Senior dogs, with their gentle eyes and calm demeanor, don’t dwell on their age. Their world revolves around simple, profound pleasures: a soft bed, a tasty snack, a peaceful nap, and above all, the warmth of a loving touch. This profound truth is at the heart of the Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary (OFSDS), a remarkable haven in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, dedicated to providing a comfortable, joyful “furever” home for formerly homeless senior canines. Through the compassionate efforts of this unique Old Friends Senior Dog Rescue, hundreds of elderly dogs are not only experiencing their golden years in comfort but also inspiring countless people with their resilience and capacity for love. For those considering welcoming a mature companion, understanding what makes a [best dog breed for elderly] might be helpful, but often, the most rewarding experience comes from opening your heart to a dog in need, regardless of breed.
The Genesis of a Lifesaving Mission
The journey of Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary began in 2012 when founders Zina, 62, and Michael Goodin, 66, sought meaningful volunteer opportunities during their semi-retirement. They quickly identified a pressing need: older animals in Middle Tennessee shelters faced alarmingly high euthanasia rates. As Zina Goodin explained, “People are less likely to adopt a senior dog from the shelter because they worry about the additional veterinary needs and medications. Just like senior people, senior dogs have special needs… so the senior dogs need rescue more than the younger dogs do.” This insight fueled their determination to prevent these vulnerable dogs from dying alone and afraid.
Initially, the Goodins brought a group of senior dogs into their own home. Their compassionate endeavor gradually expanded as friends and strangers, touched by their mission, offered to foster even more senior dogs in their own residences. These “forever foster homes,” located within a 100-mile radius of the sanctuary, provide a loving environment where foster families care for calm, content pets, with OFSDS covering all veterinary expenses. This model ensures that once-homeless dogs spend their twilight years as cherished family members, illustrating how even [best mixed breed dogs for seniors] can find immense joy and companionship.
Michael and Zina Goodin, founders of Old Friends Senior Dog Rescue Sanctuary, with a rescued senior dog
Exponential Growth and Social Media Phenomenon
The gradual growth of Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary transformed into an exponential surge between 2014 and 2015, largely thanks to the power of social media. The sanctuary’s Facebook page became a viral sensation, with people worldwide falling in love with the dogs featured there. As Michael Goodin noted, “Almost like a soap opera, people would cling onto certain dogs. They loved it!” This online engagement propelled the organization into the spotlight, making the old friends senior dog rescue a household name among animal lovers.
Today, Old Friends boasts an incredible following of over 1.8 million on Facebook. For devoted fans, live cams offer real-time glimpses into the dogs’ daily antics, proving to be delightfully addictive. The sanctuary now cares for approximately 400 rescued senior dogs. Two and a half years ago, the sanctuary relocated to a sprawling 2-acre site, formerly a garden center. In these expanded facilities, senior dogs enjoy the freedom to roam indoors and outdoors, with no shortage of soft surfaces for lounging, ample opportunities for socializing and sniffing, and, of course, plenty of snoring. This commitment to their comfort reflects a deep understanding of what makes a [best dog breed for seniors] thrive in their later years.
Senior dogs happily snoozing on comfortable beds at the Old Friends Senior Dog Rescue Sanctuary
A Day in the Life: Tours and Beloved Residents
The Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary operates with the dedication of over 300 volunteers and a staff of 26, including a full-time, on-site veterinarian who plays a crucial role in managing the dogs’ healthcare costs. Visitors can experience the sanctuary firsthand during small tour groups, offered every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. These tours, which accommodate up to six people, allow guests to witness the sanctuary’s operations and meet its beloved residents. “We’ve become a bucket list item for a lot of people,” remarked Sally McCanner, OFSDS’s foster medical coordinator and tour director.
During a recent tour, visitors from Georgia were thrilled to meet some of their favorite online canine celebrities. High on their list was Mack, a bona fide internet star who arrived at Old Friends in poor health about four years prior. Zina Goodin recounted Mack’s journey: “He had no vision because he had really bad glaucoma in his eyes, which is extremely painful. So we had his eyes removed, and Mack never was bothered by it.” Despite his blindness, Mack navigates the yards with remarkable ease, knowing exactly where the water, bushes, and steps are. Michael Goodin added, “Mack actually likes to jump into people’s arms — he’s that trusting… What a character! He’s just fantastic.” His story is a testament to the resilience of [golden retriever senior rescue sanctuary] dogs and many others who overcome adversity.
