Lorrie Verplaetse left Muttville’s senior dog adoption event grateful. She was going home with a new family member, a 13-year-old sleepy-looking dog in a white sweater named Thank You.
“When I heard she was 13, I thought, ‘Oh, she’s really old!’ But then I thought, ‘Well, I’m old!’ And I wouldn’t want dogs feeling that way about me,” said Verplaetse.
Verplaetse is a long time animal enthusiast, having adopted three senior dogs in the past.
“In all cases, they needed love,” she said.
This Saturday and Sunday, Muttville Senior Dog Rescue is hosting a “Smooch Your Pooch Adoptathon,” offering free adoption for qualified adopters.
The organization aims to find homes for senior dogs in order to prevent overfilled shelters and euthanasia. All of its dogs are seven years and older.
Sherri Franklin, founder and CEO of Muttville, said they get adopters of all kinds, including “families with children that want an experienced dog that’s a little mellower.”
Franklin also said 30% of its adopters are seniors themselves.
“And why senior dogs? They’re easier, and they’re grateful. And you know you’re saving a life if you adopt a dog from Muttville because that allows us to save one more,” said Franklin.
Hundreds of people came by Muttville’s adoption event on Saturday, which continues from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at 255 Alabama St.