Ingredients in a can of soup. Radioactive material. Overnight delivery. These are labels we need. They are important and in the case of one, can have a material impact on our life. But what about shelter dog? Is that a necessary label?

When we adopted our dog from a local shelter she was labeled a pleaser. I think she was just throwing out open body language, and any behavior she thought would get her welcomed. Being in a chaotic and unfamiliar environment her actions could have been labeled needy or anxious, even possessive. 

After we brought her home I stripped her of labels giving her the freedom to show us how she wanted to be known in her new family. We even tried to offer her the chance at a different name than the one she came with but she didn’t care and liked the one she already had well enough. As you might guess, I don’t like labels. Yes, in many cases they are important and helpful, but I feel that in today’s world they are used to divide — in a negative way. 

Sure, our dog came from a shelter but that became a footnote, very quickly. 

Arthur could certainly pass for a king! This adorably fluffy spaniel knows how regal he is and he’s ready to rule your heart with kindness and loyalty. Look at this confident gaze! Give this adoptable sweetheart a welcoming glance and he’ll snuggle up at a moment’s notice. I only had to look at him twice before he walked up and wanted to cuddle on my lap. It’s a good thing he’s only 30 pounds. Lol

Arthur is a very handsome fella who so badly is waiting to find his forever home! He is great with other dogs and loves their company.

He has been through so much in the last several weeks YET he’s still just is bursting with love to give. He is young and spritely for a senior and we just know whoever chooses him will be rewarded daily with tail wags and kisses!

This guy is up for an outdoor adventure followed by a major snuggle sesh. He cannot wait to meet you!

Arthur is 7 years young and weighs 27 lbs.

LEARN MORE: Arthur 5929 https://muttville.org/mutt/arthur-5929

Fall in love with Arthur at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue on Rescue Row in San Francisco!

Something that struck me recently was just how few stories talked about during the news or written online — that are calm and measured. The chaos described is distressing whether it is related to our government or recent hurricane. Since it was my day to volunteer with the oldsters at Muttville, I decided to look to them for answers and solace. I wasn’t disappointed.

Trying to get a skittish dog to relax and trust your intentions is a good exercise. I spoke quietly and moved slowly until sweet Twister understood me. By the time she recognized my welcoming body language, I had stopped thinking about the world outside.

Confident dogs like Arthur are amazing to behold. He truly goes after you with the knowledge that he knows how soft and loving his moves are. I got more immediate sweet kisses from him after I arrived than any dog. We just met but he offered love by the spoonful if you returned his snuggles with lots of attention.

Then there is the dog with the faraway eyes. With the silly Mohawk, Emilia drew your attention, but it was her distant yet expectant look that had you walking over. She wanted your affection even if she didn’t run up to ask for it.

All of these dogs have one thing in common. They provided me with an anchor to what matters. Thanks to a dog, I was reminded that I could be moored to a warm beating heart whose purpose was only to offer love. They only cared about the flow or oxytocin current we were sharing.

More than ever, I am grateful to ability of a dog to provide me with a positive anchor in this turbulent sea. It’s Adopt A Shelter Dog Month and I encourage everyone who is feeling adrift to consider having a dog in their life. You might be surprised by the wonderful feelings they bring when you are tethered to their furry little hearts.

Learn more about these three cutie pies at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue.

Stutter is the teeniest ball of love! When I met him last week at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, as soon as he felt my affectionate cuddle he followed me around the doggy loft, sweetly leaning against my leg whenever I stopped moving.

He slipped a little on the linoleum so I found a soft fluffy beg with bolsters for him. Look how happy it made him! What a sweetheart. He napped while I mopped the floors around him and even enjoyed it when I carried him (in his little bed) over a sunny spot by a window. What an adorable cuddle bug!

Cold rainy days are coming and Stutter is here to warm your lap and heart! This sweet boy would love nothing more than to find a friend to cozy up with. Stutter has excellent snuggling skills and he is so happy to just curl right up against you and happily snooze away.

He’s got a bit of trouble walking, but he doesn’t let that get in the way at all! This little trooper still enjoys exploring and sniffing around. Stutter has the cutest face- don’t you think he looks like a mix between a pom and a red panda? When he’s being petted he loves to turn up on the charm and rub his face against your hand, showing off his adorable snaggle tooth. Stutter is very sweet boy for a special human who can give him lots of TLC.

Stutter is estimated to be 15 years young and weighs about 8 pounds.

Stutter is currently in the Muttville Hospice Program and needs a caring home to make sure he gets all the love he can! Learn more here: https://muttville.org/mutt/stutter-5986

Who doesn’t dread discovering growths on their dogs? BUT, have you ever found yourself troubled by the sudden appearance of a growth under your armpit whenever you sit down for a meal?

Sudden-Onset Dog Head

Fortunately for all of us, this growth is not considered life threatening! Lol. Our big lump came with hot stinky expectant breath too. Add to this mix her chocolate loving eyes, and you’re a goner! I’m no doctor, but I think it’s safe to say that most furry armpit growths with puppy dog eyes are benign. Wouldn’t you agree?

Andy Warhol is quirky, cute and a happy guy. This silly poodle is on the go and quite the active senior with lots of pep in his step! He is always trotting around at Muttville with a smile on his face and tail constantly wagging. He is the pure definition of charmer.

Andy Warhol would be a great muse for any artist! We can’t wait to see him all spiffed up once he gets canvas ready with a new haircut…stay tuned! Andy Warhol is estimated to be 15 years old and weighs 13 lbs.

Here’s what Andy Warhol’s foster has to say about him:

Andy Warhol is a super sweet little cuddle bug! He is happiest when he is being held or pet, but also loves to curl up in a little ball for his naps. He loves his people & wants to be close to them as much as possible. Andy is a super energetic & fun senior! He will run up to you, jump up excitedly onto the couch or your lap before settling in for a long nap. He sleeps great through the night. Andy has had the occasional accident in his foster home, but also was easy to train on using the doggie door. We are just working on consistent use & he is making good progress! He also loves his walks.

Fall in love with him at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue on Rescue Row in San Francisco — ‪Andy Warhol 5893 https://muttville.org/mutt/andy-warhol-5893 ‬

There is no trick to loving a dog. When I begin my volunteer shift with the old dogs at Muttville each week, I am sure to find a new furry face or five. Sure, first I have to get past the powerful smells that pour out of the rooms, made from twenty dogs waking up in the morning. Then I need to listen beyond the good morning barks. Until finally, I am up all the stairs and able to peer over the gates to offer my own greetings. It is always worth it.

I am always glad to arrive at Muttville and survey the current canine crew. Besides having the “senior dog” label in common, all of the dogs tend to overlap personalities and backgrounds. My favorite experience though is discovering the older pup who is still discovering that they hit the jackpot by having Muttville in their corner now. These dogs have this expression of disbelief that is tangible. I can feel it flowing off of them through their body language, the looks on their face and incredible gratitude.