From left to right: Pepsi (10), Norma, (10), Buddy (11) and Buster (14)

Celebrate National Adopt a Senior Pet Month with Muttville's Cutest Pups

15 November 2017

Ten years ago, Sherri Franklin opened up her Potrero Hill home to senior dogs in need of a second chance with a rescue project she called Muttville.

These pups, ages seven and up, are some of the most vulnerable at the shelters, often overlooked by adopters who want a younger pet. "I had no idea when we started this organization," says Franklin. "I wasn't sure we'd ever adopt out dogs." Back then she had to chase down adopters and convince them to consider a senior; today, 90 senior dogs each month are finding their "furever" homes with Muttville's help.

This November, alongside their 10th anniversary, Muttville Senior Dog Rescue is celebrating National Adopt a Senior Pet Month with a "Muttville Miracles" series on social media and special outreach events like "Love a Senior" weekends, where the public is invited to snuggle pups on Rescue Row in the Mission, and "Thank Dog it's Friday" at the Westin St. Francis Union Square on November 17. These events are crucial to helping people get over their hang-ups about what it means to adopt a senior dog. Seniors have "taught me so much about living in the moment and enjoying life to its fullest," says Franklin. "They are mellow and so easy going compared to younger doggies! What you see is what you get!"

Most of the dogs that find their way to Muttville are rescued from the Bay Area, but the organization goes where they are needed to save aging pets from languishing in shelters or from being put down to clear space for new animals. When Hurricane Harvey flooded Houston, a friend of Muttville donated her plane so that the organization and other San Francisco rescues (including the Milo Foundation, Mad Dog Rescue and the SF SPCA) could bring food, medication and other necessities to the city's stranded pets and bring back animals that had been homeless before the emergency began. On their first trip, Muttville took every senior dog (12 total) and filled the rest of the plane with younger dogs and cats. The operation was such a success that the San Francisco consortium returned a second time to rescue others in need. Those Houston refugees now have a chance to spend the rest of their days in comfort and joy.

"Dogs that may not have made it out of a high kill shelter are now in loving homes," says Franklin. It's "a true celebration!"

Join Muttville in celebrating National Adopt a Senior Pet Month by reading their stories, visiting the pups during an event, volunteering at the shelter or donating, or adopting your very own senior dog. Here are just a handful of the beautiful rescues looking for a place to spend their golden years.

Wall-E is an adorable 9 year old, 18 lb Spaniel mix who was originally picked up as a stray in Martinez. Wall-E is blind but he's sweet as can be; quiet and quick to make himself at home. He's good with other dogs and loves to explore his surroundings almost as much as he loves a good nap.
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Sweet Kia is a 12 year old, 42 lb dream dog who can't wait to find a loving family to call her own. This lovely Shepherd mix is docile and gentle, loves walks, and is great with other dogs and people of all ages.
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Since his rescue, this sweet former stray walks around with his tail wagging all over the place and his cute little tongue hanging out. GoBo is a 6lb, dog friendly 12 year old who is great with cats and children.
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Memphis is very affectionate, playful, and loves to be near his humans. He enjoys the park, walks well on leash and is friendly with other dogs - you'd never know he was around 14 years old! Found as a stray in Stanislaus, this 7.5 lb Pomeranian mix will make a dream dog for his "furever" home.
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This spry senior pup comes to Muttville as a stray from San Jose. Always in a good mood, Sheriff loves to run around meeting people and other dogs. This bouncy 12 year old, 8 lb Terrier mix is smart, sweet and has a great personality.
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Taquito is an acrobatic lovebug! He loves belly rubs & cuddling and doesn't need a ton of exercise to be happy. At 10 years of age and weighing in at 5 lbs, it's impossible not to fall in love with this little man.
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11-year old Rolanda is a sweet and sassy Terrier mix who comes to Muttville all the way from LA County! A mellow pup who loves her treats, Rolanda is great with other dogs, doesn't bark, and is potty trained. Rolanda weighs 34 lbs but, like most of us, could stand to lose a few.
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Snowy, a precious little Bichon mix, arrived at Muttville when her loving owners were unable to bring her with them during a move. This sweet girl is very laid-back: she loves to nap and meet new people and she gets along well with other dogs. Snowy is around 14 years young and weighs around 18 pounds.
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Nance is super trusting and will roll over for a belly rub the moment she meets you! This 10 year old, 9 lb pup is great with people, friendly towards dogs of all sizes, and still very spry for a senior. She loves going for walks, exploring, and cuddling.
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This adorable, friendly Poodle girl comes to Muttville from Oakland. Eleven is (believe it or not!) 11 years old and weighs 13 lbs. She loves meeting new people and is great with other dogs. Eleven will make a great addition to any home, especially those with family members suffering from allergies!
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