Working with Senior Dogs

Senior dogs may have some difficulty with their body, but they still want to contribute and be a part of your family! We have found their incredible wisdom, dignity and tenacity to be inspirational to us all. They are all…

Young at Heart

Older dogs have learned
to listen with their hearts.

“Blessed is the person who has
earned the love of an old dog.”
– Sydney Jeanne Seward

Older dogs make
great new friends.

Older dogs are
good at giving love.

Older dogs ask so little of you:
a warm bed, a short walk, some
good food & a piece of your heart.

Older dogs are
a joy to own!

A little bit older &
a little bit wiser

Senior dogs leave paw
prints on your heart.

You just have to love
an old dogs face.

“Old dogs, like old shoes, are comfortable. They might be a bit
out of shape and a little worn
around the edges, but they fit well.”
–– Bonnie Wilcox ‘Old Dogs, Old Friends’

GSRNE strives to help unwanted senior dogs transition into a new home for the final years so ensure they receive great care, companionship and love later in their life.

Nannie Millie’s Story

"Most wonder why anyone would want an old lady like me." Nanny Millie, approximately 14 years old, found by Animal Control on the streets of Rhode Island in the dead of winter 2007, escaped euthanasia when the ACO called GSRNE as a final resort. This is Nannie Millie story revisited, (diversified photos and captions). Note: In honor of what Millie taught us all about caring for senior dogs, and in celebration of the photo book about her life, GSRNE is revisiting her story. Dur… [more]

Senior Shepherds Group

Are you looking for that special companion who adores being with you? One who has wonderful house manners, who can let you finish the Sunday paper but be ready for ride at a moment's notice? An older dog or senior may be for you! Consider this: older dogs whose lives have been disrupted in their later years have so much love to give and like nothing better than giving it. They tend to rely heavily on their owner for companionship and therefore bond very quickly. The desire to return the… [more]

Sophie’s Story

"Hello, everyone, my name is Sophie, and I am safe and happy now." "She's our GSRNE foster sister, and we truly love her!" "Sadly, her former family thought she wandered off into the woods to die so never looked for her." "And the poor ol' gal had live fleas, hair loss, multiple infections, could barely walk, and had the curliest nails ever!" "Hungry, sick, and confused, she then ended up in a homeless shelter for a &*$%# month." "As a 14 yo reject, she was certain s… [more]

Tray’s Poem

Tray's Poem - by Leslie Whalen One by one, they pass by my cage, 'Too old', 'Too worn', 'Too broken', "No way'. 'Way past his time, he can't run and play'. Then they shake their heads slowly and go on their way. A little old man, arthritic and sore, It seems I am not wanted anymore. I once had a home, I once had a bed, A place that was warm, and where I was fed. Now my muzzle is grey, and my eyes slowly fail. Who wants a dog so old and so frail? My family decided I didn't be… [more]