While we value the effort shelters put into taking care of homeless dogs, we also acknowledge it’s not an ideal environment. Many dogs are so stressed out from the noise and isolation that they start to lose sight of who they truly are. A once-happy, energetic dog can become depressed, making it more challenging for adopters to recognize their potential. It’s a sad reality, and that is why we must do our part to adopt dogs in need rather than purchase a pet through a breeder. Senior dogs are even harder to place and that is what makes this story so special.
Mara, a twelve-year-old dog, was fortunate to spend most of her life with a loving human who cared deeply for her. However, their happy life together took a heartbreaking turn when her owner became homeless and could no longer provide the care Mara needed. Heartbroken and with tears in her eyes, Mara’s owner made the painful decision to surrender her beloved dog to the Nebraska Humane Society.
With Mara’s future now uncertain, shelter staff were concerned about her prospects due to her age. Senior dogs often face an uphill battle when it comes to finding new homes, as many potential adopters are hesitant to take in older pets. But just when things seemed bleak, a compassionate person stepped in, bringing hope and a new chapter for Mara.
“Adopted this senior sweetheart yesterday!” wrote Sarah Brumfield, a 40-year-old community health educator from Omaha, in a heartfelt Reddit post. In her post, Sarah shared touching photos of Mara, both before and after the adoption, capturing the profound joy in Mara’s smile in the second photo. Sarah’s empathy for senior dogs had deep roots, stemming from the loss of her own beloved canine companions.
After Sarah and her family lost their first dog, they welcomed a puppy named Hera into their lives. However, not long after Hera joined the family, their second senior dog also passed away, leaving them grieving once more. The pain of losing their furry friends left a void in their hearts, and it took them a significant amount of time to heal from the loss. Yet, the decision to adopt Mara was a turning point, bringing joy and healing into their lives once again.
Mara’s presence helped to mend the family’s broken hearts, and her smile was a testament to the power of second chances. This adoption marked the beginning of a new mission for Sarah and her family—one focused on giving senior dogs the love and care they deserve in their golden years. Mara’s story is a reminder that older dogs still have so much love to give and can enrich our lives in ways that younger pets might not.
While Mara awaits the arrival of another senior canine companion to share her days with, she spends her time enjoying life alongside her younger sister, Hera. The bond between Hera and Mara blossomed quickly, as if destiny had brought them together. Their friendship is a beautiful example of how age doesn’t matter when it comes to love and companionship.
Sarah’s decision to adopt Mara serves as an inspiring reminder not to overlook older dogs in shelters. These dogs still have a lot to offer, and with a little love and care, they can bring immense joy to their new families. Mara’s story is a perfect illustration of this, showing that even in their later years, dogs like her can still light up a home with their presence.
We hope that Mara’s journey encourages others to open their hearts to senior dogs, giving them the chance to live out their remaining years surrounded by love and happiness. Mara is living proof that senior dogs can bring just as much joy and companionship as any other pet.
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Adopted this senior sweetheart yesterday! (Bonus pic of splooting with her new sister)
byu/geekymama inBeforeNAfterAdoption