We fell so hard in love with our adopted dog that within months of bringing her home, it felt like she had been with us forever. I remember staring at her wishing I had known her as a puppy. I dreamed up scenarios of her life before us. We exhaled in her presence, as if we’d been holding our breaths expecting her to disappear, as if she was too good to be true. She was about five years old and perfect. It took no time before it was clear she was the missing piece to our family puzzle. She plugged herself into our life and home completely and seamlessly. I pinched myself every time she walked into a room, or I walked in the front door and saw her big fluffy face.

Owner surrender

Adoptable dogs become adoptable for a bunch of reasons. They are often picked up as strays. Sometimes their person passes away, or their family is moving somewhere and can’t take them and the dog is taken to a shelter or rescue. Many of the Muttville Senior Dog Rescue dogs were strays or surrendered for some reason.

Is it true that like attracts like? I do find myself pulled towards certain older dogs when I enter the doggy loft each week at Muttville. Sure, some are just so outwardly engaging that most dog people would notice them and respond. I certainly greet all the dogs with happy good mornings, followed by questions about their night. I try not to wake any who want to sleep in, or generally disturb any of the dogs who just don’t do mornings. Not everyone is perky first thing, and that includes dogs.

Spice Girl or Spicy Dog

There is a dog that has been with Muttville longer than usual who I find relatable in a million ways. She is what is called “spicy” or rather, she can snap at you if you’re not watchful. What I love about her is that I get it. I can relate to the desire to react negatively or at least guardedly to others. She’s wary, but at the same time I can see her desire to engage. I can see her body language trying to communicate that she wants to be pet, but just in a certain way and for a certain length of time. If those planets don’t align, then forget it.

She needs to call the shots and that’s okay

I have a strong feeling that Ginger Rogers is a wonderful little dog who just needs someone who gets her. Someone who maybe has their own particular set of rules, therefore appreciates and respects hers. She needs someone who respects her individual nature but also appreciates it and will accommodate it...maybe even enjoy it. She needs patience. I used to enjoy seeing my big dog tell other people when they were doing something wrong. She told them when they weren’t petting her properly, or when they were too loud near her.

Ginger Rogers is a sweet old lady. I know she will find her person. I’m glad she has Muttville in her corner.

From Muttville:

Before we adopted our first dog, I told my husband that having a dog, especially an older dog we didn’t know meant we were taking out a social contract with the dog. For me, choosing to bring a dog into my home and family is something I take serious, because I believe loyalty goes both ways.

People talk about what loyal companions dogs are but they deserve loyalty too. So when my husband was ready to have a dog, I made sure he understood what intentions would be and what my part in the relationship would look like. I explained that any adoption meant that I was agreeing emotionally, financially and spiritually to commit to this dog forever. Til death us do part. 

And when we finally adopted our dog from the San Francisco SPCA, that night, I literally looked her in the eye and shook her paw, saying I will do my best to set her up for success and give her the best dog life she could have in the big city. I promised her that I would try to never let her down, to not take her for granted, and to appreciate her dog qualities, for as long as she gave us. We had nine incredible years together that I believe were made indelible because of this social contract.

What a wonderful way to share space and get adorable adoptable senior sweethearts in front of potential new families. Spring has sprung with adorable adoptables!

Today begins weekly adoption events called, Tuesdays with Muttville Senior Dog Rescue at the Pacific Heights campus of the San Francisco SPCA. Stop by each week between 12 and 4pm, and discover why senior dogs really do rule!

When: Tuesday, Mar 19, 12:00 - 4:00PM through April 9th

Where: SF SPCA Pacific Heights, 2243 Fillmore Street, San Francisco CA

Join Muttville at the SPCA Pacific Heights location for Tuesday adoption hours this spring! Come meet the mutts from 12-4PM on their Fillmore campus. Getting ready to fall in love with your new best friend!

More info: https://muttville.org/event/20190319-tuesdays-with-muttville-spca

When you think of having a personal cheer squad, this is the dog for you! He's the perfect wee man who makes you feel like the best thing since sliced bread. Look at how he holds your gaze confidently while looking very dashing in his warm fleece!

This little guy is a beautiful chocolate brown chihuahua who was brought into our local shelter as a stray – are you ready to give him his forever home!?

Smoochie is cool with other dogs and enjoys meeting new human friends.

He’s got a great little pep in his step for your weekend adventures but is chill to just hang on your couch while you are at work all day.

Hurry and snap this little guy up, Muttville is estimating Smoochie to be about 9 years old and 7 pounds.