Mason Taylor embracing Mack, a blind senior dog thriving at Old Friends Senior Dog Rescue
Another crowd-favorite during tours is Babs, an energetic “bagle” (beagle/basset hound mix). Babs embodies the thrill of the hunt, known for her enthusiastic outdoor excursions, sniffing at full throttle, and baying loudly about her aromatic discoveries.
Understanding the Plight of Senior Dogs
Most dogs residing at the sanctuary are between 10 and 14 years old, though their exact ages are often “guesstimates” from veterinarians due to incomplete or mysterious backstories from their time in shelters. Some arrive as strays, while others are rescued from hoarding, abuse, or neglect situations. A significant number, however, are pets who have spent years as cherished family members until their human owners face life-altering upheavals such as financial emergencies, illness, divorce, home foreclosure, or even military deployment. This often includes situations where older owners move into nursing facilities that cannot accommodate pets.
For senior dogs, a shelter stay can be particularly stressful and disorienting. Michael Goodin empathized with their plight, stating, “They’re super confused because they’ve been with a family for 12 years and, all of a sudden, they’re basically in jail.” The work of the old friends senior dog rescue brings immense relief to these animals. “It’s wonderful to come in and save these guys and see ’em just brighten up and be great,” he added. The sanctuary offers a stark contrast to the often harsh realities faced by [older border collies for adoption] or any senior dog surrendered to a shelter.
A small, happy senior dog being gently held at Old Friends Senior Dog Rescue Sanctuary
From Shelter to Sanctuary: Healing and Happiness
Upon their arrival at the sanctuary, senior dogs receive immediate veterinary attention for any pressing health needs. Once these are addressed, they tend to settle in remarkably quickly, allowing their true personalities to emerge and blossom. At this point, sanctuary workers can assess which dogs would thrive best in private foster homes and which would be more suited to the consistent care and environment of sanctuary life.
The dogs who become permanent sanctuary residents particularly enjoy the influx of new visitors on tour days. McCanner delights in introducing guests to the diverse pack, with dogs bearing charming names like Sonny, Cher, Lollipop, Elmo, Freckles, Buttercup, Short Stack, and Augustus Gloop. She fondly described “Mister Mister” as their “resident marshmallow” and “Bella” as looking “like a potato but she’s a sweet girl.” This loving environment proves that senior dogs, far from being inactive, often come alive with renewed spirit.
A joyful senior dog smiling after being rescued by Old Friends Senior Dog Rescue
One surprising aspect of caring for 90 to 100 senior dogs is the sheer volume of laundry they generate. Old Friends made a practical investment in a commercial washer and dryer capable of handling 100 pounds of laundry in under 30 minutes. As McCanner humorously noted, “The only distressing thing is we might look good for a couple hours, but then pretty much we’re back to square one and we’re starting all over because most of these guys can’t hold it.”
Sustaining the Sanctuary: Community Support and Impact
The operation of Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary—including all cleaning supplies, pet food, medications, and veterinary care—is entirely sustained by donations. Zina Goodin highlighted the collective effort, stating, “Our average donation is only $25, so we have a lot of people who support us. It also shows that every single donation that we get is very important.” This widespread community support underscores the vital role this old friends senior dog rescue plays in animal welfare.
She further emphasized the profound impact of their work: “A lot of the dogs who come in from the shelters are in pretty bad shape… and it is quite amazing how quickly those dogs will start to heal and turn into lively, energetic, healthy dogs when they’re given the care that they need. They’re able to move on and trust people and love people again.” The inspiring work of Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary and similar efforts across North America are chronicled in the bestselling book “My Old Dog: Rescued Pets with Remarkable Second Acts” by TODAY senior editor Laura T. Coffey, with photographs by Lori Fusaro. The book also provides a comprehensive, state-by-state listing of senior dog rescue programs, offering further resources for those moved by these stories.
Visitors enjoying a tour and snuggling with a rescued senior dog at Old Friends Senior Dog Rescue
Conclusion
Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary stands as a beacon of hope and compassion, demonstrating that age is truly just a number when it comes to love and happiness for our canine companions. Through the tireless dedication of its founders, staff, and volunteers, this remarkable old friends senior dog rescue provides a dignified, joyful existence for hundreds of senior dogs who might otherwise be overlooked. Their stories remind us of the immense value older pets bring to our lives and underscore the critical need for organizations that champion their cause. Every nap, every belly rub, and every wagging tail at OFSDS is a testament to the power of kindness and the enduring spirit of these deserving “old friends.” We encourage you to learn more about supporting senior dog initiatives or considering adoption from your local shelter.
Acknowledgements
- TODAY.com
- Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary (ofsds.org)
