How senior dogs and seniors are finding new purpose together
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If you’ve ever felt the quiet weight of an empty room or wished for a little more joy in your day, you’re not alone.
Many older adults know that companionship can make all the difference, and sometimes, the best friends don’t speak at all—they wag their tails.
A special program in Michigan is proving just that by pairing senior dogs in need of homes with older adults looking for connection.
The results have been heartwarming, with residents and pets alike discovering love and purpose.
It’s a reminder that new beginnings can happen at any stage of life, and sometimes they come with a cold nose and a warm heart.
At Waltonwood Cherry Hill, an assisted living community in Canton Township, Michigan, the halls recently filled with excitement during the Seniors Helping Seniors event.
The initiative, part of NBC’s Clear the Shelters campaign, matches older adults with senior dogs who are often overlooked at shelters.
Residents and visitors spent the day meeting adoptable dogs, learning about fostering, and in some cases, welcoming a new companion into their lives.
Take Suzy Golden, who planned to foster an 11-year-old Shih Tzu named Jasmine for just a few weeks.
Instead, their bond grew so strong that Suzy adopted her permanently.
“She’s a million dollars,” Suzy said proudly. “I can’t give her up now.”
Research backs up what pet owners have long felt: animals can enrich our lives in countless ways.
A 2025 study in Scientific Reports linked pet ownership in older adults to slower declines in memory and verbal fluency.
Beyond the science, the benefits are simple but powerful—companionship, purpose, and more daily activity.
As Renee Ralsky, Waltonwood’s marketing manager, explained: “The benefits are emotional, physical—it gets residents out walking more, doing more. When they have someone to love, it brings them purpose.”
The program’s impact goes beyond the dogs finding homes.
Residents prepared for the event by baking homemade dog treats, making blankets, and even painting portraits of the adoptable pets.
These activities gave them a sense of involvement and joy, while also helping the animals feel welcomed and cared for.
Logan Winton, who helped coordinate, said: “It’s so special to see residents develop this connection through fostering or preparing for the dogs. It gives them both joy and a sense of purpose.”
Among the dogs was Heidi, an 11-year-old blind Chihuahua who captured hearts in a pink tutu and crystal collar.
Her foster mom, Amanda Boyd, wanted to make sure she stood out: “She has six teeth, she’s blind, but she’s still here. I thought she needed the exposure, so I dressed her up.”
Another was Polly, a three-year-old poodle mix rescued from Texas floods.
Foster parents Laurie and Dale Carse shared how kindness transformed her from fearful to affectionate.
Polly’s journey touched many at the event and even drew interest from families considering adoption.
Senior dogs are often calmer, already house-trained, and happy with a slower pace—qualities that match well with older adults.
For seniors, adopting an older dog brings companionship without the overwhelming energy of a puppy.
And for the dogs, being welcomed into a loving home after years of uncertainty is the greatest gift.
If this story tugs at your heart, there are many ways to get involved:
At The GrayVine, we believe it’s never too late to find new joy, new friends, and new purpose—whether that comes in the form of a wagging tail or a gentle nuzzle.
Senior pets have so much love left to give, and older adults have so much to share in return.
Together, they prove that companionship has no age limit and that sometimes the best partnerships are found when you least expect them.
Read next: Essential financial resources for seniors: 25 programs that can help
Have you ever adopted or fostered a senior pet? What difference did it make in your life? Share your story in the comments so others can be inspired to give these special animals a chance.
Many older adults know that companionship can make all the difference, and sometimes, the best friends don’t speak at all—they wag their tails.
A special program in Michigan is proving just that by pairing senior dogs in need of homes with older adults looking for connection.
The results have been heartwarming, with residents and pets alike discovering love and purpose.
It’s a reminder that new beginnings can happen at any stage of life, and sometimes they come with a cold nose and a warm heart.
Programs connecting older adults with senior dogs are bringing comfort to both people and pets. Image Source: Pexels / Greta Hoffman.
