The BC SPCA’s Anim@ls newsletter recently highlighted the heartwarming stories of Charlie, Ora, and Siren, three senior dogs who, after a collective wait of over 250 days, have all found their loving forever homes. These tales of adoption underscore that age is just a number when it comes to finding a devoted companion, with each dog embracing their senior years with renewed vigor and happiness alongside their new families.
Charlie: An Adventurous Spirit on and off the Water
Charlie, an eight-year-old Jack Russell terrier, spent more than 100 days in the care of the BC SPCA before being adopted in August. His new guardian, Michael, wasn’t specifically seeking a senior dog but was looking for a small, adventurous companion. Charlie’s profile immediately captured Michael’s attention, and age was no deterrent.
Michael, an avid outdoorsman who enjoys fishing and paddleboarding, found the perfect match in Charlie. The energetic terrier eagerly accompanies Michael on his aquatic adventures, showing no hesitation in jumping onto the paddleboard or heading out on the boat. From the moment they left the animal center, Charlie exuded an eagerness for new experiences, as evidenced by his “let’s get going” expression while looking out the car windshield.
Beyond his love for adventure, Charlie is also content with quieter moments, happily curling up on Michael’s lap. Michael describes Charlie as having “two speeds: 100 miles an hour or fast asleep.” This curious and social dog has also become a popular figure at Michael’s workplace, where he thrives on interactions and endless belly rubs. Michael credits Charlie with increasing his physical activity and even improving his cooking skills, as he now prepares meals using the salmon they catch. Michael’s experience has led him to enthusiastically recommend adopting senior dogs, stating, “I really can’t say enough about Charlie. I won the dog lottery.”
Ora: A Dream Come True for a Dedicated Rescuer
Rach had harbored a dream of rescuing a senior dog for several years, feeling that older animals are often overlooked. Upon seeing Ora on the BC SPCA’s website, she felt an immediate pull to meet her. Her family and the animal center staff weren’t surprised by Rach’s immediate desire to adopt Ora, ensuring the dog was as enthusiastic about the decision as Rach was.
Ora at the centre (l) and on a walk with Rach.
Their first meeting outdoors confirmed Ora’s gentle nature, as she immediately approached Rach with a wagging tail, appearing delighted to be in her company. After a few more meetings, Ora officially became Rach’s dog. Ora’s excitement was palpable as she readily jumped into Rach’s car, and she eagerly participated in stops for walks and breaks, always keen to return to the car with Rach.
Upon arriving home, Ora began exploring her new surroundings with curiosity. For her first night, Ora chose to sleep in bed with Rach, a habit she has maintained ever since. Ora also relishes her daily walks, taking ample time to sniff and explore the neighborhood, followed by a contented post-walk nap, often accompanied by a playful kicking of her back legs. Rach advises those nearby to be mindful of Ora’s energetic leg extensions during her naps.
Ora is also quite vocal when she wants attention, sometimes offering a gentle paw tap to ensure she receives undivided affection. Rach notes that adopting Ora has significantly increased her daily step count and that coming home to Ora’s happy face is a constant joy. She describes Ora as the “perfect companion.”
Siren: A Serendipitous Meeting Leads to Love
Sarah’s adoption journey with Siren began unexpectedly. After losing her 16-year-old cat, Yuki, in July, Sarah and her boyfriend Trevor visited the animal center to donate a scratching post. There, Siren, a senior dog in the reception area, made an immediate impression by jumping up and licking Trevor.
“There was an immediate connection,” Sarah recounts. The BC SPCA staff suggested a walk with Siren, during which Trevor and Sarah found her to be gentle and kind. Although they hadn’t planned on adopting a dog that day, Siren stayed in their thoughts.
A few days later, Sarah and Trevor returned to the center to adopt Siren. Initially, Siren displayed a burst of energy, prompting Sarah to question if she was truly a senior dog. However, after the initial excitement of her new home subsided, Siren quickly settled in. She now enjoys ample freedom in a nearly acre-sized fenced backyard, perfect for exploring. Sarah cautions that Siren is an “escape artist” and requires constant supervision due to her ability to find any small opening in the fence.
Siren also loves her toy pelican and frequently experiences “the zoomies.” She expresses immense excitement upon Sarah and Trevor’s return, greeting them with enthusiastic licks. Siren has proven to be an excellent travel companion, enjoying trips to Sooke and Vancouver and loving car rides to new destinations. Sarah reflects that while she didn’t intend to adopt a dog that day, Siren has brought “so much beautiful energy” into her home, and she “can’t imagine life without her now.”
Golden Years, Happy Endings
The stories of Charlie, Ora, and Siren beautifully illustrate that senior dogs are never too old for a new beginning. Charlie’s paddleboarding escapades, Ora’s enthusiastic neighborhood explorations, and Siren’s joyful backyard sprints all demonstrate that senior dogs possess ample sparkle, stamina, and love to offer. Their adoptive families have been pleasantly surprised by how quickly these dogs settled in and the profound joy they bring daily, even inspiring their owners to maintain an active lifestyle. For those considering adoption, a senior pet might be the perfect choice, potentially leading to a “dog lottery” win, just as it did for Michael, Rach, and Sarah. Consider learning about senior animals currently seeking their forever homes.
