When it comes to welcoming a dog into their home, most potential new owners are looking for a puppy, and aren't necessarily interested in any older, more experienced dogs who tend to get left behind in shelters.
But one San Francisco-based rescue is challenging the belief that senior dogs are any less deserving of a loving furever home, while also giving local senior citizens the opportunity to connect with some adorable grey-furred beauties.
As TODAY reported, the club began as a way to help give some deserving older pups lots of love and attention by inviting local retirement homes to visit several times a month.
The senior citizens come and spend hours inside a room filled with beautiful doggos, all aged 7 and older.
“Muttville wanted to create a program where people could come meet the dogs, and even if they couldn’t take one home, they had an opportunity to share the love,” volunteer Beth Hofer told TODAY. “We always try to have one dog per lap.”
She continued, “The seniors are giving love to the dogs that they need so much. The dogs are giving love to the seniors that they need so much."
"Over the course of 15 or 20 minutes, the dog quits shaking and has fallen asleep on that person’s lap," Beth explained. "You can just see how happy and fulfilled that person is that they were able to help that dog.”
The Seniors for Seniors adoption program actually waives adoption fees for anyone over the age of 62 and also offers them free starter kits with pet supplies to help make the initial process easier for everyone involved.
For more information about the Cuddle Club program, the Seniors For Seniors incentive, or to see what beautiful dogs are currently ready and available for adoption, check out the Muttsville website.
h/t: TODAY
