At Animal Farm Foundation, we believe that all dogs, no matter how old they are, deserve to feel safe, cherished and loved. That’s why we run the Old Friends New Loves program, to connect senior dogs with loving families.

Senior dogs are less likely to be adopted than younger dogs and are particularly vulnerable to the stresses that accompany shelter life. But there’s deep reward in giving an older dog their final moments of love and connection.

Lisa, Russell and their senior dog, Kiya, know this first-hand. In October 2024, they opened their home to Shelly, a 13-year old dog with a very moving story, whose family was devastated to have to rehome her. (Watch the video below for her full story.)

Over the coming months, we’ll check in with Shelly and her family and the love and joy they’re bringing to each other.  We’ll share updates here and you can follow their story on our social media using the hashtags #seniordog #OldFriends.