old Chihuahua mix is considered a senior, though Rambo continues to have a young, fresh outlook on life. With plenty of life experience under his collar, he dispenses sage advice, including his secrets to the...

Chrissy is sweet as caramel pie and not much bigger than one! This dainty gal will squish her way onto your lap, wanting to be held close to your heart. She literally melts on your chest. Chrissy likes pajama parties, breakfast at Sniff-anys, and...

Loveable, darling Ellie is friendly with everyone she meets! She's the talk of the neighborhood as she struts her stuff on walks working her fan club. Hiya! Her winsome smile melts hearts everywhere she goes. This lover girl is fostered with other...

Rain is a nine-year-old pitbull mix who was surrendered to the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA when her owner experienced housing difficulties. Staff remarked how she always had a smile on her face, though things weren’t always happy for this senior girl.

Jamice is a sweet 7.5 year old white female with the squishiest face and one blue eye. She is a calm, super affectionate cuddle bug who loves sunbathing and car rides. Jamice is fully house and crate trained, but she doesn't need a crate. She does...

Two kindhearted women working for a local animal rescue noticed that Tucker was in desperate need of help and made it their mission to get him to safety. Since their organization was not set up for long-term senior care, they knew Tucker needed a more specialized rescue.

A twelve-year-old Yorkie mix meet a confident little lady named Rugby. In addition to writing her memoirs, this senior still has a full schedule, participating in all the Kennel 2 activities. Drawing on her life experience, she knows the importance...