Situated in the peaceful countryside of Conyers, Georgia, Old Dogs Home sprawls across 11 lush acres, a sanctuary envisioned and brought to life by 35-year-old Melissa. What started as a personal dream to rescue senior dogs needing love and care, quickly evolved into an extensive operation known as Old Dog Home. The growth and impact of this organization far exceeded Melissa’s initial expectations.
However, a recent call from the veterinary clinic partnering with Old Dogs Home cast a shadow over Melissa’s mission. She learned that a client, unwilling to shoulder the responsibilities of caring for his aging pet, had requested euthanasia for his elderly dog. This distressing situation presented a stark reminder of the challenges and heartbreaks faced in animal rescue, particularly for those dedicated to giving senior dogs a chance at a dignified and loving final chapter.
“For the dogs that come to us and can be rehabilitated and adopted out, we’re going to do so. We’ll do everything we can to give them a chance at love and a family for their last years,” Melissa explained on Facebook. “For those who are too old or too sick, we’ll be their family. They’ll live here until its their time to go, and when they do go to heaven.”
Image/Story Source Credit: Old Dog Home on Facebook
Despite the full capacity at Old Dog Home, Melissa felt compelled to make room for Holly, a dog in dire need of compassion. Holly, estimated to be between 10 and 12 years old, exudes sweetness. Her journey has been tumultuous; after the death of her original owner, she was passed from one household to another, ultimately landing with a family that no longer wished to care for her.
This family, already owners of two other dogs, cited Holly’s occasional accidents indoors and a lack of interest from the grandchildren as reasons for not wanting her. Faced with such disregard for her well-being, Melissa stepped in, determined to offer Holly the stable and loving environment she deserves, showcasing the unwavering commitment of Old Dog Home to providing sanctuary for senior dogs like Holly.
Image/Story Source Credit: Old Dog Home on Facebook
“I don’t like to pick on children, but the granddaughter looked at me and shrugged – ‘We just don’t really like her. We like our other dogs better.’ Meanwhile, the dog stood there, wagging and wagging and wagging her tail,” Melissa wrote.
Image/Story Source Credit: Old Dog Home on Facebook
“My real calling in life is to show people that “old” doesn’t mean “dead”… Old dogs still have life and love left to give,” Melissa wrote. “They are remarkably resilient and forgiving, and they deserve to have a chance at a Forever Family just as much as any younger dog does.”
When the time is right, and Holly is healed both physically and emotionally, Melissa will find a loving home for Holly, where she will be placed with care and get to be spoiled and loved for the rest of her life.
“And then I will have another open spot, and I’ll save another old abandoned dog that nobody wanted,” Melissa continued. “That’s the dream, folks. That’s the dream!”
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