For younger dogs, being in a shelter promises a new lease on life.

The case is different for older dogs who are often passed over to their younger and more adorable friends. This is the sad reality for senior dogs who, even after surviving abuse and trauma, find themselves staying for good.

Prospective fur parents can’t be blamed for all of it, however. Puppies and younger dogs are easy to train and may have fewer medical bills moving forward. They are also much more amiable and sociable.

This doesn’t mean that older dogs don’t deserve a forever home.

All they need are dedicated people who will be patient enough to take care of them. People who are willing to take a chance on what they still have to offer, no matter how much the years show on their glassy eyes and faded fur.

One such person is Kat.

In a video shared by the animal channel The Dodo, Kat told her journey thus far when she chose to adopt a senior German shepherd dog named Alaska.

“Nobody wants to adopt senior dogs and they just sit in shelters forever,” Kat said at the beginning of the video.

But she soon dropped that nagging line when she saw Alaska’s eyes. She could feel the old dog whispering to her. Alaska was quietly begging her to take her home.

Kat didn’t explain much about the process but casually quipped that she’s pretty sure that we know how that shelter story ended.

She took Alaska home with her.

It was not easy at first. Everything is new for Alaska and with the years that she had to endure, one can see that she’s a bit anxious and cautious about Kat and her intention.

Alaska is easily startled. She’s terrified of people, and Kat feels like Alaska is not acting like a dog who’s endlessly curious and affectionate.

Kat was willing to break the ice with her, however.

With a little bit of understanding and a heart filled with genuine care, Kat made sure that Alaska felt safe with her.

“Looking at her, right then and there I knew that however difficult things might get, there’s no turning back,” she said on the video, “And there’s no way I’m taking her back to the shelter.”

They started to bond on simple things.

At first, Kat just stayed on Alaska’s side for days. Eventually, in one of their morning walks, she felt Alaska tug on her leash with a strength she has never seen before.

Alaska wants to live.

Alaska wants to be a dog and Kat will give her that kind of life. So from then on, Kat and Alaska started from scratch.

Kat persistently and patiently took her on walks. She took her to places and showed the dog what she’s been missing out on. With their small adventures, she tried to show Alaska that there’s still more to life than dark sheds, crates, and bars.

Eventually, Alaska began opening up.

The first time Alaska ran with her side by side, Kat can’t help but cry at “her baby’s first steps”. It was hard getting to that moment but it was definitely the start of a beautiful friendship.

Their bond is as important to Kat as well.

She never thought she has the capacity to be selfless and to be caring until Alaska came into her life. And hopefully, with the remaining years that Alaska has, they can build a friendship that they will cherish forever.

Watch how this senior dog changed her owner’s life when she got adopted.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Source: YouTube – The Dodo, ASPCA