Every year, we meet and bond with thousands of animals on their journeys, from the puppies that have us cooing to the gray muzzles that only want to snuggle. Because of misconceptions about what it means to care for a senior pet, they may stay in shelters a little longer than younger animals, filling our long-stay list and winning our hearts.
This November, instead of sharing more reasons we love senior pets – even though there are plenty! – for Adopt a Senior Dog Month, we’re highlighting a senior dog adoption story that brought smiles to our team’s faces.
We shared Eucalyptus – then known as Deogee – in March 2026 after his doggy day trip, knowing this distinguished gentleman was a special senior dog. We believed he would make a great companion for a first-time or experienced dog owner because of his snuggly, chill temperament. Still, as a 10-year-old Border Collie, Eucalyptus was available for adoption at our Leslie A. Malone Center for over a month before meeting Michael.
“Adopting Euky was one of the best decisions of my life,” Michael tells us.
Grab your tissues because the rest of his pupdate will bring happy tears to your eyes.
He [Eucalyptus] turned my house into a home and immediately injected life into my daily routine. He loves to go on his daily sniffaris where he decides where we go, and at what pace. He loves to see his dog and human friends around the community… He knows when we walk, snuggle, eat, and sleep. Seeing Euky smile as we are out and about is a joy that lights my soul on fire.
The entire day I am at work, I know my best friend is waiting excitedly for me to get home, and seeing his happy taps every day makes the hard days worth it. He is my snuggle pup, my fetch buddy, and my best friend. He loves to snuggle and get pets. When you pet him, he makes his happy little grunts.
Adopting an older dog has also helped me personally to slow down and smell the roses. I also really underestimated how easy the transition would be for Euky. He knows not to pee inside and where to stand for doors. He is already well-behaved and well-mannered. He just needed a loving home, and I love him as much as I can every day.
We share a very special relationship. I tell him every day that he is safe, loved, and protected. He is the absolute goodest boy and my beacon of light, hope, and joy.
Taking care of his well-being is my favorite and greatest responsibility and I will love him forever. He knows that, too.
We told you to grab the tissues!
Thanks, Michael, for sharing Euky’s post-adoption life with us!
Interested in opening your heart and home to a senior pet? We may have the perfect friend for you, too! Explore adoptable cats, dogs, equines, and small pets today!