Man Opens Retirement Home For Elderly Homeless Dogs

May 15, 2019

It's understandable that many people who adopt pets want younger animals. Puppies are cute and fun. Young dogs are often already trained and still have many good years ahead of them to spend with their new owners.

Those same people might reason that it's too difficult to adopt a senior dog and lose them so soon after getting to know them.

The problem with this is that it leaves many deserving older dogs in shelters with no hope of getting adopted. Even though these dogs would make great, loyal companions, they spend their final years languishing in shelters.

One man in Missouri decided to do something about this problem. Russell Clothier has spent a lot of time volunteering at various animal shelters. He was saddened to see so many older dogs being passed over time and again. Though the dogs were friendly and loving, no one wanted them.

What made it especially sad was that Russell knew the majority of these dogs spent their earlier years in very different surroundings. They grew up as pampered pooches with homes of their own.

He adopted a senior dog, a beagle named Shep. This inspired him to take action. He created a home specifically for older dogs who are less likely to get adopted. In honor of his beagle, he named it Shep's Place Senior Dog Sanctuary.

The sanctuary is located in a renovated house with kennels and an area for them to play outside.

The mission of the sanctuary is to find homes for the dogs. If that's not possible, they'll provide housing and a high quality of life throughout the dogs' remaining years.

Watch the video below to learn more about the sanctuary:

Would you adopt a senior pet? Why or why not? Let us know your opinions and don't forget to show this story to all your animal loving friends! They will surely enjoy the sight of the old puppies being happy again.