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

Here’s what his foster has to say (Pssst be ready with the ahhhhhhhh):

Smoochie is an incredibly affectionate dog. He is most happy when there is a lap for him to sit on. If there is no lap available he is the king of finding or making nests in the cutest places. He loves a nice walk around the neighborhood as long as he doesn’t have to do it in the rain or through puddles! He is fine hanging out on his own at home, but will be very very happy when you return. His little tail will wag wildly and he’ll run to you barking his greeting.

My first dog love was for a very large fluffy Samoyed. She was a senior sweetheart we took in from a family friend who was moving away. I spent more time on the oily ground of our carport playing with her than I did with any doll or toy. Fast forward to three years ago and the start of my weekly volunteer shifts with Muttville Senior Dog Rescue.

Thanks to weekly shifts with the sugar faces in the doggy loft on Rescue Row, I can say that little poodles, terriers and chihuahuas have won my heart a hundred times over! This affection I have developed for these wee dogs kind of surprised me because I have been a devout big dog lover my entire life, up until now.

We all know that it is to our detriment when we believe stereotypes, when we assume other people’s experiences are the only truth. Assuming the stereotypical picture parroted about chihuahuas is the absolute truth is no different. Not all chihuahuas bark a lot, shiver constantly, act territorial or bite everybody. It makes me very happy to report that I have met some of the cutest, softest, calmest chihuahuas since I began volunteering at Muttville.

What is it about big dogs that I love so easily? Is it their large body proportions? Their often out-sized personalities? This week when I met a new big shepherd-like boy at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, all of my empathy responded to his presence.

This dog came at me as soon as I entered the open doggy loft. He thrust his big plush head into my lap to say pet me. So I did. His thick fur was rich. I immediately smoothed his face and cleaned his eyes, telling him with my hands and expressions that he is loved, and in a safe place.

Some people get nervous when a big dog isn’t shy about telling you that they need and want you. This dog’s body language said he was open but wasn’t a pushover. He let me kiss his face, and enjoyed some cuddling but he wasn’t lazy about it. He seemed to orchestrate how you could engage with him, as if he was saying, “I want you to pet me, only right here, not there, and like this.”

He reminded me of when we first met our newly adopted dog. She was a big fluffy girl who acted very open and willing, but only to the untrained eye. In reality she was just showing you that her confidence in herself allowed people she barely knew to engage with her. But as we learned over time, she knew what she was doing and if you did something she didn’t like, you knew it.

Tag, the big shepherd boy, was showing me similar signs. What I hope to communicate to anyone interested in adding him to their home is this lesson. Trust him. Love him. Set him up for success, and he will be your fiercest buddy and confidante.

From Muttville:

One of the best things about spending time with dogs is the engagement. You get to figure out what they like to do, how they like to play, what makes them happy and want to hang out with you. At least that is how I approach every dog I encounter when I volunteer at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue.

My goal with every dog is to learn what makes them, them. To focus on them and what they are communicating with their noises, and body language. Playing with Franknfurter recently I learned what his kryptonite is — ear rubs!

I work at Muttville during the morning shift so I am there before most of the staff arrives. Today I was having a fun session in the lower office where Franknfurter was hanging out. We played and tossed his ball a little before breakfast then before he settled into his bowl of chow, I gave him a little ear rub “see you later” and he suddenly plopped down hard against my hand! It was so funny and suprising because HE LOVES BREAKFAST. I thought he’d already mentally moved on from me to his bowl, but guess what? He gave me extra minutes!! I felt like the biggest winner as I left his room and went to work on laundry.

Some dogs just make the cutest noises without even realizing it. This little poodle spaniel girl is one of them!! She’ll steal your heart and every other body part if you give her a chance.

Puffin is a sweet poodle who is so ready for a new beginning! She wanders around Muttville all day long looking for her forever-people. If you are looking for a mellow friend who loves you no matter what then there really is no need to look any further. Puffin loves to cuddle in a big pile of blankets and return the favor if you tuck her in at night. This fluffy sweetheart is so looking forward to spotting you at the next adoption event!

Puffin is estimated to be 13 years young and weighs about 25 pounds.

Here’s what her foster has to say:

Puffin muffin is a real sweet girl! She likes people and dogs of all sizes. Puffin will meander up to people and kindly wait for them to pet her. She has a head tilt that could break your heart, and a coat that’s as soft as velvet!

Puff is quiet. She has only let out a few barks in the time I’ve known her, once when she couldn’t understand why I wouldn’t share my pizza. Puffin loves to snuggle up on the couch in a pile of blankets, and generally sleeps through the night. She loves a good dental chew and is very food motivated.

