When Alice Ensor, an adoption counselor at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue in San Francisco, received an application from a woman named Johanna, she initially thought little of it until reviewing her background information.
Alice was astonished to discover that Johanna was 100 years old and still wanted to adopt a dog.
Never Too Old
Realizing Johanna’s age, Alice suspected that she must be a significant dog lover.
“Upon receiving Johanna’s adoption form, I felt a bit taken aback. Reaching 100 years is indeed a remarkable accomplishment by itself. It’s not every day we have a centenarian wanting to adopt a dog. Clearly, Johanna is one of those unique dog lovers ready to welcome a furry companion just ahead of her 101st birthday,” remarked Alice.
While some might raise concerns about Johanna’s age in relation to adopting a dog, Alice was entirely at ease.
Johanna’s application included comprehensive information about her living situation.
She explained that a solid support system is in place, including her daughter Debbie and a caretaker who would assist her in caring for the dog.
Taking everything into account, Alice was excited to share the news with one of their senior dogs that he had found his forever home. But which dog would be the right match?
It was actually Muttville’s adoptions manager, Kristin Hoff, who pointed out Gnocchi as a potential match, and it turned out to be a seamless process.
Pup Named Gnocchi
Gnocchi, the most adorable little dog, had been at the San Francisco rescue for quite a while and faced difficulty in finding a loving home.
After being rescued from a hoarding situation, where over 22 dogs were living, he required a home where he could be the sole pet.
As interest in Gnocchi waned, the little guy began losing hope. But soon, his fate was about to change dramatically.
We arranged a virtual meeting for Johanna to view Gnocchi in a home environment, and it was an instant connection. The next day, we finalized the adoption, with Debbie facilitating the pick-up to take Gnocchi to his new mom. She later told us that Gnocchi strolled right into the house and leapt into Johanna’s lap.
Best Friends
A year later, Johanna and her dog, now affectionately named Gucci, are thriving together.
As she eagerly anticipates her 102nd birthday, Johanna expresses that Gucci has significantly contributed to her happiness.
“Gucci has transformed my life in remarkable ways. I cherish when he snuggles on my lap. Having him by my side means so much more to me, especially at my age,” shares Johanna.
After spending valuable time together, Johanna and Gucci have developed a well-defined daily regimen.
Every morning, they transition from the bedroom to their cozy recliner in the living room, settling in for a day of cuddles and television watching, while Johanna’s caretaker ensures Gucci enjoys his daily walks.
“They are inseparable. He is utterly spoiled! He perfectly suits my mom, who loves lounging around,” shared Debbie, Johanna’s daughter.
Perhaps the fact that Gucci was previously overlooked for adoption was merely part of a greater plan to unite him with his soulmate in Johanna.