A program with heart
At Waltonwood Cherry Hill, an assisted living community in Canton Township, Michigan, the halls recently filled with excitement during the Seniors Helping Seniors event.
The initiative, part of NBC’s Clear the Shelters campaign, matches older adults with senior dogs who are often overlooked at shelters.
Residents and visitors spent the day meeting adoptable dogs, learning about fostering, and in some cases, welcoming a new companion into their lives.
Take Suzy Golden, who planned to foster an 11-year-old Shih Tzu named Jasmine for just a few weeks.
Instead, their bond grew so strong that Suzy adopted her permanently.
“She’s a million dollars,” Suzy said proudly. “I can’t give her up now.”
Also read: How one woman’s painful diagnosis is reminding dog owners to take extra care
Why the companionship matters
Research backs up what pet owners have long felt: animals can enrich our lives in countless ways.
A 2025 study in Scientific Reports linked pet ownership in older adults to slower declines in memory and verbal fluency.
Beyond the science, the benefits are simple but powerful—companionship, purpose, and more daily activity.
As Renee Ralsky, Waltonwood’s marketing manager, explained: “The benefits are emotional, physical—it gets residents out walking more, doing more. When they have someone to love, it brings them purpose.”
Also read: Could a new pill help your pet live longer—and maybe you, too?
More than just adoptions
The program’s impact goes beyond the dogs finding homes.
Residents prepared for the event by baking homemade dog treats, making blankets, and even painting portraits of the adoptable pets.
These activities gave them a sense of involvement and joy, while also helping the animals feel welcomed and cared for.
Logan Winton, who helped coordinate, said: “It’s so special to see residents develop this connection through fostering or preparing for the dogs. It gives them both joy and a sense of purpose.”
Also read: Seniors can bring home a furry friend for free—and never worry about vet bills again
Meet the dogs
Among the dogs was Heidi, an 11-year-old blind Chihuahua who captured hearts in a pink tutu and crystal collar.
Her foster mom, Amanda Boyd, wanted to make sure she stood out: “She has six teeth, she’s blind, but she’s still here. I thought she needed the exposure, so I dressed her up.”
Another was Polly, a three-year-old poodle mix rescued from Texas floods.
Foster parents Laurie and Dale Carse shared how kindness transformed her from fearful to affectionate.
Polly’s journey touched many at the event and even drew interest from families considering adoption.
Waltonwood Cherry Hill resident Pete Serini cradles Heidi, a senior dog, during the Seniors Helping Seniors adoption event on Aug. 16, 2025. Image Source: Aya Fayad / The Detroit News.
Also read: How adopting a senior pet could change your life in unexpected ways
Why seniors and senior pets are a perfect fit
Senior dogs are often calmer, already house-trained, and happy with a slower pace—qualities that match well with older adults.
For seniors, adopting an older dog brings companionship without the overwhelming energy of a puppy.
And for the dogs, being welcomed into a loving home after years of uncertainty is the greatest gift.
Also read: Is your stress affecting your pet? Discover how your anxiety can impact your furry friend and how to help them stay calm
How you can join the movement
If this story tugs at your heart, there are many ways to get involved:
- Adopt or foster: Many shelters reduce or waive fees for older dogs, and fostering is a flexible option.
- Volunteer: From walking dogs to making treats, every effort helps.
- Spread the word: Share adoption stories with friends and family.
- Support shelters: Donations of supplies, time, or money all make a difference.
At The GrayVine, we believe it’s never too late to find new joy, new friends, and new purpose—whether that comes in the form of a wagging tail or a gentle nuzzle.
Senior pets have so much love left to give, and older adults have so much to share in return.
Together, they prove that companionship has no age limit and that sometimes the best partnerships are found when you least expect them.
Read next: Essential financial resources for seniors: 25 programs that can help
Have you ever adopted or fostered a senior pet? What difference did it make in your life? Share your story in the comments so others can be inspired to give these special animals a chance.