Puffin can keep a good pace on a walk and loves to take in all the neighborhood scents. When she’s sleepy, she’ll quickly do her business and trot back to the house to resume her cozy spot. Puff would do best in a home with easy access to an outside space so she can continue to perfect her house training.

Fall in love with her at Muttville in San Francisco today!!! Visit 🐾 this link: https://muttville.org/mutt/puffin-6160

“Hear about Puffin and watch her being cute!” —> https://youtu.be/Y7jZurR1POE

How adorable is this little girl?! When I met Fuzzi, her vision impairment took me by surprise because it wasn’t noticeable at all. She heard my voice and trotted straight over to say hello and let me scratch her butt, before she turned around to go find out what Walter was doing.

Fuzzi knows her way around! There really is no need for her to see any better, this cute lady detects sweet people already from afar.

It was so fun playing with Fuzzi, but when she was ready to take a nap, she confidently found and climbed into a bed without a peep. She’s so sure of herself!

Fuzzi is laid back, chilled and just dreams about a cozy home with friendly people all around that snuggle up with her and just let her be. So finding her favorite person is really the only item left on her long bucket list.

She is a wonderful little girl and a joy to hang out with. We even had a nice breakfast together this morning.

Are you the perfect match and ready to hang with her? Come by one of the Muttville adoption event to meet her!

Learn more about this sweet little bear 🐻  —> Fuzzi 6101 https://muttville.org/mutt/fuzzi-6101

Fuzzi is estimated to be 12 years young and weighs about 10 pounds.

Mr. Muggles is one cute scruffy guy!! He may be a little wary at first but once you let him give you the once over, and let him approach you, he’s pretty quick to warm up. I sat with him and let him “read” my shoes first.

Then after a bit of walking around and sniffing me, he eagerly came closer to give my face a sniff before letting me return the affection.

As you can see, Mr. Muggles is an adorable little guy. We can’t even decide his cutest feature…his soulful brown eyes, his scruff colored in fawn and black complete with a white mohawk that grows naturally.

He may be a little timid at first, especially around loud noises and voices, but we can tell he is going to be an active outgoing boy! He really loves to be around dogs and trots around to say hi to everyone!

If you are looking for your lifelong BFF who is super duper cute to boot, look no further, Mr. Muggles is your guy! 

Seriously he is so sweet and cute, come fall in love today at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue in San Francisco, on Rescue Row —> Mr. Muggles 6006 https://muttville.org/mutt/mr-muggles-6006

Mr. Muggles is estimated to be 7 years young and weighs 9 lbs.

Forget reading your Sunday horoscope. Don't listen to the podcast that promises to tell you secrets to the meaning of life. Save your money by not going to that success seminar given by a life coach. Instead, I suggest you find yourself an old dog.

Find yourself a sugar face, a senior sweetheart from your local animal shelter, then love them and care for them through their final chapters. If you are unable to bring an old dog into your home, then find your local rescue and start spending as much time as you can there with their older residents. Volunteer, or if you are older too, join in a cuddle session like they offer at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue’s Cuddle Club.

Do you ever see yourself in a dog’s face? Does a dog’s adoption story ever resonate with you? I’ve noticed that the older I get the more I see myself and even my daily life in the life of older dogs.

When my own dog entered her golden years I saw my parents in her daily struggles, and aging process. She showed me a lot about what they were going through with their aches and pains, slower pace, greater need for naps, and dietary changes.

I swear both my parents and my old dog shared a love for snorting at me in disbelief when I would ask them something. (In my dog’s case, it was my asking her the rhetorical question, “do you want to go for a walk.”)

Hemingway is the picture perfect gentleman!

This distinguished boy would not look out of place in a top hat – he’s a man with great manners! Wouldn’t he look fantastic laying at your feet or in your lap while you sip a glass of wine, whiskey, or water?

When you’re done, you can indulge in an evening stroll around the neighborhood – he loves to sniff around and explore.

If you’re looking for a dog you can introduce to your friends, he’s a perfect fit as well – this polite boy doesn’t jump or bark when greeting new people. Instead, he’ll greet them calmly and and ask for some head pats. Bring this wonderful boy into your life today!

Hemingway is estimated to be 12 years young and weighs 18 pounds.

Here’s what his foster has to say:

Hemingway likes to lounge. He has a lower activity level & will sniff around the yard a bit but doesn’t go on very long walks. He is great with other dogs & is fine with cats & chickens. He is good at going up stairs but needs some assistance going down. We are working on potty training with belly bands. His favorite place to nap is the couch.

Fall in love with Hemingway at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue on Rescue Row in San Francisco — visit to learn more: https://muttville.org/mutt/hemingway-5765 

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!