Many people grow up longing for a canine companion, drawn to the unique, unwavering affection that only a dog can provide. When a dog finally becomes part of our lives, we often wish they could stay forever young, sparing us from seeing their energy fade and ultimately saying goodbye.
Losing a dog is a deeply heartbreaking experience, comparable to losing a beloved family member. The bond we share with these remarkable animals runs deep, making it challenging to adjust to their absence. Yet, each dog owner finds their own path in coping with this profound loss.
While many hope their dogs will live forever, some owners make the difficult choice to part ways with their pets due to reasons like behavior changes, the challenges of old age, or simply feeling unable to provide care any longer.
Today’s story is about Netty, a senior dog returned to the shelter where she was first adopted 12 years ago, with her owners requesting euthanasia. Fortunately, the veterinarians who examined Netty saw a spark of life still in her eyes. Instead of ending her journey, they gave her a second chance and listed her for adoption.
A New Start at 15 Years Old
Netty, a 15-year-old pitbull mix, was experiencing incontinence issues, which led her owners to bring her back to the shelter. Rather than offer her help, they requested euthanasia. However, the veterinary team intervened, starting her on medication that soon led to improvements in her health.
Netty was doing so well that the shelter decided to share her story on social media, asking people to consider giving her a loving home. Although everyone hoped for a positive outcome, they understood that senior dogs often face an uphill battle in finding new families.
The shelter’s post was honest about Netty’s situation. They shared that she was in her final years and expressed their desire for her to spend them in a real home rather than in a shelter. They wanted her to experience love and comfort for the rest of her life.
In their message, the shelter described Netty as low-maintenance and gentle with children, other dogs, and even cats. They also encouraged followers to spread the word, and soon the comment section was buzzing with interest! The post quickly went viral, shared hundreds of times, and word of Netty’s story spread far and wide.
“I knew she was the one.”
Amy Kidd, a veterinarian, saw Netty’s story online and instantly felt she would be a perfect addition to her family. Amy and her family were no strangers to the loss of a beloved pet, having recently said goodbye to Monty, their 12-year-old rescue dog who had passed away from cancer. Alongside Monty, the Kidd family has opened their hearts and home to senior dogs for over a decade, often adopting pets with only a few months to live to ensure they feel love and comfort in their final days.
When Amy saw Netty’s face, she felt a connection, knowing that this senior dog belonged in her home. With her daughter, Emilia, and two sons, they set off on a 40-mile drive to meet Netty, bringing along one of their senior dogs to see if they’d get along. The moment they arrived, Emilia greeted Netty, who gave her a sniff and then happily wagged her tail. In that instant, everyone knew that Netty had found her new forever home.
A New Chapter Begins
When Netty saw her new family and started wagging her tail, the bond was sealed. They brought her home, where she settled in quickly and embraced her new surroundings. Netty seemed to understand right away that she was home and was beginning a new phase in her life.
While Netty still struggled with incontinence, Amy and her family helped her manage it with medication. She also had arthritis in her lower spine and elbows, and the family ensured she had the care and comfort she needed. As they got to know her better, they fell even more in love with Netty, embracing each day with their gentle new companion.
Amy and her family quickly noticed that Netty had a bit of a stubborn streak—a trait that was both endearing and amusing, especially since she was a senior with some mobility challenges. Despite her age, Netty confidently claimed her role as the queen bee of the household, even managing to climb the stairs on her own every day. Her resilience made them believe she had plenty of good days ahead.
The family sees that Netty still has so much love to give and hopes her story will inspire others to consider adopting senior dogs or those needing extra care. While it’s said that old dogs can’t learn new tricks, they believe this isn’t true. All dogs, no matter their age, need just a little love and patience.
Anyone with a caring heart and a home can offer senior pets a place to thrive and receive all the love they so freely give. Older dogs have their own unique charm and deserve to live full, happy lives just like younger pups. They don’t need much—just a bit of comfort, attention, and a loving home.
Now living her best life, Netty is a reminder that senior dogs are just as deserving of adoption as any other. Amy hopes that Netty’s story inspires others to consider bringing an elderly dog into their home and to help those still waiting in shelters find a place to call their own. Share this story to encourage others to give senior dogs the life they deserve while they’re still with us.
