One day, Alice Ensor, an adoption counselor at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, got an adoption application from Johanna. She assumed it was typical until she noticed something unusual—Joanna’s age. At 100 years old, she wanted to bring a furry friend into her life. And this showed just how much she loved dogs.
“100 years old is definitely a milestone in and of itself. We don’t often have a centenarian looking to bring home a new mutt. I knew that Johanna had to be a very special dog lover to be looking for her new furry friend ahead of her 101st birthday,” Ensor shared.
Despite the initial surprise, Ensor saw the specialness in Johanna’s wish. She carefully looked into Johanna’s situation and felt reassured knowing she had a strong support system, with a dedicated caretaker and her daughter, Debbie, ready to help take care of the new furry family member.
The only question left was: which dog would be the perfect match for Johanna?
“Muttville’s adoptions manager, Kristin Hoff, was actually the person who realized that Gnocchi might be a great fit, and it was all pretty easy from there,” Ensor said.
Gnocchi, a senior dog with a tough past, was patiently waiting for a home at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue. He faced challenges, having lived with 22 dogs before, and now he just wanted a place where he could be the only pup. Despite his cuteness, Gnocchi struggled to find the right match until Johanna came into the picture.
Ensor said, “We set up a virtual call where Johanna could see Gnocchi in a home setting, and it was love at first sight.”
“We processed the adoption the next day, and Debbie helped pick up and bring Gnocchi to his new mom. Debbie let us know that Gnocchi walked into the house and jumped right into Johanna’s lap,” she added.
Gnocchi (now called Gucci) has been part of Johanna’s family for a whole year now, and the joy he brings is undeniable. As Johanna is about to turn 102, having Gucci by her side has played a significant role in her well-being.
“It’s been an amazing year with Gucci,” Johanna told Muttville. “He brings me so much joy! I love it when he sits on my lap and keeps me company. Having Gucci in my life has given me someone to love and care for, and that makes a big difference at my age.”
Gucci and Johanna share a sweet routine that defines their strong bond. Every morning, they start their day by moving from the bedroom to the cozy living room. There, they catch up on the day’s news while settling into their comfy recliner together. Then in the afternoon, Johanna’s caretaker handles Gucci’s daily walks.
Johanna’s daughter, Debbie, said, “They are thick as thieves. He is spoiled and rotten! He’s a couch potato who was a perfect match for my mom!”
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